Gulf air

marylee

I was indeed shocked to hear that son and his friend have booked their ticket to India via STA by Gulf air. How safe is it to travel with this airline? Has anybody travelled with them and what do they think of their service? Also, is there any need to reconfirm tickets.

Andreas

Gulf Air is a safe airline to fly with. Unfortunately many of their cabin crew are not customer service minded at all. Their flights are at many times overbooked and delayed as well.

Generally no need to worry. It's a fine airline and their safety is high.

marylee

Andreas, thanks for your reply. I understand you need to reconfirm the flight, is this a must? Does anybody happen to have the number from Mumbai, India? I guess, I could do it for him from UK.

volga_volga

marylee,

I flew by Gulf Air last April (the airspace over Iraq was still "hot" and we went around through the neighbouring countries). And it was the London - Delhi flight. I did not confirm the flights and was still able to board the plane without a problem, both times.

I think when you call their number for the UK you will find that their call centre is placed somewhere in the Middle East (Abu Dhabi is my safe guess).

I can say that it is a safe airline. According to some websites it has very small leg room (one of the bottom three airlines in the world) and the Abu Dhabi aiport is not a shopper's paradise as they try to portray. But I guess it should not be your son's main concern.

You should expect a change in the quality of service once you step off the flight Europe- A Dhabi and board an airplane going eastbound. (the quality goes downhill). In addition, they make a stop over in Muscat which is not that obvious from the ticket that you buy in London. But, all in all, they are a safe bet.

rgds

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Andreas

I would suggest your son to confirm his return flight in case there are any changes in the timetable. The telephone number to their office in Bombay/Mumbai is 8327588.

In case this is not the right telephone number, he could ask them where to call to reconfirm their flight tickets! They are very friendly!

He should expect change of flight in either Bahrain or Abu Dhabi with a stopover in Muscat, depending on his time of departure. I looked at their flight schedules and flights from London go via Abu Dhabi (2030 PM), Bahrain (0930 AM) and Muscat (2200 PM). These times are the departure times from London!

The service between routes in Europe and Indian Subcontinent is
different, as Volga said. Their standard is good in general, depending on the cabin crew as in any airline!

Write me if you need any further info!

dharmasoul

I flew Gulf Air from London to Kathmandu and back late last year and found everything about them just fine. Cabin crew, planes, food, service, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain airports were all just great. No worries.

I didn't have to reconfirm my flights, but I make a habit of doing so 72 hours before I fly anyway.

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Dr Funkenstein

I flew with Gulf Air from London to Bangkok last February. We went over Iraq about 2 weeks before the war broke out with no problems.

The main problem I had was that my backpack ended up in Delhi while I was in Bangkok. Apparently, it went for a walk when I changed at Abu Dhabi.

It took 3 days to get it to me. It wasn't the end of the world but 3 days wearing the same pants in 40 degree heat was a bit grim.

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marylee

Thanks to all of you who took the trouble to answer my post. Your postings have really re-assured me.

volga_volga

i think the most reassuring thing is that other people here also fly with Gulf Air and quite a lot of them! the plane is full every time :-)

fat freddy's cat

We flew with gulf air in Dec 03 with no probs

Andreas

FFC,

I know what you mean. Our family have flown with GF many times. One time there weren't any problems at all. Another time our first flight was delayed and the second one in BAH cancelled. We had to wait 16 hrs to get a new flight. It takes a very long time to get a visa at BAH Apt too.