Gulf Air - any experience flying long distance?

Show all answers

Weishide

Dear Kered,

I have flown Gulf Air in the course of a monstrously long hop across the world which took me from Hong Kong to Bangkok, Bangkok to Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi to Bahrain (via Doha) and Bahrain to London (and then back to Hong Kong again, via all the same stops). This means that in a single return journey I might have accumulated more Gulf Air experience than many frequent Middle East flyers!

In my experience Gulf Air planes are a bit grotty and shabby. It doesn't look like they clean their cabins very often. However, service is fine and the in-flight entertainment is just as good as in any other airline. The level of comfort is pretty standard, which is to say low to disastrous, at least if you're flying economy.

I must however make a special mention for the food: it was succulent Middle Eastern stuff (kafta kebab, couscous, lamb, hummus, etc), and some of the best airline fare I have ever had. I do not say this lightly - I have been flying regularly since I was 8 years old and I usually skip airline meals altogether because I find them to be repulsive. Plus you've got to love the "I Dream of Genie" uniforms worn by the stewardesses. Ten points for originality there.

I hope you have as pleasant a trip as I had. The best airline in the world it certainly isn't, but Gulf Air (by sole virtue of the quality of its food) beats BA without a shadow of a doubt in my opinion. I am frankly puzzled as to why people have been so lavish in their praise of BA here - it is horribly expensive, serves some the most disgusting food in the airline industry (which is saying something), is cursed with indifferent service, and has such hideously uncomfortable economy class seats that their deceptively-named "World Traveller" class should be renamed "Defendant in Medieval Heresy Trial" class.

Hope this helped, and bon voyage,

devs Advoc8

Gulf used to be in a really bad state about 5 years ago. Awful seating, rude passengers, uncaring crew.......no end to the list. It was a nightmare traveling on them.

A couple of years back, Gulf was taken over by new management, and since then things are different. New aircraft, new crew, application of world standards. The flight from London to Bahrain is relatively good now. You can get through it with ease. Don't compare with BA, as the two are in different classes and have a huge age gap.

Gulf is trying hard to stay at the forefront due to heavy competition with the airlines in the Middle East region alone: Emirates, Etihad, Qatar. With their fares being lower than many others, I think you should always keep that in mind and then judge their services. Since it will be a long flight, don't expect total comfort, but the peace of mind that it is now bearable compared to a few years back.

scottie322

Gulf Air has improved allot since 9/11 - They all have-as customers now have a wider choice of airlines to choice. I don't think that you are a frequent flyer- maybe you are travelling in economy. For long distances go Business class( if you can afford it ). Suggest you drink plenty of water on flight, get up and go for a walk, wear loose clothing and take shoes off. I am a frequent flyer with Gulf Air and they are as good as any other airline. In flight entertainment is the same as other airlines,English speaking films ,music, and if prefer Arabic and Indian Music.

Geoff M

We flew London-Bahrain-Manila and return earlier this year. Food was excellent, service was reasonable; planes were crap. We got upgraded twice and quite frankly I wouldn't pay for the "business" class - broken seats, no choice of meals (though as I say the food was good anyway), cancelled flights, and didn't honour seat reservations.

Cheap, but you get what you pay for. Don't worry about BA - they do have consistent service, I'll give them that, but who wants consistent CRAP service that they give?!?!

Mr Chops

I have flown so many times with Gulf air,,22 times to be exact and I am a frequent flyer member,,I think the service is very good and they do have the latest in aircraft,,airbus,,the inflight entertainment is also quite good,,the stopover in Bahrain is also quite pleasant,,there is a nice restuarant upstairs and a decent bar too with a large tv,,plenty of shops. I think the flight to Bahrain is only 7 or 8 hours.
I cannot speak for other people on yahoo,, as each to their own,,but I have never ever had any problems with Gulf Air,,and yes they are a lot cheaper than most of the competition,,I will continue to use this airline to travel to the Philippines,,so I hope you enjoy your flight and happy hols

Julie c

Hi

I have flown them to Sydney this year they are fine as you said other airlines may be better but for the fare i paid they where on time the planes where clean and seat pitch around 33/34 inches was better than BA . The entertainment is OK never enough for such a long flight they have a camera underneath some of the planes which is quite cool. food was as good as any ecomony food on a aircraft.
All in all for the money it was very good and would happily use them again

Deborah H

I wont fly Gulf unless there are no alternatives.

I live in the Middle East and will at a push use them for a one hour flight to U.A.E.

Sorry!!!

amdb9ml

BA is the best (i have no experience with virgin but heard the are just as good as BA) then Qantas

fair-and-squire

british airways is better.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: