I should have said in my previous message that we flew with Gulf Airlines this year - we usually go direct with Eva Air but booked this year's flights very late in the day as we were not sure that we were going. Gulf Air was the cheapest when we booked in March for August from London Heathrow. Had never done a one stop flight before as Eva go direct. And afraid I wouldn't ever again either. Gulf Air were ok - stopped in Bahrain and that's another story which really opened my eyes - knew we had a 5 hour "rest" but our onward flight to BKK was delayed by 6 hours - 11 hours in Bahrain Airport you can do without. So next year has to be direct so long as the price is right.

Check out Ethiad. I'm not in the UK but my flight to Paris had just a 2 hour stop-over in Abu Dhabi and both flights arrived at destination in the early evening which is always good as far as jet lag is concerned IMO. I think it's quite nice to be able to stretch ones legs a bit mid flight myself. Good baggage allowance, individual video screens on the backs of the seats with more films than you can possibly watch and I also got an exit seat without even asking for one which was nice....must be my innate charm

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“Not all those who wander are lost.” Tolkien.
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

I quite rate Qatar and they stop off in Abu Dhabi.
We fly from manchester and there are no direct. for that we have to fly down to London and that is a pain in it's self. I am with Fio on the leg stretching bit. I know it puts on some time but unless you are very comfy 12 hours is a long stretch.
We have flown Ethiad and doha airport is the pit's there are no seperate smoking areas so by the time you board again you smell like an old ash tray.

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Kiss
God laughs at people who make plans.