PIA or Saudia?

[Pilipilihoho]

I have to go to Pakistan (for work) but make my own arrangements: I can go direct with PIA, and the cheapest option is Saudia (means there's more in the budget for other things, but not inherently important).

I've never flown with either so can any of you offer advice on either? (No preference for direct flights particularly, and other options are available for airlines - these are the two I'm unfamiliar with but are currently contenders for the above reasons Transit in Saudi between 1.5 and 3 hours, if that's relevant too)

Thanks for any help!

I live in Saudi and have flown Saudia. Nice enough airline, feels safe etc, obviously no alcohol/pork products served on board. Can't speak for PIA though. Think I got served nuts as my flight snack though so if you have allergies like this, then be aware.

Where are you transitting? Riyadh and Dammam are fine, avoid Jeddah, it's a zoo, truly awful with little to entertain/refreshments.

Should add the nut thing is v common on middle eastern airlines. They are the best mind!

Thanks so much, Happy - and very good tip on Jeddah too (as that's where most of the changes are coming up). Much appreciated! (Love nuts, not worried at all about pork and booze )

I used to fly Saudia first class before they blockaded us. It was about 1500 pounds return to London first and a bit less for business. No pissed assholes puking like most Me flights. The customer service is good, airport is fine. If you are white, they wave you through all the queues at the gate and boarding.

Yes Jeddah is horrendous, Riyadh is nice enough although only ever gone straight to bed in a lounge cubicle.

Saudia isn’t bad. The plus side is that they don’t mind people changing seats and if you are travelling as a woman on your own they will try to get you somewhere with an empty seat next to you. No alcohol, food is plane food, entertainment is funny (I remember an episode of NCIS in which Ziva was wearing an average sort of top and her chest was blurred out due to a teensy bit of cleavage).

But personally, I prefer direct flights.

Riyadh versus Jeddah - I’ve been through both and both are pretty average as airports go. No preference, really. I think there is less walking in Riyadh but both are pretty small compared to Heathrow or Gatwick.

Do not fly PIA. Like seriously don't. My dad used to live in Islamabad and he would always take the longer flight. Qatar is good.

And you can drink on Qatar. Though I appreciate there is a layover.

Yes Qatar definitely is the best economy flight available. And DOH is the best, not just because I work there

Thanks, guys - really helpful and much appreciated!

Flying PIA was always memorable for the saying of a prayer before take off. That was 20+ years ago so it might have changed now!

PIA is utterly shit. Fly Qatar or Emirates. Saudia is much better than PIA.

Thanks, guys - Qatar has OK timings but Emirates has an overnight both ways (as does Etihad, for some reason - perhaps because I'm not going from one of the London airports) so might go Qatar to avoid Jeddah and PIA!