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Noel, sadly that dark, dingy corridor was not at all “ hospital like”. All the corridors in our hospitals are now full of patients awaiting attention or admission.😢
Hey! Dunno if you'll ever read this, but I lived in Saudi Arabia when I was a kid, between 1982 and 1985. We literally lived across the street from Prince Abdul Aziz International Airport, and flew on Saudia back when it had the white livery with the green tail like their flag. This video brought back a lot of great memories of when I lived there. Thank you so very much.
@@taxi134-y1q Bob the MOST USELESS Security agent at 9:02. He didn't even LOOK at the x-ray screen when Noel passed his bag through it, didn't search him when the metal detector went off......Noel could had had a b*mb or a kn*fe in his carry on!
As a Saudi, I must say that Saudia Airlines was bad, but it has changed a lot in recent years in all aspects and this is really impressive, Riyadh Air is coming and it will be the most beautiful I am optimistic about that
As someone who flies regularly I would like to express my sympathy and admiration. Your videos look glamorous but I know how taxing the experience can be. Especially the time away from your family. And then you have to deliver fair commentary which can be awkward with your hosts when it is less than flattering. I'm a motoring journalist an we all appreciate the paraphrased expression: "champagne lifestyle on beer pay"
Honestly, Saudi Airlines and most Gulf airlines are now better than ever and constantly improving over the years. It's definitely not like the troublesome journey I had with British Airways from Dubai to New York. My layover was extended without prior communication or consent from us, and eventually, airport security didn’t allow us to stay in the boarding area. They forced us to pay for a hotel room out of our own pocket. It was a very frustrating experience. I swear, never again with British Airways
My experience flying with a 1 year old to Bangladesh was amazing. First leg with British Airways from Gatwick to Doha was brilliant, great attentive staff. It was better than the second leg of our journey with Oman Air to Dhaka.
to melodyOo i guess you having very shallow brain for not trying to understand why the airline doing this before taking off this is traveling islamic dua for every one traveling regardless the way of traveling.
I was glad to see Syrian Air parked next to you! God bless those people and their freedom ❤❤❤ (fun fact: last Saudia flight that same plane was parked in that same place! must have been its stand, and still is - very cool to see!)
I fly Saudia constantly and one thing I've realised is they're amazing on the international popular routes like LHR-JED/RUH and short haul to other gulf or domestic routes but when it comes to international to less popular destinations, its pretty average.
@@PieterCusters1983 Most likely image, they have just different budgets and needs for different regions and destinations. Riyadh air the new airline coming will most likely be more consistent.
I remember even back in 2016 in the old Jeddah airport, the terminal for international flights was terrible, but the area for domestic and GCC destinations was miles ahead
This is not uncommon with the ME3 (minus Emirates) and Turkish. Lower yield destinations get the lower end product. JED-CGK is labourer heavy not premium heavy so it’s going to get the older product more often than not.
@@PieterCusters1983 Flights to Europe, and other glitzy destinations are for the tourists and people with money. Flights to India, Indonesia, etc. are for the help, i.e. the army of migrant workers that outnumber the native population in the gulf countries.
I've flown 8 long haul flights with Saudia since 2022. I found the food and service I received on the plane and at check in to be as good a any airline I've flown with. Had a problem after paying for seats I wanted on one flight and the plane being changed after I'd booked. My seats didn't exist and we were allocated two that weren't together. To change this I had to pay again for two seats, though I (eventually) got refunded the extra payment.
Hi there and thank you for the review, I'm a recent big fan! This important to me/us Saudis as it's a tough decision for us to pick the this airline for international flights! Just a couple correction: -Saudi tea = it's Saudi Coffee -Call for a prayer = it's called the travel prayer which Muslims say when they embark on a journey (Dua'a Alsafar 🤲). It's been part of the airline tradition from the start as well. Happy and safe travel 😊✈
A 10 hour flight with no entertainment, that's why I always bring a book. That little bug, you wonder how long it has been there lol. The food looked pretty good though and the service seemed decent as well. I guess the price is about what you would pay on any business class flight that was that long, but newer plane would have been nicer. The security going into your second flight was weird, anyone could go through for all they know. But great video as always.
This was definitely better than the last time with Saudi airlines. The seats looked comfortable but definitely better. Glad they got you there safely. Enjoy Indonesia 🇮🇩 and your journey. Stay safe and healthy & much love Noel ❤❤
that looked really nice - love the A321neo cabin and those shadow shots of take off and landing were super cool. Remind me not to hire "Bob" for my security needs in the future. Thanks for the vid sir.
