I had an
opportunity to fly Gulf Air between three sectors, Kuala
Lumpur – Bangkok, Bangkok – Bahrain
and Bahrain – Dubai. I was traveling
between Kuala Lumpur and Bahrain and
back. Since there is no directly flight to Bahrain. I
had to take Gulf air. I was traveling business class on all the sectors. Let me
first highlight the good points of the airlines. Firstly the staff was very
good. Right from my check in counter staff, flight attendant till the ground staff,
all were very helpful and cheering, something I seldom see on other
international airlines.
The flight between Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok was very small,
and the service in flight was pretty normal. But the flight from Bangkok to Bahrain was
very good. The aircraft was wide body and the business class was quite
spacious. As soon as I made my self comfortable in my business seat the flight
attend can to me with wine and insisted me to have one. The food server was
quiet good and variety of drinks, which I obviously enjoyed. The staff was very
friendly and would periodically check with me if I need anything. My return
flight from Bahrain to Dubai was also pretty
comfortable and I enjoyed the journey. Another good point of this airline is
their frequent flyer program. The points don’t expire till 10 years and you can
share your point with you families, unlike other airlines frequent flyers point
expire in 2 or 3 years. I even like their website. Its very neat and user
friendly.
Now let me
share with you not so good points. The short distance aircraft (the one I
traveled between Kuala Lumpur
and Bangkok) was quite old. The one we can see in the low budget airlines.
The interiors of the aircraft are lose make noise during take off and landing.
And the seats in the business class are as good as economy. Thought the staff
was very friendly, they were not polished. They were struggling to do their
activities among them self. As though they were handling the flight for first
time. The gift packs were also not so impressive compared to other airlines.
The gifts were very low quality. The business lounge at the Kuala Lumpur airport was very-very small and
could not occupy much people. Though they tried to have the cafeteria, a bar
and small golf areana in small area.
Nevertheless
I enjoyed the flight and the food. The staff was very friendly and took good
care of me. This is a value for money airliner.