I purchased 6 return tickets (V class tickets) online to fly between Johannesburg and Jeddah on Saudia airlines to perform pilgrimage in Mecca and Medina. I was to fly between Jeddah and Medina on a connecting flight. I was due to fly on 16/1/14 and return on 26/1/14 (3 passengers). The other three passengers were going to return on 6/2/14. I paid R5578.60 per ticket. I had confirmed all my accommodation and land arrangements.
I was informed by a friend that the online ticket was not valid for pilgrimage and that I needed to check with Saudia airlines regarding this. I phoned Saudia Airlines on 30/12/13 and was informed by the call centre agent (Refilwe Morodi) in Johannesburg that my ticket was invalid for pilgrimage and I would be denied boarding on this class of ticket. She asked that I pay a further R5161 per ticket to upgrade to L class to fly to perform pilgrimage. I enquired why THIS discrimination by the airline for performing the pilgrimage. I was told that Saudia Airlines was trying to promote tourism by offering a cheap V class ticket.
I then received an e-mail from Saudia Airlines stating that if I did not pay the upgrade amount my flight would be cancelled by
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