I flew this 777 from Dhaka to Jeddah. They mostly fly to and from Muslim countries to transport as many pilgrims as possible since visiting Mecca is an important ritual. My connection to Vienna was an A320 with the same nice layout you got on the neo. I loved the lounge!
I flew the Saudi airline 6 years ago to Riadh from Toronto and it was amazing. Great foods , comfortable seats , clean and friendly service . It was a great experience
Regarding inflight entertainment… I’ve had my share of funked up entertainment systems on flights (yes, even in first class!) so I always download a couple of movies, some music and have an ebook ready on my iPad. (That’s also useful during dinners alone or the end of the day when I need to unwind with a cup of tea or a glass of wine and WiFi is either not available, spotty or unsecured.)
This is another awesome UA-cam video by you Noel Philips! I always look forward to watching your videos on a Sunday as your videos are always so interesting to watch 😊
Hey Noel! so nice to see you every week. Love the family (included) trips! You have a great family and you are an awesome guy! Safe and happy travels always and I wish the best for you guys!
HI, just wanted to let you know I believe what you referred to as a "call to prayer" is a supplication that all muslims make before any travel it's consistant on all Saudi flights because a lot of people flying are muslim, or flying into jeddah for pilgrimage in Mecca. Great vid! I grew up flying Saudia regularly and with the new tourist visa's and the new JED airport i hope they continue improving their services accross the board and not just to the bigger airports like DXB, LHR.
Every time I land in JKT after a long haul from LHR, the first stop usually is to head to PIK. You've got all the best damn food right as you get off the plane, which will keep you awake for as long as possible. That being said, if you were a naughty boy, there's plenty of knocking shops in that area, where "transit hotels" were as fit for purpos as the ones opposite St Pancras in the victorian times!"
Great video, Noel! The Saudi A321neo looks surprisingly good on the inside, but I thought all of the new planes being delivered to the airline or in the New “retro” look?!😂 Anyway, I still really enjoyed this video. I definitely think Saudia is a quite inconsistent airline based on what you said, and the past videos of yours, which I have seen however, I’m still eager to try them someday. What a great video. I was a little worried it would be bad based on the thumbnail but honestly, I expected worse and it didn’t look horrible! Hope it was manageable! Cheers 🥂 my friend Caleb -Caleb’s Aviation
I wish more airports had sleeping rooms (or even sleeping pods) like t hat. That's one reason I tend to avoid longer layovers when I can, even if it means paying a few hundred extra in some cases, so an option for people who maybe have 2+ hours to kill between flights would be nice (and they could put these into terminals past security on airside ). I see things like this overseas but not many (if any) that I can think of in the US. I'm sure it would be a good business model for someone... say you charge $25 for an hour, or $60 for 4 hours for example. (on a side note, I actually thought Suncountry was a low-cost US airline and didn't fly overseas.).
Sun Country is in fact a US Low Country airline. Only international flights are generally US Military charters. What you saw was one of the 737 900s that they acquired from overseas getting outfitted. Also, you can get sleep rooms at some US airports, I've seem them in DTW at least.
I like the idea of sleeping rooms or pods. I’d have to be really tired to fall asleep there but I can see the allure. After three days I’d be dropping off asleep every time I sit down. Nice airport. Almost abandoned. Hard to believe people used to dress up to fly in suits to travel. Glad your trip had some pleasant moments even without Wi-Fi.
I've recently been on an Aer Lingus A321neo from DC to Dublin and found it very pleasant; they did an excellent job kitting out a narrow-body plane for long-haul flights between lower demand city pairs. I definitely relate regarding the Saudia 777 fleet, as they're very hit/miss with quality. On a Jeddah to Dhaka flight, the 777 I had was poorly maintained and I even had to move seat because the IFE stopped working on the seat I initially sat in, whereas the 777 I had from Paris to Riyadh a few years later was totally different experience and much better kept.
I always loved flying with Saudi Arabian Airlines 😂 Especially the London Heathrow to Jeddah Flight! I can imagine the Saudia Headoffice team watching this flight review and shouting at the guy who didn’t install the films/movie on the inflight entertainment screens 😂😂😂
Ah! Dubai Terminal 1! The home of the exotic airlines. I've had a couple of adventures there. I wish I could travel more. I have had the pleasure of trying out the Ahlan lounge, and I remember wishing my flight was delayed. Good facilities, good food, great staff and service.
