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My husband and I along with a family member all recently flew internationally on Saudi Airlines. We have flown Saudi Airlines many times domestically for travel within Saudi Arabia and have always had a pleasant flying experience. I’m pleased to say we had an equally pleasant and positive flying experience during our recent 16 hour international flight. However there are some differences and distinctions when flying Saudi Airlines that do bear mentioning overall.

For those who may have not flown Saudi Airlines and considering flying Saudi Airlines, the carrier will continue to observe the customs and culture of Saudi Arabia throughout the flight. While I cannot speak for economy class customs, in business and first class, passengers will be welcomed in their seats with Arabic kawa and dates. And unlike Western or other Eastern carriers which may offer a welcome glass of champagne, on Saudi Airlines a selection of freshly squeezed juices will be presented instead.

Prior to the flight taking off a verse will be played over the speakers with a reading from the Holy Quran. Additionally the airline will have areas where passengers may go to pray. These areas will have prayer rugs available for use. The television screens will indicate in which direction is the Kabbah (Makkah) so Muslims continue to easily know in which direction to pray even while flying.

While alcoholic beverages will not be offered as they are prohibited in Saudi Arabia, a wide offering of drinks, snacks and various dishes are available. And these beverages and food are traditional Saudi favorites and a variety of Western favorites too.

Now it bears mentioning that when we initially made our bookings for our flight at the Saudi Airlines main reservation office we were advised that the flight was fully booked and we were waitlisted in economy class. We were concerned by this not only for being waitlisted when we had appointments in the United States but due to our physical condition from recent surgeries our doctors suggested we fly at a minimum in business class. Fortunately it all worked out and we were informed we had confirmed bookings in business class. Imagine our surprise when we boarded the aircraft, found our seats and after take off discovered more than 50 per cent of the seats in business class were empty. In fact the flight attendants advised us to use the empty seats for storing our carry on to make it easier and ready access for us. We were told that most of the flight had many empty seats in first class and economy class too. It certainly makes one wonder about the booking and reservation system which Saudi Airline employs as we did not know until 12 hours before the flight whether we had seats!

Another anomaly we discovered when flying Saudi Airlines is that the non-smoking policy is not strictly adhered too. The aircraft was a 747 and our seats were in the upper deck which is also where the cockpit is located. Multiple times during the 16 hour flight we could distinctly smell cigarette smoke coming from the cockpit.

However as I started out this email, overall we had a very positive and pleasant flying experience with Saudi Airlines and I have no qualms or reservations in flying Saudia.