Gulf Air: reviews from tourists. National airline of Bahrain

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

Gulf Air Company is the flag carrier of Bahrain with the most extensive route network in the Middle East. Its headquarters is located in Manama, seven kilometers from which is the only Bahrain airport in the state.

History

In 1950, Gulf Air was founded, but in those days it was known as the private company Gulf Aviation Company. Her tasks were to transport oil fields in the Persian Gulf and serve some customers in the region.

Until 1970, the main stake in the air carrier belonged to the British company British Overseas Aircraft Corporation. But gradually the shares of Gulf Air were bought out, and today it belongs to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The leadership of the airline has always strived to be the first in its business. To do this, it expanded the geography of flights, gradually covering more and more new regions: Australia (1990), Rome (1993), Zanzibar (1993), Jakarta (1993), Nepal (1998).

In 2004, Gulf Air was selected as the best air carrier in Asia-Pacific.

In 2010, the airline's website launched a new check-in service, as well as various other online services aimed at improving the quality of customer service. At the same time, the single booking program for frequent flyers will start.

In 2014, passengers were able to fly directly from the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Russian Federation on Gulf Air aircraft (Moscow/Domodedovo - Manama/Bahrain).

Currently, Gulf Air is on the list of the 60 safest air carriers on the planet.

Directions

Today Gulf Air operates flights to 43 cities in 24 countries located on three continents of the globe. It has the widest route map in the Middle East. Gulf Air's punctuality is 93 percent (reviews and statistics 2013).

By offering convenient connections to international destinations, Gulf Air is helping to transform Bahrain Airport into a strategic hub in the Middle East. When choosing a through fare, the passenger receives free hotel accommodation in Bahrain if there is more than 8 hours left before the connecting flight.

Air fleet

Today, the air carrier's fleet consists of European Airbuses (from A319 to A340), American Boeings (737-700) and Brazilian Embraers E-170. About 6 years - the average age of aviationGulf Air transport. Frequent passenger reviews from this carrier confirm that all aircraft look new.

Baggage and hand luggage allowance

For all Gulf Air flights, there is a single weight limit for hand luggage and baggage.

Adults and children over 2 years of age:

economy class - 30 kg;
business class - 40 kg.

Children under 2 years of age (without seat) have a 10kg baggage allowance plus a child car seat or foldable stroller.

One piece of baggage must not exceed 95×75×45 cm in size and 32 kg in weight.

Adults and children over 2 years old can take with them to the salon:

economy class - 6 kg, one piece not larger than 45×40×30 cm;
Business class - 9 kg, one seat in size no more than 55×40×30 cm, 2nd place - no more than 45×40×30 cm.

Infants are allowed one seat in the cabin weighing a maximum of 3 kg and measuring no more than 44×35×20 cm.

Additionally, excluding weight, it is allowed to take into the cabin of the aircraft:

bag with documents;
handbag;
purse;
pocket book;
laptop;
camera or binoculars;
cane or umbrella;
outerwear;
baby food;
folding stroller for the disabled.

Register

Gulf Air flights can be checked in online in advance. It opens online on the airline's website a day before departure and ends 1.5 hours before departure. With independentcheck-in, it is possible to determine the place on the plane and indicate the presence of luggage.

Loy alty program

The airline has a loy alty program Falcon Flyer, according to which frequent flyers earn miles and then spend them on a variety of privileges. For example, Bahrain Airport provides some members with the Falcon Cold Lounge.

To join the loyal passenger club and earn miles, you need to fill out a form on the Gulf Air website.

Representation in Russia

In October 2014, Gulf Air, the national air carrier of Bahrain, opened its representative office in the Russian Federation. With the launch of a direct flight Moscow - Manama, a Russian tourist has the opportunity to use Bahrain International Airport as a transfer hub to Asia and the Middle East.

Manama Airport is ready to offer passengers coming from Russia more than 10 transit routes, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Delhi and Mumbai.

The price of air tickets depends on the season. The cheapest flights from Moscow to Manama are in spring. During this period, the fare there and back is a little more than 30,000 rubles. By the end of summer and autumn, the average price of air tickets tends to 35,000 rubles and more.

Early booking airline tickets can save you money with significant discounts and special offers.

To serve the flight Moscow - Manama selectedAirbus A320ER, designed for 96 passengers in economy class and 14 passengers in business class.

Business class chairs can be transformed into a full bed, the length of which is 1.8 meters. Economy class seats have more legroom.

The flight operates on schedule, 4 times a week (Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday). According to the approved schedule of flight GF14, the Gulf Air aircraft on the route Manama-Moscow will depart from the state of Bahrain at 8:50 am, in the opposite direction from Domodedovo the aircraft will depart at 14:50. Flight time is about 5 hours.

Passenger reviews

The airline has recently entered the Russian market, having opened only one direction so far. Probably, for this reason, reviews about Gulf Air are not so common in Runet.

Most of the time, passengers leave positive comments about their flights with Gulf Air. They note a good aircraft fleet and a comfortable cabin with high-quality interior finishes, a comfortable distance between seats and entertainment systems in the back of the passenger seat.

I also liked the snacks, hot dishes and drinks offered by the flight attendants. Passengers characterize the food on board with the following definitions: delicious, chic, gourmet and natural.

Many of the airline's customers are ready to give her the highest score for service.

But some passengers do not recommend flying with Gulf Air. Testimonials themare based on their own negative experience, which they have gained by using its services. Despite the fact that according to statistics, the carrier has a fairly high percentage of flight punctuality, many complain about the delay of specific flights.

In general, Gulf Air's entry into the Russian market is of interest to tourists, as it is not only a new independent destination, but also another transit point on the way to cities in Asia and the Middle East.