Gulf Air

Flight to Dubai initially delayed one hour then three. Was offered flight to Abu Dhabi plus a taxi ride - took this option as I needed to get to a meeting - and then 30 minutes later that was cancelled. If Bahrain wants to be 'business friendly' it needs to have a reliable schedule of flights provided by Gulf Air!

DAM-BAH-KUL. Flight delayed out of Damascus but was above the Minimum Connecting Time so my family and I were not worried. Crew attentive. From Bahrain the flight was full crew attentive and did an excellent job. The problem was their aged A340 and clogged toilets. When Gulf Air receives new aircraft their product will be far better.

BAH-BKK in Economy. Cramped seats plane 100% full. IFE where I was was falling apart and wouldn't extend. Sound only coming out of one headphone because of a fault in the seat. Meals gone downhill since I knew it. I used to fly a lot before to LHR in previous years. Cabin attendants are hurried and rushed. On the return it was just as bad and there were no IFE at all. The last time I fly with Gulf long-haul unless new planes arrive.

LHR-BKK-LHR. The outward flights were overbooked and service delivery slow and painful. Two point service from front of economy to the rear with the usual 1 choice of meal left at the end. I found the crew reasonably good. IFE ok but not on demand and some of the channels were jumping around. Bahrain is a great airport cosy all the facilities you require and a great duty free area. On return the flight from BKK to BAH was again overbooked and had no seat back tvs. The headphones had no cushion covers for the earpieces and no blankets but crew good - you do have to ask for drinks. BAH-LHR very pleasant as there was only about 45 of us onboard so loads of room attentive service and good IFE. If looking for a good price and reasonable service then give Gulf a go via Bahrain for good duty free.

On the first leg from LHR to Bahrain the plane was filthy trays hadn't been cleaned and we were put right at the back of the plane - so by the time we got any food there wasn't anything worth having. Second leg Bahrain to Bangkok even worse - no inflight entertainment and plane was also very dirty. Staff were pleasant enough but nothing compared with Qatar Emirates and Etihad. Booked with Gulf Air as I thought it would save me money - but for the sake of £50 next time I will choose another airline. Watch out when you get to Bahrain - they tell you one gate number and then it suddenly changes so its a mad dash to get to the right gate in time.

Flight delayed Bahrain to Jeddah (Monday). Now Wednesday and stuck in Jeddah - flight back to Bahrain is also delayed this time by more than 3 hours. Dont know why I bother it's just a never ending story with Gulf Air. Advise that you avoid Gulf whenever possible!