JEDDAH: Saudi Arabian Airlines has started implementing a new sales system for Guest Class on domestic flights, where passengers have six hours to buy a ticket for flights departing within 72 hours, and 48 hours for flights departing in more than that time. Abdullah Al-Ajhar, Saudi Airlines' Assistant Director General for Public Relations, said the move is aimed at having seats constantly available for domestic flights and curb the situation of passengers not committing to buying tickets, given the long period allowed under the old system. Previously a passenger had 24 hours to pay for a ticket on a flight departing within 72 hours, and 14 days for flights that would depart in more than that time. Muhammad Jan, Saudi Airlines' Director General of Unified Reservation Centers and Phone Sales, said the new system will support the company's plans for this year's summer season. He expects the number of passengers failing to buy tickets in time to decline by a “reasonable rate” of 30 percent, which would reduce the pressure on the airline to provide seats on domestic flights. “The numbers and statistics during the first two days of applying the system indicate the results will be satisfying and in the interest of the passengers because there are more seats available,” he said. Currently the new system will be implemented for Guest Class on domestic flights. If needed, it will be extended to other classes on domestic flights, he added. He said most airline companies apply the book-and-buy system – buy the ticket as soon as you book the seat — and there is rarely a deadline for buying tickets especially on domestic flights. Jan hoped the new system would ensure 100 percent use of seats.
