Iran Air

I flew just from Tehran to Shiraz booked about an hour before scheduled departure. After checking in and going to the gate I was called over the speaker to go back to check-in where after much confusion I was then checked into a flight scheduled to leave in about 5 minutes from then. I have no idea why it was only me that was asked to do this or if I was the only passenger booked on the other flight! Anyway the new flight was delayed by about an hour with no explanation. It was a newish (for Iran anyway) A320 and a substantial snack was provided. Legroom good and staff friendly and welcoming. My bag was the first out at Shiraz. My powers of deduction tell me most airlines in Iran have a habit of cancelling underbooked flights and combining them together particularly in the current economic climate. So expect delays cancellations and full flights.

I usually fly London-Tehran (and domestic) flights on an A300 600. Food is to my liking and domestic flights are actually quite good - a full bottle of water in seat pockets.

I fly Iranair both within Iran and also on their international routes. Aircraft's are old but clean with generous leg room. Inflight service is very basic and on long flights if you can sleep you wont be missing anything. The food is good and the cabin crew are friendly. You can not rely on on-time performance so I would only fly them if I didn't have to make a connection. A very good airline for the money.

Kermansah-Tehran-Shiraz-Isfahan. Flights are on time and boarding well organised. Flight duration is short around 1 hr. Iran Air provides full meal service food tastes good. Friendly staff speak English. All flights with Fokker 100 aircraft which all looked well maintained.

HAM-IKA-HAM good service although cabin crew could be more friendly. A300-600 are very old but I felt safe. In Iran I never fly again with Iran Air. Fokker aircraft are old and shabby inside.

Tehran-Zahedan Economy. I am a regular traveller on this route probably flying to and from Zahedan from tehran about 12 times a year - an expert in terms of seating on these old A300 Fokker 100 and B727 aircraft. Always ask for seat by the exit door. You will otherwise experience severe cases of cramp and discomfort after each flight. The food on these flights normally comprises a cold platter two filled rolls a chocolate biscuit and an orange drink! A truly sad airline and even a sadder experience if you ever get to fly on one of these planes.

THR-IST-THR flights were on time. We flew an A300-600 which were comfortable. The crews were friendly served us iranian dishes with good quality but the tea was cold and tasteless.

Dubai to Shiraz last year. Rather than paying for a hotel for the evening we camped in the abandoned kids playground hidden behind a small house in the airport. Morning came and we were ready to leave our plane was not. We were told all sorts of nonsense 'the plane will leave tomorrow or the day after' 'the plane will leave in a few hours' 'the plane has broken down' 'there is bad weather preventing flying'. Twelve hours later we left. I spent 24 solid hours in Dubai airport. The best toilets are the oldest ones furthest away from the duty free shops they're less used so hence less filthy. Finally got on the plane and they'd crammed three flights together into a massive pre- revolution 747. I felt bad for the staff copping a lot of flak and working a 14 hour day. The flight was short and the delay mammoth but perhaps it was all worth it because we met so many people! In short fly Iran Air if you have free time wanting to meet some locals. If you're running to any sort of schedule do not fly Iran Air

Kuala Lumpur-Tehran-Kuala Lumpur. Aircraft was a 747SP. Check in at KUL handled by Malaysia Airlines. I requested a window seat but didn't get it (full flight). Boarding was about 30 minutes late. The seats were old and ragged. Entertainment on the main screen only (two Iranian films from the 1970s). Meal service good - two full meals provided. Great amenity kit handed out. The crew was friendly and attentive - they have pride in their airline even though it may not be the most modern. Arrival in Tehran was a little chaotic. Long queues and baggage claim. Overall it was a good experience. Paid $1100 Australian return for KUL-THR-KUL which was good value for two 7 hour flights. I would use them again - all part of the experience of going to Iran.

I had 4 flights in July 2008 with Iran Air. There were the worst flights I've had in my life. The first flight was London to Tehran. The airplane was so old and the washroom was a big mess. The flight attendants were so rude and I’ve seen at least 2 load arguments between passengers and the attendants. The second flight Tehran to Tabriz. The airplane stopped in the middle of runway for the last minute maintenance. They didn't let us go back to the airport and we had to stay in the airplane for half an hour without air condition in mid summer. Well these are nothing comparing the nightmare I had when I was coming back from Tehran to London. The flight had 5 hours delay; which seems normal. There were at least 50 passengers among those people including me had a connection flight to other destination. When we asked the status about our next flight; which we lost it we've been told every thing has been organized and they already reserved a seat for our destination. Even though the Pilot in the airplane made a commitment few times that every thing is ok and we don't have to worry about our next flight. It was a joke. When we arrived to London nothing was organized and Iran air office even didn't know we are coming. When we asked about our connection flight he said" Why did you come here? I already called Iran and asked them not to send them here!” After fighting about 3 hours we got the hotel to stay over night in London. I lost one day work and flew to Toronto with British Airways next day. My advice is never taking Iran Air.