How to Upgrade to Saudia Business Class for Cheap

Here are the best ways on how to upgrade to Saudia business class for cheap. For many, travelling in business class is a dream, and this article covers the smartest ways to make it happen without paying full price. In this guide, I will show you the most effective tips for upgrading from economy to business class on Saudia Airlines. Whether you’re flying for Umrah, Hajj, or leisure, these methods can save you thousands and provide a luxurious travel experience for a fraction of the cost.

Over the past few years, particularly during my two years living in Saudi Arabia, I have travelled frequently with the airline. This article is from my own personal experience as well as those of my family, who upgrade regularly.

Most recently, I took a 24-hour Umrah trip from the UK, flying in economy class for my outbound journey and returning in business class by using one of the upgrade methods I’ll discuss below. It’s surprisingly affordable, and Saudia typically offers several options for upgrading to business class, including a new feature they have just introduced.

Most Effective Ways to Upgrade from Economy to Business on Saudia Airlines in 2025

One of the most common questions I receive during my free 5-day miles and points course is how do you upgrade to business class? So here are the ways you can upgrade your economy flight with Saudia without paying full price.

1 Using Miles and Points for Saudia Business Class

Upgrading to Saudia Airlines business class using miles and points is one of the most affordable and rewarding ways to elevate your travel experience—something I personally proved during my recent 24-hour Umrah trip. For just £142 and 80,000 miles, I enjoyed all the perks of Saudia’s luxurious business class instead of paying the standard £3,000 cash price. It was a game changer for someone like me, planning luxury travel on a budget.

For those new to the concept of miles and points, I’ve created a free 5-day introductory course that teaches you the basics of utilizing loyalty programs to make premium travel accessible. For Saudia Airlines, you can use miles from SkyTeam partners like Virgin Atlantic and KLM, or you can redeem points directly through AlFursan, Saudia’s own loyalty program. If you’ve been sitting on unused AlFursan miles or accruing SkyTeam points, this is the perfect opportunity to unlock their potential.

My loyalty points strategy as a single mum is simple but effective. I primarily use my daily spending and my AMEX credit card to collect miles and points. Of course, being mindful of religious considerations, I always make sure to pay off my card in full every month so as not to incur interest or debt. This approach allows me to responsibly accumulate points without affecting my finances, turning everyday expenses into opportunities for affordable luxury travel.

For anyone planning Hajj, Umrah, or any long-haul trip, this strategy can provide you with a life-changing experience. It works exceptionally well for individuals who plan ahead and are willing to strategically collect miles through everyday spending. With the right approach, even a modest budget can yield business-class upgrades, transforming your journey into a more comfortable and luxurious experience.

If you’re serious about making luxury travel affordable, check out my full course bundle dedicated to teaching you how to save thousands on premium flights—including your Saudia Airlines upgrades.

2 Upgrading to Business Class on Saudia Airlines Using AlFursan Miles

Upgrading to Saudia Airlines business class using AlFursan miles is one of the most affordable and convenient strategies for travellers seeking a premium travel experience. 

Upgrade to Business class with AlFursan Miles in 3 simple steps

1. Book an eligible Saudia economy ticket—fare classes Y, B, or M are usually the easiest to upgrade.
2. Check availability for upgrades through the AlFursan portal or by contacting Saudia’s customer service directly.
3. Redeem your AlFursan miles to secure your upgrade (typically 20,000–50,000 miles per segment for UK-Saudi routes).
4. Enjoy premium benefits, including access to the AlFursan Business Class Lounge in Jeddah, priority boarding, and Saudia’s lie-flat business class seats with gourmet meals.

For Umrah pilgrims and frequent travellers flying between London, Manchester, or Birmingham and Saudi Arabia, AlFursan is a game-changer. My husband recently took advantage of their rare 90% bonus promotion on miles purchases, which effectively reduced the total cost of business class travel by over £2,000 per round trip. These upgrades offer incredible value for families or elderly travelers seeking extra comfort during their pilgrimage, as Saudia Airlines’ business class features spacious lie-flat seats, enhanced privacy, and superior in-flight service.

If you’re not already part of the AlFursan loyalty program, consider enrolling to start earning points on every flight. Whether you’re planning an Umrah or simply want to elevate your travel experience, these miles allow you to enjoy business-class luxury for a fraction of the usual price.

If you want to learn the most up-to-date on how to use the Al Fursan Saudia loyalty program to maximise your travels, then you can check out my masterclass, which is part of my bundle. This will reduce your time learning to 1/3 as I cover everything you need to know.

3 Upgrade to Saudia Airlines Business Class with the Bidding System

Using Saudia Airlines’ bidding system is one of the most cost-effective ways to secure a business class seat at a fraction of the full ticket price. It’s a straightforward process where passengers can name their price for an upgrade, and if their bid is accepted, they’ll enjoy premium travel perks without paying full business-class fares.

Here’s a simple guide to help you understand the process:

How the Saudia Airlines Bidding System Works

Step 1: Book Your Ticket
To participate in the bidding system, you’ll need to book an economy-class ticket. You will also have the option to bid even if you book your flight with miles in economy. I did have this option twice. I recommend booking directly via Saudia.com to increase your chances of receiving an upgrade invitation email. While third-party bookings may also qualify (if your email address is registered in the system), booking directly eliminates uncertainty.

Step 2: Wait for the Upgrade Email
After booking, you’ll receive an email from Saudia Airlines inviting you to bid for an upgrade. The email includes:

• A sliding scale tool showing your bid’s likelihood of success, such as “Fair Chances,” “Good Chances,” or “Excellent Chances.”
• Bid prices vary depending on the destination, route, and seat availability. For instance, upgrades on the Manchester to Jeddah route often start at £550 but around $900 for New York to Jeddah.
• Tip: Flights with more empty business class seats are more likely to accept “Fair” or budget-friendly bids.

