Saudia Business Class Review: Luxury on the 787-10?

Why Trust Our Saudia Business Class Review?

Our Saudia Business Class review, focusing on the Mauritius to Jeddah route on their 787-10, is not just another article. It is built on a foundation of meticulous research, first-hand experience and a commitment to unbiased reporting. We are not affiliated with Saudia or any other airline: our aim is to provide you with an honest, comprehensive assessment to inform your travel decisions.

Here is why you can trust our insights:

• Meticulously Detailed: We have examined every aspect of the Saudia Business Class experience, from booking intricacies and pre-flight lounge access to in-flight dining, service nuances, and even lavatory cleanliness. We have left no stone unturned.
• First-Hand Perspective: We have personally flown the route and experienced everything we describe. We have sat in the Collins Aerospace Super Diamond seats, tasted the “Saudia Sufrah” dishes, and interacted with the cabin crew, providing you with a genuine account of what to expect.
• Unbiased and Independent: Our objectivity is paramount. We have no vested interest in promoting Saudia or any other airline. Our critical eye assesses both the strengths and weaknesses of their offering, providing a balanced perspective.
• Actionable Insights: We go beyond surface-level observations. We analyse the “dine as you like” service, the value proposition of the “Business Basic” fare, the impact of the lack of Wi-Fi, and the inconsistencies in service, offering practical insights to help you make informed choices.
• Focus on Your Needs: Whether you prioritise lie-flat comfort, gourmet dining, seamless connectivity, or efficient service, our review equips you with the knowledge you need to determine if Saudia Business Class aligns with your travel priorities.

We are committed to providing you with accurate, reliable, and insightful reviews. Trust our expertise to help you navigate the world of premium air travel and make the best choice for your next journey.

At a Glance

Our experience with Saudia Business Class on the MRU-JED route was a mixed bag. While the comfortable lie-flat seats and attentive crew were definite highlights, the lack of Wi-Fi and some inconsistencies in the service detracted from the overall premium feel. The aircraft itself, a modern Boeing 787-10, offered a comfortable premium cabin. Considering the cost, which worked out to approximately US$69 per flight hour, we think that it was particularly good value for money.

Saudia: A Deep Dive into the Airline

Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines), the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, was founded in 1945 and has since evolved into a major international airline. It operates a modern fleet of over 140 aircraft, including the Boeing 787-10. This advanced aircraft, a stretch version of the 787-9, boasts increased Economy Class capacity (adding about 40 more seats in a 2-class configuration) and 25% better fuel efficiency per seat, resulting in fewer emissions. With a range of 6,345 nautical miles (11,750 km), the 787-10 covers over 95% of the world’s twin-aisle routes.

To further optimise its 787 fleet’s performance, Saudia utilises Boeing Global Services digital solutions powered by Boeing AnalytX, including Airplane Health Management (AHM), Maintenance Performance Toolbox, and Crew Rostering and Pairing. These tools enhance performance, manage global crew schedules, and maintain the fleet effectively. This dedication to modern technology underscores Saudia’s focus on providing reliable and efficient long-haul service.

Saudia: Key Facts

Key Information	Details
Website	https://www.saudia.com/
Founded	1945
Fleet Size	140+ aircraft
Destinations	100+ across four continents, catering to a diverse range of travellers.
Flights (Annual)	Over 16,000, highlighting the scale of Saudia’s operations.
On-Time Performance	Ranked 2nd globally for on-time arrivals (over 86% on-time arrival rate) and 1st for on-time departures (Cirium Aviation Analytics), demonstrating a strong commitment to punctuality.
Alliance	Skyteam member, offering seamless connections and benefits with partner airlines worldwide.
Fleet Modernisation	Adding 21 Boeing 787-10 and 18 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, further enhancing long-haul capabilities and efficiency.
Cabin Enhancements	Partnering with Collins Aerospace to install new Business Class and Economy Class seats across the Boeing 787, Airbus A330, and Boeing 777 fleets, starting in late 2025 and completing by 2027.
New Routes	Expanding network with additions like the seasonal service from Riyadh to Phuket, operated by the Boeing 787-9.
Innovative AI Service	“Saudia”, an AI-powered travel companion powered by ChatGPT 4, will revolutionise passenger interaction and provide comprehensive travel information (launching soon).
Environmental Commitment	Reducing emissions and fuel consumption through the integration of environmentally efficient aircraft, highlighting Saudia’s commitment to green aviation.

