CX- Bahrain flight dress code for Riyadh stop
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: QF Platinum, ICH RA, HH Silver, Hyatt GP
Posts: 134
CX- Bahrain flight dress code for Riyadh stop
I have a HK- bahrain flight which stops in Riyadh first. With one hour on the ground in Riyadh.
I understand there is strict dress code or women in Saudi Arabia. What happens at the Riyadh stop? Would CX hand out an abaya while we wait at the terminal?
I understand there is strict dress code or women in Saudi Arabia. What happens at the Riyadh stop? Would CX hand out an abaya while we wait at the terminal?
#2
Join Date: Feb 2009
Programs: BD Silver; BA Blue
Posts: 16
It's a very long time since I was in Saudi, but I don't believe that they will force you to cover up. That said, if you don't at least wear a headscarf you will get stared at as you'll stick out like a sore thumb.
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Programs: QF Platinum, ICH RA, HH Silver, Hyatt GP
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But this flight is a one way loop- HKG-RUH-BAH-HKG which means they will definitely pickup passengers in RUH and must get everyone off to clean the plane in RUH.
Though I doubt there will be any religious police to arrest us at the airport but I remember when arriving in Tehran from Europe, there was an announcement on the plane that everyone must wear a head scarf as soon as the plane landed- this included all the air hostess who did not get off the plane in Tehran.
Headscarf is not compulsory in Saudi Arabia but a abaya (long black cloak) is for a woman.
Though I doubt there will be any religious police to arrest us at the airport but I remember when arriving in Tehran from Europe, there was an announcement on the plane that everyone must wear a head scarf as soon as the plane landed- this included all the air hostess who did not get off the plane in Tehran.
Headscarf is not compulsory in Saudi Arabia but a abaya (long black cloak) is for a woman.
#5


Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 6,978
But this flight is a one way loop- HKG-RUH-BAH-HKG which means they will definitely pickup passengers in RUH and must get everyone off to clean the plane in RUH.
Though I doubt there will be any religious police to arrest us at the airport but I remember when arriving in Tehran from Europe, there was an announcement on the plane that everyone must wear a head scarf as soon as the plane landed- this included all the air hostess who did not get off the plane in Tehran.
Headscarf is not compulsory in Saudi Arabia but a abaya (long black cloak) is for a woman.
Though I doubt there will be any religious police to arrest us at the airport but I remember when arriving in Tehran from Europe, there was an announcement on the plane that everyone must wear a head scarf as soon as the plane landed- this included all the air hostess who did not get off the plane in Tehran.
Headscarf is not compulsory in Saudi Arabia but a abaya (long black cloak) is for a woman.
So I think the previous poster is right, you will most likely remain on the plane.
#6



Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Florida
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I'm doing this route in reverse (BAH-RUH-HKG) this coming Wednesday night/Thursday. I'll try and get back here to report on what happens.
It's also been my experience that offloading/loading passengers and cleaning doesn't equal everyone getting off the plane. This was in Mumbai on the DXB-BOM-BKK-HKG run.
It's also been my experience that offloading/loading passengers and cleaning doesn't equal everyone getting off the plane. This was in Mumbai on the DXB-BOM-BKK-HKG run.
#7
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I never get off the plane when they clean it. I like having the plane to myself (and marvel at how quickly 10-12 cleaners can clean an entire 777 or 747 in 20 minutes flat. Also, it saves me from dealing with the always incoherent re-boarding process.
#8
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Hong Kong
Programs: Qatar Platinum, Etihad Gold, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum
Posts: 415
I have flown this route several times. There is no concern whatsoever with regard to dress code. The regulations calls for ALL passengers to remain in the aircraft. No one is allowed out unless in case of extreme emergency and at this occasions there should be no issue with dress code.
The only restriction with regard to Saudi "way of life" is the ban of alcohol consumption on board of the flight while grounded!!
The only concern one should have would be the condition of the airplane!! Very dated.. almost the worst of CX regional fleet operate this route!!
The only restriction with regard to Saudi "way of life" is the ban of alcohol consumption on board of the flight while grounded!!
The only concern one should have would be the condition of the airplane!! Very dated.. almost the worst of CX regional fleet operate this route!!
Last edited by dabbagmm; Nov 9, 2009 at 7:38 am
#10




Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 207
I've lived in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia as an expat for 15 years. Riyadh is more conservative than here, but even so, non-Muslim women do not have to wear head scarfs or an abaya (the black cloak). But, covering from the neck down (no cleavage and no legs showing and no arms showing) with loose fitting clothes would be respectful and appropriate.
#12
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I have flown this route several times. There is no concern whatsoever with regard to dress code. The regulations calls for ALL passengers to remain in the aircraft. No one is allowed out unless in case of extreme emergency and at this occasions there should be no issue with dress code.
Saudi Arabia is a medieval, barbaric state by any objective assessment.
#13
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Hong Kong
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Tell that to the girls who were forced back by Saudi Morality Police into a burning school to die because they ran out without what was regarded as suitable covering. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/1874471.stm
Saudi Arabia is a medieval, barbaric state by any objective assessment.
Saudi Arabia is a medieval, barbaric state by any objective assessment.
A couple of FTers who lived there addressed the question raised here with objectively and no "warnings" given whatsoever.
I can only sympathize with you if one of your dear ones of friends were among those suffered in the indecent you referenced.
#14


Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 6,978
Yes, there are horror stories all around the world. Some get reported and others don't. What I would consider a healthy attitude is to refrain from generalizing and unnecessarily bashing.
A couple of FTers who lived there addressed the question raised here with objectively and no "warnings" given whatsoever.
I can only sympathize with you if one of your dear ones of friends were among those suffered in the indecent you referenced.
A couple of FTers who lived there addressed the question raised here with objectively and no "warnings" given whatsoever.
I can only sympathize with you if one of your dear ones of friends were among those suffered in the indecent you referenced.



