Riyadh Air vs Saudia Comparison: Which airline is best for you?

Have you got two airlines in mind but not sure which one to pick?

Don't worry it happens to the best of us. Both Riyadh Air and Saudia present good reasons as to why they are the better airline. Both excel in comfort, refreshments, friendly crew, reputation and have a wide network of routes available.

So lets break it down and choose the best airline for you.

Here is what you need to know before you book 👇

⭐Quick Answer: Riyadh Air vs Saudia

• Riyadh Air is popular for their luxury high end cabins with custom dressed soft indigo fabrics. A space to fully relax with non stop media entertainment at your finger tips and the privacy of a full nights sleep with their first class beds.
• Saudia is popular for always being a generous airline and put their passengers first. All business class users have access to choose their preferred seat during booking and have access to the airport lounge prior to take off. Also carries an onboard chef!

Both airlines will provide you with immaculate service from beginning to end however the hidden gems of each one is in the small details.

Airline network and coverage ✈️

• Riyadh air flies to 16 destinations, with its main hub in Saudi Arabia. Operates both domestic and international flights. Destinations go far and wide to Jakarta, Milan, Bangkok, Manilla, London and more
• Saudia spans across 140 destinations, with four key hubs. This airline has connections to the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Africa and North America.

Global partnerships 🤝

A global alliance is a partnership formed by multiple countries, organisations and businesses to share goals, interests and find solutions to complex challenges.

• Riyadh Air is not apart of an alliance like Oneworld or SkyTeam but builds individual partnerships with airlines such as Delta, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Air China.
• Saudia is part of the SkyTeam Airline alliance, officially joined in May of 2012. It is the first Gulf carrier to join a global alliance. Enabling passengers to receive multiple benefits of earning air miles, access to airport lounges and use priority services like SkyPriority.

Reputation 💬

• Riyadh Air is praised for its high end interior design, modern amenities and upscale dining. Understandably while experiencing teething issues during their first few flights Riyadh Air provides no less than impeccable service.
• Saudia also is scored highly for their onboard comfort and generous seat space. Achieving a 4 star Skytrax certification, ranking 15th place globally in the 2026 Skytrax airline rankings.

Onboarding experience ⭐

• Fleet: Riyadh Air is as loyal as their fleet with their Boeing 787-9s, a twin engine jet designed for long haul intercontinental flights with passenger friendly cabins. Whereas Saudia has a wide network of jets ranging from A320s, 777s, 787s, new A321 XLRs. Up to 159 aircrafts serving domestic, regional and international routes.
• Cabin size: Providing space and comfort can elevate a passengers onboarding experience almost entirely. Riyadh Air has 4 cabin classes; Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy. Saudia has three cabins; First Suite, Business and Guest Class. Both airlines provide high quality seating, food and refreshments, modern technology and friendly crew members to support with any enquiries.
• Business seats: If a well rested sleep is what you are hoping for, these airlines have gone the extra mile. Riyadh Air presents private suites with sliding doors, for those who prefer an enhanced privacy while they travel. Passengers who are hoping to stretch their legs just that little bit extra, recline your seat back with Saudia and choose their modern lie flats on the 787 aircraft.
• Media entertainment: You can't forget the in-flight technology for long haul flights, both airlines provide modern seat-back screens in every cabin class.
• Wifi: Log onto your media devices with full connection while you fly. Access free wifi with Riyadh Air for loyalty members. If you are flying with Saudia, access free wifi in business and economy classes on selected aircrafts.
• Alcohol: Both Riyadh Air and Saudia do not serve alcoholic beverages.
• Food: Enjoy traditional middle eastern and Saudi dishes with Halal certified food options available also.

First Class & Business Elite Comparison ⚖️

Both Riyadh Air and Saudia offer Business class tickets. You will get a comfortable seat chosen by you, lounge access, on flight meals and refreshments with various fare types for your choosing.

Riyadh Air has 2 Business class cabins; Business Elite and Business standard. Each comes with lie-flat beds for a well rested sleep and on screen media entertainment. The main difference between the two cabin classes is the size and space in which a customer would receive.

Saudia has a top level cabin class known as the First Suite, this is aligned to sit on the same level as Riyadh's Business Elite class.

Available only on selected Saudia aircrafts, such as Boeing 777-300ER. This cabin consists of 12 first class suites, presented in a 1-2-1 configuration.

⭐ What makes this cabin class special?