Review: Saudia Business Class on the 787-10 (MRU-JED)

Flying Business Class is often seen as the epitome of luxury air travel, and on a recent trip from Mauritius (MRU) to Jeddah (JED), we had the opportunity to experience Saudia’s offering on their Boeing 787-10 (registration: HZ-AR28), a relatively new four-year-old aircraft.

This Saudia Business Class review will look into the details of our journey on flight SV482, assessing whether the experience lived up to the premium price tag. From booking and pre-flight experiences to in-flight comfort and dining, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview for discerning travellers considering Saudia Business Class.

It is worth noting that we booked the ‘Business Basic’ fare, which, while offering a lower initial price, comes with higher change and cancellation fees compared to standard Business Class. However, the on the ground and in-flight experience itself were identical.

Why We Chose Saudia Business Class: Our Expectations 

Factor / Category	Our Pre-Flight Expectations: Key Decision Factors
Route & Schedule	A convenient late afternoon departure (around 5 pm) perfectly accommodated our morning plans, allowing for a final leisurely stroll on the beach in Mauritius before heading to the airport.
Price & Value	Saudia offered compellingly competitive business class fares. Emirates, for example, was a staggering 184% more expensive, with a price difference of $2,430. Securing a fantastic bargain through Trip.com, with prices 15% lower than Saudia’s official website, further solidified our choice. We anticipated excellent value for our money.
Seat & Cabin Comfort (Configuration)	The promise of lie-flat seats and a spacious 1-2-1 cabin configuration in Saudia’s business class was a major draw, promising optimal comfort and privacy for our journey.
Inflight Dining Options	We were eager to experience Saudia’s acclaimed fine dining, with its reputation for high-quality, multi-course meals and the intriguing prospect of an onboard chef and on-demand dining.
Lounge Access	Access to the Air Mauritius Lounge at SSR Airport was essential, providing a productive workspace and a comfortable pre-flight retreat.
Airport Experience (Check-In & Boarding)	A generous baggage allowance and the convenience of priority lanes at immigration and boarding were key considerations for a seamless airport experience.
Inflight Entertainment (IFE)	While we held moderate expectations for Saudia’s in-flight entertainment (IFE) selection, we prioritised a reliable and functional IFE system for a comfortable journey.
Amenity Kits & Extras	While not a primary factor, we anticipated a premium amenity kit to enhance our onboard experience.
Total Travel Time	A layover of under four hours at Jeddah airport was deemed acceptable, offering a window for rest, a refreshing shower, and some productive work in the business class lounge before our connecting flight. We envisioned a spacious lounge with ample seating, shower facilities, pristine bathrooms, and a diverse selection of refreshments.
Reputation & Reviews (Word of Mouth)	Saudia’s four-star Skytrax Rating and recognition as the most improved airline worldwide, along with positive online reviews, encouraged us to experience their business class offering firsthand, despite some average ratings (Airlinequality customer rating of 5/10).

Booking Experience

Booking our Saudia Business Class tickets for our multi-city itinerary (Mauritius to Dubai via Jeddah, and Cairo to Mauritius via Jeddah) through Trip.com proved to be more cost-effective than booking directly with Saudia, with a 15% discount. While the booking process on Trip.com was straightforward, managing our booking afterwards, specifically seat selection, presented some challenges. Both the Saudia app and the Trip.com app initially indicated that seat selection was not possible at the booking stage. We eventually found a workaround using the automated chat function within the Saudia app:

• Log in to the Saudia app.
• Ensure your reservation is displayed.
• Initiate a chat and request “seat selection,” following the prompts.

