Gulf Air

I recently traveled to and from Bahrain using Gulf Air. I was up until 2 years ago a silver frequent flyer but because I had not visited there for a while I have dropped down to blue. The difference in flying this time compared to 2 years ago was incredible. I was really impressed with everything. Staff both on the ground and in the air were courteous friendly and helpful and on the return flight included two young newly trained stewardesses who were an absolute delight. The screens and seats have all been upgraded and the in flight entertainment was much improved. The food was also very good. I will definitely be flying with Gulf Air again.

BAH-KHI on April 12 and KHI-BAH on April 13. On time departure both ways. A320 was in good condition. Staff were courteous food and IFE were OK. Will fly again.

LHR-BAH-ISB 27 March 2015. The check-in was good as I had checked in online so shorter queue at that counter flight left on time for BAH. I had exit seats so plenty of space FA very helpful and courteous although seat comfort less desirable very hard and uncomfortable. The food was ok but portions were smaller than I expected. The IFE was also good but lacks variety. The transit at BAH was quick and airport is small but very nice and clean. Flight from BAH to ISB was the best as I got an upgrade to business class which was excellent. The food choice was great and seats were comfortable. Arrived on time and would fly again.

CDG-BAH-MCT one way. Unusual 6 hour flight in A320 for CDG-BAH leg but actually the small cabin and good long- haul seats makes this a comfortable flight. I had exit seat but the pitch seemed better that on many bigger planes. Cabin was fine. IFE was good and food was above average. It was a day flight but we were given mask earplugs and socks – Oman Air does not. FAs were nice and one was particularly kind and smiley. Also very nice ground staff in Paris. Plane was half empty and from other reviews this seems frequent on that leg with the small cabin it gives an excellent feeling. The only downside was that the seat cushion was not good (Recaro seats). I would definitely fly GF again with that plane on that leg. Due to traffic in CDG connection was extremely short in BAH (slow bus transfer does not help!) I had to rush but my luggage arrived safely. Short BAH-MCT flight was nothing special we were given a tasty sandwich water and juice.

23/1/15 BKK-BAH-JED GF153. Flight couldn't take off due to technical problems ground staff were totally overloaded with handling this situation. Voucher for meals at BKK airport not even enough to cover a regular meal at Burger King! After waiting 2 hrs on the runway and another 4 hrs in the gate at the airport finally we were brought to a hotel. Sleeping time only 5 hrs to go back to airport where the plane was ready to fly to BAH. No information for passengers how to claim for the delay was presented at the check in counter not mentioned by the staff. Finally we arrived 16 hrs later in BAH. Originally my stopover would be only 2 hrs but due to the delay it was 6 hrs where I was given a free meal in Bahrain's low and old fashioned departure lounge. Finally I reached Jeddah 24 hrs later as scheduled.

I recently flew LHR-BKK return on Gulf Air. The flights were all on time which is always good. The seats are a little bit hard for my liking. The cabin crew are adequate nothing more nothing less. The IFE is not as good as many airlines. The food is very average also on the LHR-BAH and vice versa legs only one meal was served for a 6.5 hour flight and a 7.5 hour flight needless to say I was hungry. The BAH-BKK legs also only have one meal but you get a piece of cake about 50 mins before landing so not great. Only the way home I had a ten hour layover in Bahrain (overnight) I was not offered the option of a hotel or given any food coupons during this period to say this is poor is an understatement! The airline has declined since the last time I flew with them it now feels like a long haul budget airline which is a shame as they used to be outstanding!

BKK-BAH-LNH 23rd Jan. Our flight couldn't take off from Bangkok due to wing problems and had to wait two hours on the runway before being led to the immigration where they had apparently booked a hotel for us. Unfortunately the wait for the hotel was over 6 hours. This left about 5 hours sleep until the replacement flight on the same aircraft. The flight to Bahrain was delayed by 2 hours and when we finally left we were treated by staff that were clearly resenting working with the public and did not care to help. When arriving in Bahrain we were told the wait for our next flight to Heathrow would involve 7 hours in Bahrain's mediocre departure lounge. The only reason I couldn't give this a zero rating is that they offered free food vouchers in the airport as compensation. Over 35 hours waiting from Friday we arrived in London Sunday on a flight which was supposed to take 16 hours all together. Gulf Air really need to up their game!

BAH-MNL on the same tired old plane that I flew back in September as no refit had been done so a very dull business class cabin with a very poor outdated IFE system with old films. DVD players were handed out but really the IFE is in desperate need of a major upgrade. Food was again very good with a good choice. My seat wasn't working so had to stand up to operate it to work properly so again the maintenance on this plane is sadly lacking. A poor flying experience sadly on this route and I expect the same again on my return journey next month.

LHR-BAH-LHR J Class. Excellent overall. Crew friendly and welcoming. Nothing was too much trouble. Food good but not excellent. Chef was helpful. IFE weak when compared to neighbours product. On time flights. Will fly again.

Second entry this time return flights from Muscat to Heathrow via Bahrain (GF561 GF3). Check-in in Muscat a breeze aircraft an A320 departed slightly early and arrived in Bahrain on time. Although the flight is only an hour and a half served with a hot breakfast item and usual drinks. Crew friendly enough and seat pitch very good even for a six footer like me (1.90m). Two hours to connect in Bahrain which was a breeze too. Flight to Heathrow was on the smaller A320 and not the usual larger A330 and this was probably good as the seat pitch is better in the smaller Gulf Air airbuses. Flight was not full so not surprising they were using the A320. Usual clean and airy cabin crew friendly food very good in flight entertainment quite good although the 320 has slightly different kit to the A330 so no USB port and headphone socket is two pin! Flight departed Bahrain on time and arrived at Heathrow slightly early bags arrived too. Very pleased with Gulf Air and would I use them again? I would.