Has anyone been able to reserve the Altanfeethi VIP service (essentially a meet & greet with access to the private VIP terminals in KSA)? This is now widely advertised on Saudia’s website. The blurb invites passengers to book the service online (through the airline’s manage my booking function), or via whatsapp, or by calling contact centres. Except that:

• On my online booking page the button to manage extras is greyed out (both on desktop browser and on the app).
• Multiple messages via whatsapp to the number indicated are completely ignored.
• Called the UK contact centre. The first agent had no idea what I was talking about. The second one advised that the service can only be booked by passengers with economy class tickets, no business/first class.

So much for a VIP service… I am about to give up and ask my business partner to arrange the service through government channels (in places like JED and RUH actually works like a charm, bypassing the normal facilities), but I thought I’d check if any fellow forum member had any luck booking directly with the airline as I’d rather pay and avoid pulling favours…