This method allowed us to select our seats free of charge, but the unnecessary complexity of the process detracted from the overall booking experience. In our experience, navigating airline apps and websites for simple tasks like seat selection can be surprisingly frustrating. We once spent nearly an hour on hold with another airline just to choose a window seat. So, while we appreciated eventually securing our preferred seats on Saudia, the convoluted process through the chat function felt unnecessarily time-consuming. Saudia could significantly improve its customer journey by streamlining seat selection for bookings made through third-party platforms.

Return Leg Delayed

We encountered another issue when Saudia notified us of a three-hour delay for our Cairo to Jeddah flight (on our return leg). This left us with a tight connection time for our onward flight to Mauritius. Changing our flights through the Trip.com app proved difficult, with unclear information about potential charges. However, the Saudia app allowed us to select new flights easily and without charge, which was appropriate given the involuntary change initiated by the airline. Despite this, the Saudia app’s performance was often slow, impacting the overall experience. Improvements to the app’s functionality and speed would greatly enhance the customer journey.

Baggage Allowance

Saudia Business Class offers a generous baggage allowance of two checked bags weighing up to 32kg each, and one carry-on bag weighing up to 12kg, with a maximum of two pieces of carry-on luggage. Our “Business Basic” fare only differed from standard Business Class in its higher cancellation/change fees. All other benefits, including priority lanes at immigration/security, lounge access, and priority boarding, remained the same.

Online Check-In

Online check-in was efficient, contrasting sharply with the seat selection process. While we were prompted to enter our visa details, the process was quick, likely due to our AlFursan Frequent Flyer programme membership, which pre-filled our information. Boarding passes became accessible 48 hours before departure. One minor drawback compared to some other airlines, such as Emirates, is the lack of an online food and beverage menu preview within the app.

Airport Arrival

Arrival at SSR International Airport was smooth, with clear signage directing us to the Saudia check-in counters. We experienced no queue at the dedicated Sky Priority lane, and the check-in process, handled by efficient and pleasant staff (who appeared to be Air Mauritius staff), was completed within five minutes. Baggage tagging was equally swift. We were pleased to find that no invitation card was required to access the Amédée Maingard Business Class lounge.

Security and Immigration

While a fast-track lane was available for premium passengers, it was staffed by a single, slow-moving officer, resulting in a 20-minute wait – longer than usual. This inefficiency, however, was attributable to the airport authorities rather than Saudia.

The Amédée Maingard Business Class Lounge

Lounge Access

The Amédée Maingard Business Class Lounge, located near Gate 28 at Mauritius SSR International Airport, serves passengers travelling in Business Class with several airlines, including Air Mauritius, Saudia, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Air France, and Air Austral. Access is also available to Lounge Key and Priority Pass members. However, our experience was underwhelming. Having visited this lounge previously, we noted a decline in quality, a concern given its role as the flagship lounge for Air Mauritius.

Seating & Ambiance

On this particular occasion, the lounge felt overcrowded, likely due to the number of airlines and paid access programmes it accommodates. Seating, while sufficient during our visit, could become problematic with increased passenger volume. The seats offered average comfort, and the noise from the children’s area detracted from the relaxed atmosphere. The overall ambiance was sterile and lacked the inviting feel of a premium lounge. Air Mauritius should prioritise improvements to align its flagship lounge with Business Class expectations. Simple courtesies, such as clearing used plates, were overlooked by the inattentive staff.

Food & Beverage

The food, consisting of a hot buffet and cold snacks, was of poor quality and presentation. Although there were premium spirits, wine, and champagne, the poor food quality ruined the experience. The new Nespresso machine was a positive addition, but the lack of bottled water was unexpected. The slow Wi-Fi and easily missed pre-boarding announcements further compounded the underwhelming experience. The infrequent replenishment of food and beverages also contributed to the negative impression.

