Jack's Honest Airline Reviews — Oman Air First Class/Business

If there’s one hill I’ll die on, it’s this: The beauty of travel lies not in how far you wander but in how deeply you immerse yourself. 

Before, I would’ve said that to truly immerse yourself, you must earn it; better yet, endure it. 

My twisted, achy body after long-haul flights and even longer buses was a testament to this. If I wasn’t playing charades with border police at 3am or crammed in the back of a pickup truck with several strangers (and livestock), was I really even traveling? I mean, to reach some of the most underrated corners of the world, there had to be some type of melodrama involved.

I won’t lie, my heart has never been immune to envy when shimmying past first-class passengers to reach my knee-cracking seat in coach. But flying first class was wedged way down on my bucket list, in between summiting Kilimanjaro and crossing the Drake Passage in Antarctica. Someday experiences if the stars aligned. 

As fate would have it, earlier this year we spotted some brow-raising first-class fares with Oman Air that were just begging to be booked. Could a trip still feel deep and immersive if it started with comfort instead of chaos? Only one way to find out. 

As it turns out, immersing yourself in a culture is a lot easier when you arrive clear-headed, totally present, and entirely unbruised…

Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for my return flight home. The epitome of melodramatic, it unexpectedly had me squeezed in economy heading for Saudi Arabia instead of Ireland. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves…

Flight & aircraft details:

1. LH979: Dublin (DUB) to Frankfurt (FRA) - business class on an Airbus A321
2. LH9596: Frankfurt (FRA) to Muscat (MCT) - business class on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

Oman Air's Business Class is considered a total masterpiece, but it often goes under the radar, sort of like a boutique hotel vs. the giant copy-and-paste corporate chains. 

And while their first class is technically retired, it’s in name only. They’ve essentially ripped “First Class” off the label of their luxe Apex suites and have transitioned them into an enhanced boutique business tier.

We still consider them to be first class, as flying in their fully enclosed suites is truly an underrated, first-class caliber experience. Especially for a pauper like me. 

The Suite

Each of the eight suites onboard spans three windows and is set in a 2-2-2 configuration. All have direct aisle access from a hidden walkway between each suite. 

The window seats (A & K) are highly rated in the aviation community for their multi-window views and this dedicated private walkway, meaning you don’t have to scramble over your seatmate. The aisle, however, is fully exposed to foot traffic, so I’d recommend snagging a window seat if possible. 

Originally, the airline assigned me an aisle seat with no ability to switch before my flight. I’m not sure if this was a glitch in the system or a common inconvenience to passengers. When I boarded, however, I offered to switch seats with another traveler so he could sit next to his partner. 

Inside this cushy pod of peace is a motorized privacy screen that can be raised between you and your neighbor, making it feel deeply secluded.

Unlike Air France or Qatar, where your feet have to slide below a narrow coffin-like enclosure under the armrest, the Apex suites offer an open, wide ottoman. That means side-sleepers like myself can flop around completely unhindered on a lie-flat bed. They also offer adjustable lumbar support and a massage function. 

As far as space, the size of the seats is 22.8 inches (57.9 cm) wide with a pitch of 80 inches (203.2 cm) and a lengthy bed of 76 inches (193 cm). These far exceed the configurations of British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Emirates.

I’ve heard a few complaints about storage within the Apex Suite. Beyond a small pocket for a water bottle and my phone, there are no large, enclosed side lockers or deep bins to store your laptop or small bags while sleeping.

There's a designated storage area under the TV, far enough to be unreachable from your seat. This wasn't an issue for me, but I can see how it could be frustrating, especially for people with mobility challenges.

Amenities

Entering the aircraft, a symphony of fragrance unfurls within the cabin, practically escorting me to my seat. Frankincense and rose pull at a forgotten mirage —  a nod to the sandswept and ancient scenery awaiting me at my destination. 

One of the offerings I was most excited about was the bespoke, high-end amenity kits onboard. Inside was an assortment of skincare products, including lip balm, perfume, moisturizer, and hand lotion. 

Oman Air partners on these with the ultra-luxury fragrance brand Amouage, a company founded at the request of the late Sultan Qaboos Bin Said in hopes of reviving the ancient Omani tradition of perfumery.

Unfortunately, the kit that I was handed only contained an eye mask, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and earplugs. I could only assume it was the same kit offered in Economy. Sadface :(

I was also given slippers, a mattress pad, and a quilted duvet. On long-haul flights, they also hand out cotton pajamas; when I asked for a pair, they were provided to me and now live in my wardrobe to remind me that this whirlwind trip was not, in fact, a dream.

