Oman Air

This was the return flight. Flying Oman Air saved us money, but I'd also read very decent reviews and the timings weren't too bad so it was an obvious choice. Overall, from a cost perspective, it was worth it. Oman Air is perfectly decent, although there were some IFE and food issues. On the way out from Singapore to London Heathrow we chose the 13 hour stop in Muscat so we could get a rest in a hotel (we were traveling with a three year old). This was easy enough, but as our son didn't cooperate it just added more time onto an exhausting journey. On the way back we had the simple one-hour change in Muscat, which was simple and quick enough. On both flights the Kuala Lumpur stop of around an hour was simple enough, and on the way back the flight crew let my son see the cockpit - something I've not experienced since (I think) 1980. There were IFE problems on both legs - usually frozen touch screens, or language options that resisted being set to anything but German. This was a major problem, although the ability to use the IFE even when on the ground was useful. The other big issue was the food on the flight back, in the middle of Ramadan. There wasn't much of a service from LHR (I'd have expected a meal on take off at 2050), but the real problem was Muscat - KL/SG. I can only imagine that Ramadan meant that the kitchens in Muscat were barely working, as the food was pretty grim and sporadic (most passengers were Muslim and busy fasting until the end of the flight). The cabin crew were good. Two stand out. One helped me secure a spare couple of seats at the very back, giving my wife and son a bit more space in the centre seats. When I asked for a wine she answered with, "One? Two? Three? Just two? Then just ask if you want more." That is excellent and grown up. The other was very friendly and helped out a lot, especially when my son vomited during the extremely bumpy 6 or so hours almost from take off in Muscat to the coast of Malaysia (monsoon season in the Indian Ocean), and got my son onto the flight deck. As an airline, then, it's not a top offering, but with plenty to recommend it if you want to save cash. I also hear that Oman is excellent for exploring if you have time.

✅ Verified Review | Flight WY132, 23/05/2016 from Paris CDG to Muscat and WY817, 24/05/2016 from Muscat to Bangkok were operated by the same aircraft, A40SA. Both flights left on time and arrived at destination ahead of schedule. Meal service was a bit rushed as is often the case on night flights but food was decent and cabin crews were polite and efficient. Only criticism was the cabin temperature, too hot for my personal taste. I also regret the seat width and pitch of the A330 previously used on these sectors.

Pleasant flights on both sectors with Oman Air. WY818, Bangkok to Muscat on 21/06/2016 was nearly full but boarding was reasonably smooth considering that several passengers needed wheelchair assistance and many others were not frequent travellers. WY818 landed almost one hour ahead of schedule due to strong rear winds thus giving me time to use the lounge before continuing to CDG on WY 131. On both flights food was good. It seems to me that Oman Air is back to the quality of meals they offered in 2013/2014. Cabin crew was above average, beeing pleasant, efficient and attentive. Cabin temperature was again too high. Is it a general problem with this type of aircraft? Improved selection of audio entertainment.

Flew from Dubai to Bangkok via Muscat for a long weekend. All flights out and back very punctual, with return leg from BKK to MCT arriving well before schedule. Pleasant cabin crew but food acceptable but not fantastic. IFE choices not so great and not a patch on the variety that you get on Emirates for example but the screens on the 787 are perfectly fine. Older 737 used on DXB to MCT leg which is fine for a short hop. 787 used on the MCT to BKK leg was very pleasant and not too busy with no one sat next to me in both directions. Used Airmiles for this particular trip but checked pricing on the Oman air website and was pleasantly surprised to see that the flight I booked would have cost 895 AED inclusive of taxes. Despite the shortcomings with the food and IFE choice, would use again.

✅ Verified Review | Salalah to Muscat for a relatively short Oman Air domestic flight. Seating comfortable with good leg room and entertainment not available. Staff went through the motions with service offering a snack and drink. No interaction from staff otherwise and they seemed quite disengaged from customers. All other aspects acceptable for a 90 minute flight.

✅ Verified Review | Business Class seat very comfortable. Cabin and toilets kept spotlessly clean. Limited choice of entertainment programmes. Crew were well presented. The flight was empty in both Business and Economy class on both outward and return sectors. London Heathrow - Muscat and return with Oman Air. On LHR-MCT sector, the crew were pleasant and helpful. Problem on arrival at MCT - booked chauffeur service did not show. Ground staff at Sales desk were not very helpful. Had to book a rental car to get to hotel. When I phoned customer services to point this out, the response was not sympathetic and appeared to distance airline from ground services offering. Seems that staff are not empowered to resolve complaints. This was verified at check in for the return sector, when I was asked to email Customer Services. That is never the answer. Anyway, I did email them, and am still awaiting an acknowledgement. On MCT - LHR sector the loads were again light. Crew did not engage with passengers much, despite the opportunity to do so given the small number of passengers. Crew seemed inexperienced and immature. Such a shame - because the "hard" product is quite good. Food is well presented in Business Class, but wine choice is limited and food portion size is small. This boutique airline has great potential, but currently is not up there with the best in terms of interest in passengers.

Heathrow to Bangkok via Muscat with Oman Air. 1 hour late leaving London and meant to leave Muscat 8.45pm but flight delayed. Very little information and people getting very angry. We finally left around 1.30am and got into Bangkok 11am local time. Missed connection and had to buy another ticket. Flight and cabin crew good, airport staff not so good. Didn't seem to know what to do - very cheap flight but will not fly with them again.

✅ Verified Review | Muscat to Dubai and return in the evening in economy. Check in was friendly and efficient and both flights were punctual. It would have been two uneventful short hops if it hadn't been for the weather. On the return flight Muscat was covered with a thick layer of thunder clouds, and the flight went through quite severe turbulences on descend. The landing had to be aborted only some 25 m above the runway, and the pilots re-approached from the other direction. The crew behaved commendably. Cabin staff stayed calm and friendly, and the pilots kept the passengers informed throughout the challenging phase in a reassuring manner.

✅ Verified Review | Dubai to Mumbai via Muscat. My 2nd time with Oman Air and first time on their A330. The legroom was good on the A330. On MCT-BOM, it was the Boeing 737-900ER. Seat pitch was tight in comparison to the smaller Boeing 737-800. Plane very modern and best configured in my opinion. Food was good. Cabin crew looked the part and were very pleasant in approach, however, they need abit of refinement when it comes to customer service. It's the little things that count. IFE was excellent and very quick in response. It's a bit hit and miss with this airline.

✅ Verified Review | Muscat to London with Oman Air, and an excellent service in business class. They arranged pick up from home and a car to hotel in London. Lounge in Muscat is quite small but has just about everything you would need. While I do not like the style of the Business Class seats, they are very comfortable. Food and drinks service was good and served by cabin crew who were helpful and friendly.