Gulf Air

Flew on DXB-BAH-BKK sector and return. It was my first time with GF and the food was superb. The IFE needs updating though but I felt there was enough for all sectors. Cabin staff were attentive and the Asian cabin crew very friendly transit is a breeze at Bahrain Airport. I would definitely fly this airline again!

AMM-BAH-MCT in business class. The flight attendants were friendly and helpful the seats comfortable for these 2 short flights and the meals were quite tasty too. The leg from BAH-MCT was in a fairly old plane and the seats were showing signs of wear. The lounge in Bahrain airport was comfortable and spacious though they don't give announcements for flights so you just have to make your way down to the gate at about the right time (which for us was always too early). The IFE system is the only major drawback but we only had short flights so it wasn't a major issue.

LHR-Bahrain-Muscat return. All flights left and arrived on time. A multicultural crew gave friendly service in both directions and meals were quite decent for economy class. Seat backs and headrests on A330 however were hard and uncomfortable without a pillow and something I found unacceptable was that 2 of 4 toilets in the economy class cabin were out of service in both directions. On LHR-Bahrain sector a drinks service was offered right after take-off and nothing until we were over Turkey by which time the one and only meal was served. Flight attendants came around occasionally with trays of juice or water. Inflight entertainment is on a loop system which some will find antiquated but I actually didn't mind as it allows you to watch several things at a time. Bahrain-Muscat was on a very comfortable Embraer aircraft with light meal service and a more limited in-seat entertainment system. Can't compare them to other gulf carriers but I found them good overall and would fly again.

YYZ-LHR-BAH-DAC-BAH-LHR-YYZ. Good timely service. Ground staff very helpful generally. Inflight service good. Meals decent. No complaints overall for the fare. Will travel again Gulf Air in the future.

MNL-BAH-DMM. Flight was full boarding was smooth given the amount of passengers going boarding the A330. Seats are ok rather hard and uncomfortable at times on the neck. IFE not on demand although are in seat. Movies are on loop no choice at all and screens are small. Food sub standard although they serve 3 choices - usually out by the time they reach the back area. Service is slow. Cabin crew not smiling and are always in a hurry they disappeared after the meals were served. Only one round of drinks given. Garbage on the floor and crew did not bother to pick them up. Boarding in Bahrain is chaotic but was given a business class seat on A320. Food served on the ground and it was tasty and good on a 20 minute flight. FA's are great!

BAH-MNL. Lucky to find that Business class had these flat bed seats installed so had a good rest on the flight. Food was average but the biggest letdown was the IFE system! Gulf Air really need to get updated movies onboard as the films are at least 5yrs old and not on demand like everything was. This is letting the inflight experience down big time.

KUW-BHR-LHR return. Went Gulf Air as they were offering some very competitive Business Class fares. The Kuwait to Bahrain short haul was great the new seats were in place and were suitably luxurious and the food excellent for a 45 minute flight. Bahrain to LHR was satisfactory but the cabin has not yet been refurbished so it was pretty old school and the IFE was moderate (hand held). Nevertheless it was a comfortable flight with excellent food good lounges and all arrivals were on time. I'd go again given the keen pricing but on the London route it still lags behind in terms of overall experience due to the old cabin.

LHR to DXB return. What was great is that both the outgoing and returning flights all left on time. The service throughout was great. The food was good especially with the re introduction of offering 3 options. I was disappointed with the IFE as I thought Skyhub was available on GF flights only to find out it is yet to be rolled out. Overall I thought the flight was good. I was given extra legroom seat on asking and from there on it was all positive.

CMB-BAH-AMM on 19th Oct 2012. Flight from CMB was over 2 hours late due to the late arrival of the aircraft. As a result I missed my flight on the BAH-AMM sector. However ground staff were organised in spite of irate passengers. I was offered a flight later that day as well as hotel accommodation. I declined the hotel as there was only 6 hrs until my flight so was offered breakfast and lunch vouchers. It meant I had to pay extra for airport pickup at AMM.

LHR to DXB. Flight left on time and it was a fairly cheap ticket. However the films need updating as they are very old films. Also the films are on loop not on demand. Only one drinks run for the whole flight to Bahrain which I thought was poor. The connection in Bahrain to Dubai was painless even though we only had 40 minutes.