Saudia Airlines aircraft
Airlines

Saudia Airlines Baggage, Check-In + Boarding Guide

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Saudia (SV)

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Quick Answer

Saudia (SV) is Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier — SkyTeam member since 2012. Founded 1945. 140+ aircraft, 100+ destinations Asia + Europe + Africa + Americas + Middle East. Significant pilgrim routes for Hajj + Umrah (Mecca pilgrimages). Baggage allowance (Economy): Cabin (all): 7kg main bag 56x45x25cm + 1 small item. Economy: 30kg/35kg checked by fare (Saver/Flex). Premium Economy: 7kg cabin + 35kg checked. Business class: 14kg cabin (2×7kg) + 40kg checked + lounge + lie-flat. First class: 14kg cabin + 50kg + private suite. Check-in: online 24 hours-1 hour before departure (FREE). Hubs: Jeddah JED (mega-hub for Hajj/Mecca), Riyadh RUH (capital), Dammam DMM. SkyTeam: shared with KLM, Air France, Delta, Korean Air, etc. Common fees: name change SAR 1,000+ / €240+, flight change SAR 500-2000. Tip: AlFursan loyalty — earn miles redeemable on SkyTeam. Most Hajj pilgrims worldwide use Saudia (free 2-luggage allowance for pilgrimage).

Saudia Airlines aircraft
Saudia (SV)

Saudia baggage + Hajj allowance

  • Cabin (Economy): 7kg main bag 56x45x25cm + 1 small item.
  • Cabin (Premium Economy): 7kg + small item.
  • Cabin (Business): 14kg (2 pieces × 7kg).
  • Cabin (First): 14kg.
  • Economy Saver checked: 1×30kg.
  • Economy Flex checked: 1×35kg.
  • Premium Economy: 1×35kg checked.
  • Business class: 2×32kg checked (64kg total) + lounge + lie-flat.
  • First class: 3×32kg (96kg total) + private suite.
  • Hajj/Umrah pilgrim allowance: 2 checked bags (46-50kg total) — generous for religious pilgrimages from worldwide.
  • Zamzam water from Mecca: 1 bottle (5L) allowed in checked bag for Hajj passengers.
  • SkyTeam Elite Plus: +1 checked bag.

Saudia check-in + alcohol policy

  • Online check-in: 24 hours to 1 hour before departure (45 min long-haul).
  • Mobile boarding pass: Saudia app, ApplePass, GooglePass.
  • Self-service kiosks: at Jeddah + Riyadh + Dammam.
  • Bag drop: 3-4 hours before departure.
  • Boarding closes 30 minutes before scheduled departure.
  • NO ALCOHOL ONBOARD: Saudia is dry airline. No alcohol served in any cabin.
  • Halal food onboard: all meals halal-certified.
  • Prayer times: announced during flight. Direction to Mecca (Qibla) shown on entertainment system.
  • Modest dress: conservative cabin atmosphere. Saudi Arabia has strict cultural norms.
  • Religious schedules: Saudia significantly increases capacity for Hajj (July-August) + Umrah (Ramadan + year-round).

Saudia routes + AlFursan loyalty

  • Major hubs: Jeddah JED (mega-hub for Hajj/Mecca), Riyadh RUH (capital + business), Dammam DMM (Eastern Province).
  • Asia: Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Mumbai, Delhi, Karachi, Lahore, Dhaka, Jakarta, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo.
  • Europe: London, Paris, Frankfurt, Madrid, Manchester, Vienna, Milan, Rome, Brussels, Athens, Istanbul.
  • USA: NYC JFK, Washington Dulles, LA.
  • Middle East: all major Gulf cities + Tehran, Baghdad, Beirut, Damascus.
  • Africa: Cairo, Khartoum, Lagos, Abuja, Casablanca, Algiers, Tunis, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, Johannesburg.
  • AlFursan: Saudia frequent flyer program.
  • Status tiers: Member → Silver → Gold (SkyTeam Elite) → Platinum (SkyTeam Elite Plus).
  • Gold: priority + Saudia lounges + 5% bonus miles.
  • Platinum (SkyTeam Elite Plus): all SkyTeam lounges worldwide + +1 bag + Premium service.
  • Earn miles: on Saudia + all SkyTeam partners (KLM, Delta, Air France, Korean Air).
  • Religious priority: Hajj group leaders get priority status.