Our Verdict

We have visited many airport lounges around the world, and the Amédée Maingard Lounge sadly fell short of expectations. We can recall a particularly delightful lounge in Singapore with freshly made laksa and impeccable service. The contrast highlighted the areas where the Amédée Maingard Lounge could improve, particularly regarding food quality and attentiveness of the staff. 

Feature	The Amédée Maingard Business Lounge
Location	Near Gate 28, Mauritius SSR International Airport
Access	Air Mauritius, Saudia, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Air France, Air Austral, Lounge Key, Priority Pass
Crowd Level	Overcrowded
Seating Comfort	Average
Ambiance	Sterile, uninviting
Staff	Inattentive
Food Options	Hot buffet and cold snacks; poor quality and presentation
Beverage Options	Premium spirits, wine (Esprit de Pavie, Saint-Veran), Champagne Duval-Lerdy, Johnnie Walker whisky; absence of bottled water
Coffee Machine	Nespresso machine
Replenishment	Infrequent
Cleanliness	Lounge toilets under refurbishment; alternative toilets on first floor adequately maintained
Showers	Available (not tested)
Wi-Fi	Very slow (under 5 Mbps download speed)
Pre-boarding Announcements	Yes, but easily overlooked

Boarding the Saudia 787-10 aircraft

Signage at Mauritius SSR International Airport clearly directed us to our departure gate. Boarding for flight SV482 commenced over an hour before the scheduled departure time. Disappointingly, Saudia did not offer pre-boarding for premium passengers. Both Economy and Business Class passengers boarded through the same aircraft entrance. While the general queue was orderly and the boarding process itself relatively efficient (with a wait time of around 5 minutes), a dedicated pre-boarding process for Business Class passengers would have been a welcome enhancement. The ground staff were notably friendly and helpful, readily assisting with any queries.

First Impressions of the Saudia Business Class Cabin

Upon entering the cabin, we received a warm welcome from the cabin crew. A more personalised greeting, using passengers’ names, would further enhance the premium experience. The 787-10, being a relatively new aircraft (around four years old at the time of this review), presented a clean and modern aesthetic. The Collins Aerospace Super Diamond seats, arranged in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone configuration across six rows, also offered direct aisle access for all 24 passengers.

While the cabin appeared generally clean, stray crumbs here and there hinted at a less-than-immaculate pre-flight cleaning. This was further emphasised by the state of one of our seating areas, which contained remnants from a previous passenger. The cabin crew, while responsive in rectifying the issue, could have been more proactive with their pre-flight checks.

We appreciated the comfortable seats, although the abundance of green throughout the cabin felt a tad overpowering. Unfortunately, the cabin ambiance was negatively impacted by disruptive passengers, particularly screaming children. While this is not directly the airline’s fault, more effective management of such situations could improve the overall passenger experience. Our flight departed right on the dot.

Seat Specifications and Comfort

Our Saudia Business Class experience on the 787-10 (a substitute for the usual 787-9 on this route) featured Collins Aerospace Super Diamond seats arranged in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone configuration across six rows, totalling 24 seats. The cabin was 80% full on our flight. We were in seats 2A and 3A. There are no bad seats as such but we would avoid rows 1 and 6 if possible as they are close to the galleys.

Seat Feature	Description
Seat Type	Collins Aerospace Super Diamond
Configuration	1-2-1 Reverse Herringbone
Seat Width	20 inches
Seat Pitch	47 inches
Recline	Fully lie-flat
Power Outlets	Power Socket & USB (fast charging)
Storage	Adequate (armrest and under-seat compartments)
Headrest	Fixed
Lumbar Support	Adequate
Window Blinds	Electric with darkening feature
Footrest	Small
Table	Sturdy, foldable, easily movable (better than Emirates A380)
Side Table	Yes
Coat Hook	Yes
Cabin Temperature	Kept cool and comfortable
Entertainment	Panasonic 18-inch HD touchscreen, 5000+ hours, intuitive interface
Headphones	Noise-cancelling (green)

While the seat cushioning was neither too firm nor too soft, we felt the padding could be thicker for improved comfort, perhaps with the addition of a mattress pad like those offered by Emirates. A plush duvet and a small pillow were provided. There was a roll out tray table beneath the screen, which we thought was very conveniently placed.

