It takes all kinds.
In my experience, most of the ones on wheel chairs on these flights are NOT disabled.
Out of shape maybe, scared and not used to travel perhaps, and some with language issues
(and in some cases for convenience as well)
BUT this may be the best way to get through the ME bureaucracy.
Anyway I found it a really honest report in economy long haul through the middle east.
How many of those have I read here?
I was expecting a long detailed report on shower temperature on the A380.
This had third world issues - doctors letters hassles, kids screaming, back ache from seat, food that was just edible - the stuff that 99% of travelers deal with.
The middle east carriers are basically undercutting all EU carriers on these long haul flights to Asia.
And it looks like, (much as in the US where people talk of service but went with Southwest low pricing) the masses vote with their wallets and will fly these carriers.
As an American I tell all my friends to book their family on LH or BA or failing that AF/KL.
Why?
I had a friend's trip delayed by a day due to a Mechanical on LH.
800$ (600Euro) later, he had the money almost fully back from his flight costs and had a nice holiday just 1 day shorter than expected.
I will only fly on the ME carriers when I cannot get a seat via EU.
Absolutely, great report indeed. I don't agree with your insinuation that EU carriers are somehow capable of much better service than any of the ME carriers. I've flown EU and ME carriers a lot in Y, and to me, it's all a wash. In fact, I think EU carriers have a lot of catching up to do in the IFE department compared to the ME carriers. Service and food are all the same in my experience.