Gulf Air, as the national airline of Bahrain, was established in 1950 by British pilot Freddie Bosworth under the name Gulf Aviation. With the Establishment Agreement signed on January 1, 1974, it became Gulf Air, a joint national airline of Bahrain, Qatar, Abu Dhabi, and Oman. However, since 2006, it has continued under the full ownership of Bahrain. The airline is headquartered in Muharraq, Bahrain, with its main hub at Bahrain International Airport.
Gulf Air, as a full-service airline, operates flights to 65 destinations in 38 countries. These destinations include major European cities such as Athens, Dublin, Frankfurt, London, Paris, and Istanbul, as well as cities in the Middle East and Africa like Abu Dhabi, Amman, Beirut, Cairo, Jeddah, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, and Riyadh. The airline has a fleet of approximately 25-30 aircraft, including Boeing 737, Airbus A320, A321, and A330. The average age of Gulf Air's fleet is between 10-15 years.
Gulf Air is not a member of any airline alliance but is known for its high-quality services and customer satisfaction. The airline's logo is a golden falcon and it offers services with a multilingual crew from different nationalities. Historically, Gulf Air has expanded as the first Arab airline to fly to Australia and Africa, providing millions of passengers with safe and comfortable travel as one of the oldest carriers in the Middle East.
As the national airline of Bahrain, Gulf Air operates flights to 65 destinations in 38 countries. Its main hubs are Bahrain International Airport and Seeb International Airport. In Europe, important cities like Athens, Dublin, Frankfurt, London, Paris, Istanbul, and Trabzon are among the destinations served by Gulf Air. In the Middle East and Africa, cities such as Abu Dhabi, Amman, Beirut, Cairo, Jeddah, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, and Riyadh are included.
The airline offers a wide destination network, providing passengers with extensive transfer opportunities in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Gulf Air has expanded its network through codeshare agreements, offering more options to its passengers. It also operates seasonal routes to destinations in demand during specific periods.
As one of the oldest airlines in the Middle East, Gulf Air is preferred for both regional and intercontinental travel with its comprehensive flight network and full-service offerings.
Gulf Air - Baggage Policy
Hand Baggage / Cabin Baggage: When traveling with Gulf Air, your hand baggage allowance varies depending on your class. In Economy Light and Economy Smart/Flex classes, your cabin baggage can weigh 6 kg and measure up to 45x40x30 cm. In Falcon Gold Business class, you have a total cabin baggage allowance of 9 kg; this includes a bag measuring 55x40x30 cm and a briefcase measuring 43x38x30 cm. For infants, the cabin baggage allowance is 3 kg and measures 44x35x20 cm. Personal items such as a handbag or laptop bag are generally accepted in Economy class.Checked Baggage: The checked baggage allowance also varies by class. In Economy Light class, you have an allowance of one piece of 23 kg checked baggage, while for Economy Smart and Flex passengers, this is set at two pieces of 23 kg each. In Falcon Gold Business class, there is an allowance of two pieces of 32 kg each. There is an option to purchase excess baggage for additional needs, with fees varying by route.Special Baggage: There are specific restrictions for special items such as sports equipment, musical instruments, and strollers. Sports equipment must be transported in a protective case with pedals removed and tires deflated, and is included in the 15 kg limit. Musical instruments can be carried in the cabin or as checked baggage, provided they meet the weight limit. Strollers can be transported for free as checked baggage and can also be carried in the cabin if foldable. If you need extra baggage, additional baggage allowance is offered for Falconflyer members.
Gulf Air - Check-in & Seat Selection
Check-in Options: When traveling with Gulf Air, you can start your online check-in process via the Gulf Air Mobile App or website 48 hours before the flight and complete it up to 90 minutes before departure. You can download your boarding pass with a barcode through the mobile app. At the airport, you can use self-check-in kiosks or benefit from counter check-in services. Counter check-in closes 60 minutes before departure. You can receive your boarding pass digitally via the mobile app or email, or obtain a printed version from airport kiosks or counters if you wish.Seat Selection: Seat selection on Gulf Air varies depending on your ticket type. In basic economy class, standard seats can be selected for free, while seats offering extra legroom or premium seats can be reserved for a fee. These fees may vary based on flight distance, ranging from €10-30 for short distances to €50-150 for long distances. In premium tickets such as Flex and Plus, seat selection is free. Business Class passengers can select all seats for free and with priority. You can make your seat selection in advance via the Gulf Air website or mobile app.
