I had a pleasant 9 hours flight from Singapore to Jeddah on SAUDIA’s B787-9 Business Class but my connecting flight to Tunis was in 9 hours. Having no visa to enter the Kingdom, I had no option but to stay at Saudia Alfursan Business Class lounge overnight till 5 AM the next morning.
There was no transit hotel at the airport so I had to somehow spend a night at the lounge which had no reclining seats.
Back then, the Alfursan Golden lounge was located on the now-closed South Terminal which was rather outdated in terms of design and facilities.
| On 25 November 2021, SAUDIA officially launched its newest Alfursan lounge at the New Jeddah Terminal. |
SAUDIA Alfursan Golden Lounge Location:
SAUDIA’s Alfursan Golden Lounge is located at South Terminal. Airside – Right area. The way to the lounge was pretty straightforward with signs easily guiding me to the lounge.
| Since June 2020, South Terminal is closed and all flights have been handled from the new Jeddah Terminal 1. |
SAUDIA Alfursan Golden Lounge Entry Requirements:
SAUDIA opens its door for all guests to access Alfursan lounges regardless of their travel class or Alfursan membership tier. For complimentary access, it is only available for passengers who are:
- Saudia First Class passenger
- Saudia Business Class passenger
- Alfursan Gold Member traveling Economy Class (traveling on Saudia or Skyteam member airline)
- Alfursan Silver Member traveling Economy Class on Saudia
- In the case of codeshare flights, the passenger is eligible if Saudia is the marketing carrier
Skyteam Elite Plus members (only accepted in Domestic lounges IF the passenger has next a Domestic connection to an International flight on the SAME day)
Then for SAUDIA’s Alfursan frequent flyer program members, you can invite extra guest/family members as below:
- Alfursan Gold / Silver members:
International flights: - First Class ticket: 3 registered family members.
- Business Class ticket: 2 registered family members.
Economy Class ticket: 1 registered family member.
Domestic flight: - Cardholder-only can access
- Alfursan Gold / Silver members should be traveling with their family members
- Alfursan Gold members: May invite a guest other than the registered family members (For international flights only)
- Skyteam Elite Plus members: May invite a guest
- Guests and family members must be traveling on the same date
The lounge access policy is a little confusing but nonetheless, Business, First and Skyteam Elite Plus members can definitely access the lounge.
On top of the member policy above, SAUDIA also allows non-elites by paying 189SAR (US$50) for adults and 94.5SAR (US$25) for children to enter the international lounge. Prices vary in the Domestic lounge.
SAUDIA Alfursan Golden Lounge Layout and Seating:
Though the lounge looked outdated from the exterior, the interior inside was quite spacious with the wooden floor mood lighting around, reflecting SAUDIA’s premium feeling.
The lounge features only two types of seats: a couch style and a seat for the dining table. Sadly, there was no separate relaxation area or a day bed for overnight connecting passengers. This was a little bit tiring for me as I had to face down at the dining table to get a short nap from time to time.
Other than the above minor problems, the lounge was kept clean around the clock and the buffet was restocked regularly.
SAUDIA Alfursan Golden Lounge Dining:
To my surprise, SAUDIA’s Alfursan Golden Lounge offered quite impressive dining options. I guess I did not expect much about the lounge until I arrived. There were a variety of buffet options prepared in the dining area as well as snacks and desserts available throughout the night.
Of course, there are no single alcoholic beverages in the lounge. Passengers can enjoy from fruit juices to soft drinks to tea or coffee as a replacement option.
SAUDIA Alfursan Golden Lounge Restroom And Showers:
Though I didn’t take pictures, there are separate restrooms and showers for males and females in the lounge. To request the use of the shower room, I approached the reception and they called one of the staff members to assist me to the showers. Standard shower amenities were provided in the shower rooms.
Summary:
I spent almost 9 hours overnight at SAUDIA’s Alfursan Golden Lounge before my next flight to Tunis. The lounge had decent food and beverages but it lacked proper seating for passengers who had an overnight connection since most of the flights arrive late evening and the connecting flight departs the next morning. Yet, the overall experience was relaxing.
Unfortunately, this Alfursan Golden Lounge is closed as Jeddah’s South Terminal closed its doors after 40 years of service, bringing an end to an unrivaled chapter in Saudi aviation history. Currently, a new Alfursan Lounge has opened at the new Terminal 1.
