Saudi Arabian Airlines (also known by the brand Saudia) is the flagship national carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Founded more than seven decades ago, the company has grown from a local operator into one of the largest aviation giants in the Middle East. The airline's main strategic hub and base airport is the international airport in Jeddah, from where flights depart to dozens of countries across several continents. Since 2012, the carrier has been a proud member of the SkyTeam global alliance, allowing its passengers to benefit from a unified route network and premium services worldwide.
A key feature of the airline is its unique combination of traditional Arabian hospitality and the most modern aviation technologies. The carrier regularly receives high awards in Skytrax ratings, including for significant progress in improving service quality.
Passengers choose Saudia for its high safety standards, modern fleet, and exceptional level of comfort on board. The airline actively develops hubs in cities such as Riyadh and Dammam, providing convenient connections for travelers heading from Europe to Asia and Africa. Special attention is paid to dining and entertainment programs, which are adapted to the cultural characteristics and preferences of an international audience.
Contacts
You can contact Saudi Arabian Airlines support services and offices through the following channels:
Official website: saudia.com
Phone (Global Contact Center): +966 9200 22222 (or short code 9200 222 22 for domestic calls)
Loyalty program email: alfursan@saudia.com
Social media: official @Saudia_Airlines accounts on X (Twitter) and Instagram, as well as Saudi Arabian Airlines pages on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Mobile application: The Saudia app is available for download in the App Store, Google Play, and AppGallery.
Head office address: Saudia City, Al Madinah Al Munawarah Road, Jeddah 21231, Saudi Arabia.
For emergency issues such as baggage tracking or booking changes during flight delays, it is recommended to use the web forms in the Help Center section of the official website or contact staff at airport check-in counters. Current phone numbers for representative offices in different regions should be checked directly on the airline's resource.
Baggage
Saudi Arabian Airlines operates baggage rules based on the Piece Concept, which depends on the class of service and the selected fare. For carry-on baggage in economy class, one piece weighing up to 7 kg is allowed, while business and first class passengers can take up to 12 kg into the cabin, distributed between two bags. Carry-on dimensions are limited to the standard 56x45x25 cm, and additional personal items such as a laptop or handbag are permitted.
Checked baggage allowances for economy class passengers are typically one or two pieces weighing up to 23 kg each. Travelers in business class and first class are entitled to two pieces weighing up to 32 kg each. Alfursan loyalty program members with elite status often receive the right to an additional baggage piece free of charge. It is important to check the terms of your specific ticket in advance, as some promo fares may not include free baggage.
Excess and special baggage (sports equipment, musical instruments) is paid for separately at rates depending on the flight destination. It is recommended to pay for extra weight in advance via the website in the Manage Booking section, as airport fees will be higher. It is prohibited to transport dangerous items in checked or carry-on baggage, including high-power lithium batteries, flammable substances, and toxic materials.
Pet Rules
Transporting Animals in the Cabin
Saudi Arabian Airlines allows the transport of small pets (cats and small dogs) in the cabin on certain routes.
The total weight of the animal including the carrier container must not exceed 7-8 kg.
The carrier must be secure, ventilated, and have dimensions that allow it to be placed under the seat in front of the passenger.
Transporting in the Cargo Hold
Animals whose weight exceeds the established limits for the cabin are transported in specially equipped, heated compartments of the aircraft.
The container must comply with IATA standards, allowing the pet to stand at full height and turn around freely.
The cost of transportation is calculated separately as excess baggage and depends on the actual weight and volume of the container.
Required Documents and Preparation
The passenger is required to provide a veterinary passport, a vaccination certificate, and an international health certificate for the animal.
There are strict restrictions on the transportation of brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced), such as pugs or Persian cats, due to potential breathing problems during the flight.
Before planning your trip, you must clarify the rules for importing animals into the destination country, as some countries require mandatory quarantine.
It is recommended to book a space for an animal in advance, no later than 48 hours before departure, as the number of pets on board is limited. On the day of the flight, do not feed the animal for several hours before departure and ensure there is absorbent bedding in the carrier.
Loyalty Program
Alfursan Loyalty Program
Alfursan is the frequent flyer program of Saudia, providing access to a world of exclusive services and privileges. Participation in the program opens opportunities to accumulate miles not only on the national carrier's flights but also when flying with SkyTeam alliance partners, as well as when using the services of ground partners.
Membership Levels and Benefits
Blue (Basic): The entry level, allowing you to accumulate miles and book tickets at discounts.
