Gulf Air is not known for being a thoroughbred carrier. Skytrax in the UK, an internationally respected air transport rating company, has awarded Gulf Air a third star, just behind British Airways with four stars.
When they tested the aircraft’s economy and business classes, however, The Points Guy UK travel specialists were extremely impressed.
They film their experiences in each cabin on a Dreamliner flight from London Heathrow to Bahrain, with the ‘spectacular’ business class a riot of dessert trolleys and chic styling – and the economy cabin boasting a seat the reviewer declares might be the comfiest he’s ever sat on in cattle class.
Nicky Kelvin from The Points Guy UK puts Gulf Air’s Dreamliner business-class to the test
Nicky describes the “Falcon Gold Cabin” as “spectacular, absolutely stunning”.
Nicky Kelvin is Head of The Points Guy UK. Turn left to view the video.
He immediately drops his jaw as he boards.
The cabin at ‘Falcon Gold’ is described by him as “spectacularly beautiful”, with a “spacious, private, and fresh” feel.
He says the seat, which cost £1,535, is ‘big and comfy with a really nice colour scheme as well’.
Nicky adds: “The cabin overall was very chic, modern, and calming.”
Also, he loves the iPhone-style iPhone device controlling the entertainment screen.
Nicky receives a dessert cart on the way to Bahrain
On the left is Nicky’s main course – ‘soft and tender’ chicken with a ‘gorgeous’ sauce and ‘fluffy rice’. Right is Nicky’s afternoon tea
About an hour after the main dish, afternoon tea is pushed on a cart.
He stated that the crew came across as enthusiastic, friendly and experienced. “I don’t want anything.”
It is also a great place to enjoy food and beverages.
Nicky loves’soft and tender chicken’ with a rich sauce and fluffy rice.
It’s now time to get the dessert trolley out and make a blueberry cheesecake.
The feast does not end here. After an hour, you will find a full afternoon Tea – it’s ‘a delicious and luxurious touch’.
But it’s not perfect.
Nicky tests the seat on a lie-flat. Nicky describes the seat as being ‘big’ and ‘comfortable’
An iPhone-like device is used to control the entertainment screen in business.
Nicky states that the bed is very comfortable. However, Nicky suggests that a heavier mattress with more comfort would be a good choice. He doesn’t like the blanket being too ‘polyestery’.
He also says that the check-in process is a ‘little slow and confused’, though this might be because he is flying out of Terminal 2, which isn’t Gulf Air’s Heathrow ‘home’ – Terminal 4.
TPG UK’s Liam Spencer draws the short straw for this test – but at least his £375 economy berth is an empty row of three seats.
TPG UK’s Liam Spencer is the winner of this test. He’s in Economy
Liam prefers braised beef as his main dish.
Liam’s Economy Culinary Tour highlights the dessert on the right
What’s the ups?
Liam said: “The best economic service I have ever received.” Crew members go out of their way to make sure that I am satisfied with my trip. I feel valued as a passenger and not a customer. They’re friendly and personable.
“The seat is extremely comfortable, possibly the most comfortable I have ever sat in an economy chair. It has soft fabric and lots of recline. The cabin is clean, spacious and feels very fresh. Dreamliners are known for their button-controlled interior lighting. [dimmable]Windows add luxury to the experience.
An additional win would be a “pretty fluffy and cozy blanket”.
One of the plus points at the back of the plane for Liam is the service – ‘the best I’ve ever experienced in economy’
Liam calls his economy berth a ’empty row with three seats’
TPG UK’s flight is pictured departing from Terminal 2 Heathrow.
On the downside, ‘the main course isn’t particularly exciting – a braised beef curry that is fairly bland and flavourless’.
But he trumpets – ‘it is a near-perfect economy flight’.
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