Down_the_back
Sep 3, 06, 10:36 am
DXB-BAH-BKK-MCT-BAH-DXB
Gulf Air operate an extremely reasonable fare in J Class to Bangkok form Dubai, whilst no the cheapest, they do have fantastic in-flight service and having lived in Bahrain for many years I am somewhat loyal to Gulf Air. I will also be doing several trips (approx 8) in the next 10 months and their FFP program is attractive to earn good miles.
Ticket Booking
I booked the ticket on-line, I have done this in the past when Gulf Air first made E-tickets available and the service has vastly improved, you no longer have to go to the ticket off to collect an E-Ticket – first major improvement.
When booking a J-Class ticket form DXB-BKK you receive a free chauffer service from home to the Airport, although I live very close to the airport, I still wanted to take full advantage.
The flight was due to depart at 21:20 and GF “finally”, after many calls to the customer service center (one agent told me in fact that I could call them every 10 minutes for the next 24 hours if I wanted to as I had not had a confirmation for the car pick up service. However they did eventually arrange the pick-up for 18:00 hours, rather early, but never the less with the current security trends I figured that this was taking into account of the problems each airport was facing – despite having flown 2 weeks prior on BA First class to London and encountered no problems or extra delays at all, but each airline is different.
Check-in
I arrived at the airport at 18:10 (the car was 20 minutes early to find that the check in desks were not even open at this time. I waited a good 15 minutes for the staff to arrive. Check in was smooth and efficient and everything was going off on time. I had pre-selected my seats and was allocated the same seats at the desk. Bags were tagged with Business Priority Labels all the way through to Bangkok. DXB has a fast track service to save queuing for immigration – no need even to use the E-gate card that is also available in DXB.
Lounge (Dubai)
I do like the GF lounge at DXB – as there is a designated smoking area. Fantastic! Staff were great and I asked one of them to add my FFP number to the booking as for some reason it had not shown on the initial booking (despite informing the Gulf Air Service Center previously). Good selection of drinks and snacks, internet available, although one of the catering staff did hog one of he terminals rather too long, even when the lounge got busier! We were personally told (rather than the annoying loud speaker system you often hear) by one of the staff members that the flight would be leaving 30 minutes late due to the incoming flight – great more time for a cigarette! I was concerned for my connecting flight as there was only a 50 minute wait, but was told that the flight would wait.
DXB-BAH GF507
Intra Gulf on the smaller aircraft usually only have two class. Front row Aisle. Good amount of space, good seats but interiors are looking a little dated, however flight is only an hour so no need. Pre take off drinks (GF no longer offer champagne – or they may do but it is not on the tray – juice or water). After take off drinks ordered, prior to take off although the CA did not realize that GF did silver label vodka, despite asking for it knowing they offer it, I still had Smirnoff Red. I did not eat! Flight landed 30 mins late, business class bus to the terminal.
Lounge (Bahrain)
Went straight to the transit desk (separate one for J & F Class) to be told flight had not started boarding. GF had a purpose built lounge for J class and Silver and Gold FFP Members. Fantastic – can understand why it has won so many awards, however, I bet the votes were not from smokers! A lounge pass was not offered at check-in in Dubai; therefore one had to be written out (for some reason). Great seating areas, lots of comfortable seats for two people so unlike many lounges where seating is set up for 4 or more passengers, there is never the feeling of intrusion there are also Bedouin style tents and seating everywhere. Fight was called over loud inter-con system, but there were many more flights that Dubai.
GF150 BAH-BKK
YES, seat next to me empty. Again, no champagne offered pre-take off, so water was the order of the day. Did order a Silver label and Diet coke for afterwards though. No amenities kits available despite it being a night flight, just socks, ear plugs and eye mask, you could ask for separate items though. Good menu but I opted for the Tuna Wrap immediately after take off so I could get some sleep as I was playing golf more or less immediately after I arrived into BKK. Disappointed that the new business flat beds have not been introduced on this route as of yet, but according to the website, its promised for the end of the summer – roll on autumn! Seats are dated Business Class seats, but again, they have been promised to all be updated very soon (next trip on October 19th so hoping for it then). Tuna Melt and Vodka came more or less immediately after the seat belt signs had gone off – on the same tray. Ate and slept! I woke up as the lights were turned on for breakfast. So despite not having flat-beds, proved you don’t really need them! GF have the great benefit over any other airline that they have sky chefs in F-Class but they also prepare the eggs, so these were the best ever scrambled eggs I had had at 30’000 feet. Rest of the breakfast was your standard J-Class breakie! We arrived one hour late due to taking off late (I believe this had something to do with the flight from BAH landing late so I cannot complain).
Arrivals facilites (BKK)
There are none – despite the fact that GF have three arrivals a day. No fast track facility, but this service is NOT an option at BKK regardless of who you fly with. Priority bags were off the belt and waiting to collected – now there is a first!