Silver (Elite): Entitles you to priority check-in, lounge access, and an additional 25% bonus miles for flights.
Gold (Elite Plus): The highest level, including priority baggage handling, guaranteed seats on full flights, and access to business lounges for the member and a guest worldwide.
How to Earn and Spend Miles
Miles are awarded for every mile flown with Saudi Arabian Airlines and SkyTeam alliance airlines (e.g., Air France, KLM, Delta).
The partner network includes international hotel chains, car rental companies, and financial organizations.
Accumulated miles can be exchanged for award tickets, class upgrades from economy to business, or for excess baggage payments.
Registration in the Alfursan program is free and available on the airline's official website. Members receive a unique digital number that must be provided during each booking for automatic bonus accrual.
Services
Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV) is positioned as a full-service carrier, offering high standards of comfort in all classes of service. In economy class, passengers can expect spacious seats with a pitch of up to 34 inches and personal monitors. Business class on long-haul flights offers seats that recline fully into a horizontal bed, as well as premium travel kits. For the most discerning clients, some aircraft types feature first class with personal cabins and an exclusive menu.
The on-board entertainment system includes hundreds of hours of content: from the latest movie releases and world cinema classics to music and games. Wi-Fi service is available on many modern aircraft, allowing passengers to stay connected. Dining at Saudia is prepared according to Halal standards and includes a wide selection of international and traditional Arabian cuisine. Passengers can pre-order special meals (vegetarian, child, dietary) via the website no later than 24 hours before the flight.
For travelers with children, special bassinets (on certain aircraft types) and children's kits with games are provided. The airline also provides escort services for minors and offers necessary assistance to passengers with limited mobility. All these services are designed to make every flight with Saudia as pleasant and worry-free as possible.
Destinations
Saudi Arabian Airlines has an extensive route network connecting the Middle East with the world's major cities. The main link is the hub in Jeddah, through which the main flows of international flights to Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America pass. The carrier provides stable connections between such important regional centers as Riyadh and Dammam.
International destinations for Saudia include key global metropolises such as London, Paris, and Istanbul. In the eastern direction, the airline actively operates flights to cities such as Jakarta, Dhaka, and Karachi. Thanks to its membership in the SkyTeam alliance, passengers can easily plan trips to Cairo, Dubai, or Amman, benefiting from convenient connections and expanded route planning capabilities.
Booking Tips
To book Saudi Arabian Airlines tickets at the best prices, it is recommended to plan your trip in advance, ideally 2–3 months before departure. The airline often offers special fares when purchasing tickets mid-week, as well as during seasonal promotion periods. The most convenient way to follow current special offers is through the official mobile app or by subscribing to the newsletter on the website.
Using the Saudia mobile app opens up additional opportunities: from exclusive discounts to convenient real-time booking management. Online check-in for flights opens 48 hours before departure, and early check-in allows you to choose the most comfortable seats in the cabin before they are distributed. Selecting a seat with extra legroom may incur a fee depending on the fare, but is often available for free during registration for Alfursan elite members.
When booking a ticket, you should carefully study the rules of the selected fare plan, as refund and exchange conditions can vary significantly. It is also recommended not to neglect travel insurance, which can be added directly during the booking process. An insurance policy will help cover unexpected costs in the event of a flight delay or lost baggage, providing an extra level of protection for your journey.
History
The history of Saudi Arabian Airlines (SV) began in 1945, when a single Douglas DC-3 aircraft, gifted to King Abdulaziz, laid the foundation for the development of civil aviation in the country. Becoming the kingdom's first national airline, the company started by operating domestic flights and transporting pilgrims, gradually expanding its influence in the Middle East region. Since its founding, the city of Jeddah, which has historically been the main gateway to Saudi Arabia, has served as its primary base.
In the 1960s and 70s, the airline entered the jet age, acquiring Boeing airliners that were modern at the time and expanding its flight geography to Europe and Africa. A landmark event was the introduction of innovative service standards and the creation of the region's largest aircraft maintenance center. The growth of the route network turned Saudia into a global carrier connecting the Kingdom with the world's major capitals.
An important stage in modern history was joining the SkyTeam global alliance in 2012. This allowed the airline to integrate into the global transport system and offer its passengers an unprecedented level of connecting flights. Today, the carrier's fleet consists of the latest Airbus and Boeing models, and the company continues to invest in the digitalization of services and environmental programs, while remaining faithful to the traditions of Arabian hospitality.
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