Overall, we would say that the seats were comfortable.

In-Flight Entertainment

The in-flight entertainment system (IFE) featured a large 18-inch Panasonic HD touchscreen with an intuitive and responsive interface, offering over 5,000 hours of content. However, we found the film, TV show, and music selection limited and outdated compared to airlines like Emirates. As frequent travellers, we rely on in-flight entertainment to pass the time. We remember being thoroughly entertained on a recent Emirates flight with their extensive movie library. While Saudia’s IFE system was functional, the limited and dated content made the flight feel longer than it needed to be.

Besides, the noise-cancelling headphones, while sturdy, featured a distractingly bright green colour scheme.

If you want to check what are Saudia’s current offerings on any of its flights, you can go to their helpful online resource here.

Wi-Fi Connectivity on Saudia’s 787-10

Disappointingly, and a significant drawback for a four-year-old aircraft, there was no Wi-Fi connectivity onboard. From what we gathered, none of Saudia’s 787-10 has Wi-Fi facilities. Where available on other Saudia aircraft, the Wi-Fi packages are considerably less competitive than Emirates’, which offers free unlimited messaging for Skywards members and full-flight access for under US$20.

Saudia’s Wi-Fi Package	Data cap	Duration	Price
Enhanced Surf	Up to 200 MB	Whole flight	50 USD
Simply Surf	Up to 50 MB	1 hour	20 USD
Messaging Plan	Up to 3 MB	15 minutes	Free
AlFursan Gold & Silver / First and Business	Up to 10 MB	1 hour	Free

Amenities

The generously sized toiletry bag included luxury items like argan oil body cream, lip balm, face cream, an iPhone charging cable, socks, and earplugs, surpassing Emirates’ offering.

However, slippers and a mattress pad were absent. Bottled water was available on demand. No turn-down service was provided. The cabin crew was efficient, attentive, and friendly, responding quickly to requests and remembering our dining preferences.

Saudia Business Class In-Flight Dining Review

After a refreshing cold towel and welcome drinks (choice of lemon and mint juice or fresh orange juice, as the “Sparkling Collection” was unavailable), we were served cold nuts as a pre-flight snack. Warmed nuts would have been a more welcome touch. Oddly, the nuts were served without drinks. We requested beverages from the cabin crew, who responded with remarkable speed, delivering our drinks within minutes. This rapid service was a pleasant surprise.

Saudia Business Class “Dine as You Like” Service

Saudia offers a “dine as you like” service, a welcome feature providing flexibility compared to airlines like Emirates, though Oman Air also offers this option. A dedicated onboard chef, Mohammed, further elevated the experience, engaging with passengers, soliciting feedback, and attending to any requests. The “dine as you like” service does come with a 30-minute wait for meal preparation, but this felt reasonable.

Saudia Business Class Food Quality and Menu

The menu showcased a mix of Western and Middle Eastern cuisine, including the “Saudia Sufrah” – a selection of authentic local dishes. We started with warm bread, premium French butter, and a beautifully presented poached shrimp appetizer with edible flowers. Our main course was lamb with risotto – the highlight of the meal, though a tad salty.

That said, we are always excited to try new cuisines in the air. On a previous flight with Qatar Airways, we had an incredible lamb dish that was bursting with flavour. While Saudia’s lamb main course was tasty, the slightly over-salted seasoning prevented it from reaching the same culinary heights. Turning to the dessert, cheesecake and knafeh on our Saudia flight – unfortunately, it was underwhelming and we did not find it particularly tasty.

Saudia also offered a light dining menu with a choice of arabic mezze, super green salad or chargrilled royale beefburger. 

Overall however, the food was fresh, varied, and flavoursome, with visually appealing presentation and premium meat cuts. The “Saudia Sufrah” was a nice touch.

