JED Transfer + Al Fursan Lounge
I did not get the new airport JED system. Our aircraft was probably intended to continue as domestic flight on the next flight, so we disembarked by stairs going by bus to the terminal. I expected much more from such a new airport. I know the old one was a disaster, but this one, let`s say, is poor Saudi management that degrades the feeling of the new airport. It would never happen in Europe..
We were just a few connecting passengers from the flight and had to pass the security screening. No one paid attention to us, even they did not even bother to see the screen with our baggage. Well, what a security!
We arrived at the Lounge. And let`s say, I expected much more from this space. It is a newly built flagship for the airline that profiles itself as an aspiring 5-star carrier. But the lounge does not compete.
First of all, it was freezing there. We had all our warm clothes intended for mountain hikes on us and it still did not help. The cold was awful.
The WiFi, criticised by many other bloggers, was also not working. We went to the reception and asked them for their secured password and it went a little better but still very bad.
The third point - the food - was… let's say ok. If you compare that to Air France - bad. If you compare that to Air Canada Signature Lounge - disaster. This should be the flagship lounge? Where? First class area is deserted, and incompetent staff not ready to do anything. Paper cups and plastic cutlery! I was shocked! Huge disappointment!
The horror story continued in the bathrooms where their only shower was located. They have one shower for a newly built lounge! You really do not get it! So, I waited as instructed, two people skipped the line in front of me without asking. This was an absolute nightmare experience. But it is to enough. As it was busy and they had no time to clean it, I have never seen anything as dirty as this space. There were everywhere plastic bottles used by previous customers and something like mud on the floor. Disgusting!!! Hot water runs only sometimes. Let`s run away from this space sooner than later!
Boarding
A little disorganised but at least made by the bridge, not stairs.
On Board
Boarded as one of the first ones, nice cabin, well maintained with a fluffy blanket and a pillow. I missed the mattress pad a bit.
Welcome drinks are offered as on our flight from Tunis. First smoothie or fresh orange juice accompanied by warm nuts followed by Arabic coffee with dates. Amenity kits were handed out but unfortunately, no menus were given and the orders were taken only by an oral presentation of the offer.
The problem is that the flight departs at 2 AM, and they asked us what we want for breakfast. You would expect them to serve it prior to landing, right? Nope, this was not the case. Contrary to what I see in many flight reports from JED to destinations like JED, KUL etc. that depart all at this time, they did not offer dinner. Instead, they made people wait for two rough hours after departure and stole their sleep to serve them something like this:
Fortunately, I went to sleep right after the departure and when woke up 2 hours before landing, I ordered a standard breakfast and they brought me a very nice meal which I liked a lot. This crew's approach when they wanted to make their job as easy as possible makes me sad.
Landing was right on time at BKK airport, where the A380S met each other. One of them will take us to Hong Kong in two days.
