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Gulf Air Passenger Reviews and Gulf Air Customer Trip Reports
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Gulf Air customer review : 27 April 2011 by Mark Taylor (UK)
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Trip Rating : 0/10 |
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Recommended: |
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Value for Money: |
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Cabin Flown: | Economy |
CMB-BAH. Arrived in CMB from Heathrow and stayed 7 days on a family holiday, planned to fly to
BAH on the early flight to be told that my family and myself had our tickets cancelled by Gulf
Air - panic began to arrive as on further investigation Gulf had no record of myself and 3
extra passengers travelling. Felt totally abandoned following a visit to Colombo office for the
second time - 3 hrs journey each way and a 2 hour wait in the offices. Having to prove that we
are Gulf passengers by showing baggage tags and e-tickets - being the annual family holiday
left us all drained and very upset.
Gulf Air customer review : 10 April 2011 by Norman Mitchell (UK)
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Trip Rating : 4/10 |
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Recommended: |
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Value for Money: |
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Cabin Flown: | Business |
BAH-JED This service is operated by A330-200 in short / medium haul configuration of Business
and Economy with old-style arm-chair type seating in Business. The aircraft interior and
seating had a tired look and feel about it - the panelling of the seats would appear to have
been recently repainted by hand – and badly. IFE is AVOD but with limited choice of viewing.
GF makes a big thing of having a chef onboard but, in reality, the food is standard medium
haul Business fare that is reasonably presented but questionable quality. I had lamb steak
which was inedible – a sharp knife was not able to cut through the steak. The cabin crew was
multi-national, as is normal in the Middle East – efficient and professional if not full of
the joys of life. This was a 09h40 departure out of BAH, supposedly, but initially delayed to
10h45 due to the usual ”late arrival of the inbound aircraft”. At 10h45, when on-board, we
were advised that we would be further delayed until 11h15 whilst we awaited some connecting
passengers who had been delayed due to their ”late arrival of the inbound aircraft”. Then we
were told that a passenger had fallen ill and that we had to await the arrival of a doctor who
eventually pitched up and treated the passenger on-board. That whole process took almost
another hour – he was very lucky as most other airlines would have booted the passenger off.
We eventually got away at 12h15, 2h 35m late. GF used to be the dominant airline in the Gulf
but is now up against some stiff local competition and trailing by a good margin.
Gulf Air customer review : 15 March 2011 by J Ashiblie (Malaysia)
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Trip Rating : 8/10 |
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Recommended: |
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Value for Money: |
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Cabin Flown: | Economy |
DAM-BAH-KUL. Departure from Damascus on E170 - first time for me on Embraer aircraft and was
surprised at the leg room and comfort for Y class. They upgraded me to J Class on the short
flight. Arrived Bahrain and given a complimentary stay at the Golden Tulip. Just after
midnight, transferred back to the airport for 2am flight to Kuala Lumpur. The flight ended up
to be 95% full and it was extremely painful to sit on the hard Y seats of their A330-200.
Service and meal great. I just wonder why the 2nd meal service for all flight ex-Bahrain is
much more appetizing as compared to those flight bound for Bahrain?
Gulf Air customer review : 7 March 2011 by A Alotaibi (UAE)
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Trip Rating : 2/10 |
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Recommended: |
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Value for Money: |
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Cabin Flown: | Economy |
DXB-BAH-LHR return, I bought this flight due to the fairly low price. The flight was awful on
the way out, really dated aircraft, horrible food and I forgot about the old IFE system - felt
like I was back in the 1990's! The return flight was okay, not so different although this
time we had a choice of meals and it was a bit more welcoming, also frequent offers of drinks
after meal. The cabin crew were good, no complaints about them but what a shame for Gulf Air.
Gulf Air customer review : 4 March 2011 by S Gupta (Kuwait)
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Trip Rating : 5/10 |
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Recommended: |
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Value for Money: |
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Cabin Flown: | Economy |
Kuwait to New Delhi via Bahrain, small plane A320 used, a bit claustrophobic. Only two crew
members, completely inadequate. Food was just passable and can be improved. The meal service
took more than one hour - some passengers had meal, some had to wait to for more than 1 hour.
Alcohol was not served for reasons unknown. No inflight entertainment.