Saudia Business Class Beverage Selection

Saudia is a dry airline (so no champagne in business class or economy class), but it provides an extensive range of non-alcoholic beverages:

• Karak Tea: (Our Favourite)
• Fruit Smoothies: 2 options (unavailable)
• Mocktails: 4 options
• Sparkling Collection (unavailable)
• Juices: 4 options
• Soft Drinks: 4 options
• Iced Teas: 3 options
• Iced Coffees: 2 options
• Coffees: 3 options
• Teas: 6 options
• Hot Chocolate
• Water: Plain and Sparkling
• Plant-Based Milk: Available

While the extensive menu was impressive, the unavailability of some items, such as the smoothies and “Sparkling Collection”, was disappointing. A smaller, fully stocked menu might improve the experience.

Saudia Business Class Dining Service Style

The cabin crew delivered elegant and refined meal service, promptly attending to our needs, and remembering our preferences without reminders. Drinks were proactively offered, and courses were thoughtfully timed.

Lavatories

The lavatories were average-sized and adequately clean but lacked special touches like fresh flowers. They were however well-stocked with toiletries.

Arrival and Transit in Jeddah (JED)

Touching down in Jeddah, we were pleased to find ourselves 50 minutes ahead of schedule, reinforcing Saudia’s reputation for punctuality. In fact, Cirium Aviation Analytics ranked them second globally for on-time performance in 2024, with an impressive 86.35% of flights arriving on time. Disembarkation was straightforward, using a jet bridge, though the 10-minute wait for it to connect felt a tad longer than expected.

As we were connecting to another flight, we followed the clear signage through the transit area. Generally, if your connection is within 12 hours and you stay airside, a transit visa is not necessary. However, it is always best to double-check the latest visa regulations with Saudia or the relevant embassy before travelling, just in case.

The airport staff were helpful and polite, and the priority lane for transit passengers was easy to locate, making the immigration and security procedures smooth and efficient.

We spent our layover in the AlFursan Lounge at Terminal 1. Access was granted simply by showing our boarding passes, though the staff at the front desk were a bit slow. The lounge itself was comfortable, offering shower facilities – a welcome opportunity to freshen up. The selection of food and beverages available also helped make our transit a more relaxing experience.

Saudia 787-10 Business Class Review: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

Our experience in Saudia Business Class on the 787-10 (HZ-AR28, flight SV482) from Mauritius (MRU) to Jeddah (JED) was mixed. While some elements were commendable, others did not meet the premium standards we expected.  

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Saudia 787-10 Business Class

We booked the “Business Basic” fare, offering a lower initial price but with higher change and cancellation fees. However, the onboard experience itself was identical to the standard Business Class fare. Our overall impression was positive, yet with room for improvement.

What We Loved

• Luxurious Lie-Flat Seats: The Collins Aerospace Super Diamond seats provided excellent comfort for sleeping and relaxing. Saudia has a very good hard product on its 787 aircraft.
• Attentive Cabin Crew: The crew were warm, efficient, and responsive to our needs, although perhaps not as proactive as some other airlines.
• “Dine as You Like” Service: This flexible dining option allowed us to eat at our convenience, a significant advantage on a long-haul flight.
• Dedicated Onboard Chef: The presence of a dedicated chef added a touch of personalisation to the dining experience.
• Fast Charging Facilities: The availability of a fast-charging power socket and USB ports was a welcome feature for keeping our devices powered up.
• Contemporary Cabin Design: The modern 787-10 cabin presented a stylish and contemporary aesthetic, despite the slightly overwhelming green colour scheme.
• Value for Money: At US$69 per flight hour, we feel that it was excellent value for money.