BKK Check in
BKK Airport always busy but GF occupied the end row of check-in desks, although when I entered the airport I did see a row of GF desks all saying closed! I waited for a while but noticed a lot of Omanis (by the way they were dressed) walking toward the end of the airport. I figured the desks I had seen were for he HKG flight departing an hour after we had (It may help to have the words HKG on the signs). Business Class check-in was open as was first, small queues at the economy. Y-class passengers using the empty business desks to speed check in along. I was directed to the F-class check in. Check in girl (none were in GF uniform) was stressed and I smiled as I always do. I enquired if the flight was full and she informed me that it always was. With tongue in cheek, I explained that if they needed to upgrade anyone then I was the man! (If you don’t ask you don’t get huh?). She said she would make a note in the computer (standard response I guess). Check in was smooth, again, seats I had booked in online were assigned to me. Bags checked in all the way through and business class labels on bags. Upon paying my departure tax having left the check in area, the check in assistant came running up to me saying that I had in fact been upgraded and would I return to collect my F-Class boarding ticket – like I would say no?? WOW yes please! The flight was obviously chocca if I were to get upgraded this early!
Lounge BKK
NONE SMOKING!!! Urgh! Lounge shared with NW, CA and more Asian Airlines. Not bad, no internet facilities, well there were but you had to buy cards to use. Separate lounges for F and J class, as I had F class boarding pass I walked into and was shown to the F class section. It looked no different to the J class side though. Very dark, Thai TV blasting out very loud (all the passengers looked Chinese, Arab or European) with no one watching it. No flight announcements at all and no monitors to check other than on the reception desk. .
BKK-MCT GF153
Imagine my disappointment when again it was the old style! Still it was much bigger and better than J class! Same eye mask, ear plugs and socks as J-Class but in a different colour. No champagne, but drinks offered pre take off and after take off drinks order taken, no messing now, I was having my silver and diet coke. The on board chef comes round and personally goes through the menu with you, and the wine list – amazing selection, I have flown first before ,but this was by far the biggest menu I have ever seen.
Drink came, dinner ordered, great when you can tell them at so high up how you like your steak! The best food I have ever had on a flight, even though they forgot the sorbet! F-Class have video selection (GF have very poor IFE) and I asked for the list, there was not one provided in the seat pocket (which you could not reach it was so far away in front of you) the FA actually hand wrote one out! Now that’s service.
It dawned on me after a while to see who got my old seat in J-class; I looked back at one point to see the seat empty, as were many other seats in J-class. How had I been upgraded? I actually recognized another passenger, someone I knew form when I lived in BAH and we got talking, her husband was a pilot (traveling with her) they were entitled to F-Class is available, the other couple had also been bumped, it appeared that none of us had F-class tickets! My guess was that as they had the food and the chef it would be a a shame to waste everything!
Just before landing, I had to have the fish and chips (dine on demand, given to you 15 mins after ordering, I had asked for it at the latest time I could have it before we descended. And there it was fish in batter with chips freshly cooked! Incredible!
The crew were the best I have ever had on board a flight, friendly accommodating and smiled all the time! GF really do have great crew on board al their flights.
I did not want to get off! But I had to!
Transit in Muscat
Surprisingly as the transit time was 7 hours, GF offered me a hotel. Which was by all accounts available to Y Class passengers too? I did not need this as I had arranged to go for lunch with friends in Muscat. GF paid for my transit visa though, a nice surprise!
Lounge in Muscat!
A smoking one!!!!. For use again to GF F & J and Silver and Gold FFP card holders. Great lounge, empty, good stocked bar, new lounge planned to open in 8 months, looks very like the one in BAH lets hope this continues to also be smoking!
MCT-BAH GF275
Short hop to BAH, one hour 10 mins. Choice of hot and cold food did not eat. Flight had come form India and many passengers were already on board. Delayed by 10 mins only and slept for most part of the journey. Good seats, great crew!
BAH-DXB GF508
Left 40 mins late. Same as he other A320’s previously on the intra gulf trips. Front row, but only difference was that there was a menu – I slept before we took off and had to be woken on arrival - so I guess the seat must be fine.
Arrival in Dubai
Bags took ages, Golf Clubs were sent to another belt, which no one tells you about initially, it would be nice to have been told this. EK/BA/LH all arrive on the same belt with the regular bags, so this is obviously an airline thing NOT an airport recommendation.
Limo service was waiting, and although I had to wait out in the appalling heat for a while once they knew I was here, it gave me chance for my last cigarette.
SUMMARY
I would recommend (and always have) GF to anyone who wants value for money. The seats may not be the best, the service is excellent and value for money – you cannot beat it! Very much looking forward to my next trip as I always do even if their customer service center in Dubai lead a lot to be desired! What they lack here they more than make up for it in the air.
