The good? Well, that's easy ? you get where you need to be, fast. The bad? If you?re flying economy class, that's also simple: the food, the space and the screaming children.

Little wonder it's disdainfully branded 'cattle class', or 'the cheap seats' by those who fly in Business Class (capital B, capital C) ? spend a flight up at the sharp end of the plane and you'll probably never want to go back to the 'Third World' again.

Up at the sharp end

Behind those curtains at the front of the Gulf Air plane there's a lot more than chicken-or-beef (how about some char-grilled Atlantic Salmon or Parpadelle pasta). And if you're stuck next to the typical fat guy on the flight, he won't overflow onto your seat. Even the children are quiet(er).

But first, the food ? after all, Gulf Air won the 2006 Skytrax Award for 'Best onboard catering excellence' for a third consecutive year, and a second place nod in the Best Business Class Catering category.

The reason for the glory? Their Sky Chefs programs. First class passengers actually get their menu selection freshly prepared and to order, and while business travellers have slightly less choice and personal attention from the chef, there's still three courses (with options) for every meal. So how does a Parsnip curry soup, followed by Cod cobbler and rounded off by a Passion fruit cheescake sound?

Not so hungry? There's a 'Bedside menu' with lighter meals, including the delicious Arabic mezze (a variety of hot and cold Middle Eastern dishes). And with the Dine-on-Demand service you can eat whenever you like ? instead of a 4.30am breakfast ahead of your 5.15 landing?

Service is attentive without being intrusive, and there's no denying that food tastes even better when served on real crockery, with no tin foil dishes, plastic trays or disposable cups in sight. So wine ? or whatever other drink you select from the Sky Cellar ? comes in a real glass, and includes choices like a Haut Medoc Bordeaux or a Californian Chardonnay.

The good food and service continue at the Bahrain International Airport's Business Class lounge. No Sky Chef to take your order, but plenty of choice on the buffet carts ? meals or snacks to nibble on while watching the news, reading a paper or browsing the wireless internet on your laptop or one of the work stations.

Alternatively take a shower or a nap, but with the Sky Beds on the Gulf Air planes it's not like you're going to be short of sleep. First class passengers get a seat that folds completely flat into a full-sized bed with fitted sheets, duvet and continental pillows. And if you're a Business traveller, your seat may not go entirely horizontal but it's wide enough (24 inches) and has enough settings for you to get very comfortable.

Too excited to sleep? Plug your laptop into one of the in-seat power connections, or choose something from the 21 video and 21 audio channels. Go ahead, swing your arms and shake your feet a little ? with a 2-2-2 seating arrangement in Business, there's no problem with elbow- or leg-room.

Ssshh... people are sleeping

Just keep the singing-along down ? it's rather quiet up front, thanks to the all-female team of Sky Nannies. A dedicated team devoted to looking after children under the age of 12, they keep the kiddies under control in-flight, taking the strain off parents.

From the moment a child arrives at the departure gate, the nannies escort them to a dedicated area in the airport, where they're kept fed and entertained ? and out of fellow passengers' hair.

With all that silence on offer ? together with the space and that food ? next time it's Business Class, or I'm walking?

For more info...
• iafrica.com flew on Gulf Air from Johannesburg to Dublin, one of the airline's 46 destinations in 32 countries.
• Gulf Air flies between Johannesburg and Bahrain three times a week. Flights depart OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 12.10pm. Flights from Bahrain return on Wednesdays, Fridays and Mondays, arriving the following morning at 4.45am into Johannesburg.
• The Airbus A330 aircraft used on the route offers Economy, Business and First Classes, with Sky Beds, Sky Chefs and Sky Nannies on service.