Programs: BD Diamond Club, BA, Flying Blue, Miles & More
Posts: 94
Saudia Al Fursan Benefits
Looks as if I may be using SV for a few trips in the forthcoming months, so I was wondering whether of not Al Fursan miles can be used for redemption on anything other than Saudia flights?
From the website, it appears that the only redemptions are flights that operate to/from KSA with the exception of Manchester - Geneva (thought this service was not now operating) and Rome - Paris. Nothing with regard to redeeming for hotel stays etc.
Programs: EK Gold, SV Gold, BA Gold, A3 Gold, BD RIP, VN Plat, SPG Plat
Posts: 3,945
There are two key advantages to the program, but they both come with status:
1) Lounge access
2) Waitlist priority
2) in particular has the potential to make your life much much better, particularly if you're flying regionally.
Miles used to be almost completely useless, because the time taken to redeem them successfully was incredible. Now you can use them online, it's somewhat better. But yes, SV only. That said, we had our first report of a successful transit on the forum recently, so could still be useful... SV J is not that bad.
Programs: BD Diamond Club, BA, Flying Blue, Miles & More
Posts: 94
Since originally posting, I have spoken with a colleague based over in Saudi who says it has been reported in the news that Saudia are at advanced stages in negotiations to join one of the three main airline alliances, so hopefully may be able to use one of my other cards to accumulate miles
Programs: EK Gold, SV Gold, BA Gold, A3 Gold, BD RIP, VN Plat, SPG Plat
Posts: 3,945
I'd be stunned if any serious alliance allowed SV to join.
Skyteam it is, then
Seriously, if it happens, I can imagine it'll take quite some time to be active. Saudia's back-end systems are still years away from the rest of the world.
(You can finally check in online... but only on domestic legs.)
Since originally posting, I have spoken with a colleague based over in Saudi who says it has been reported in the news that Saudia are at advanced stages in negotiations to join one of the three main airline alliances, so hopefully may be able to use one of my other cards to accumulate miles
I can confirm this rumor. I have no idea who it will be if it does in fact happen. I'm very surprised to even hear this rumor, i would have thought one of the other ME airlines would have done this before SV. Emirates, Etihad, Qatar all would have been better candidates IMO. SV flights operated outside of the kingdom would need some oversight on making sure benefits are followed. Inside the kingdom who knows what would happen.
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Saudia Al Fursan Benefits