Airline (Mauritius-Cairo & Dubai-Mauritius)	Economy	Business Class	First Class
Saudia	$649	$1,375	Not Available
Turkish Airlines	$969	$3,682	Not Available
Emirates	$1,081	$3,908	$6,347

(Economy, Business Class & First Class Fares from Skyscanner.net in US$)

Areas for Improvement

• Lack of Wi-Fi Connectivity: The absence of Wi-Fi, especially on a four-year-old aircraft, was a major drawback in today’s connected world.
• Inconsistent Cabin Cleanliness: While generally clean, our experience with a poorly cleaned seating area highlighted a lapse in pre-flight preparations.
• Limited IFE Selection: The in-flight entertainment, while presented on a large, high-definition screen, offered a limited and somewhat dated selection.
• Unavailable Menu Items: The recurring issue of unavailable items from the menu, including the “Sparkling Collection”, was disappointing.
• Overpowering Green Colour Scheme: The pervasive use of green throughout the cabin, while a matter of personal preference, felt a bit excessive.
• Cabin Noise: The level of noise from other passengers, particularly children, detracted from the overall ambience and tranquillity of the cabin.

Expectations vs. Reality: Our Assessment

Factor / Category	Expectation	Met?	Notes / Explanation
Route & Schedule	A perfectly timed afternoon departure, ideally suited to our morning schedule, allowing for a final stroll along the beach.	Yes	Departure was punctual, and arrival was equally on time, facilitating a smooth start and end to our journey.
Price & Value	Exceptional value for money, considering the substantially higher cost (184% more) of comparable business class fares with airlines like Emirates, further enhanced by a 15% discount secured through Trip.com compared to booking directly with Saudia.	Yes	We were thoroughly pleased with the value received, given the overall quality of our experience.
Seat & Cabin Comfort	A comfortable lie-flat seat offering ample privacy within the 1-2-1 cabin configuration.	Yes	The seat itself was superb, and the 1-2-1 layout provided a good degree of privacy, although some noise from other passengers (unruly children) was audible. This, of course, is not a reflection on the airline itself.
Onboard Service & Crew	Responsive, friendly, and attentive cabin crew catering proactively to passenger needs.	Yes	The cabin crew maintained a professional demeanour throughout the flight, although we felt they could have been more proactive.
Inflight Dining Options	Restaurant-quality multi-course meals with the added bonus of on-demand dining, showcasing culinary excellence.	Yes	The quality of the in-flight dining exceeded our expectations, particularly the delectable main course. On-demand dining was indeed available. However, we were disappointed by the limited drinks selection, with smoothies and the “Sparkling Collection” notably absent – a recurring issue we have encountered on previous Saudia flights.
Lounge Access*	A spacious and tranquil lounge environment at SSR Airport, featuring a good selection of food, reliable Wi-Fi, and comfortable relaxation areas.	No	The Air Mauritius Lounge at SSR Airport fell short of expectations, particularly regarding the level of service and the limited variety of food on offer.
Airport Experience (Check-In & Boarding)*	Swift and efficient priority check-in and boarding procedures, minimising waiting times at security.	Partially	Check-in was indeed quick and efficient, however, priority boarding for business class passengers was not provided.
Inflight Entertainment*	Modest expectations regarding the variety of movies and entertainment options.	Partially	While the IFE screen was a good size and offered HD quality, the content selection was disappointing.
Wi-Fi*	Reasonably priced and functional Wi-Fi.	No	Wi-Fi was not available on this flight, and even when offered, Saudia’s pricing is not competitive. This is an area where Saudia could significantly improve.
Amenity Kits & Extras	A premium amenity kit stocked with high-quality toiletries.	Yes	The amenity kit provided was excellent and met our expectations.
Total Travel Time*	A reasonable and convenient transit time in Jeddah, ideally under four hours.	No	The connection time in Jeddah exceeded four hours, as no earlier connecting flights were available at the time of booking.
Reputation & Reviews	An experience to match  Saudia’s accolade as the “Most Improved Airline Worldwide” and its 4-star Skytrax rating, exceeding the average customer rating of 5/10 (Airlinequality).	Yes	Our experience surpassed expectations and compared favourably to other 4-star airlines we have flown with, such as Emirates (check our reviews here). We would rate Saudia higher than the average customer rating, awarding it a 7/10 (or 3.5/5).

