Kuwait Airways

Post by **BobHelm** » November 20, 2007, 5:17 pm

Has anyone had any experience (good or otherwise) flying with them??

I have to go back to the UK just after Christmas and the flights on the net are mega expensive around this time (I have received 'special offers' in my mail - Heathrow/BKK return - from companies in the UK that I have used before & consider reasonable mostly around the 900 GBP mark !!!!).
I have to go then as my daughter-in-law is going to give birth to her first & I would never be forgiven if I missed the event!!!

I called into @ Here Travel as I have never used any Thai travel agent for long haul and they are a sponsor of Udon Map.

They have given me what I believe is a very good deal using Kuwait Airway & say that they are flying all new planes (777s & 340s).
Just wondered if anyone had personal experience of them....

Post by **jackspratt** » November 20, 2007, 5:26 pm

No personal experience Bob - but maybe you should have a look here:

http://www.airlinequality.com/Forum/kuwait.htm

Post by **BobHelm** » November 20, 2007, 5:39 pm

Not exactly encouraging Jack......

The 'no alcohol' isn't an issue - I will be sipping pints in Cheltenham soon enough

Hopefully some of the seating/entertainment issues mentioned earlier this year will have gone away with a new fleet.....and it is cheap

Post by **Bump** » November 20, 2007, 5:43 pm

Flew to and from Kuwait with them several years ago, it was like any other flight.

It left on time got there on time.

Post by **Prenders88** » November 20, 2007, 6:43 pm

Bob

I flew with Kuwait twice. (Because it was cheap)
If your flying to the UK, you will have a stop in Kuwait City Airport. One of the worlds most boring airports, not much to do and not much to buy. There is a cafe selling overpriced tasteless sandwiches and cakes. The food on the plane is dire, so have a good meal before departure.
On both occasions the seat back screen did not work properly, the planes are clean.
The in flight service is indifferent and there are no smiles. Everything is a effort, watch how they pull a face if you ask for a coffee, or soft drink.

It the only airline I have seen where the female flight attendants have bigger moustaches than the men.

Post by **BangkokButcher** » November 20, 2007, 6:51 pm

Bob, if you're not in too much of a rush to get back, prices usually drop around the 4th Jan give or take a day or so (when the kids are heading back to school I guess).

Also, you can usually save a good few pounds by flying either Xmas or New years day, which is what we done last year. Price was around £590 with Gulf Air on Xmas day and went up to £780 the day after Boxing day.

Post by **beer monkey** » November 20, 2007, 7:24 pm

that £900 ticket sounds more and more attractive.
(can't they send you a video of the birth instead)

Post by **gulfman** » November 20, 2007, 8:13 pm

I'm currently working in Kuwait and frequently use Kuwait airways for both travel to UK and LOS as the they are direct flights and non-stop. Never had a problem so far.

The Airport in Kuwait is being refurbished, but is still rather boring for a six hour plus layover - but you can stretch your legs. If you are UK passport holder you can get a Kuwait visa on arrival and go for a tour of Kuwait whilst waiting.

Post by **BobHelm** » November 20, 2007, 8:51 pm

Well not exactly a glowing vote in favour...

BM a pub 5 minutes away (waiting for a phone call when it is all over) is as close as I am going to get to the actual 'event'.

As for a video, I don't even watch 'medical dramas', thank you

Gulfman, not quite 3 hour lay over on the way to UK, not quite 4 hours on the way back. I imagine that this isn't long enough to bother getting into Kuwait ???

Well it will be booked. At 37,000 baht Udon-Heathrow, Heathrow-Udon (Air Asia for the BBK/Udon bit) I think it is an offer that I can't refuse...

If they manage to get me back to Udon I will do a flight report on how it went.

Post by **Bump** » November 20, 2007, 9:05 pm

You know the actual only enjoyable commersicl flight I ever had was on Kuwait airlines, they flew me back business class because or an injury, absolute heaven compared to coach. But on any commercial flight I have ever had it was something to endure no matter what airlines. So if your going to fly coach might as well save the money.

I doubt you will haev a Kuwaiti for a flight attendent, the last time I was there they had several Thai's working for them. But maybe I was just lucky. =D>

Post by **BobHelm** » November 20, 2007, 9:48 pm

Agree about the "endured' Ray.
First few times I flew Heathrow BKK I took the direct route (Thai, EVA & BA/Quantas) as I thought that would be easiest for me. But 12 hours on a plane is just too much for me. So have taken a couple of trips via the Middle East as it is 6 hours/6 hours. I know that airports anywhere are boring but at least you can stroll around and stretch your legs. When I was working I think a put a higher price on my time than I do now that I am retired - after all I am in no rush now...

Post by **fussychunk** » November 20, 2007, 11:44 pm

Flew Kuwait earlier this year, not bad flights...a long wait in crap sandpit going back. Just bought my ticket to BKK for 13th Dec and that costme £800 i am nearly crying never paid so much.

Are you from Cheltenham, or just visiting? Fancy a beer in Cheltenham if you are here before I go to LOS, giz a PM

You can tell me the gossip of Udon....

Post by **BobHelm** » November 21, 2007, 8:49 am

From Cheltenham, but not back there to 27th. December, when I guess you will be here....Maybe catch you in Udon before I go & you can give me all the Cheltenham gossip

Post by **gulfman** » December 9, 2007, 9:23 pm

I gave a recommendation for Kuwait Air on 20th November - spoke too soon !!
Yesterday I spent eighteen hours in the Kuwait airport waiting for a delayed flight to Egypt, no information from Kuwait Airways staff until being told that it was cancelled until today.

I have booked tomorrow on Egypt Air.