Oman Air report LHR-BKK via Muskat

[Severn 109]

On Sunday 2^nd December I flew from London Heathrow to Bangkok using Oman Air via Muscat and thought that perhaps I should give a brief update to those booked or considering using this route.

 

Oman Air check in at Heathrow was a reasonably fast and pleasant experience but security screening was detailed and slow.

 

The Oman air 30 kg Baggage allowance was good. I had already reserved my seat on all four legs and had chosen seat 23D. The AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A333 seating in economy was 2-4-2 with no “C” seats so 23D was a centre-aisle seat towards the front of of the economy section slightly forward of the wing.

 

On the first leg the seat next to me was unoccupied and on the second leg there were 3 British Indians on their first trip to Pattaya. They were looking forward to the visit and had done 'some' homework but had rented a “Villa” near the 1 million Stone Park and were being charged 2500 for a Toyota Camray pickup from the Airport.

 

The flight was by no means dry and as an aperitif when I asked if they had Whiskey I was presented with a tumbler full, red wine was served with the meal and alcoholic drinks served on request .

 

All of the Oman planes were WiFi enabled and mobile phones could be used on board at a reasonable charge. For computers without WiFi a USB internet connection was available near to the TV screen.

 

There was no electrical boxes under any of the seats as far as I could ascertain giving room to stretch out your legs unhindered. Seating was comfortable and seat pitch good considering it was economy.

 

Muscat Airport appeared to be tired and all embarkation was via bus, the airport having no stands.

 

There was little to do at the airport other than to peruse the extensive duty free section, but a word of warning that the outbound gates are opened early but once inside there is literally nothing to do and no toilet facilities, so don't go in too early. I was only at the Airport for 90 minutes so not really a problem.

 

The negatives that I found were personal, but on both legs a meal was served 90 minutes after being airborne and again 90 minutes before landing giving about 3 hour period for sleep. I did miss the 9 hour sleep period on the direct flights but at more than £300 cost savings this small sacrifice was acceptable. Food served was adequate but I have had better. Entertainment systems were good.

 

We landed shortly before 7:30 pm in Bangkok at a gate not far from immigration and although the queues there seemed long the lines moved fast and I soon had my 90 day non-imm O stamp. Baggage was on the belt and I was able to get downstairs and onto the 8pm Airport bus to Jomtien beach. Less than 30 minutes from landing to bus is impressive by any Airport standard and this without any “fast-track” service.

 

I arrived in Jomtien shortly before 10pm, tired but all in all having had a reasonable journey.

Edited December 11, 2012 by Severn

[CheshireTom 1,377]

  On 12/11/2012 at 3:50 AM, Severn said:

The Oman air 30 kg Baggage allowance was good. I had already reserved my seat on all four legs and had chosen seat 23D. The Boeing 300/200 seating in economy was 2-4-2 with no “C” seats so 23D was a centre-aisle seat towards the front of of the economy section slightly forward of the wing.

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The aircraft on the LHR-MCT-BKK flights are Airbus A330s

 

  Quote

There was no electrical boxes under any of the seats as far as I could ascertain giving room to stretch out your legs unhindered. Seating was comfortable and seat pitch good considering it was economy.

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According to SeatGuru, the IFE boxes are under seats A and K (window seats).

Edited December 11, 2012 by CheshireTom

[Severn 109]

  On 12/11/2012 at 5:37 AM, CheshireTom said:

The aircraft on the LHR-MCT-BKK flights are Airbus A330s

 

Just checked my ticket and can confirm your comments Aircraft: AIRBUS INDUSTRIE A333 JET

 

According to SeatGuru, the IFE boxes are under seats A and K (window seats).

 

Perhaps that is why I couldn't see them.

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[Bullfrog 2,231]

Excellent info thanks!!

[glynbuk 29]

Thanks for posting that information, appreciated

[VPI78 11,836]

Really great review. Very detailed and helpful.

[chelseafan 0]

I flew to Bangkok via Muscat last year on Oman Air business class. The service was impecible and at around £1600 return pretty good for the price. Having travelled biz class on most airlines, I have to say this airline is certainly my favourite. The only gripe is that they don't go direct from Heathrow.

[jacko 8,907]

  On 1/15/2013 at 9:17 PM, chelseafan said:

I flew to Bangkok via Muscat last year on Oman Air business class. The service was impecible and at around £1600 return pretty good for the price. Having travelled biz class on most airlines, I have to say this airline is certainly my favourite. The only gripe is that they don't go direct from Heathrow.

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I guess you mean that you have to change in Muscat?

To be expected really with a Middle East based carrier with a hub in the Middle East.

I just wish they flew to Manchester...I certainly don't want to change at Heathrow.

These new carriers trying to break into the market are good for offering deals.

Etihad/Qatar all looking for about £2100 now...... I can get it for £1500 ex-UK but I live out in Thailand.

[chelseafan 0]

Yes, via Muscat, the flight in a few weeks time is only 1.5hrs stopover so that isnt too bad.

[moby69 6]

I used Oman air last year in Business class, & was very impressed.

 

The year before I went by Emirates (in Business) from Newcastle cost more & was rubbish compared to Oman (IMHO)

 

This year I am back with Oman Air

 

Be Nice

 

Moby69

[jacko 8,907]

  On 1/27/2013 at 6:17 PM, moby69 said:

I used Oman air last year in Business class, & was very impressed.

 

The year before I went by Emirates (in Business) from Newcastle cost more & was rubbish compared to Oman (IMHO)

 

This year I am back with Oman Air

 

Be Nice

 

Moby69

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Is it worth the Heathrow transit?

Or perhaps you travel to London on land?

[moby69 6]

  On 1/27/2013 at 11:45 PM, jacko said:

Is it worth the Heathrow transit?

Or perhaps you travel to London on land?

Expand   Read more  

 

Hi Jacko

 

Last year I drove down, very pleasant, my mate lives just round the corner from LHR so was able to park the car at his

 

But the drive home was bloody awful

 

This year I will be letting the train take the strain 1st class to Kings X (+return) beer & food included :thumbup My mate gets me a ticket for less than £30

 

Be Nice

Moby69