* Expectations partially or not met

Final Verdict

Considering the cost, which worked out to approximately US$69 per flight hour, we felt the value for money was very good, especially for a lie-flat Business Class experience. However, the lack of Wi-Fi and certain inconsistencies in the service are factors to consider when comparing Saudia to other airlines in the region.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on your priorities. If constant connectivity and a flawless premium experience are paramount, you might want to explore alternative options. However, if comfort, a lie-flat seat, and flexible dining at a competitive price are your primary concerns, Saudia Business Class could be a suitable choice.

As frequent fliers who value both comfort and value, we are always looking for the sweet spot in air travel. We recently flew Business Class with Emirates and paid nearly double the price for a comparable experience. Considering the price we paid, the lie-flat seat and personalised dining on Saudia offered excellent value.

Ratings

Who Should Choose Saudia Business Class?

Saudia Business Class offers a compelling blend of comfort and value, making it an attractive option for several types of travellers. The lie-flat Collins Aerospace Super Diamond seats, arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, provide ample space and direct aisle access for every passenger. This makes it an excellent choice for those prioritising a good night’s sleep or simply wanting to stretch out and relax during a long flight.

The “dine as you like” service, coupled with the onboard chef, offers a level of flexibility and personalisation not always found in Business Class.

Families will also appreciate the spacious cabin and convenient seat layout.

While the lack of Wi-Fi might be a drawback for some, it presents a unique opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and enjoy some downtime.

If you are looking for a comfortable and competitively priced Business Class experience, particularly on shorter routes, Saudia is well worth considering. However, those who value constant connectivity or a vast selection of cutting-edge in-flight entertainment might want to explore other options. Ultimately, Saudia shines in delivering a comfortable and personalised experience, making it a solid choice for many travellers.

Saudia 787-10 Business Class FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

Planning to fly Saudia Business Class? Here is a comprehensive FAQ guide based on our recent experience on their 787-10, covering everything from booking to dining and airport transit.

Booking & Pre-Flight

Onboard Experience

Dining

Service

In-flight Entertainment

Lavatories

Arrival & Transit (Jeddah)

More Premium Flight Reviews: Your Journey Starts Here

This is just the beginning of our journey. We are embarking on a series of exciting flight reviews that promise to be even more revealing. From the sleek cabins of Egyptair’s latest aircraft to the renowned hospitality of Ethiopian Airlines, we will be exploring a diverse range of airlines and routes.

Coming Up Next…

• Egyptair: Experiencing the 787, A321neo, and domestic 737 services, comparing long-haul comfort with shorter regional hops.
• Saudia: Further exploring their offerings on the A320 and A330, providing a broader perspective on their Business Class consistency.
• Ethiopian Airlines: Exploring their the A350, 787, and 737 experiences, assessing their renowned service and in-flight offerings.
• Air Seychelles: Examining the A320neo experience, uncovering the unique aspects of this island nation’s flag carrier.
• Air Mauritius: Stepping aboard their A350 and A330, comparing and contrasting their premium service with regional competitors.
• Air India: Discovering the comfort and service of Air India’s A350 Business Class, featuring their latest cabin product and amenities. We explore the dining experience, entertainment options, and overall experience onboard this modern aircraft.

And that is not all! We have many more exciting adventures planned, covering a wide spectrum of airlines and cabin classes. We will be dissecting every detail, from seat comfort and dining to in-flight entertainment and service, providing you with the insights you need to make informed travel choices.

You may also want to read our blogs about other Business Class Reviews:

Muscat to Colombo: Oman Air B737

Dubai to Muscat: Oman Air B737

Mauritius to Mumbai: Air Mauritius A350

Mumbai to Mauritius: Air Mauritius A330

Dubai to Mauritius: Emirates A380

Mauritius to Dubai: Emirates A380

Cairo to Dubai: Emirates A380

Cairo to Hurghada: Egyptair B737