I’ve often wondered what to do trying to get past people who are asleep on their flatbeds. The dinner was a nice portion and lovely chunk of meringue too. As always, safe journeys Noel!
I was involved in development of an IFE for a company called IMS in Brea CA, called Rave. It is now owned by Safran, and I don't know what their current offering looks like, but ours had a setup which only required power at seat during the flight to function. Individual failed seat backs could be replaced in flight "hot" by flight attendants from a pool of 3 spares. there was no central computer / feed, as you were experiencing on Saudi. Our launch customer were the Lufthansa 747s and if you ever take one before they are retired, I'd love to see if you are on one with one of our IFE's. A friend was about a year after I left IMS and it was cool. There was a central box, and I worked on the head end interfacing to the airframe. If it failed the only down side was that it would have to be repaired by a mechanic. The seat backs could run if they only had power. Early on there were discussions and war stories about earlier systems people at IMS (not our IFE) worked on with the Panasonic or Matsushita systems being modified. When they had early shakedown revenue flights, one of the developers got sent on a required accompaniment and the stories of pissed off flight attendants having to deal with some or all of the IFE down were legendary. As a contractor for the head end I wouldn't have been on such, but the story was related to impress on everyone what the downside of software bugs was for IFE related products. Don't mess up.
have you ever been through Belfasts airports?, I'm sure you get this a lot but I've been watching you for quite a while now and your videos honestly have helped my anxiety around planes (I have autism & anxiety so planes used to cause really bad meltdowns but I've found ways to help me now!) I even get excited for flights, I'm going to Egypt in February and I'm actually excited 😂 even my mum is interested in your vlogs 😂 she hears me watching them when I'm eating, I love seeing where you go and your experiences with the airlines and trains mainly as I also love trains, I'm going to Egypt and Austria this year!! I've been to Egypt before in 2018 but I'm still very excited to go again
I have been to George Best in Belfast - landed there on a short flight from Edinburgh. A cute little airport. Took a bus to the downtown bus station, then a short walk to my hotel. Spent 3 days in Belfast (it was fantastic) then took the train down to Dublin.
@@carlfromtheoc1788 I was supposed to land in George best coming back from Manchester in November but couldn't due to the fog! I live here so I see planes go into George best a lot
But there you are again Noel! And of course we will be here to rescue you all the way to the end of this journey 😅 (Thankfully from the comfort of our own homes ! ) Safe travels Noel! 👍❤️
I've been on this exact same 777 layout from Saudia. Though you're lucky they gave you an amenity kit, menu, and proper food. I received an economy meal lol, and yes, the wifi and entertainment didn't work as well lol. The only benefit was the flight bed.
10:45 the Al Fursan lounge: I liked it in the economy section. Walk in price was 50$. They have nice sleeping sofas which are half enclosed. Different buffets, fresh pizza oven, large bar. Clean toilets but no showers - I think.
That amenity kit reminded me of my days as a badminton player, where the sports brand Yonex was the preferred one. I thought there would be a badminton racket in that bag when I first saw the design 🙂
As family we use Saudi to flight from south east Asia to Europe in business class: I can say it is an excellent airline and you can touch all the efforts year by year! Not a lot of western do not love it because no alcohol served on board, which is not a problem for us!
Thx for coming back to our country and our city Jakarta bro... 👍 Saudia female flight attendant I think some recruit Indonesians because some of the passengers were Umrah pilgrims from Indonesia who want to return to Indonesia...
I understand tired is no fun at all but one of the most fun parts of watching aviation videos is checking out the food. Would have been nice to have seen what they would have brought you on the A321. Keep up the great work and get some rest
The flights weren't bad until you lost internet. Your hotel was really beautiful. Question the lack of security checks or I should say the nonconcern for safety. See you next week. Be safe and stay aware.
Thank you for doing the central time. Being in Louisiana, it is my time too! I am dealing with a wonderful case of Covid. No sense of taste or smell. But the kabobs looked great on the 777. Thanks for doing content that has kept me from going insane.
I am a bit concerned about how many times you mentioned there was no booze hahaha. Very cool video and I really want to eat that dessert!!!! All the best to Rach & the kids.
Last August I also flew saudi down to Jakarta (in economy though) with one of their old triple sevens. The cabin was very outdated and my IFE didnt work either, crew werent really helpful either. I honestly expected much more from Saudi as I considered them a much better airline, the return flight was in a newer cabin so the experience was better.