Gulf Air customer review : 26 February 2011 by Carla de Roode (Netherlands)
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Trip Rating : 2/10 |
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Recommended: |
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Value for Money: |
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Cabin Flown: | Economy |
Gulf Air was rather an unpleasant experience. When we arrived at the gate on Heathrow in
transit from Amsterdam to Kathmandu Nepal, we were checked in, but our luggage was not. This
we found out in Kathmandu. Four pieces of luggage - not transported. Because of this bad
service we almost missed our expedition to Tibet two days later. Of course we are not happy.
We wrote complaint to Gulf Air, but we don't get any answer on that. It seems that Gulf Air is
not interested. Kathmandu to Bahrein was not pleasant, customers were about 98 percent
Nepalese and crew was not polite or helpful. The food was terrible, also on the flight from
Bahrein to London - curry beans with bean salad is not a good meal early morning. Gulf Air -
never again!
Gulf Air customer review : 26 February 2011 by B Weightman (UK)
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Trip Rating : 5/10 |
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Recommended: |
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Value for Money: |
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Cabin Flown: | Economy |
I recently travelled with Gulf Air to/from Sri Lanka. I had read some pretty poor reviews
prior to flying and some of them turned out to be true. On two of the flights toilets were
blocked or locked. Beware of row 28 on the A320-100/200, these seats do not recline. Although
we were at the front of the check-in queue we were allocated these seats.
Gulf Air customer review : 25 February 2011 by J Ashiblie (Malaysia)
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Trip Rating : 9/10 |
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Recommended: |
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Value for Money: |
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Cabin Flown: | Economy |
KUL-BAH-DAM with overnight in Bahrain. Flight to Bahrain on A332, which was 70% full so I
ended up with 4 seats all to myself. After arrival at 2pm, collected my rental car and
proceeded to the Golden Tulip for the night. After check in, we were advised against going out
due to the tense situation. So decided to stay in and watched TV. Next morning drove to the
airport and everything was okay. Cabin crew excellent. Meals outstanding though portions were
small.
Gulf Air customer review : 14 February 2011 by Fritz Menzer (Switzerland)
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Trip Rating : 8/10 |
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Recommended: |
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Value for Money: |
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Cabin Flown: | Economy |
FRA-BAH-IFN. FRA-BAH on new A330, BAH-IFN on Embraer 170. Both flights pleasant, despite being
almost 100% full. I found crew hard-working and friendly (on FRA flights they offered
beverages at least 4 times and trays and cups collected regularly). The food on the first
flight was excellent and seats were comfortable. Only negative points : the plane was very
cold when we boarded it and that didn't improve much during the flight (fortunately they
handed out blankets generously), and the IFE system for my seat was not working properly. BAH
is a small and convenient airport.
Gulf Air customer review : 1 February 2011 by S Rajakaruna (Oman)
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Trip Rating : 5/10 |
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Recommended: |
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Value for Money: |
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Cabin Flown: | Economy |
Muscat to Colombo via Bahrain economy class. Muscat to Bahrain flight was ok. Bahrain to
Colombo flight was very poor quality in cabin staff service. They served the dinner, after
dinner the cabin crew were very reluctant to collect empty trays. I saw most of the passengers
sitting uncomfortably, they were unable to move or go to even for toilets.
Gulf Air customer review : 1 February 2011 by M Eggleton (UK)
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Trip Rating : 5/10 |
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Recommended: |
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Value for Money: |
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Cabin Flown: | Economy |
BKK-BAH-LHR. I bought this flight from Bangkok International airport the day before departure,
I needed to get home fairly quickly so settled for this airline, which was a bit of a mistake.
The flight was a little late leaving but its rare to depart exactly on time. The plane was old
and dirty, and seats not very comfortable. I am a very tall guy so I must have extra leg room
which they were more than happy to arrange - but there were plenty of spare seats so if your
on the ball you can grab a whole row and lay across, I was not so lucky, the seats were quite
narrow too. The food was terrible, I couldn't eat half of it as its catered for middle-eastern
people. Their prices are good and it shows - if you don't care about food and cleanliness then
its fine, but I wouldn't fly with them again if I had the choice. The staff were friendly but
you rarely see them only to give you food, and you don't get any free drinks, only with a
meal. Bahrain airport is nice and clean with shops and restaurants if you want to eat there
(McDonalds etc). Overall a budget international airline.