• Fully enclosed suites with sliding doors for your privacy
• Access to controls next to your seat for power, lighting, air conditioning and more
• Lie-flat bed
• Free Wi-Fi available on board, access instructions emailed to passengers upon boarding the aircraft
• On board chef
• Cozy amenity kits of toiletries and sleepwear essentials

Saudia's Business class stretches across its fleet with a variety of different features. Each with their own unique selling points, they come together to provide equal lounge access, dine on demand with delicious food on board and seat-back screens.

Premium Class Comparison ⚖️

Delving into our middle tier class tickets, Riyadh Air takes the lead in providing another cabin class called Premium Economy. As mentioned previously, Saudia is split up into 3 separate classes whereas Riyadh has 4 cabin classes onboard.

Premium Economy class is an enhanced experience from Economy standard and sits just below Business. Perfect for those who are looking for extra comfort while staying affordable.

A 2-3-2 layout with 39 available seats. It provides exactly 38 inches of legroom and a 19.2 inch width seat.

But what are the key selling points?

• Privacy head wings on every seat
• Extra storage
• A calf rest
• 4 USB Charging points
• Various fare types to choose from: Lite, Smart and Flex

Economy & Guest Class Comparison ⚖️

Lastly, let's take a look at Saudia's and Riyadh Air's last tier cabin class; Economy and Guest. These cabin classes are commonly used by majority of travellers. The attraction to these seats are; affordability, simple booking system and reliability for every flight.

Baggage allowance 🧳

Please see below the weight limits allowed across both Riyadh Air and Saudi in preparation for your travels. It is advised to double check your assigned luggage weight limit before airport arrival.

Riyadh Air uses a strictly weight only concept not number of bags, the limits presented below indicate the total weight limit across all bags you wish to bring onboard. Visit Riyadh Air's baggage allowance help articles for further information.

Riyadh Air carry on: All flights

• Each passenger is allowed 1 personal item up to 5kg this can be a handbag, laptop bag or small backpack
• Economy: 1 carry on bag up to 7kg (56 x 36 x 23cm / 22 x 14 x 9 in)
• Premium Economy: 1 carry on bag up to 12kg (56 x 36 x 23 cm / 22 x 14 x 9 in)
• Business and Business Elite: 1 carry on bag up to 15kg ( 56 x 36 x 23 / 22 x 14 x 9 in)

Riyadh Air checked bags: Domestic Flights

• Economy Lite: No free bag, can be purchased
• Economy Smart: 25kg
• Economy Flex: 30kg
• Premium Economy Smart: 30kg
• Premium Economy Flex: 35kg
• Business Smart: 40kg
• Business Flex: 45kg
• Business Elite: 55kg

Riyadh Air checked bags: International Flights

• Economy Lite: 25kg
• Economy Smart: 30kg
• Economy Flex: 35kg
• Premium Economy Lite: 35kg
• Premium Economy Smart: 40kg
• Premium Economy Flex: 45kg
• Business Smart: 45kg
• Business Flex: 50kg
• Business Elite: 65kg

In comparison, Saudia counts bags by pieces not total weight, for example "2x23kg" means two bags each up to 23kg. Visit Alternative Airline's and Saudia's baggage allowance help articles for carry on and checked luggage for more support.

Saudia carry on: All flights

• Economy Guest Class: One 7kg carry on (56 x 45 x 25cm / 22 x 18 x 10 in)
• First & Business Class: Up to 2 bags combined or individual items equal to 12kg (56 x 45 x 25cm / 22 x 18 x 10 in) and 9kg (45 x 20 x 35cm / 18 x 8 x 10 in)

Saudia checked bags: Domestic Flights

• Guest Saver: No free bag, can be purchased
• Guest Basic: 1 x 23kg
• Guest Flex: 2 x 23kg
• Business Basic: 1 x 32kg
• Business Flex: 2 x 32kg
• First (Flex): 2 x 32kg

Saudia checked bags: International Flights

• Guest Saver: No free bag, can be purchased
• Guest Basic: 1 x 23kg (2 x 23kg to and from North America)
• Guest Semi Flex: 2 x 23kg
• Guest Flex: 2 x 23kg
• Business Basic: 1-2 x 32kg (Depending on the route)
• Business Semi Flex: 2 x 32kg
• Business Flex: 2 x 32kg
• First (Flex): 2 x 32kg

Additional information for both Riyadh Air & Saudia:

• Each checked bag can be up to 158cm in total size (length + width + height)
• If your bag's dimensions go beyond 158cm but remain under 300cm, an oversized baggage fee will be applied to your booking and must be paid at the counter.
• Any checked luggage that exceeds 300 cm cannot be accepted and will need to have alternative plans made for it.

