Review: Kuwait Airways Business Class 777 Kuwait To Shannon

Looks like some great planespotting at KWI. 747-8 always looks sexy!

@Lucky - did you go through pre-clearance for the US when you got to Shannon? Can't imagine they wouldn't have passengers go through it as that is practically the whole point of transiting in Shannon.

The tiny foot cubicle on this design of seat makes me want to avoid it. I imagine it's like trying to sleep with your feet manacled together in a weird bondage ritual (not that I know anything about such things). More importantly, the 2-2-2 layout is a no-no for me (and I thought for you, too, judging by how often you criticise BA for having it?).

Do you clear US immigration at Shannon?

Nice review. Though am really looking forward to the Etihad experience.

@ CR -- Nope, they don't use the facility. I'm not actually sure why Kuwait makes the stop. They don't pick up or drop off passengers. I know they used to operate the flight to London but then lost pick-up rights, though I'm not sure why they didn't just switch to a nonstop flight then.

Given the range on that plane, and that many other operators go even further with it, did you ever get a reason why they operate it with a refuel/crew change stop in Shannon? If you aren't even allowed to deplane and take advantage of US pre-clearance, say, it seems really odd to me in this day and age.

@Lucky - Interesting. They might not be able to do non-stop flights from KWI to the US due to security issues and/or whatever the bilateral agreement says. Although now that I think about it, UA did IAD-KWI non-stop a couple years ago for a bit with no issue so it makes me wonder why Kuwait doesn't do non-stop.

@ CR -- Oddly they're now operating the flight nonstop some days, but not all days. So that was my first thought as well, but I don't think that's it.

Always odd to me that these airlines don't have their menus spell-checked by a native English speaker prior to printing. "Board palette," "fried potatoe," "expresoo." Seems like a cheap and easy step, and would make a big difference in appearances - especially on flights to/from the States.

@ Lucky - That only adds to the mystery as to why they stop some flights in Shannon but some are nonstop from KWI...very intriguing airline and route. If memory serves me correctly they lost traffic rights between London and the US because they denied boarding to an Israeli passport holder ticketed for the flight. Or at least that was a contributing factor. Perhaps that has something to do with it.

@CR that is correct on that. And also in retailation they stripped United Airlines for running their IAD-KWI flight as well.

@Lucky some of the planes there were a USAF C5, a military charter plane and then the nice white C-17 of the Kuwaiti Air Force. Lots of great opportunity to plane spot at KWI.

I find it puzzling that they do not use the pre-clear facility in Shannon, but yet they contract out a lounge in Shannon. (been through charters that always stopped in Shannon on the way to KWI)

Do Western flights overfly Iran like this?

I'd never take a dry airlines so this wouldn't work for me.

"And also in retailation they stripped United Airlines for running their IAD-KWI flight as well."

I'm not sure it had anything to do with that. Just a lack of demand, maybe. UA stopped all of their flights to the Arabian Gulf, not just to KWI.

If Kuwait Airways actually plans a stop in Shannon and not use the US Pre-Clearance facility, isn't that just dumb how they do that? Can't the fly Nonstop?

You know, if this picked up in DUB or SNN, I'd actually go for it - It looks like a really pleasant service - I don't really drink on flights any more anyway, (You can bring a series of 100ml flasks if you have 'the thirst' though right?) and I love all things unique and arabic - mint tea, coffee, and they are served so beautifully!

Ridiculous to me that in 2017 some anti semitic airlines still deny boarding to those with Israeli passports....like really? come on....

Did you explore their attitude to passengers bringing on their own wine for dinner? In the past Royal Brunei were very helpful and would supply wine glasses and a cork screw if asked.

@schar
That isn't being anti-semitic, that is being anti-zionist. Not the same thing.

These newspaper articles may shed some light . . .
http://www.irishtimes.com/business/transport-and-tourism/kuwait-airways-to-increase-flights-through-shannon-to-jfk-1.2804901
and http://clareherald.com/2016/06/airline-to-make-transit-stop-at-shannon-29608/

What a great improvement. I heard from locals that certain people at Kuwait airlines were keeping the airline bad to keep the price of the airline low, so it could be bought from the government cheaply. Seems something has happened to change this.

P.S @Schar - There is a huge difference between Anti Semitic and Anti Zionist. Please learn your history before commenting.

Great Review! I actually live in Ireland and did some work experience in Shannon Airport - the reason why they do the stopover is because the security screening facilities in Kuwait aren't up to FAA standards and they're required to stop somewhere, however I've heard that they're changing this soon. While I was working at SNN, when with the security screening team I actually got to board the new Kuwait 777 as it was carrying passengers and doctors that were unable to deplane due to medical illness. The flight carries a lot of sick people travelling to the IS for treatment which explains the person on the stretcher. While working in SNN you noticed while the plane was on the ground the numbers of ill looking people from Kuwait and India. Was interesting to read your review about the product that I'd only seen briefly!

@Philip

Back in the day, from the 70s to the mid 90s. Kuwait Airways was a really great airline. Certainly the best Arab airline. Even when it was dry, it still had better service, seats, and food, compared to it's neighbors. While I don't expect it to topple any of the ME3 and regain it's status, it's good to see them putting in some effort and improving things.

I love your trip reports! Whenever I read them, I say to myself, 'one day I will be rich enough to buy business/first class, not because of operational upgrades.'

Something to consider as far as the Shannon stop is concerned:

Shannon is a common military cargo hub for NATO and other countries, but especially the United States. Kuwait is still the main point of troop and cargo deployment and redeployment of US and other coalition forces serving in Iraq. The stop may be a cargo transfer for the military and part of the contracts between Kuwait and the US.

Two more things... both cargo planes pictured are C-17 Globemaster IIIs, one a U.S. Air Force bird and the other a Kuwaiti Air Force bird that's used for presidential equipment and security detail transport (hence it being in civilian colors.)

Security is NOT the reason for the Shannon stop as the same aircraft operate non-stop to JFK some days of the week.

KAC will be getting a new modern & luxurious dedicated terminal next year with 2 large first & businness lounges offering 5 star service, Many onboard service enhancements are coming.

Kuwait Airways Boeing 777-300ERs Are My favorite 777sthey are Modern,Spacious,And Equipped With the Latest Types Of Entertainment 🙂 I've tried the Kuwait Airways B777-300ER To Dubai Last February,But aim Economy Class
And It was fantastic 🙂

Thanks For This Lovely Report 🙂