V-Flyer

We had been looking at a reward flight for a long weekend away and found that to all the usual places there were no UC seats available. So we thought that we would try some of the Partner airlines and see if we could find something different. So we came up with a long weekend to Muscat Oman on Gulf Air First. A few problems booking it, as the agent says there was no availability, but could try speaking to Gulf Air direct. Speak to Gulf Air and there are plenty of seats available. So in the end we found a system were they would email each other! Gulf Air is currently heavily advertising their service and particularly their sky chefs on board. So wanted to see what the service was like and there does not appear to have been any trip reports on flying this route.

One of the first advantages was kerb side check in at Terminal Three. Gulf Air uses the same building as American Airlines and so our taxi was able to drop us in the lay- by at the door. Check in was quick, with us being the only ones there. In theory one is than able to take the lift by check in to get straight into the terminal. But it was out of order a sign that the new future owners of BAA have already taken over? So we had to walk across the road.

We made our way to the Gulf Air Lounge, which is situated, just below the Virgin Clubhouse. It is a small lounge for both Business and First travellers. Although we discovered that being first class, we had a waiter that looked after us, rather than having to help yourselves! It is a fairly basic lounge, but with some Arabic touches, like they come round offering Arabic coffee and dates. The flight was on time and we made our way to a near by gate.

We were the first ones onto the aircraft turning left into the first class section of a 340. There are only 8 seats all flat bed in two rows of 1-2-1 and plenty of space around. The section was looked after by 3 crew and the service was very efficient. There were only 3 people travelling in first, the other person being a travel writer that had been upgraded.

We were delayed departing, but did have the outside camera showing the take off on a very large seat screen. The first glass of champagne slipped down quickly. An interesting menu with a slight Arabic accent as shown below.

Arabic mezze
Asparagus soup
Char grilled Atlantic Scallops

Arabic-spiced veal ragout
Golden roast chicken
Pappardelle pasta

With a very good choice of wines.
Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle
Pouilly fume 2004 Guy Saget
Chablis 2004 Bouchard Alne
Chassagne Montrachet2003 Bouchard Alne
Chateau Haut Lagrange 2004
Bortoli Noble one 2000

The service was very quick and efficient, with the sky chef asking you how you wanted the meal cooked hot please? One interesting aspect was the sorbet between the starter and main course. It turned out to be rich chocolate ice cream, which was different. The in-flight entertainment had a reasonable selection of new movies. By this time I was ready for bed and set the seat to a completely flat bed and was provided with a very large duvet. The flying time was only going to be 7 hours, so a few hours sleep and time for breakfast. You could have any type of eggs, including boiled, which must be a challenge to do.

I had a long chat to the boss of the in flight service; she was English and had been working with them for 17 years. When she started she wanted to work with Dan Air and but took Gulf Air as her second choice remaining with them ever since!

We had a smooth touch down early morning into Muscat, which is a small airport with no jet ways. So unloaded onto buses to meet the rest of the aircraft. On entering the terminal we were met by a man who had our names on a board. He took us off to a lounge and asked for our passports. He filled in our landing cards and them took them of to immigration. So no waiting in line when you travel Gulf Air first! After 5 minutes we were taken through the airport to collect our luggage and straight outside to our waiting driver.

The conclusion is that this is an excellent way to use your miles if you want to have a long week end away and really travel in first class. So as a partner airline they are providing a great standard of service. I would also recommend Muscat as a place to visit, far better than Dubai if you want the real Arabic feel.