With either airline you choose you will not miss out on having the opportunity to pack all your favourite holiday items. It is wise to check the fare rules before you travel as these can change by route and class.

Choosing your seat 💺

💜 Riyadh Air Premium Economy & Economy Standard (Lite, Smart & Flex):

• For Flex customers, free access to complimentary seat selection
• On Lite & Smart bookings, a payment is required to choose a seat or randomly selected for free at check in

💜 Riyadh Air Business (Smart & Flex):

• All seats within business class are private suites with aisle access, there are no specific areas to avoid
• Riyadh Air provides a free seat selection within their business class tickets. Upgrades are available for those who wish to have a Business Elite ticket. This requires an additional charge.

💜 Riyadh Air Business Elite:

• Free seat selection for all Business Elite passengers

⭐ Saudia Guest (Saver, Basic & Flex):

• Guest Saver & Basic ticket holders are required to pay for free access to seat selection.
• Guest Semi Flex ticket holders have free access to select a seat, any requests for higher enhanced seats require extra cost.

⭐ Saudia Business (Basic, Semi Flex & Flex):

• Saudia's seat selection is free of charge on every business fare. However there is a catch! It is common for their to be an aircraft swap which can impact your selected seat at short notice.

⭐Saudia's First Class (Flex):

• First Class ticket holders seat selection is free of charge

For those travelling in groups choosing multiple seats close together is possible with both airlines. For larger bookings, to save money the business standard fare tickets seem the better option.

Ticket Flexibility 🎟️

Riyadh Air structures its ticket flexibility by tiered fare bundles; Lite, Smart, Flex & Elite

• Lite Fare: The most affordable option with flexibility to add extras to your booking.
• Smart Fare: An enhanced list of extras such seat upgrades, lounge access and special assistance add ons for young solo flyers. With non air services like hotels, transfers and tours linked to your booking.
• Flex Fare: Major travel perks including Business Elite front row upgrade, additional baggage beyond the 50kg (international) and 45kg (domestic) weight limit. As well as special assistance add ons such as travelling with pets, musical instruments or extra comfort seating.
• Elite Fare: The top business class ticket with guaranteed front row suite, extreme comfort, free on flight amenities, extra baggage accessible and more.

There are key differences between each bundle with slight contrasts in their policies for refund and cancellations, changing a booking, baggage allowance, seat selection and access to additional services. It would be most helpful before you travel to check these policies based on the bundle you have picked.

In comparison, Saudi structures their tickets based on their fare classes with varying rules for changes and cancellations.

• Guest Saver: The most restrictive fare, no free cancellations or refunds
• Guest Basic: Any amendments such as refunds or flight changes the customer wishes to make requires a fee plus any fare difference.
• Guest Semi Flex: Any changes requested to be made requires a small fee (more affordable than basic fare)
• Guest Flex: Free flight changes, however a fee is required if there is a difference in fare.
• Business Flex: Free cancellation, free flight changes and free seat selection!
• Business Semi Flex & Business Basic: Both offer free lounge access, fast track security, but any changes or cancellations require an additional fee and carry restrictions.
• All Business class tiers: Dedicated check in, priority boarding, increased bag allowances and free seat selection.
• First Class: Free refunds, cancellations and amendments

Looks like a win-win for both airlines! Affordable budget fares and access to multiple add-ons whichever tier you choose. Both airlines are competing for top spot and its looking tight! Saudia is leading the way with their Business Flex tier with cancellations, flight changes and seat selection free!

Loyalty programmes 💎

Riyadh Air

Riyadh Air provides a loyalty programme called Sfeer, meaning "ambassador". This is where members can earn points per flight they take, meaning they can later spend those points on future flights.

These points can also count towards certain levels which enables the customer to have access to enhanced benefits.

These levels are: Silver, Gold and Platinum. The higher tiers enable access to lounge access such as Riyadh Air's Hafawa Lounge.

The key benefits of being apart of the Riyadh Air loyalty programme are:

• There is no expiry date for Sfeer points, customers can hold onto them for as long as they like
• Members have access to free inflight wifi
• Members can use their points on partners outside of flying such as Hilton, Uber and Cinema experiences.
• You can share your Sfeer & level points with friends and family
• Dynamic points pricing across the board. Rewards flights will typically cost more points when cash fares are higher.
  

