rbm

I will be taking a trip out of Bangkok and have the choice of either Emirates or Gulf Air. I have never used either of these outfits before. Has anyone any comments-positive/negative/neutral- they can offer me in deciding which airline to take?
Thanks

Cicerone

Emirates is my favourite airline, it is IMO better than Singapore Airlines which is considered the best in the world by many people. I would take them in a minute. Service, food, ont-time record, etc are great. Their business class is outstanding. (Surpassed only by Kingfisher but that is currently only within India.) They have probably the youngest fleet of aircraft of any airline as well.

Gulf Air is I believe a Bahrani airline, I have only taken them once on a short trip within the Middle East, but found them perfectly fine. I don't think you could go wrong with them if they are cheaper than Emirates. If price is the same and so is schedule, I would take Emirates.

rbm

Thanks for the quick and comprehensive reply Cicerone.

JamesA

I have used both over the years to the Gulf and to HKG, both are good, I prefer Gulf out of the 2, if you fly on a 777 with Emirates in Coach/Economy note they have 10 seats across which is more than almost anyone else ( I thought it was more than 'anyone else' but apparently I believe some airlines in China put in 10 across ), Singapore/Malaysia/Eithad/Air France/Delta/UA etc all have 9 across, so if the flight is on a 777 and you are in coach expect a narrower seat. If it's on an A-330 its 8 across like everyone else, Gulf use 330/340 with 8 across in Coach/Economy.
If it's the HKG route there is little to choose so perhaps fare/timing can help decide. If you are flying to the Gulf then your final destination may dictate which one. Emirates have 3 a day BKK to Dubai and Gulf is daily to Bahrain plus some others to Muscat.
I think overall it is close between the 2, based on coach/economy.

lcuy

We flew Gulf air BKK to Hong Kong on Jan 3. It was a bus with wings! The plane was old and tatty, the flight attendants snappy, and the passengers included lots of BIG families, and what appeared to be confused or first time flyers.

I was pretty surprised, as I'd heard it is a decent airline. It may have been an unusual flight, but I would not choose them again, especially because of the condition of the plane.

rkkwan

Where are you flying to? If going to Europe, you may also consider Qatar and Etihad. Both uses very new planes for European and East Asian routes. They are probably better than Gulf.

Emirates' 777 do have nice 34" pitch in coach to compensate for the narrowness of the seats. So, if you're tall and thin, Emirates may you better. But not if you're "wide".

waynehazle

Flew Emirates into Dubai last year & then into Nairobi.

Quite simply the most wonderful planes I have ever been on. I would actually adjust a trip around the ability to fly on Emirates. No contest.

TracyB

I have not been on Gulf Air....but ton's of others and there is no Airline better than Emirates, in my opinion..Not Singapore or even Cathay..I can't wait to take Emirates again!!

bkkmei

I took gulf air long haul. At the risk of repeating myself:
4 hours on Heathrow airport tarmac with a string of lame excuses as to why.
People stuck in Bahrain overnight cos they missed their onward flight.
I would never take them again.

sharon1306

I've flown Emirates twice, and found it exceptionally good. I agree its definitely better than Cathay and Singapore. Given a choice, I would take Emirates anytime. In fact, I'll be flying them again in May this year.

I've not tried Gulf Air but from I've heard, they're supposed to be pretty good as well.

rbm

Thanks to all who have responded. Emirates is in and Gulf is out.