I have flown with Saudia dozens of times. For the most part, in the air, they are better than average. But if you have any hiccups, their customer service is non-existent. But It is one of the most affordable options to keep my klm platinum status. 😊
I had a similar experience with arabic security checks some 25 years ago. I was heavily shouted at in arabic by a soldier with an UZI when departing the plane on the apron for a stopover in Abu Dhabi - because I wanted to take a picture of the plane. Later in the terminal building: Me and my colleague had already passed security checks for re-boarding the plane. Right then he decided he forgot to buy something at the duty free. So we left the line, returned to the duty free where he bought some more stuff. After returning to the security check line he just said to me "we can skip this. we already went through security screening". Well, that's what we did. We just went left of the baggage scanner and joined the line after the security checks. Nobody of the security staff even seemed to notice. Me being 19 at the time doing my third flight ever I just blindly followed him. Just later it dawned on me how wrong this all was :)
I think you should travel to the Falklands. Amazing place, so pristine with incredible wildlife and beautiful landscapes. There is a local airline called FIGAS to scoot you around the islands in to wee grass strips. Plus weather very changeable so a fun adventure!
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Noel, sadly that dark, dingy corridor was not at all “ hospital like”.
All the corridors in our hospitals are now full of patients awaiting attention or admission.😢
Noel you should try susi air in Papua in Indonesia
Hey! Dunno if you'll ever read this, but I lived in Saudi Arabia when I was a kid, between 1982 and 1985. We literally lived across the street from Prince Abdul Aziz International Airport, and flew on Saudia back when it had the white livery with the green tail like their flag. This video brought back a lot of great memories of when I lived there. Thank you so very much.
No flat bed review?
Do you feel more turbulence at the front of the plane or back just wanted to knoe
I'm really happy we have Bob watching out for us, not all heroes wear capes.
Who is Bob?
@@taxi134-y1q Bob the MOST USELESS Security agent at 9:02. He didn't even LOOK at the x-ray screen when Noel passed his bag through it, didn't search him when the metal detector went off......Noel could had had a b*mb or a kn*fe in his carry on!
😅😅😅
I know you struggled towards the end of last year, so I’m just thanking you for continuing to post videos. Your sense humour really tickles me 😊
love the profile photo mate
UTFT!!
1:56 «Oh that’s perfect thank you very much, yeah that’ll be perfect thank you very much, yeah that’s fine thank you very much»😂
Thank you very much
Thank you
Very much.
You beat me to it😂 Thank you very much
Drinking game - take a shot every time Noel says 'thank you'
As a Saudi, I must say that Saudia Airlines was bad, but it has changed a lot in recent years in all aspects and this is really impressive, Riyadh Air is coming and it will be the most beautiful I am optimistic about that
You are so beautiful
SV has wider seat in middle seat region. Their meals is delicious. they need to improve their ontime schedule
Inshaallah
I hope so haboba
This man is spreading lies. As an Egyptian I’ve never been disappointed by Saudia! He and Josh Cahill have an agenda man!
“I can go 9hrs without any alcohol” 😂 proud of you 👏😂
😂😂😂
I can go weeks without it 😂
Bloody proud!
such a British thing to say and be proud of haha
@@stevecarroll6760 I can go years without it.
As someone who flies regularly I would like to express my sympathy and admiration. Your videos look glamorous but I know how taxing the experience can be. Especially the time away from your family. And then you have to deliver fair commentary which can be awkward with your hosts when it is less than flattering. I'm a motoring journalist an we all appreciate the paraphrased expression: "champagne lifestyle on beer pay"
Honestly, Saudi Airlines and most Gulf airlines are now better than ever and constantly improving over the years. It's definitely not like the troublesome journey I had with British Airways from Dubai to New York. My layover was extended without prior communication or consent from us, and eventually, airport security didn’t allow us to stay in the boarding area. They forced us to pay for a hotel room out of our own pocket. It was a very frustrating experience. I swear, never again with British Airways
My experience flying with a 1 year old to Bangladesh was amazing. First leg with British Airways from Gatwick to Doha was brilliant, great attentive staff. It was better than the second leg of our journey with Oman Air to Dhaka.
Have a good start in to the new week 😄
Saudi Airlines is the only Airlines you can say "Allahu Akhbar" without people losing their minds on you and calling police on you
Yea
Haha, try it, see what happens
to melodyOo i guess you having very shallow brain for not trying to understand why the airline doing this before taking off this is traveling islamic dua for every one traveling regardless the way of traveling.
