Saudia First Class – Jeddah to Los Angeles

When it comes to luxury travel from the Middle East, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad often steal the spotlight, with Oman Air occasionally getting a mention, while the region’s oldest airline, Saudia, is often overlooked. Unlike the big 3 that have poured billions into global marketing like sponsoring football teams, being the official airline of FIFA events etc, Saudia has had a much quieter presence and has focussed more on their regional and domestic market. That being said, Saudia does have a handful of North American destinations like New York, Washington DC and Los Angeles. Unlike other Middle Eastern airlines, Saudia doesn’t serve alcohol on any of its flights, even in First Class. For many international travelers, especially in premium cabins, having a glass of wine or a premium champagne is part of the luxury experience. This can make Saudia less appealing to a global audience that expects these perks.

The moment someone says Emirates First class, the first thing that comes to your mind is onboard showers, likewise Q-suites for Qatar and Apartments for Etihad. Saudia’s First Class, while luxurious, doesn’t have a signature feature that screams “wow,”. This lack of a distinctive identity might be the reason why Saudia is behind the other 3 middle eastern airlines.

I wanted to fly this cabin to see how it stacks up against the popular big three (Emirates, Etihad and Qatar). So, I picked their longest flight—Jeddah to Los Angeles (16.5 hours)—to experience everything they have to offer and then post my thoughts. So here it is…

A few things about Jeddah Airport

Having read posts and discussions that say Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport might be difficult to navigate I had to do some research before hand to gather more info on terminals, terminal transfers, Visas etc and I’ll briefly touch upon some of these so it might be helpful for someone in the same situation.

King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah features three main terminals:

1. Terminal 1: This is the newest and the most modern primary terminal, handling a mix of domestic and international flights. It was opened in 2019 and features a sleek architecture, spacious interiors and state of the art facilities. However it does not match to Qatar or Emirate’s newer terminals. Saudia flights arrive and depart from this terminal. If you arrive or depart in other airlines like Emirates, Qatar, Turkish, Oman air etc, you will probably be in terminal 1.
2. North Terminal: Dedicated to international flights operated by non-Saudi airlines. Air India, Egypt Air, Jazeera airways are few that depart from this terminal.
3. Hajj Terminal: Specifically designed to accommodate pilgrims traveling to Mecca during the annual Hajj season.

The terminals are relatively far from each other, especially the Hajj terminal which is significantly farther from the other 2. Transfers are usually handled by shuttle buses, taxis or private transport. If you are arriving at the Hajj terminal, be very careful and allow plenty of time for transfer. Read some horror stories about how people struggled to get from the Hajj terminal to terminal 1.

eVisa vs Transit Visa

If you hold a US or Canadian passport, you’ll need a tourist visa (eVisa) to enter Saudi Arabia. You can apply for it online in advance or get it upon arrival. However, keep in mind that it’s not cheap—costing upwards of $100 USD.

Here’s what happened in my case: I flew into Jeddah on Oman Air and had a separate booking for my next flight on Saudia. If I had checked a bag in Muscat, I would have needed to enter Saudi Arabia to retrieve it from the baggage claim area, which means I would’ve required a tourist visa—an expensive solution just to claim and re-check my bag with Saudia. However, if you’re traveling without checked luggage and your connecting flight is within 12 hours, you can stay airside, and a tourist visa isn’t necessary.

Now, about the “Transit Visa”—this can be confusing because it’s often referred to as free. You can only get this free transit visa if your flights are both on Saudia. For example, if you’re flying Cairo to Jeddah and then Jeddah to Los Angeles, and both segments are on Saudia, Saudia will issue you a free transit visa. However, if your first flight into Jeddah is on another airline, you won’t be eligible for this free transit visa.

So, when booking flights or connections—especially if checking bags—keep this in mind to avoid unnecessary visa costs and complications!

Now let’s get to my story:

I arrived in Jeddah at 12:30 AM on an Oman Air flight. Even though my Oman Air and Saudia flights were on separate bookings, Oman Air was able to tag my luggage all the way to LAX. Huge thanks to Oman Air for that—if they hadn’t done it, I would’ve had to spend $125 on a visa just to retrieve and recheck my bag. So yes, thank you, Oman Air!

