Riyadh Air has announced London flights starting October 26th and launched its frequent flyer program, “Sfeer” (from Arabic Safir, or “ambassador”). They promise a community/gamification angle (leaderboards, awards, challenges). And early registrants are part of their ‘Founders’ group. In the first few weeks of flying only Sfeer members will be able to book flights.
They’re not the first airline to promise a distinct ‘Founding Member’ tier. Virgin America did it – but never delivered associated benefits. It just get people to register for the loyalty program. Hopefully Riyadh Air Sfeer will deliver as-promised.
- Sfeer Points won’t expire
- Airline earning will include Riyadh Air, Saudia, and international partners Air China, Air France, China Eastern, Delta, Egyptair, KLM, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic so far.
- They promise non-air earn (“shop, dine, stay, and more”) but haven’t released details yet.
- There will be four status levels: Silver, Gold, Platinum, plus one above Platinum (name not yet disclosed).
- Revenue-based qualification via Level Points: based on cabin and fare brand with some Level Points earnable via ground partnerships. Tiers willl launch in early 2026. All travel prior to launch will count towards qualification.
- Members will be able to share miles (Sfeer Points), Level Points (status credit), and status benefits with family, friends, and colleagues. They are teasing a tap-to-share a lounge pass. The intent is to let members “share all aspects” of membership.
- There will be lounge access for higher tiers, starting with Riyadh Air’s Hafawa Lounge at their home market along with reciprocal lounge and elite benefits planned with partners.
- All program members will receive free wifi.
The program is run by Kim Hardaker, who used to run Etihad Guest before that program became bad.
Blah blah blah
Personally, I’m not gonna go to/through Saudi Arabia, but for those that do, hope it goes well for you.
Honestly, I’m impressed with what looks to be the Arab countries coming together with Israel for peace and release of the hostages.
@1991 — You again…
@1990, I think most of the Arab countries have for some time grown tired of Hamas trying to dictate their foreign policy. The Palestinian people will be much better off and have a much better future possible without Hamas, if that can be achieved.
From the visitor perspective, Saudi Arabia is open to tourism. I agree its government is oppressive (though less so than a generation ago); and people may make their own determinations about whether they choose to visit.
@DaveS — The oil-rich Gulf states (Saudi, Qatar, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, etc.) should’ve dumped Hamas long-ago, and should also purge Iran and its proxies from the rest of the region; it’s literally in their best interests (and I’d argue, the best interests of the entire world.)
As for tourism, I’m not that much of an ideolog, and I also still like ‘nice things.’ I’ll consider a visit once Aman opens Amansamar, so long as conditions continue to improve. While I don’t like ‘bone-saws,’ I prefer MBS’s attempts at modernization rather than the fundamentalists’ regressive views.
@ Gary — Rumor is top status will be called Seven Wives Club.
@Gene — Zing!
lol, it’s funny to see someone like 1990, who made criminally liable comments about Jews, now try to pivot.
She knows she’s about to get a knock on the door from the FBI. As she should. Have fun in prison.
@Hi Waitress — Hey, gurl, hey… glad you are experiencing a ‘funny’ here, in-part caused by my comments it seems. I don’t recall any specific comments about ‘Jews,’ so can you refresh my memory? Anyway, please do send backup. More Female Body Inspectors, please.
(Is this the right time for my, ‘who’s Akbar’ routine? Or, better yet, the ole ‘why’s everyone all work’d up about ‘hummus’ bit? …It’s delicious; add a little toasted pita bread… a great snack!)
@ Hi Waitress — “Criminally liable comments about Jews”? WTH are you talking about? I have absolutely no idea what you are referencing, but last time I checked, the First Amendment still exists.
@Gene — For now, friend; we must remain vigilant, and not give an inch, because they’ll take a mile. Same B.S., different hat/hood/arm-band, sadly.
On a somewhat related topic (free speech, threatening others, like @Hi Waitress attempted above), @Gary Leff, did you see that story today, reported in multiple sources, that a Rutgers University professor of history, who planned to move with his family to Spain, after receiving death threats? There is an airline/airport/international travel angle to that story, it seems.
Well, apparently, someone canceled he and his families tickets while they were at Newark, Wednesday evening, after having checked-in, etc. I don’t care what your partisanship or ideologies are, but that, friends, is not a ‘great’ sign for the health of our country, rule of law, etc. It’s also bad for business, like, folks should be able to book their flights, and not expect others to hack-in and cancel, or governments to put their thumb on the scales, so to speak.
That guy and his family are not a credible national security threat, deserving of ‘keeping him from departing on his flight.’ Such, exit controls, historically, are not a good idea for most circumstances either (think the Soviets in East German/Berlin, not letting folks leave…)
Gotta say, if it turns out this incident was actually directed by someone in the admin, well then, when the other ‘team’ is back in-charge, however long that takes, you’d better hope they prefer the ‘rule of law’ and not vengeance. I still prefer ‘rule of law.’