@@stevecarroll6760nothing will happen it’s mean god is great but in Arabic language so any Arabic person will say the same yeah god is great 😂😂😂
I was glad to see Syrian Air parked next to you! God bless those people and their freedom ❤❤❤ (fun fact: last Saudia flight that same plane was parked in that same place! must have been its stand, and still is - very cool to see!)
I fly Saudia constantly and one thing I've realised is they're amazing on the international popular routes like LHR-JED/RUH and short haul to other gulf or domestic routes but when it comes to international to less popular destinations, its pretty average.
Why? What makes the difference?
@@PieterCusters1983 Most likely image, they have just different budgets and needs for different regions and destinations. Riyadh air the new airline coming will most likely be more consistent.
I remember even back in 2016 in the old Jeddah airport, the terminal for international flights was terrible, but the area for domestic and GCC destinations was miles ahead
This is not uncommon with the ME3 (minus Emirates) and Turkish. Lower yield destinations get the lower end product. JED-CGK is labourer heavy not premium heavy so it’s going to get the older product more often than not.
@@PieterCusters1983 Flights to Europe, and other glitzy destinations are for the tourists and people with money. Flights to India, Indonesia, etc. are for the help, i.e. the army of migrant workers that outnumber the native population in the gulf countries.
I've flown Saudia for many years and never had a bad experience. One of my fave airlines
I've flown 8 long haul flights with Saudia since 2022. I found the food and service I received on the plane and at check in to be as good a any airline I've flown with.
Had a problem after paying for seats I wanted on one flight and the plane being changed after I'd booked. My seats didn't exist and we were allocated two that weren't together. To change this I had to pay again for two seats, though I (eventually) got refunded the extra payment.
Hi there and thank you for the review, I'm a recent big fan!
This important to me/us Saudis as it's a tough decision for us to pick the this airline for international flights!
Just a couple correction:
-Saudi tea = it's Saudi Coffee
-Call for a prayer = it's called the travel prayer which Muslims say when they embark on a journey (Dua'a Alsafar 🤲). It's been part of the airline tradition from the start as well.
Happy and safe travel 😊✈
Wonderful vid again this Sunday. Noel always is in the 'thank you'- mode, which is nice.
9:21 Incredible that you got to meet someone with one of the most authentic Saudi names
💛💛💛
The airport was stunning!
Thanks for taking us places! ❤
Watching this on a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean. Worth it
A 10 hour flight with no entertainment, that's why I always bring a book. That little bug, you wonder how long it has been there lol. The food looked pretty good though and the service seemed decent as well. I guess the price is about what you would pay on any business class flight that was that long, but newer plane would have been nicer. The security going into your second flight was weird, anyone could go through for all they know. But great video as always.
This was definitely better than the last time with Saudi airlines. The seats looked comfortable but definitely better. Glad they got you there safely. Enjoy Indonesia 🇮🇩 and your journey. Stay safe and healthy & much love Noel ❤❤
Another Noel awesome video! I soooo look forward to your weekly videos......they save my sanity! They really do my friend! 👍👍😃😃
that looked really nice - love the A321neo cabin and those shadow shots of take off and landing were super cool. Remind me not to hire "Bob" for my security needs in the future. Thanks for the vid sir.
2:10 - I've slept in this exact bed at Dubai airport 3 years ago. Same room
had a chug in it 3 yrs ago
@@simonjones-ow1hiFunny. Value for money 😅
@@simonjones-ow1hi @noelphilips we're bedmates 😂
Ooh better get s blood test
@@simonjones-ow1hii saw a baby there one year ago, probably yours.
I flew this 777 from Dhaka to Jeddah. They mostly fly to and from Muslim countries to transport as many pilgrims as possible since visiting Mecca is an important ritual. My connection to Vienna was an A320 with the same nice layout you got on the neo. I loved the lounge!
Noel you need to try Jet2
TheMacMaster rates Jet2 highly for his flights from EMA to Spain and the Canaries.
Easily the best budget airline in the uk
easyJet is the best, I'm not a fan of Jet2
easyJet is better@onioneaterderek911
He has
Never had a single bad experience w Saudia. Been quite impressed by how much they have improved lately.
I used to operate Hajj flights to jeddah was a wicked experience
I flew the Saudi airline 6 years ago to Riadh from Toronto and it was amazing. Great foods , comfortable seats , clean and friendly service . It was a great experience
Regarding inflight entertainment… I’ve had my share of funked up entertainment systems on flights (yes, even in first class!) so I always download a couple of movies, some music and have an ebook ready on my iPad. (That’s also useful during dinners alone or the end of the day when I need to unwind with a cup of tea or a glass of wine and WiFi is either not available, spotty or unsecured.)