Saudia premium cabins + service

  • First class (limited routes): Boeing 777 + A330 long-haul. Private suite with door.
  • Business class (Horizon Suites): lie-flat 1-2-1 layout on 787 + A330.
  • Premium Economy (limited): available on some long-haul.
  • Economy: 32-inch pitch.
  • Onboard: Saudi Arabian cuisine + Middle Eastern hospitality.
  • Cabin crew: mostly Saudi national. Polite + reserved service style.
  • Skytrax: 4-star airline (improving).
  • Reviews: 3.5-4/5 stars typical. Religious + business traveler focus.
  • Lounge access: Wellbeing Lounge at Jeddah for Business + First + AlFursan Platinum.
  • Wahabi compliance: all cabin service compliant with Saudi Arabian Islamic standards.

Common Saudia fees + tips

  • 2nd checked bag: SAR 200-500 ($55-135) short-haul, SAR 500-1500 long-haul.
  • Excess baggage: SAR 100-300 per kg.
  • Name change: SAR 1,000+ / €240+.
  • Flight change: SAR 500-2000 / €120-480 + fare difference.
  • Cancellation: non-refundable Saver. Refund Flex + Business + First.
  • Pet (in cabin): NOT allowed for non-service animals.
  • Pet (in hold): dogs not allowed (Islamic restriction). Cats + small pets only.
  • Service dogs: allowed for disability.
  • Special assistance: FREE — book 48h ahead.
  • WiFi onboard: €5-25.
  • Best routes: Europe ↔ Asia via Jeddah (Hajj + Asian connections). Domestic Saudi Arabia. Africa via Jeddah.
  • Hajj capacity expansion: Saudia operates massive 747 + 777 fleet for Hajj season (July-August).
  • 2030 NEOM expansion: Saudia growing as part of Saudi Vision 2030.

Frequently Asked Questions

Saudia baggage rules?

Economy: 7kg cabin + 30-35kg checked (Saver/Flex). Business 14kg + 64kg total + lounge + lie-flat. First 14kg + 96kg + private suite. Hajj pilgrim allowance 46-50kg for religious travel.

Saudia check-in?

24 hours to 1 hour before departure online (45 min long-haul). Mobile boarding pass via Saudia app/ApplePass/GooglePass.

No alcohol Saudia?

Correct — Saudia is dry airline. NO alcohol served in any cabin including First class. All halal-certified meals. Prayer times announced. Conservative cultural atmosphere.

Saudia Hajj allowance?

Yes — Hajj/Umrah pilgrims get 2 checked bags (46-50kg total) instead of standard 30kg. Plus 1 bottle Zamzam water (5L) from Mecca allowed in checked. Special religious travel allowance.

Saudia vs Emirates vs Etihad?

Saudia: SkyTeam + Jeddah + religious focus + no alcohol. Emirates: Dubai + A380 + alcohol + premium. Etihad: Abu Dhabi + The Residence + alcohol. Saudia smaller network but religious specialist.

Saudia SkyTeam?

Yes — SkyTeam member since 2012. AlFursan miles redeemable on KLM + Air France + Delta + Korean Air + China Eastern + other SkyTeam partners. Earn on Saudia + partners globally.

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See also

Last reviewed: April 2026
Author: Kir Rud, Grandgo editorial
Sources consulted: official tourism authorities, government health and law publications, peer-reviewed travel references. This article is for informational purposes; for formal advice, consult the relevant authority.

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