THE flight: Oman Air flight WY0906 to Muscat, Oman, departing London Gatwick South Terminal at 09.40 on one of the airline’s two Airbus A310-300 aircraft.
The check-in: There were no fewer than six check-in desks (one dedicated for business class) tucked away one floor down in Zone B with, at 07.45, just myself and my two fellow travellers checking in.
The boarding process: With relatively few passengers, this too was very fast and soon after sitting down hot towels were brought round. The overhead screens were playing up so a manual safety briefing was carried out and we were then airborne by 09.50. Headphones were distributed but we were told that the entertainment system wasn’t functioning although, soon after, the system did come on.
The seat: The 186 economy class seats configured 2x4x2 were reasonably spacious and comfortable.
The service: Soon after take-off a menu card was brought round offering a choice of four dishes for the main course. This was followed by the drinks trolley (including alcohol) and a packet of cocktail savoury biscuits. The meal was actually served at around 11am and was a substantial three-course meal. Some four hours later, the crew brought round a basket of snacks and then later, an ice cream. Drinks were readily available from the galley throughout the flight. About 5.5hours into the flight, a choice of sandwiches with fruit, fruit juice and tea/coffee was served. Films were restricted to children’s and kung fu and beyond this there was an inflight magazine in English and Arabic.
The arrival: Arrived on time a little before 21.00 local time. The essential currency exchange, visa purchase, immigration and customs were all speedy and painless and passengers were through with their baggage in around 30 minutes.
The verdict: A pleasant and hassle-free flight which brought home how much more amenable the rare treat of a less than crowded flight can be.
The details: Oman Air flies daily between London and Muscat, Oman’s capital city, switching its departure point from Gatwick to Heathrow on January 14. Economy fares are from £207 and business class fares from £1,752 including taxes. In August, the A310 will be replaced by a brand new Airbus A330. See: www.oman-air.com; Tel: 08444 822 309. Alan Orbell