Gulf Air - Meal Service
Gulf Air enriches the flight experience with its meal service offered to passengers. In economy class, complimentary menus on long-haul flights consist of delicious options like hot noodle soup, chicken with vegetables, pandesal bread, and a fruit plate. Additionally, Filipino dessert bo and light snacks are also provided. Beverages include mint lemon, sparkling apple juice, and Arabic coffee.
In business class, with the "Choose Your Cuisine" service, passengers can select one of 10 special meals such as smoked salmon, lamb pie, chicken satay, and pad Thai. These selections can be made between 6 months and 24 hours before the flight. Business class passengers are also offered a welcome drink, Arabic coffee, and pajamas for a comfortable flight. For passengers with special dietary requirements, vegetarian, halal, kosher, and vegan options are available and it is recommended to order in advance. On short-haul flights, basic meals are complimentary in economy class, while a more comprehensive menu is offered on long-haul flights. In business class, personalized, complimentary meal service is provided on every flight. All beverages are offered free of charge.
Gulf Air - Loyalty Program
Gulf Air's loyalty program, Falcon Flyer, offers extra benefits during your travels. The process of earning miles is based on the distance traveled and ticket class (economy 100%, business 150%). Additionally, you can earn miles with partner airlines and hotels such as British Airways, American Airlines, and Cathay Pacific, which are oneworld members. Falcon Flyer membership levels are designated as Green, Gold, and Platinum. Starting from the Green level, you can benefit from basic discounts. At the Gold level, with 25,000 status miles, you gain lounge access, priority check-in, and extra baggage allowance. At the Platinum level, with 50,000 status miles, you are offered two guest lounge access, 75% extra mile earnings, and guaranteed seat advantage. Mile redemption options include free flights, class upgrades, and seat selections. Through credit card partnerships with banks in Bahrain, you can also transfer miles and earn bonuses. Make your travels more enjoyable with Falcon Flyer.
Gulf Air - Travel Classes
Economy Lite: Gulf Air's most basic economic package, Economy Lite, offers travelers an affordable option. In this class, passengers can carry 7 kg of hand baggage and may need to pay extra for checked baggage, which typically covers a 23 kg baggage allowance. A fee is required for seat selection, and no meal service is provided during the flight, although food and beverages can be purchased. Strict rules apply for changes or cancellations, and these processes usually require high fees.Economy Value: As a mid-level option, Economy Value offers passengers both hand baggage and a 30 kg checked baggage allowance. Seat selection is free during check-in. Hot meal service is available during travel, and sandwiches may be offered on short flights. A fee may be required for ticket changes, and partial refunds may be available for cancellations.Economy Flex: This flexible package offers passengers more baggage allowance; in addition to 7 kg of hand baggage, it provides a 2x32 kg checked baggage allowance. Passengers can benefit from free priority seat selection, and full meal service with beverages is included. Changes are free, and full refunds are available for cancellations.Falcon Gold: Gulf Air's premium class, Falcon Gold, offers a luxurious travel experience. Passengers have a 7 kg hand baggage and a 2x32 kg checked baggage allowance. Additionally, lounge access, free seat selection, and comfortable travel with lie-flat seats are provided. Gourmet meals and champagne service are available. Changes and cancellations are unlimited, and priority boarding is also offered.
Gulf Air - Cancellation & Changes
Cancellation Conditions: Gulf Air's ticket cancellation conditions vary depending on the travel class and the timing of the cancellation. Early cancellations may incur a minimum fee of USD 30, while higher penalties may apply for cancellations closer to the date. Flexible fares do not offer free cancellation benefits. Although there is no information on a 24-hour free cancellation right, passengers may benefit from certain compensation rights under EU/UK rules for cancellations made less than 14 days before the flight date.Change Rules: With flexible ticket options at Gulf Air, date and route changes can be made for free. These changes can be made unlimited times through "Manage My Booking" or by contacting the call center. Route changes are also possible, but name changes are generally charged or restricted.Refund Process: Refunds can be initiated online or through customer service. In case of airline cancellations, a full refund is provided, while airport taxes are refunded for voluntary cancellations. The refund process usually takes 7-14 days. In case of no-show, an additional fee is applied, and the refund right is limited.
Gulf Air - Seat Comfort & Entertainment
Seat Comfort and Legroom: For Economy Class passengers on Gulf Air, the seat pitch ranges from 79-81 cm, with a width of 43-46 cm. The recline angle of these seats is around 10-15 cm, and the seats are covered with fabric. In Business Class, passengers can travel in lie-flat seats with a pitch of 193 cm. The width of these seats varies between 53-61 cm, offering fully reclining seats. Standard seats are preferred on short-haul flights, while seats with enhanced recline features are used on long-haul flights.In-Flight Entertainment: Gulf Air offers a wide range of entertainment with personal screens measuring 10-13 inches at each seat. Passengers can access a library containing thousands of movies, series, music, and games. Entertainment content is limited on short-haul flights, while a richer content is offered on long-haul flights. Wi-Fi service is provided on all flights for a fee, and each seat is equipped with USB and AC power outlets. In Business Class, premium content is prioritized.