Saudi

Saudi also has a loyalty programme called AlFursan, an older and more established venture compared to Riyadh's. Enables flyers the chance to earn frequent rewards, redeem miles for flights, upgrades and access to tiered memberships. Customers can earn reward miles by flying with Saudia and other SkyTeam partners. Plus they can use their points on partner brands.

Similar to Riyadh Air, Saudi also has status tiers; Blue, Silver and Gold.

The key benefits of these tiers:

• Extra Baggage: Available to silver and gold members
• Free Seat Selection: Available to silver and gold members
• Family Programme: Each tier is added up per person, so each family member can strive for the tier they wish for
• Saudi also runs regular bonus offers for their flyers!

Hard decision! Which one will you pick? Well, Saudia's AlFursan rewards programme is well settled, used for years and is alliance backed. Offering lots of perks including; extra bags and free seat selection. Riyadh Air's Sfeer rewards programme is newer and fresh. Provides flyers with free wifi and you can share your points for friends and family to enjoy.

Final Countdown: Which Airline are you choosing? ✈️

Best for families 💜

If you are travelling in a group with loved ones, the best fit would be Saudia Airlines for your next holiday.

• You will have access to free seat selection at check in, this way the whole family can sit together.
• Access to higher weight limits up to 46kg for checked luggage for economy tickets.
• Access to family loyalty programmes
• Available space for prayer on board during long haul routes
• Saudia has a larger network of direct routes, perfect for little one's if they aren't used to long distances.

Best for solo travellers 🌎

Riyadh Air wins the vote for solo travellers! Let's breakdown why:

• Consistent and reliable service for flyers getting from point A to B
• All business seats are private suites with sliding doors and aisle access
• Free wifi for Sfeer loyalty programme members, perfect when travelling alone
• Premium economy is a great middle ground which is an option Saudia does not have. You will experience an enhanced level of comfort but still pay affordable prices.

Best for business travellers 🧳

All depends on the route you wish you take:

Select Saudi if you:

• Require lots of luggage and are travelling between countries
• Are a frequent flyer and would like to participate in loyalty rewards programmes
• Need clear cancellation & refunds policy for work schedules

Select Riyadh Air if you:

• Fly the airlines most frequent routes such as Mumbai, Dhaka, Islamabad, Lahore, Manilla and Kuala Lumpur.
• Prefer flexible timing, Riyadh Air's loyalty programme provides points that don't expire.
• Free wifi to work onboard

Best for leisure 🌴

Well this works for both! Pick Riyadh Air for the onboard experience and Saudia for the wide choice of destinations.

Riyadh Air's luxury feel:

• High quality cabins, calming mood lighting and delicate stitching
• Large media entertainment screens with bluetooth access
• Premium economy option
• Free wifi for loyalty programme members
• Spend points with Sfeer partners so your points can go beyond flights

Saudia's wide network of flights:

• 100+ destinations to visit such as Paris, Maldives and Madrid
• Consistent ticket prices throughout the year and jump at opportunities to save money on Guest Class and Business class flights
• Treat yourself for a once in a lifetime journey in First class on aircraft 777's.
• Saudia provides layover options to their routes, allowing flyers to have up to 96 hours valid on visa's to do some exploring before their next flight.

Why should I book my flights with Alternative Airlines? 🤔

Start your search today by visiting our Alternative Airlines website or if you would like more information on Riyadh Air and Saudia visit our landing pages before you book.

How can I book my flights with Alternative Airlines?

Booking is easy, lets break it down! 📝

• Start by visiting our search bar on the Alternative Airlines homepage
• Enter your travel details such as departure & arrival locations, dates, cabin class and type of flight you would like. This can be either single or return flight.
• Choose from the list of available flight routes we have, narrow down your search using our filters by airlines we ticket, timeframe and cost.
• Work through the booking flow until you reach checkout.
• At Alternative Airlines we have a wide range of ways to pay, including buy now pay later - spread the cost of your flight into smaller instalments and pay later.
• Choose your preferred way to pay and confirm your booking

Can I spread the cost of my purchase on a Riyadh Air & Saudia flight?

Yes! Of course - You can choose from an extensive list of our buy now pay later partners. These include; Klarna, Afterpay, Affirm and so many more of our global partners.

If you're based in Saudia Arabia and the UAE, lender's such as Tabby and Tamara are here to help you split the cost into smaller instalments and pay back over time.

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