Getting through security was straightforward, and I made my way to the Saudia Lounge. The lounge had a grand entrance and a dedicated First Class section. I requested a sleeping room, and the lounge staff directed me to the “Slumber Room”. The setup was stunning—a circular arrangement of futons with dividers in between, offering semi-private sleeping spaces. The futons were long and wide, which was great.

However, when I asked for a blanket and pillows, the agent told me they didn’t have any. It was a bit chilly, so I ended up putting on my sweatshirt and just laying on the futon. Still, it turned out to be a comfortable and relaxing place to rest. Though, to be honest, that might have just been because I was so tired that I dozed off right away.

I woke up around 5 AM and noticed that all the seats around me were now occupied. I headed to the bathroom to freshen up and was in for a shock. From the outside, everything looked pristine, but the moment I opened the door to one of the stalls, I had to close it immediately—you get the picture. I tried the next stall, and it was the same situation! Anyways, just brushed my teeth and decided to come back later.

Now, let’s talk about the good parts! The First Class lounge was stunning, with several distinct sections—a dedicated Arabic coffee area, an ice cream station, a business center, and a dining section.

I started off with a latte followed by Saudia’s signature date smoothie, which was absolutely delightful.

Since it was breakfast time, I went for a Spanish omelette and waffles, and both dishes were delicious. The presentation was beautiful, with intricate plating that gave off a luxurious Middle Eastern vibe. But then came the surprise—when I picked up the silverware, my expectations took a nosedive. The utensils were plastic, which was a letdown considering the overall premium experience.

I also ended up getting the waffles which was beyond delightful! It was so fluffy and crunchy (they must have added some kind of a sugar syrup) and tasty.

The First Class Lounge is a beautifully designed space that blends modern elegance with traditional Middle Eastern touches. It features separate sections for relaxation, dining, and business, including an Arabic coffee station, an ice cream bar, and a dedicated dining area. The lounge has a grand entrance, and the First Class section feels exclusive and private. I’ll post some pics here so you get the idea.

Finally, it was time for my flight, and of course, the US gates are tucked away in the farthest possible corner of the terminal. It was a solid 15-minute walk from the lounge

Once I got to the “secure area,” I was greeted with the lovely news that the flight was delayed by an hour. Great. Meanwhile, there were multiple lines of confused passengers waiting around, so I walked over to the gate agents and asked if there was a First Class line. They pointed me toward a long queue. Yes, Sky Priority, Business, and First Class all lumped into one.

So, like a true First Class passenger, I proudly made my way to the very end of the line and stood there. And then I stood some more. And I looked behind me and the line was only getting longer.

Finally it was boarding time and I walked into the cabin.

Saudia First Class on their Boeing 777-300ER has a total of 12 seats, which is quite a lot compared to most airlines that typically offer around 4 to 8 seats in First Class. These fully enclosed suites provide a spacious and private experience with sliding doors for added privacy. The cabin is arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring that every seat has direct aisle access. While the design is elegant and offers plenty of space, the larger First Class cabin size means it doesn’t always feel as exclusive as some of its competitors, like Emirates or Etihad, which have smaller, more intimate First Class cabins.

As soon as I settled into my seat, a flight attendant introduced herself as the butler, along with two other flight attendants who would also be assisting in first class. Saudia’s first class, or “Suites” as they call it, always comes with a Savoy-trained butler, which adds a unique touch to the experience.

The Savoy Hotel in London is famous for its world-class hospitality training, focusing on refined service, attention to detail, and personalized guest care. Their training ensures that butlers are skilled in luxury service, making the experience feel more like a high-end hotel than an airline cabin.

I was offered a choice of pre-departure beverages, hot or cold towels, and some mixed nuts. I went with a cold towel and the highly recommended date smoothie, which is a signature drink on Saudia.

Saudia is a completely dry airline, meaning no alcohol is served on any of its flights, even in first class. While this aligns with Saudi Arabia’s cultural and religious values, it can be a downside for some international travelers who consider wine or champagne a key part of the luxury flying experience. To compensate for that, Saudia offers a variety of signature non-alcoholic drinks, including its popular date smoothie and freshly made juices.