On my recent trip to Jeddah, I was offered £520 as fair and up to £1000 for excellent. Considering I had booked my flight on points in economy, it was still a good deal.

Step 3: Submit Your Bid & Wait for Confirmation
Once you’ve placed your bid, Saudia Airlines will notify you via email if it’s accepted around 24hrs before your flight. Alternately, you can check the status of your upgrade in the “Manage Bookings” section on Saudia.com.
Important Note: For group bookings, bids apply to all passengers on a single booking. If you only wish to upgrade certain individuals, ensure they’re booked on separate tickets to avoid upgrading everyone.

Step 4: Enjoy the Benefits of Business Class
If your bid is successful, the upgrade is charged around the time of your flight. Once upgraded, you’ll gain access to a wealth of business-class perks.

During our flight in 2021 from Jeddah to the Maldives, I paid £255 for a one-way ticket with a reasonable chance of an upgrade. I placed the minimum bid for the upgrade since I wasn’t particularly invested in the outcome, but ultimately, we did not win the bid.

Pro Tip: To increase your chances of winning a bid, aim for at least “Good Chances” on the sliding scale or look for flights during off-peak times to secure a more affordable upgrade.

During their Umrah, my in-laws managed to upgrade both legs of their journey for a total cost of £2,150 per person using the Saudia bidding upgrade system for business class, saving nearly 50% compared to buying outright business class tickets.

These savings are especially beneficial for families or groups who want to travel in comfort without splurging excessively.

4 Upgrade to Saudia Business Class at the Airport

Saudia often displays last-minute upgrade offers prominently at the check-in area, making it an excellent option for travellers seeking affordable luxury. On my route from Manchester to Jeddah, I was offered a business class upgrade for just £450, which is significantly cheaper than Saudia’s online bidding system, where I was offered an upgrade for £520 as fair. Imagine I had paid that and then offered lower at the airport.

This airport upgrade option is particularly appealing for solo travellers or couples, as seat availability depends entirely on the remaining capacity in the business class cabin. However, for larger groups or families travelling for Umrah, this method might be less reliable since securing multiple seats isn’t guaranteed.

Airlines want to sell as many seats as possible in their premium cabins, especially on high-demand routes like Jeddah to London or Manchester to Jeddah. Much cheaper than having to upgrade due to high occupancy for free. 

By offering discounted airport upgrades, they ensure their business class cabins fly at full capacity while travellers enjoy significant savings compared to both the full fare and the bidding system.

Note: If you are upgrading at the airport, you will not have the extra baggage allowance that comes with business class tickets. However, you will still receive lounge access, fast track, and, of course, the full business class experience.

Comparison Table

Here’s a quick comparison of all the Saudia Airlines business class upgrade options discussed above so you can choose the method that suits your budget and travel style.

Flexible travel/solo	Cost	Success Rate	Best For	Requirements
Miles	£100+ & miles	High	Anyone with miles	miles knowledge
Cash Bidding	£200pp + per route	Moderate	Flexible travel / solo	submit a bid
Airport upgrade	£450+pp	Medium – Low	Last minute plans	seat availability
Cash purchase	£2,000+ pp	High	Cash buyers	no requirements

Final Tips for Smart Saudia Business Class Upgrades

Travelling in business class on Saudia Airlines doesn’t have to remain a distant dream. 

Whether you’re flying for Umrah, Hajj, or leisure, there are several cost-effective ways to upgrade from economy to business class without excessively paying for premium fares.

By leveraging your miles, using the bidding system, or exploring last-minute airport upgrades, each method provides a unique opportunity to enjoy Saudia’s luxurious business-class perks—including lie-flat seats, gourmet meals, lounge access, and personalised service.

With a bit of strategic planning and flexibility, you can enhance your travel experience without breaking the bank. Flying in business class can make long-haul routes, such as London to Jeddah or New York to Riyadh, more comfortable and enjoyable, particularly for families, elderly travellers, or solo pilgrims embarking on an Umrah.

Final Tips for Smarter Upgrades:

• Start Early: Leverage your AlFursan loyalty program miles and monitor their promotions to save even more on upgrades.
• Stay Flexible: Use the bidding system strategically and aim for off-peak flights or lower-demand routes to increase your chances of success.
• Think Economically: Ask about discounted last-minute upgrades at the check-in counter, especially if you’re travelling alone or as a couple.
• Check my course so you can earn the most up to date tips without spending hours. 

Ultimately, upgrading with Saudia offers great value and the opportunity to enjoy premium experiences for less. 

By implementing the strategies outlined in this article, you will not only save money but also savour the comfort, service, and convenience of travelling in Saudia’s business class. 

For an even faster way to reach your upgrade goals, consider signing up for a travel rewards credit card like American Express in the UK / US or these credit cards in the USA. With these cards, you can earn miles on everyday spending and make your next upgrade even more affordable.

Therefore, begin planning your next trip, explore available upgrades, and transform your journey into one of luxury and ease. Happy travels!

FAQ on Updaring to Saudia Business

More posts you migth enjoy

Saudi Airlines Business Class Review

New Saudi Transit Visa 2025 -Free Umrah & Accommodation

The Saudi tourist visa 2025– Updated

Wellcome Lounge Jeddah Airport Review 

The Impressive Saudi Airlines AlFursan Lounge Jeddah Airport KAIA

Share with Friends