Originally Posted by
ph-ndr
looks like you made it away, a bit later. Looks like you are current halfway across the Sinai.
The AS is a complete zoo right now.
-A
Indeed, so the issue was apparently a “flat tire” but that was able to get switched out at the gate, and not requiring an AC swap, so not the worst outcome (although did land in jfk 2.5 hrs late). I will say as I was leaving it was starting to get packed, and when I was there during the morning rush earlier this month, it was ram packed, as described upthread, with long waits for showers.
Originally Posted by
lost_in_translation
I struggle to see why anyone would pay what is being charged for Al Safwa access now vs. the quality of the product, personally - it's basically some mediocre chain restaurant food and relatively low shelf alcohol that just happens to be served in a physically impressive space. I get that a lot of people just want to experience it once which is fair enough, but I'm not sure most will be looking to pay again a second time.
I would say it highly depends when exactly you'll be transiting also. If it's during the day when the lounge is quite quiet you might still find it impressive. If it's during the morning or midnight peak it is now busy enough that it's really not relaxing either (Al Safwa now is basically where Al Mourjan was a few years after opening for reference, at peak times every chair in the dining area is pretty much taken but not yet in the rest of the lounge).
While I agree AS is *absolutely* not worth any extra money or miles, and it does get packed during peak times ala 2019 Al Mourjan South, I do think the food has improved quite a bit from last time I was there in the autumn of 2024. Granted I had most of these dishes during a relatively quiet time in the lounge, they were all absolutely delicious, though a few of them were special menu times for Chinese new year.
Dumpling soup from cny menu
Chili shrimp, also from cny menu. Very tasty but quite a small portion size.
Lamb medallion starter from regular menu. Was on the menu in 2023 but significantly better this time around.
Cooked medium rare and very juicy and tender
Wagyu steak. Probably the best steak I’ve had in AS.
Cooked to perfection.
Chocolate lava cake was decadent and delicious.
So suffice to say I’m once again satisfied with the AS food. The booze still sucks, and the food isn’t earning a Michelin star anytime soon, but I’d say it’s a step above your average stripmall chain restaurant. But again, it’s a good lounge if you already have access, but not worth any extra money or points imho.