Good video again. Nice to see you're as enthusiastic as ever Noel. 😎😎 Jeddah airport looks very nice.
20:35 thank *GOD* for the currency conversion
My dad was pilot for Saudia from 1998-2012 and indeed SV has improved a lot
Love your consistency uploading videos🎉 😃 👍
This is another awesome UA-cam video by you Noel Philips! I always look forward to watching your videos on a Sunday as your videos are always so interesting to watch 😊
Glad you like them!
Hey Noel! so nice to see you every week. Love the family (included) trips! You have a great family and you are an awesome guy! Safe and happy travels always and I wish the best for you guys!
Thank you for your kind words.
That's the tightest airport security I've seen!
😂
HI, just wanted to let you know I believe what you referred to as a "call to prayer" is a supplication that all muslims make before any travel it's consistant on all Saudi flights because a lot of people flying are muslim, or flying into jeddah for pilgrimage in Mecca. Great vid!
I grew up flying Saudia regularly and with the new tourist visa's and the new JED airport i hope they continue improving their services accross the board and not just to the bigger airports like DXB, LHR.
You and Kara&Nate were very similar this week. Fun to see the difference in your experiences
I tought the same!
Love this video, thx for sharing ! 👍🏽
Every time I land in JKT after a long haul from LHR, the first stop usually is to head to PIK. You've got all the best damn food right as you get off the plane, which will keep you awake for as long as possible. That being said, if you were a naughty boy, there's plenty of knocking shops in that area, where "transit hotels" were as fit for purpos as the ones opposite St Pancras in the victorian times!"
Enjoyable video again taking us to places some of us may never get to thank you 😊
It's not the call to prayer, its the travel prayer
Love your videos they just keep getting better and better. I don't know how you handle all these time changes
Great video, Noel!
The Saudi A321neo looks surprisingly good on the inside, but I thought all of the new planes being delivered to the airline or in the New “retro” look?!😂
Anyway, I still really enjoyed this video. I definitely think Saudia is a quite inconsistent airline based on what you said, and the past videos of yours, which I have seen however, I’m still eager to try them someday.
What a great video. I was a little worried it would be bad based on the thumbnail but honestly, I expected worse and it didn’t look horrible!
Hope it was manageable!
Cheers 🥂 my friend
Caleb
-Caleb’s Aviation
I wish more airports had sleeping rooms (or even sleeping pods) like t hat. That's one reason I tend to avoid longer layovers when I can, even if it means paying a few hundred extra in some cases, so an option for people who maybe have 2+ hours to kill between flights would be nice (and they could put these into terminals past security on airside ). I see things like this overseas but not many (if any) that I can think of in the US. I'm sure it would be a good business model for someone... say you charge $25 for an hour, or $60 for 4 hours for example.
(on a side note, I actually thought Suncountry was a low-cost US airline and didn't fly overseas.).
Sun Country is in fact a US Low Country airline. Only international flights are generally US Military charters. What you saw was one of the 737 900s that they acquired from overseas getting outfitted.
Also, you can get sleep rooms at some US airports, I've seem them in DTW at least.
I like the idea of sleeping rooms or pods. I’d have to be really tired to fall asleep there but I can see the allure. After three days I’d be dropping off asleep every time I sit down. Nice airport. Almost abandoned. Hard to believe people used to dress up to fly in suits to travel. Glad your trip had some pleasant moments even without Wi-Fi.
I've recently been on an Aer Lingus A321neo from DC to Dublin and found it very pleasant; they did an excellent job kitting out a narrow-body plane for long-haul flights between lower demand city pairs. I definitely relate regarding the Saudia 777 fleet, as they're very hit/miss with quality. On a Jeddah to Dhaka flight, the 777 I had was poorly maintained and I even had to move seat because the IFE stopped working on the seat I initially sat in, whereas the 777 I had from Paris to Riyadh a few years later was totally different experience and much better kept.
Dhaka / Paris. There you go, that's all the explanation you need. Can't see why you be surprised by that.
