Gulf Air Reviews

10 October 2014 12:10:00 Guest

MCT-BAH-LHR return, October 2014. Gulf Air is not the worst and by far nowhere near the best airline in the region. Expect delays with no explanation as to why on all legs. Also, on shorthaul flights (A320/321), you'll find decent seat pitch of up to 34 inches in Economy, while on the A330s (especially the updated ones), you'll find that trimmed back to an excruciating 31 inches, which is entirely unacceptable on a long-haul flight.

Gulf Air also likes to save and scrimp on service - the BAH-LHR flight featured only 1 meal service, no ear plugs or comfort kit and a second round of beverages only upon request. Food quality is generally good, although presentation is mediocre at best. Cabin service is spotty on all flights, never consistent, much like their definition and understanding of communications and punctuality.

A cut above the miserable Etihad Economy ("Coral") experience and that of EgyptAir, but definitely a so-so airline at best.

Luggage was returned damaged after both long-haul legs, too.

31 October 2009 12:10:00 Guest

LHR-BHR-BKK in Economy. Very slow check-in at LHR due to full aircraft and inadequate check-in counter layout. Both legs on B777-300ER. Our family of 3 ended up with seats all over the cabin without any reasonable explanation other than 'Sorry the plane is overbooked'. This was however addressed at the gate by a lovely lady who managed to relocate two passengers to allow us to sit next to each other. Seat comfort good, sufficient legroom, IFE worked well (besides being a Jet Airways plane = more Bollywood than Hollywood!). Food average, crew overall friendly. Noise levels a torture due to several families with crying babies & children in our section! BKK-BHR-LHR in Business Speedy check in, first leg on B777, second leg on old A330. B777 offers herring-bone seating with flatbed seats - very good comfort, food average but whole experience totally marred by 2 families with 6 children aged 4 - 8 travelling in Business Class. Constant screaming and running around was most annoying, and the crew didn't want to do anything about it. A330 was an old plane, rather uncomfortable seat with very limited reclining options, less than half the IFE selection available compared to the Jet Airways B777-300ER, a full cabin but at least no children. Some of the cheapest fares around for both Y and C Class on long-haul flights; planes on time & looked well maintained. Service standards, IFE and seating options all over the place - which explains the low fares!