Originally Posted by
BobFF68
I'm really tempted to book SV the return leg of my next trip to Italy, MXP to CGK as business saver it is still offered at less than 500 Euro one way, even cheaper than most economy fares with other airlines. I would book the onward leg with EY economy and upgrade with miles, as a whole return ticket with SV in J on the other side it is not worth at all, it comes at almost 2500 Euro where other airlines offering even (slightly) cheaper options with definitely better soft product and schedule.
My aim is to be able to sleep comfortable during flights and arrive at destination in good shape, for the amount paid I can easily manage the "dry" trip and probably the sub par service from FA I ever read above and elsewhere. My main concern is about the 10 hours layover in JED probably during Friday from 6 PM till 4 AM, is the Lounge in JED a decent place to spend 10 hours? Are there enough seats to do some works, get a rest and maybe a nap? Are toilet cleaned and is shower eventually available? is Food option and quality manageable? I'm definitely not expecting luxury first class options, I just want to avoid regretting about the whole trip due to a bad transit experience. Thanks in advance for sharing your feedback.
Just traveled last weekend back to Jakarta from Milan SV in J as mentioned above. In general I can confirm what other fellow posters already wrote here,
in my opinion, to consider:
From/to Jeddah to Europe mostly still using A320 with old recliner seats
Jeddah terminal is really a Zoo, I spent 10 hours in the small and sub par lounge and luckily entered when was still empty as if you get there at the wrong time you cannot even find a seat, by the way I appreciated the creamy ravioli. Once it was time for boarding I should look around for the proper gate as monitors stating a different one, found the right one it was till showing the previous flight already departed. Maybe the situation should improve after the new Jeddah terminal will open this year.
Hard product on B777 to CGK is not bad, wide full flat seats, IFE ok but 2-2-2 configuration and a quite shabby look, soft product still below par compare many others (except maybe airlines from north America), robotic FA kind but almost zero interaction, food option more similar to Y just served on China. Yes, their Porsche Design amenity kits were definitely nice but it is not a big point to me.
At the end SV J is acceptable only if there is no other option than traveling economy and when it comes with a very cheap price, I definitely would not consider it as a primary option.