VS242 LHR-RUH 23 MAY 25 (Upper Class)

Off for a long weekend in Riyadh.

Boarding started promptly at 2130 on to Billie Holiday GVJAZ. Full upper class cabin, Premium about half full and economy had about 40 seats left, which is a busy load as these RUHs have been really quiet so far.

Lots of little service tweaks that I don’t ever remember from the DXB route so would be interesting if anyone has a more recent comparison.

Boarding drinks were served along with a separate pre boarding drink of Arabic coffee served in the traditional way with a Date left in the suite for you. This was a nice little touch.

Attentive service from the as always excellent crew, with a Gold welcome from the FSM as he made his way around the cabin.

Menus printed in English and Arabic. Food choices were different to the US based menu with curries and a wonderful Paneer curry for dinner. The humous starter was really nice, but I would have hoped for an Arabic mezze.

Slept for about an hour or so, but as it’s a short flight it’s hard to really get any sleep. I’m 6ft6 and I have to say I think the 339 seats where you have thé console between you and the aisle are quite tight in bed mode.

They are great as a seat and to relax but as a bed just didn’t hit the spot for me. (It’s my 4th Neo flight in the last six months but the first one that’s operated as a night flight).

Breakfast was served 1hr30 from landing as usual it’s a bit more on demand as people are waking up. Again little tweaks to the menu to cater for the route.

Landed early into RUH and was through and in an Uber in about 15 minutes. Oddly disembarkation was from the L1 door! I don’t remember disembarking from the L1 doors for a long long time now.

really quick and in my hotel and in my room within an hour! Middle Eastern Hilton’s know how to look after Diamonds, including a 6 category room upgrade!

Lots of connecting pax heading off to flight connections when we arrived including a few I was chatting to who were heading to DXB!

I’m sure this route is being subsidised, so probably not a long term proposition for VS. The connecting pax surprised me a little, not sure if that’s cos it was the start of half term? There was a few kids on board for sure.

Thanks for the TR ColOrd. It will indeed be interesting to see this route develops.

Was there alcohol served on board?

Yes until entering Saudi airspace and the same on the return nothing served till we left their airspace.