As with other Middle Eastern airlines, I was served Arabic coffee and dates, something I always enjoy. Within a few minutes, we were airborne, climbing out over the Jeddah skies, and the view was absolutely stunning.

browsed through the menu and was impressed by the extensive selection. From caviar to lobster, along with a mix of Middle Eastern and Western dishes, there was something for everyone. With a 16-hour flight ahead, I had already mapped out a game plan to enjoy the offerings in a strategic way.

Then, the table was set, and that’s when it happened—the biggest disappointment of the flight. A shrunk-down tablecloth that didn’t even cover the entire table. I stared at it in disbelief. How could this happen on a flight with a Savoy-trained butler?! This was supposed to be a first-class dining experience, not a half-hearted attempt at table setting. I was devastated.

If you’ve watched my videos or read my previous reviews, you probably know exactly why this bothers me. In fact, the tablecloth is the very first thing I judge when it comes to first class service! Anyway, I tried to distract myself, hoping that once the table was filled with food, I wouldn’t have to see the shrunken cloth and be reminded of the disappointment. So instead, I turned to the window, hoping for a better view and that did not disappoint.

I went with the Jukes 1 sparkling white, an apple cider vinegar based non alcoholic drink and to my surprise, it wasn’t bad at all.

It was definitely flavorful, but the pita bread was cold. A little warming up would have made it so much better.

Then came the caviar, beautifully presented on a bed of ice with a mother-of-pearl spoon and the usual accompaniments. It looked perfect—until I picked up the blinis and realized they were half-frozen. This is what I call a lack of attention to detail. If an airline can get these small but crucial details right, I’d have no hesitation in crowning them as the best.

More food! I was so glad, the utensils were real silverware and not plastic like what was in the lounge. I had the Chicken Mandi for the main course and it certainly lacked flavor.

I wrapped up lunch with dessert, which was decent but nothing memorable.

Overall, I’d give the meal a 6.5 out of 10.

I decided to change into my pajamas while the crew prepared my bed, but I quickly noticed something was missing—the slippers. When I asked, the butler informed me that Saudia First Class doesn’t provide slippers, which struck me as unusual. I’ve experienced the opposite on other airlines, where slippers are offered but pajamas are not. After that, I stepped into the bathroom to change, only to be greeted by an unpleasant odor. Not exactly what you hope for in a first-class bathroom. I changed as quickly as possible and made my way back to my seat.

I returned to my bed and couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed.

The window shades were left open, my bag was still sitting on my seat, oh, and did I mention there’s no overhead storage in this cabin? Where exactly was I supposed to put my feet? On my bag?

And then there was the orange pillow, tucked to the side. At the very least, they could have placed it near the main pillow to create a nice color contrast. Small details, but they make a difference.

I adjusted a few things to make the setup look better for a picture—had to do it!

I have to say, the bed was impressively spacious, and the legroom was exceptional. The suite, with its closing doors, offered a wonderful sense of privacy. While a thicker mattress pad would have added an extra touch of luxury, it wasn’t a necessity. The overall comfort was still quite satisfying.

My midnight snack was a cappuccino, Pringles and a twix bar. A satisfying combination to curb those late-night cravings.

Could you tell the ice cream is somewhat melted?

Here’s a look at the first class cabin. I was hoping to board first and take a few good shots of the whole cabin, but unfortunately couldn’t.

On most airlines, the crew typically checks beforehand to see if you’d like to be woken up for the morning service before landing. However, this courtesy wasn’t extended by the butler on Saudia. When I requested breakfast, the table was set up once more, and this time, the tablecloth covered the entire surface—a small but appreciated improvement.

The coffee and fruits were delicious but the pastries were dense.

The entertainment selection was decent, although it was no where near Emirates or Qatar airways. We approached Los Angeles and landed on time.

Final Verdict

Saudia clearly falls short of the standards set by Etihad, Emirates, or Qatar Airways. Despite their limited release of award seats, the lack of convenient booking options for those that are available, and the absence of alcohol on board, the 12-seat First Class cabin was completely full. It’s evident that many Saudi passengers have the means to book these flights without relying on points or miles. That said, for me, Emirates remains my go-to choice. While Saudia’s First Class had its moments, the overall experience felt inconsistent and lacked the polish of its competitors. I’d rate it a solid 6/10—decent, but not quite exceptional.