You need to install a Noel Phillips “thank you” counter lol I bet it’s at least over 50 times a video lol
I always loved flying with Saudi Arabian Airlines 😂 Especially the London Heathrow to Jeddah Flight! I can imagine the Saudia Headoffice team watching this flight review and shouting at the guy who didn’t install the films/movie on the inflight entertainment screens 😂😂😂
Ah! Dubai Terminal 1! The home of the exotic airlines. I've had a couple of adventures there. I wish I could travel more. I have had the pleasure of trying out the Ahlan lounge, and I remember wishing my flight was delayed. Good facilities, good food, great staff and service.
You know it's gonna be a good video when the 80's adult 'entertainment' movie music starts playing.
I’ve often wondered what to do trying to get past people who are asleep on their flatbeds. The dinner was a nice portion and lovely chunk of meringue too. As always, safe journeys Noel!
With a two-two configuration and window seat, I would bring a stepladder…
I was involved in development of an IFE for a company called IMS in Brea CA, called Rave. It is now owned by Safran, and I don't know what their current offering looks like, but ours had a setup which only required power at seat during the flight to function. Individual failed seat backs could be replaced in flight "hot" by flight attendants from a pool of 3 spares.
there was no central computer / feed, as you were experiencing on Saudi.
Our launch customer were the Lufthansa 747s and if you ever take one before they are retired, I'd love to see if you are on one with one of our IFE's. A friend was about a year after I left IMS and it was cool.
There was a central box, and I worked on the head end interfacing to the airframe. If it failed the only down side was that it would have to be repaired by a mechanic. The seat backs could run if they only had power.
Early on there were discussions and war stories about earlier systems people at IMS (not our IFE) worked on with the Panasonic or Matsushita systems being modified. When they had early shakedown revenue flights, one of the developers got sent on a required accompaniment and the stories of pissed off flight attendants having to deal with some or all of the IFE down were legendary.
As a contractor for the head end I wouldn't have been on such, but the story was related to impress on everyone what the downside of software bugs was for IFE related products. Don't mess up.
Welcome to Jakarta, Noel. Didn't expect you visit us in early time this year.
the hi bob caught me off guard 😂
have you ever been through Belfasts airports?, I'm sure you get this a lot but I've been watching you for quite a while now and your videos honestly have helped my anxiety around planes (I have autism & anxiety so planes used to cause really bad meltdowns but I've found ways to help me now!) I even get excited for flights, I'm going to Egypt in February and I'm actually excited 😂 even my mum is interested in your vlogs 😂 she hears me watching them when I'm eating, I love seeing where you go and your experiences with the airlines and trains mainly as I also love trains, I'm going to Egypt and Austria this year!! I've been to Egypt before in 2018 but I'm still very excited to go again
That is great, glad you can enjoy your travels.
I have been to George Best in Belfast - landed there on a short flight from Edinburgh. A cute little airport. Took a bus to the downtown bus station, then a short walk to my hotel. Spent 3 days in Belfast (it was fantastic) then took the train down to Dublin.
@@carlfromtheoc1788 I was supposed to land in George best coming back from Manchester in November but couldn't due to the fog! I live here so I see planes go into George best a lot
That “hi bob” really got me 😂😂😂😂 9:26
But there you are again Noel! And of course we will be here to rescue you all the way to the end of this journey 😅
(Thankfully from the comfort of our own homes ! )
Safe travels Noel! 👍❤️
I've been on this exact same 777 layout from Saudia. Though you're lucky they gave you an amenity kit, menu, and proper food. I received an economy meal lol, and yes, the wifi and entertainment didn't work as well lol. The only benefit was the flight bed.
10:45 the Al Fursan lounge: I liked it in the economy section. Walk in price was 50$. They have nice sleeping sofas which are half enclosed.
Different buffets, fresh pizza oven, large bar. Clean toilets but no showers - I think.
Wow didnt know that they let you in as an economy passenger for a small fee. Thanks for letting us know
20:43 Sun Country in Indonesia is hilarious 😂
1:55 Noel says "Thank you very much" 3 times in 6 seconds 😂
Does Noel ever think to take a book or two with him on flights to read when he isn't vlogging, sleeping or watching a film in-flight?
Not bad! Great trip Noel!
It’s definitely a Saudia weekend for UA-cam. You’re the second travel video I’ve watched that has been on this airline today.
I flew them in Nov. as part of the SAS challenge video & now going back to post individual videos.
Im guessing that guy is ikhwan hidayar
That amenity kit reminded me of my days as a badminton player, where the sports brand Yonex was the preferred one. I thought there would be a badminton racket in that bag when I first saw the design 🙂
Great video Noel 😊
Glad you enjoyed it
Ah nice vid Noel,shame about the lack of in flight entertainment and wifi. Keep it going!
