Gulf Air

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.

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).

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 On the flight to BAH (daytime) I found that the hot meal was not good (tasteless) and IFE is really outdated with a very limited choice and no information regarding the hours when the film begins.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.

KUL-BAH BAH-LHR. Kuala Lumpur to Bahrain was upgraded to Business Class on their ancient A340-300 great with the exception of a broken foot rest. Bahrain to London (on ancient A340-300) was a nightmare as there were infants & kids crying all night. It was such a pain having to tolerate the endless wailing for the duration of the flight on an aircraft that has served its shelf life. Gulf Air seriously needs to upgrade their hardware to complement the effort their cabin crew contribute. The other areas which GF needs to focus is their seat pitch (very tight at 32") and meal quantity.

DOH-BAH-FRA return. Gulf Air have old airplanes but well maintained. We boarded late and got the sleeper seats. Old IFE system but choices of movie are good spacious leg room in business cabin very helpful staff and great dining.

KUL-BAH-MCT. KUL-BAH flight IFE not that good less choices of movies. Food good but water was not provided on tray on both service. Crew was not attending call bells. The crew who was serving on our side finally came after almost half an hour waiting and I asked her - she replied that she will serve the water with second service. and we waited for more than 45 min for the second service to start. Upon arrival no crew were at the door bidding us goodbye but instead busy packing their stuff. BAH-MCT served a box of snacks and again no water provided.

Larnaca-Bahrain-Dubai was the worst flight I have experienced. Delayed 6 hours outbound (BAH- DXB) and delayed 30 hours inbound only for the flight then to be cancelled with no explanation - we got transferred to direct Emirates flight. Outbound the plane was dirty the seat was broken. Also it was obvious to everyone that certain people were smoking in the toilets. This was noticed by two FA's (as they were speaking about it beside me) who proceeded to do absolutely nothing about it!

DXB-BAH-BKK in Falcon Gold on an A340 and an A330. Inconsistency is the name of the game with Gulf Air. From a premium cabin point of view Gulf Air has three main problems - its aircraft crew and its catering all range from top notch to very poor. DXB-BAH an old looking A340 featuring an equally old and completely outdated interior - legroom in the former First Class seats in row 1/ 2 seemed quite spacious legroom in the four rows that used to be Business Class is very poor. This is Business Class the way it used to be 15 or 20 years ago. On the 55 min flight to Bahrain a small warm meal was served with beverages. The crew was professional and friendly service. In Bahrain I spent some time enjoying the Business class lounge where plenty of food and Champagne was available. BAH-BKK to Bangkok I had seat 1F in a seat I knew from when it used to be First Class. A330s of Gulf Air feature excellent premium cabins although there are always technical problems with the seats. Seats in row 1 and 2 with plenty of space and privacy. Friendly and professional service was provided by flight attendants. A full dinner service provided with continental breakfast before landing. Meal is nicely set up with no use of trays but food presentation and taste could be improved. While plenty of drinks are provided it would be nice if wine was poured from the bottle in the cabin rather than in the galley. Gulf Air claims that sleeper suits are provided but none appeared on this flight. Gulf Air has work to do in terms of quality and consistency but with competitive fares they remain a good value for money choice.

Was booked LHR to BKK but had to cancel due to FCO advice due to violence in Thailand. No refund due to type of fare however Gulf Air are refusing to refund government taxes (£300). Have written to CAA who indicated they are inundated with complaints against this airline. Have tried to call Gulf Air 41 times (8 occasions I got through and once they realised I wanted money from them they hung up) I have actually got recordings of their appalling bad and rude customer service.

CDG to BAH return. Booked on Business was put in Falcon Gold which is the former 1st class. The 8 front seats on the A330 although well worn are comfortablek. With the help of the stewardess managed to lay flat during the night flight but took care not to touch anything until breakfast. The maintenance is obviously poor as I was not the only one with this problem. IFE is not to today's standard (limited choice of films and language and you have to wait for the film to begin without knowing when it will). Breakfast good but the meal on the in-flight was definitely not first class and wines were lower range. Crew in this cabin was nice both ways. No bar open between services. All in all not what you expect from 1st class.