Gulf Air customer review : 17 January 2011 by A Al-Thani (Qatar)
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Trip Rating : 5/10 |
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Recommended: |
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Value for Money: |
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Cabin Flown: | Business |
DOH-BAH-CDG return in business class. We got the flat bed seats because we paid the J class
fare, IFE was old and terrible, the food was not good on outbound, but much better on the
return flight. Seat was okay at best, though the width was nice.
Gulf Air customer review : 15 January 2011 by Malik Qadeer (Pakistan)
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Trip Rating : 4/10 |
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Recommended: |
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Value for Money: |
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Cabin Flown: | Economy |
Islamabad to Cairo Via Bahrain. Flight from Islamabad to Bahrain was full, food was insipid.
Crew seen only during food serving. Bahrain to Cairo flight was little better, service wise
and food wise. Same thing on the way back on Dec 31st. this is a below average airline.
Gulf Air customer review : 3 January 2011 by J Jarulalit (Bahrain)
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Trip Rating : 0/10 |
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Recommended: |
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Value for Money: |
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Cabin Flown: | Business |
Does anyone know what's going on with Gulf Air pricing as of late? I complained a few months
back that they were raising their prices for Bahrain-Bangkok in Falcon Gold (Business/First)
and the response, being the smart business people they are in Gulf Air, was to raise them up
even more! Previously was around 6-700 Dinars return Bahrain-Bangkok. Now it is running 650
Dinars one way! More than 1,400 Dinars return. I checked Bahrain to London and it is running
750 Dinars - one way. I thought it might be due to upgrading costs for the Falcon Gold cabin,
but they are pricing themselves out of the game, and still using the same tired A340s, maybe
spruced up a bit, but I don't know as I'm now avoiding Gulf and their price gouging like the
plague. Qatar Airways Business class is still reasonable around 6-700 Dinars return, if you
don't mind the short turn around in Doha between Bahrain and Bangkok. My mate did it last
week and said it was good. Anyone have any idea what Gulf Air's twisted business plan is?
Gulf Air customer review : 3 January 2011 by C Ng (Australia)
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Trip Rating : 3/10 |
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Recommended: |
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Value for Money: |
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Cabin Flown: | Economy |
KUL-BAH-CAI trip outward pretty good, A340. Food okay but not the best. Service good. GF need
to maintain their seats, the entertainment system was broken. Trip back was horrible and
disappointing. A340 CAI-BAH delayed 4-5 hours, BAH-KUL was seated in middle, air conditioning
wasn't adequate and hottest plane ever flew! There were not enough blankets for all passengers
so they had to increase the heat! Saw one passenger asking for blanket and was turned down
nut they were later found in an overhead compartment! Food good with turkey served xmas day.
But what's the point when I was boiled up to the point I couldn't even go to sleep and had to
walk to the galley to get some air?
Gulf Air customer review : 30 December 2010 by John Beaumont (Bahrain)
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Trip Rating : 5/10 |
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Recommended: |
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Value for Money: |
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Cabin Flown: | Business |
LHR-BAH 26 December. Skyteam lounge in Terminal 4 is good, a little tatty perhaps but the
buffet was decent. Self-serve champagne and a decent selection of very cold wines. Flight
was pretty ordinary. IFE is poor - half a dozen films on a loop with rubbish image quality so
they have started handing out personal media players which are preloaded with a dozen movies
and music etc. The standard of service was very good - real care and attention to detail.
Food excellent - turkey for Christmas, champagne served throughout. Planes are pretty tatty
and the prices no better than Emirates or Qatar Airways so even though staff get top marks and
the food was good I would never recommend Gulf Air over these two airlines.
Gulf Air customer review : 22 December 2010 by J Ashiblie (Malaysia)
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Trip Rating : 9/10 |
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Recommended: |
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Value for Money: |
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Cabin Flown: | Economy |
BEY-BAH-KUL: BEY-BAH dinner was excellent. BAH-KUL FAs did excellent job. Dinner was wonderful
and the 2nd meal prior to arrival is far superior to the grilled vegetarian sandwich they
served on the way to Bahrain!
Gulf Air customer review : 15 December 2010 by J Ashiblie (Malaysia)
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Trip Rating : 9/10 |
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Recommended: |
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Value for Money: |
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Cabin Flown: | Economy |
KUL-BAH-BEY. Things better now that GF has introduced their A332 instead of their ancient
A340. Seat pitch is a little bit more generous. The 2nd meal before arrival into BAH was
simply disgusting - it seems that nobody wanted their sandwich! The meal to BEY was great.