Gulf Air - Special Services
Unaccompanied Minor Service: Gulf Air offers a special service for children aged 5-11 traveling alone. The fee for this service ranges from approximately 50-100 USD. You can request this service during the reservation process to ensure your child's safe travel.Pregnant Passenger Policy: Pregnant passengers can travel with Gulf Air up to the 36th week. However, pregnant passengers traveling after the 28th week are required to present a doctor's report. This is important for the health of both the mother and the baby.Disabled Passenger Assistance: Gulf Air provides wheelchair and mobility assistance for disabled passengers. These services are free of charge, and it is recommended to make reservations in advance. Escort services are also provided at the airport, making your journey more comfortable.Other Services: For families with infants, a free bassinet can be reserved in advance on long-haul flights. Infants' items up to a 10 kg limit are accepted. Priority boarding is granted to Business Class passengers, Falconflyer Gold/Platinum members, and those with special needs. At Bahrain airport, VIP/CIP services, paid lounge access, and fast track options make your travel more comfortable.
Gulf Air - Pet Transport Policy
Cabin Pet Transport: When traveling with Gulf Air, small pets such as dogs and cats can be carried in the cabin. The maximum weight with the carrier is 5 kg. The carrier dimensions should not exceed 45x35x25 cm. This service, suitable for small breeds, requires advance reservation to bring your pet along.Cargo/Baggage Compartment Transport: Larger pets must be transported in the cargo compartment. Special cages should be used for these animals, and certain temperature and breed restrictions may apply. Especially brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds may be prohibited in cargo transportation.Required Documents and Rules: Veterinary health reports, rabies vaccination records, and microchips are required for pet transportation. Additional tests, such as rabies titer tests, may be required for entry into European Union countries. Guide and support animals can be transported in the cabin for free, with no restrictions for these animals. It is important to make your reservation early.
Gulf Air - Travel Tips
When planning your trip with Gulf Air, you can purchase your ticket at more affordable prices by booking early. Setting flexible travel dates increases your chances of catching promotions and campaigns. When choosing a seat, if you prefer the emergency exit row, you can have more legroom; however, these seats usually sell out quickly, so it's important to act early. For in-flight comfort, front seats generally offer a quieter travel experience. Access to the Falcon Gold Lounge at Bahrain International Airport, Gulf Air's hub, provides a great opportunity to relax before your flight. During your connecting flights, you can access real-time flight information and easily view your boarding pass through Gulf Air's mobile app.
The information on this page about Gulf Air is for general informational purposes only. Airlines may change their baggage rules, travel classes, cancellation/change policies and other services without prior notice. For the most current and accurate information, please visit the official Gulf Air website. Tripuck cannot be held responsible for any changes to this information.
Hand Baggage / Cabin Baggage: When traveling with Gulf Air, your hand baggage allowance varies depending on your class. In Economy Light and Economy Smart/Flex classes, your cabin baggage can weigh 6 kg and measure up to 45x40x30 cm.
Check-in Options: When traveling with Gulf Air, you can start your online check-in process via the Gulf Air Mobile App or website 48 hours before the flight and complete it up to 90 minutes before departure. You can download your boarding pass with a barcode through the mobile app.
Gulf Air operates flights to 82 cities in 39 countries. United States, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia are among its most popular destinations.
Gulf Air ticket prices vary by route and date. The current lowest fare starts from £151. Use the search box above for the latest prices.
Gulf Air enriches the flight experience with its meal service offered to passengers. In economy class, complimentary menus on long-haul flights consist of delicious options like hot noodle soup, chicken with vegetables, pandesal bread, and a fruit plate.
Gulf Air's loyalty program, Falcon Flyer, offers extra benefits during your travels. The process of earning miles is based on the distance traveled and ticket class (economy 100%, business 150%).
Cancellation Conditions: Gulf Air's ticket cancellation conditions vary depending on the travel class and the timing of the cancellation. Early cancellations may incur a minimum fee of USD 30, while higher penalties may apply for cancellations closer to the date.
Cabin Pet Transport: When traveling with Gulf Air, small pets such as dogs and cats can be carried in the cabin. The maximum weight with the carrier is 5 kg.