I recently flew AlJazeera Airways from Riyadh to Lahore with a layover in Kuwait, and I have to say, this budget airline offers some genuinely competitive pricing. The journey gave me plenty of insights about what you can expect when you choose to fly low-cost, and I'm here to share the good, the bad, and the surprisingly comfortable parts of my experience.
Watch the full flight review on the Salman Travel Diaries YouTube channel.
The Journey
When I booked my ticket on AlJazeera Airways, the first thing that impressed me was the price. This airline is genuinely cheap, and for someone watching their travel budget like I do, that's always a good starting point. I knew going in that as a low-cost carrier, they don't include meals, so I decided to book a meal in advance. Big mistake. The food arrived ice-cold, literally as cold as a tin bottle you'd leave in winter. I mean, I understand it's budget flying, but a warm meal would have been nice.
The seats, however, pleasantly surprised me. They were comfortable enough for a budget airline, and I didn't feel cramped or uncomfortable during the flight from Riyadh to Kuwait. Another thing I really liked was how affordable it is to add extra baggage. If you're traveling with lots of luggage like I often do, you can add baggage at very reasonable rates before you get to the airport, which saved me money.
Now, here's where things got challenging. The layover in Kuwait was around 6 to 7 hours, and I'm not going to lie, it was difficult to pass the time. AlJazeera's terminal at Kuwait International Airport is quite small. There's not much to do, and because there's so much rush and congestion, you might not even find a seat to sit in. There is a duty-free shop where you can get some decent discounts if shopping is your thing, but beyond that, your options are limited.
What I did appreciate about AlJazeera Airways is how they bring together passengers from all over the world. On my flight from Riyadh to Kuwait, I met Bengali, Indian, Egyptian, and people from so many other nationalities. It's this incredible mix that makes flying interesting. The airline essentially collects travelers from everywhere and funnels them to their next destinations. If you get a cheap ticket, it's worth the experience.
The Airline: Honest Review
AlJazeera Airways is a low-cost carrier that operates primarily in the Middle East and South Asia, and it lives up to its budget positioning in almost every way. The aircraft is functional and clean, with seats that are surprisingly comfortable for a no-frills airline. Service is minimal but polite, which is what you expect and pay for at this price point. Punctuality seems solid based on my experience. The real value proposition here is the ticket price and the ability to add services like meals and baggage at competitive rates. This is not an airline that will pamper you or offer premium experiences. However, if you're a budget-conscious traveler who prioritizes getting from point A to point B without breaking the bank, AlJazeera delivers. The small terminal at their Kuwait hub is a drawback for layover passengers, but for direct flights or quick connections, this airline represents excellent value. Just manage your expectations about food and cabin amenities, and you'll be satisfied.
Ratings
- Among the cheapest ticket prices available for this route
- Comfortable seats despite being a budget airline
- Affordable options to add extra baggage before arrival at airport
- Diverse passenger mix creates interesting travel experiences
- Good discounts available at duty-free shops during layovers
- Cold and unappetizing pre-booked meals
- Small terminal at Kuwait hub with limited amenities and seating during long layovers
- No included meals as a low-cost carrier
- Overcrowding during peak times makes layovers uncomfortable
The Verdict
AlJazeera Airways is an excellent choice if you're flying on a tight budget and can accept basic amenities in exchange for significant savings. I'd recommend this airline especially for direct flights or short connections. However, if you have a long layover like I did, be prepared to spend time exploring the airport or book a lounge pass to make the waiting period more bearable.