As family we use Saudi to flight from south east Asia to Europe in business class: I can say it is an excellent airline and you can touch all the efforts year by year! Not a lot of western do not love it because no alcohol served on board, which is not a problem for us!
Watching this video at midnight in my home country, Indonesia. Still enjoy👍 watching these videos.
Glad you like them!
Love eating snacks to this Channel ❤😂
Great vlog as always! I have heard that SV Hajj flight are really expensive! Keep up the good work! Be safe my friend!
Always enjoy watching your videos
Thank you! Glad you like them.
Thx for coming back to our country and our city Jakarta bro... 👍 Saudia female flight attendant I think some recruit Indonesians because some of the passengers were Umrah pilgrims from Indonesia who want to return to Indonesia...
The way i travel with you on every video bet i can't get lost on any airport we have visited
I understand tired is no fun at all but one of the most fun parts of watching aviation videos is checking out the food. Would have been nice to have seen what they would have brought you on the A321. Keep up the great work and get some rest
One of the best ones today
Very nice to wake up after a flight and see that you are just landing but at that time the seatbelt sign in on and the toilet is locked!
Another great video. As much as I like the views out the window, I always select an aisle seat so I can stand up and stretch on long haul flights.
Great video Noel. Please continue to travel safe❤️
The flights weren't bad until you lost internet. Your hotel was really beautiful. Question the lack of security checks or I should say the nonconcern for safety. See you next week. Be safe and stay aware.
I wasn’t expecting that “Hi Bob”, I might’ve laughed a bit loud on the bus to work 😅
After watching your video I am glad I avoided them while traveling to Riyadh and opted for TK.
Great video Noel, thoroughly enjoyed it. The security at Jeddah airport looked to be "Bob on" 🙄😉.
Thanks for the video 🙏
Thank you for doing the central time. Being in Louisiana, it is my time too! I am dealing with a wonderful case of Covid. No sense of taste or smell. But the kabobs looked great on the 777. Thanks for doing content that has kept me from going insane.
I am a bit concerned about how many times you mentioned there was no booze hahaha. Very cool video and I really want to eat that dessert!!!! All the best to Rach & the kids.
So nice to hear prices in Armenian dram! It definitely caught my attention. Thank you!! Hope you can fly into Armenia one day 🇦🇲
I am flaying with Saudia from last 18 years and I sware to God I never face any issues. All staff is good. All facilities are awesome
Last August I also flew saudi down to Jakarta (in economy though) with one of their old triple sevens. The cabin was very outdated and my IFE didnt work either, crew werent really helpful either. I honestly expected much more from Saudi as I considered them a much better airline, the return flight was in a newer cabin so the experience was better.
I have flown with Saudia dozens of times. For the most part, in the air, they are better than average. But if you have any hiccups, their customer service is non-existent. But It is one of the most affordable options to keep my klm platinum status. 😊
I had a similar experience with arabic security checks some 25 years ago. I was heavily shouted at in arabic by a soldier with an UZI when departing the plane on the apron for a stopover in Abu Dhabi - because I wanted to take a picture of the plane. Later in the terminal building: Me and my colleague had already passed security checks for re-boarding the plane. Right then he decided he forgot to buy something at the duty free. So we left the line, returned to the duty free where he bought some more stuff. After returning to the security check line he just said to me "we can skip this. we already went through security screening". Well, that's what we did. We just went left of the baggage scanner and joined the line after the security checks. Nobody of the security staff even seemed to notice. Me being 19 at the time doing my third flight ever I just blindly followed him. Just later it dawned on me how wrong this all was :)
Wow!!!! What a hidden piece of humor. I love it. Absolutely laughing out loud!
FOR ME TEA!!!!!!!!!!!! made my day!!!!
I think you should travel to the Falklands. Amazing place, so pristine with incredible wildlife and beautiful landscapes. There is a local airline called FIGAS to scoot you around the islands in to wee grass strips. Plus weather very changeable so a fun adventure!
Having seen what they did to the journalist in Turkey im glad you gave them a good report
"Not quite as crap". LOL! Said like a perfect gentleman, Noel!
That shadow shot was class 👏
9:30 to be fair, you just came off of a plane, and were still in the secure zone. Like, what exactly are they supposed to check?
What do you think?
@@peteking8063His hair.
Thank you for the entertaining content.
Glad you enjoyed it.