Are you planning to travel in Saudia Airlines for the first time? If yes, this guide is going to be helpful in the context of providing you with crucial details associated with the check-in details of this largest airline of Saudi Arabia. 

A brief detail about Saudia Airlines

Saudi Arabian Airlines, rebranded as Saudia, is the largest passenger carrier of Saudi Arabia. Headquartered in Jeddah, the airline currently boasts of approximately 142 aircraft, pronouncing the significance of its fleet size. The fleet size of this scale is what enables Saudia Airlines to operate domestic and international flights to more than 100 destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America from its main hub at King Abdulaziz International Airport.

Why should you be familiar with check-in details of Saudia?

If you don't want to miss the deadline of your booked Saudia flight or stay in the know regarding your boarding requirements, you should familiarize yourself with the check-in details of your booked flight with Saudia. 

For instance, the information related to check-in will help you avoid encountering the unpleasant situation of missing your flights, incurring airport penalties, and also securing preferred seating. Most importantly, these details come in handy in terms of streamlining your airport experience, ensuring you are equipped with the knowledge and information to complete the security requirements and other protocols of the airport. 

Check-in Details- A guide to stress-free traveling with Saudia

Saudia usually follows three distinct check-in methods for passengers traveling domestically or internationally with the airline. These methods are:

• Web/online Check-in
• Mobile app check-in
• Airport check-in (counters and kiosks)

If you are a first time traveler, the guide will help you get familiar with check-in details step by step.

Web/online check-in process

Online check-in is the most recommended option for any traveler planning to book a Saudia flight. You will experience less stress, less queuing and more time to enjoy your trip, as the airline promises so. 

Online check-in: A quick Glance

• When available - It opens 48 hours before the scheduled takeoff time of your flight. However, for international flights heading for the USA, the online window opens 24 hours in advance.
• Possible deadline - The online check-in window closes 1 hour  before domestic flight and 90 minutes before international flights.
• How to use - Just visit the official website of Saudia check-in, and on the page, enter your booking reference or e-ticket number, and the last name. Your 6-character booking reference, or the 13-digit E-ticket number will be found in the confirmation email. 

Mobile app check-in process

To ensure convenience and seamless booking experience, Saudia has launched its official mobile app called SAUDIA. For the first travellers, choosing this option is hassle-free by directly completing the check-in process from your own smartphone/tablet using the official app. You can download it from Apple, or Google Play Store, install it on your device, and proceed with the check-in. 

What makes mobile app check-in convenient is that it provides the same capabilities as the web platform, with the added benefit of allowing you to save your mobile boarding pass directly to your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. 

Airport check-in protocols

Checking in at the airport may not be a good option for most travelers but it doesn't mean to say that it is valueless. In a situation where you require special assistance, traveling with infants, need visa or document verification, or if online check-in is not an option, resorting to airport check-in is necessary. Waiting in long lines and limiting your options for seat selection are also some of not so happy experiences with airport check-in processes.

The airport check-in process is Saudia at its major hubs like King Khalid International in Riyadh or King Abdulaziz International in Jeddah are different. This means, there are certain protocols you may come to notice at these airports during check-in. 

• When to arrive - Arrive at the airport 2 hours before the scheduled takeoff time of your Saudia flight if traveling domestically. If you are traveling internationally, then the airport arrival time is 3 hours before your flight.
• When the airport counter window opens - The airport counter windows open for baggage drop and check-in between 6 hours to 48 hours before the flight, but it depends on the specific airport hub, as outlined before.
• When the airport counters close - They close 60 minutes before the scheduled departure of your flight (domestic and international both). 
• US flight exception - If you are traveling from Saudi Arabia to the USA, then the check-in window opens 4 hours before the flight closes 60 minutes before the flight departure. 

Lastly, boarding gates close exactly 20 minutes before the scheduled departure of your flight. 

Additional guides to how airport counter process works for Saudia Airlines:

• Locate your zone - Information regarding where to locate the dedicated Saudia desks is displayed via large digital flight information displays (FIDS) that chronologically display the list of all upcoming flight departures. You can use the information to look for specific check-in zones or desk numbers assigned to your flights and accordingly follow the overhead signs in the terminal to that area.
• Present your credentials - This means the airport counter operator will demand your 6-character alphanumeric booking reference (PNR) or your 13-digit E-ticket number. Make sure it is ready, and hand it over to the counter attendant or check-in staff. If traveling internationally, provide your physical passport, or a national ID if traveling domestically. 
• Baggage processing - You need to put your luggage on the scale located next to the check-in desk. The counter attendant will ask you to place the luggage on it to verify if you are carrying the luggage under the permissible weight limits rule of Saudia.
• Visa verification - For the first time traveler, this means if the destination you are traveling to requires a visa verification, the airport authority or check-in agent will manually verify the same before handing over the boarding pass.

Bonus Tips: Saudia recommends passengers to securely place their name and address on and inside their baggage, remove all baggage stickers and tags, keep the baggage fastened and in their custody at all times.

A quick guide to when electronic gates close at different times

Final words

Traveling with Saudia is always an excitement, as the airline is famous for its award-winning customer service and great inflight hospitality. However, enjoying the charms of Saudia goes through check-in processes wherein you are expected to follow the airline’s protocols.

The check-in processes maintained by Saudia Airlines aim to help travelers avoid unnecessary hassles and travel stress-free. These are just some of the recommended protocols that the airline has set forth. 

Therefore, as a traveler, make sure you follow these protocols to streamline your experience with the airline, whether you travel domestically or internationally. 

And this is what concludes the essence of this write-up, providing a brief yet informative guide to Saudi check-in policies and rules for first time travelers.