V-Flyer

I'm soon to become a regular (every two months) on routes in an out of Bahrain. I'm of course looking to maximise my VS miles and plan to fly GF rather than BA.
In excitment I noticed that BMI also fly the route, but on closer inspection I notice it is a code share operated on GF Metal.

Both are FC earning partners, so I assume I would earn miles regardless.
Though I was always cautious of booking SQ flights that were in fact flown on Asiana metal, as the earnings were different. (but asiana was not a FC partner)

So, my question is, is there any advantage/disadvantage of booking the flight via BMI rather than GF that anyone knows of?

I think it is possible that there may be issues with booking through BMI. Another layer of admin to go wrong apart from anything else.

You don't say whether you'll be flying Y or J with Gulf - if Y I'd be more tempted to book direct and join their FF scheme to gain the benefits, especially given the frequency since lounge access and upgrades might be important? Not sure if you can get these with VS Gold if you transfer the points and miles to your FC account?

Either way, I've flown with Gulf air To singapore last year in business.

Flight was late leaving, resulting in me being offered an overnight in Bahrain or a quick jump to Dubai, then GF onwards to SIN. Coming back, I was leant on heavily in NOT flying with GF and flying direct back to LHR with Quantas.

What little time I did spend flying with them was good although the cabin was a smidge dated. However, I did get full VS miles for the return to SIN as we ll as TP's and also managed to claim BA miles with quantas also!

Originally posted by woggledog
Coming back, I was leant on heavily in NOT flying with GF and flying direct back to LHR with Quantas.

Sounds like they had an overbooking situation, and offering to transfer you to a direct flight on another carrier seems like a good deal for you (even better when you ended up with a double dip on the miles), and a good way of solving the problem for them.

I was quite happy with my GF flights earlier this year, apart from slow baggage delivery at BAH and about two hours delay on the way back (delayed due to waiting for about 100 connecting pax).

I was very happy with the food and service.

Mike

thanks for the info guys. I was considering switching to their FF program, but I'll be flying Y generally, so would take time to gain any status, and the VS miles tend to keep MrsPVG in flights when needed.
I'll check out the GF lounge access with VS gold, but i have priority pass as a back up, so not unduly worried about getting lounge access or not.

The other option was switch allegence to the Dark Side as they also fly the routes I want in to China, but since Bahrain will be my hub for the next 12-18 months, I'll stick with earning VS miles, and hope to renew gold for a third year.

Originally posted by PVGSLF
I'll check out the GF lounge access with VS gold, but i have priority pass as a back up, so not unduly worried about getting lounge access or not.

GF lounge at BAH is quite nice, as is the one at LHR (if a little on the small side).

Have a look at my GF TRs from earlier this year:

LHR-MCT:
http://www.v-flyer.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=18630

MCT-BAH:
http://www.v-flyer.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=18710

BAH-LHR:
http://www.v-flyer.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=18713

I definitely thought GF were well above average, especially on the outbound sector, and the food was mostly out of this world.

Cheers,
Mike

Thanks Mike,

Definately sold on GF for earning with VS, and your recmomendations for the service seal it!

I've checked the GF website and it says words to the affect of "Airport benefits and privileges are not available on Virgin Atlantic services." for membership of it's FF program. So I guess that is reciprocal and VS Gold doesn't get lounge access or priority check-in when flying on GF services in Y.[:(]
Still, that's not the end of the world... Those VS miles and TP's are more important!