Gulf Air operate an extremely reasonable fare in J Class to Bangkok form Dubai, whilst no the cheapest, they do have fantastic in-flight service and having lived in Bahrain for many years I am somewhat loyal to Gulf Air. I will also be doing several trips (approx 8) in the next 10 months and their FFP program is attractive to earn good miles.
Ticket Booking
I booked the ticket on-line, I have done this in the past when Gulf Air first made E-tickets available and the service has vastly improved, you no longer have to go to the ticket off to collect an E-Ticket – first major improvement.
When booking a J-Class ticket form DXB-BKK you receive a free chauffer service from home to the Airport, although I live very close to the airport, I still wanted to take full advantage.
The flight was due to depart at 21:20 and GF “finally”, after many calls to the customer service center (one agent told me in fact that I could call them every 10 minutes for the next 24 hours if I wanted to as I had not had a confirmation for the car pick up service. However they did eventually arrange the pick-up for 18:00 hours, rather early, but never the less with the current security trends I figured that this was taking into account of the problems each airport was facing – despite having flown 2 weeks prior on BA First class to London and encountered no problems or extra delays at all, but each airline is different.
Check-in
I arrived at the airport at 18:10 (the car was 20 minutes early to find that the check in desks were not even open at this time. I waited a good 15 minutes for the staff to arrive. Check in was smooth and efficient and everything was going off on time. I had pre-selected my seats and was allocated the same seats at the desk. Bags were tagged with Business Priority Labels all the way through to Bangkok. DXB has a fast track service to save queuing for immigration – no need even to use the E-gate card that is also available in DXB.
Lounge (Dubai)
I do like the GF lounge at DXB – as there is a designated smoking area. Fantastic! Staff were great and I asked one of them to add my FFP number to the booking as for some reason it had not shown on the initial booking (despite informing the Gulf Air Service Center previously). Good selection of drinks and snacks, internet available, although one of the catering staff did hog one of he terminals rather too long, even when the lounge got busier! We were personally told (rather than the annoying loud speaker system you often hear) by one of the staff members that the flight would be leaving 30 minutes late due to the incoming flight – great more time for a cigarette! I was concerned for my connecting flight as there was only a 50 minute wait, but was told that the flight would wait.
DXB-BAH GF507
Intra Gulf on the smaller aircraft usually only have two class. Front row Aisle. Good amount of space, good seats but interiors are looking a little dated, however flight is only an hour so no need. Pre take off drinks (GF no longer offer champagne – or they may do but it is not on the tray – juice or water). After take off drinks ordered, prior to take off although the CA did not realize that GF did silver label vodka, despite asking for it knowing they offer it, I still had Smirnoff Red. I did not eat! Flight landed 30 mins late, business class bus to the terminal.
Lounge (Bahrain)
Went straight to the transit desk (separate one for J & F Class) to be told flight had not started boarding. GF had a purpose built lounge for J class and Silver and Gold FFP Members. Fantastic – can understand why it has won so many awards, however, I bet the votes were not from smokers! A lounge pass was not offered at check-in in Dubai; therefore one had to be written out (for some reason). Great seating areas, lots of comfortable seats for two people so unlike many lounges where seating is set up for 4 or more passengers, there is never the feeling of intrusion there are also Bedouin style tents and seating everywhere. Fight was called over loud inter-con system, but there were many more flights that Dubai.
GF150 BAH-BKK
YES, seat next to me empty. Again, no champagne offered pre-take off, so water was the order of the day. Did order a Silver label and Diet coke for afterwards though. No amenities kits available despite it being a night flight, just socks, ear plugs and eye mask, you could ask for separate items though. Good menu but I opted for the Tuna Wrap immediately after take off so I could get some sleep as I was playing golf more or less immediately after I arrived into BKK. Disappointed that the new business flat beds have not been introduced on this route as of yet, but according to the website, its promised for the end of the summer – roll on autumn! Seats are dated Business Class seats, but again, they have been promised to all be updated very soon (next trip on October 19th so hoping for it then). Tuna Melt and Vodka came more or less immediately after the seat belt signs had gone off – on the same tray. Ate and slept! I woke up as the lights were turned on for breakfast. So despite not having flat-beds, proved you don’t really need them! GF have the great benefit over any other airline that they have sky chefs in F-Class but they also prepare the eggs, so these were the best ever scrambled eggs I had had at 30’000 feet. Rest of the breakfast was your standard J-Class breakie! We arrived one hour late due to taking off late (I believe this had something to do with the flight from BAH landing late so I cannot complain).
Arrivals facilites (BKK)
There are none – despite the fact that GF have three arrivals a day. No fast track facility, but this service is NOT an option at BKK regardless of who you fly with. Priority bags were off the belt and waiting to collected – now there is a first!