Despite Gulf Air's inconsistent quality, I find crew professional and dedicated. Their fares
are also an attraction for me.
Gulf Air customer review : 11 December 2010 by Peter Brauer (UK)
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Trip Rating : 0/10 |
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Recommended: |
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Value for Money: |
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Cabin Flown: | Business |
I am a gold card carrying frequent flyer Falcon class. Gulf have clearly decided to dump any
premium allegiances by treating business travellers very badly. LHR-DXB, no record of (online
confirmed) booking, bumped from allocated seat on overnight flight to seat with no pitch. BAH-
LHR, technical problem resulted in a substituted plane which was something out of the 1970's -
no apologies, terrible seat pitch. Made a formal complaint 2 months ago - heard nothing - Gulf
Air have the Ryanair approach to customer service.
Gulf Air customer review : 10 November 2010 by V Ravichandran (India)
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Trip Rating : 8/10 |
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Recommended: |
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Value for Money: |
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Cabin Flown: | Economy |
Kuwait to Bahrain on new A320 . No PTVs, but seat and legroom better than average and with a
friendly crew, made such a short flight a very pleasant experience. The snack box on this
sector is adequate. I would fly GF again if it's on their newer equipment, considering that
Bahrain airport is a fairly easy airport to transit through.
Gulf Air customer review : 10 November 2010 by Kuhan Kandiah (Malaysia)
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Trip Rating : 4/10 |
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Recommended: |
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Value for Money: |
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Cabin Flown: | Economy |
KUL-BAH-LHR and back - flights not as bad as I expected it to be. Flight from KUL on an
ancient A340, which featured peep holes between two toilets at the back of the aircraft (ex-
SQ). Flight was packed and seats, carpets and other parts of the overhead cabin were falling
apart. BAH to LHR was on a similar aircraft but a shade better. Crew generally pleasant and
made up for the shabby aircraft. Transit in BAH is tedious with the security checks even upon
arrival, before proceeding to transfer desk with no consideration to short transits. Return on
LHR to BAH was stated A332 but my worst enemy appeared, the A340 - same aircraft then took me
to KUL eventually. Crew again very pleasant and friendly, food alright but Gulf Air needs to
really buck up on their aircraft renewal, refurbishing or upgrading at least. They have so
much to offer otherwise.
Gulf Air customer review : 26 October 2010 by Jean Louis Vergaert (UK)
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Trip Rating : 8/10 |
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Recommended: |
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Value for Money: |
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Cabin Flown: | Business |
Larnaca-Dubai via Bahrain Business class. Gulf Air offers cheap rates compared to with
Emirates. The day of departure they suffered a London Heathrow T5 problem with their computer
system, so my flight was delayed and I had to wait 6 hours in Bahrain for a connecting flight
to Dubai. Gulf Air was very good in communicating the delays via SMS. All flights are old
style business class, but much better than European short or medium haul business class.
Service and food was excellent Larnaca to Bahrain, average on other flights. Good wine
selection. Business Lounge in Bahrain is excellent, but I pity the economy passengers who must
transit in such poor airport. No security fast track at Bahrain, but the security staff is
very prompt in screening passenger (not sure that they are very thorough in their safety check
though).
Gulf Air customer review : 13 October 2010 by M Guillemard (France)
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Trip Rating : 2/10 |
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Recommended: |
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Value for Money: |
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Cabin Flown: | Economy |
Paris CDG to Bahrein, and back in Economy. On the flight to BAH (daytime), I found that the
hot meal was not good (tasteless), and IFE is really outdated with a very limited choice, and
no information regarding the hours when the film begins. Not confortable, but what you expect
from Economy. On the way back, (at a terrible time, 1.30 am) the weaknesses of the old planes
are even more obvious. The economy seat seems to have no more foam left on the back, mine
could not recline, the IFE of my colleague was broken (we were on a front seat, so it was the
folding type) and would not held in position. I was unable to sleep at all, but those who were
had the pleasure of being waken up by the crew 2.25 hours before landing to serve breakfast!
The service itself was quite disorganised, and the crew not professinnal. A shame this is the
only direct flight form CDG to BAH.
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