BKK Check in
BKK Airport always busy but GF occupied the end row of check-in desks, although when I entered the airport I did see a row of GF desks all saying closed! I waited for a while but noticed a lot of Omanis (by the way they were dressed) walking toward the end of the airport. I figured the desks I had seen were for he HKG flight departing an hour after we had (It may help to have the words HKG on the signs). Business Class check-in was open as was first, small queues at the economy. Y-class passengers using the empty business desks to speed check in along. I was directed to the F-class check in. Check in girl (none were in GF uniform) was stressed and I smiled as I always do. I enquired if the flight was full and she informed me that it always was. With tongue in cheek, I explained that if they needed to upgrade anyone then I was the man! (If you don’t ask you don’t get huh?). She said she would make a note in the computer (standard response I guess). Check in was smooth, again, seats I had booked in online were assigned to me. Bags checked in all the way through and business class labels on bags. Upon paying my departure tax having left the check in area, the check in assistant came running up to me saying that I had in fact been upgraded and would I return to collect my F-Class boarding ticket – like I would say no?? WOW yes please! The flight was obviously chocca if I were to get upgraded this early!
Lounge BKK
NONE SMOKING!!! Urgh! Lounge shared with NW, CA and more Asian Airlines. Not bad, no internet facilities, well there were but you had to buy cards to use. Separate lounges for F and J class, as I had F class boarding pass I walked into and was shown to the F class section. It looked no different to the J class side though. Very dark, Thai TV blasting out very loud (all the passengers looked Chinese, Arab or European) with no one watching it. No flight announcements at all and no monitors to check other than on the reception desk. .
BKK-MCT GF153
Imagine my disappointment when again it was the old style! Still it was much bigger and better than J class! Same eye mask, ear plugs and socks as J-Class but in a different colour. No champagne, but drinks offered pre take off and after take off drinks order taken, no messing now, I was having my silver and diet coke. The on board chef comes round and personally goes through the menu with you, and the wine list – amazing selection, I have flown first before ,but this was by far the biggest menu I have ever seen.
Drink came, dinner ordered, great when you can tell them at so high up how you like your steak! The best food I have ever had on a flight, even though they forgot the sorbet! F-Class have video selection (GF have very poor IFE) and I asked for the list, there was not one provided in the seat pocket (which you could not reach it was so far away in front of you) the FA actually hand wrote one out! Now that’s service.
It dawned on me after a while to see who got my old seat in J-class; I looked back at one point to see the seat empty, as were many other seats in J-class. How had I been upgraded? I actually recognized another passenger, someone I knew form when I lived in BAH and we got talking, her husband was a pilot (traveling with her) they were entitled to F-Class is available, the other couple had also been bumped, it appeared that none of us had F-class tickets! My guess was that as they had the food and the chef it would be a a shame to waste everything!
Just before landing, I had to have the fish and chips (dine on demand, given to you 15 mins after ordering, I had asked for it at the latest time I could have it before we descended. And there it was fish in batter with chips freshly cooked! Incredible!
The crew were the best I have ever had on board a flight, friendly accommodating and smiled all the time! GF really do have great crew on board al their flights.
I did not want to get off! But I had to!
Transit in Muscat
Surprisingly as the transit time was 7 hours, GF offered me a hotel. Which was by all accounts available to Y Class passengers too? I did not need this as I had arranged to go for lunch with friends in Muscat. GF paid for my transit visa though, a nice surprise!
Lounge in Muscat!
A smoking one!!!!. For use again to GF F & J and Silver and Gold FFP card holders. Great lounge, empty, good stocked bar, new lounge planned to open in 8 months, looks very like the one in BAH lets hope this continues to also be smoking!
MCT-BAH GF275
Short hop to BAH, one hour 10 mins. Choice of hot and cold food did not eat. Flight had come form India and many passengers were already on board. Delayed by 10 mins only and slept for most part of the journey. Good seats, great crew!
BAH-DXB GF508
Left 40 mins late. Same as he other A320’s previously on the intra gulf trips. Front row, but only difference was that there was a menu – I slept before we took off and had to be woken on arrival - so I guess the seat must be fine.
Arrival in Dubai
Bags took ages, Golf Clubs were sent to another belt, which no one tells you about initially, it would be nice to have been told this. EK/BA/LH all arrive on the same belt with the regular bags, so this is obviously an airline thing NOT an airport recommendation.
Limo service was waiting, and although I had to wait out in the appalling heat for a while once they knew I was here, it gave me chance for my last cigarette.
SUMMARY
I would recommend (and always have) GF to anyone who wants value for money. The seats may not be the best, the service is excellent and value for money – you cannot beat it! Very much looking forward to my next trip as I always do even if their customer service center in Dubai lead a lot to be desired! What they lack here they more than make up for it in the air.