The bathroom facilities are what you'd expect in any first-class cabin, immaculate. Stocked with Amouage soap and lotion as well as extra toothbrushes for guests. I couldn't decide what's more elite: the footrest that unfolds across the toilet seat so I don't have to bend down to tie my shoe, or the bidet firing a high-pressure laser beam into my soul while flying above Mesopotamia.

Food

Definitely one of the biggest highlights of flying with Oman Air was the chance to try Omani flavors before even landing. Soon after takeoff, the staff presented us with dates, a hot towel, and a drink of our choice. I couldn’t help myself and asked for a glass of Laurent Perrier to toast my first first-class flight. 

It did take quite a while for the main meals to be served, something that displeased my new neighbor by delaying his sleep. Honestly, though, all was forgiven when the first course arrived. 

We did have the option of dine-on-demand, so you can eat whenever you like, meaning if you wanted to sleep first and receive your food right before landing, you could. 

On my seat I found a curated, set menu focused on award-winning Omani food, as well as a modern European à la carte menu. I opted for the Roqaa Omaniya experience as I was intrigued to try something new. You’ll either love or hate the salt-preserved shark, but the slow-roasted, smoky Shuwa? Well, it’s the national dish of Oman for a reason. 10/10. 

Chef Roy Varghese is to thank for showcasing Omani culture at 35,000 ft. Intentionally bypassing standard suppliers in the aviation industry, Oman Air has worked to ensure that the menu supports regional Omani sustainability. The walnuts and fresh pomegranates on the plate? They came from the high-altitude farms of Jebel Akhdar. And the seafood was caught fresh from the Arabian Sea and processed immediately at the airport. 

And while we travelers might skip over the small details, his team hasn’t. Even my champagne flute and dinner plate reflected clean geometric lines and elegant arches, a nod to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

One of the cornerstones of the airline’s identity is the presentation of Oman Kahwa (traditional Omani coffee). The cabin crew trains extensively in the art of serving the cardamom-and-saffron-infused brew. They pour it from traditional dallah pots into small cups (always accompanied by dates).  A ritual in Omani hospitality, from household to business, and one I’ve deeply grown to miss.

There were no plastic trays in sight, either; the crew meticulously set the three-course meal with a white tablecloth, silver cutlery, and a breadbasket. The table itself swivels, meaning you can even get up if needed during meal service. 

Entertainment

Oman Air’s entertainment system, ARIA, had hundreds of movies and TV shows to keep me entertained. There’s a touchscreen remote built into the armrest, and while it felt a little clunky in its responsiveness and design, it was still miles better than I’ve been used to in coach.

Noise-canceling headphones were also provided. If I were to find one gripe, it’d be that the TV felt a little far from my seat.

Regarding the Wi-Fi, previous flyers have complained about Oman Air’s slow service and extra costs to access the internet. However, when I flew, the Wi-Fi was fast and free!

Staff and Service

The service onboard felt unhurried and relaxed, something, which I would learn on my trip, is deeply ingrained in the Omani culture. In my Apex suite, time felt truly suspended, almost as if “calm” was a design feature. Of course, I could understand that if you were someone who frequently flies first/business class, you might think the cabin crew were inattentive by not rushing about; however, in my experience, they were anything but.

The stewards’ appearance was meticulous, dressed in turquoise, inspired by the colours of the Sea of Oman. Patient and warm, they appeared out of thin air immediately when the call button was pressed. They were also approachable, something I find many flight attendants lack, and happily offered travel advice on what to see in their beautiful Sultanate.

In the Airport

During my layover in Frankfurt, everything ran smoothly. There were no delays, and I spent my time in the Priority Lounge in Terminal 3. Since this was a third-party lounge, there wasn’t any Oman Air branding or Omani decor, but it had everything I needed to decompress before my next flight, including a buffet, a bar, comfortable couches, and shower facilities. 

In Muscat, Oman Air’s lounge can only be described as an oasis. Floor-to-ceiling gold and geometric patterns evoke the landscapes of the desert and the highest of peaks. You’ll find high-end amenities like à la carte dining, a rejuvenating spa, and premium Amouage products. It also has private nap pods for those longer layovers, a cigar lounge, a cocktail bar, and dedicated areas for families too. 

Alas, I wasn’t able to spend any time in the lounge in Muscat as the Iran war broke out during my time in Oman. Rumors quickly spread that the region's airspace would close completely, potentially leaving travelers stranded indefinitely. Because I could not afford to be stuck there for weeks, my guide and I decided to head to the airport a week before my scheduled departure to try and secure an earlier flight home. 

As it turned out, the airspace officially closed on the exact day we went. While it felt like a gamble at the time, it proved necessary, as those who waited for my original flight a week later ultimately required evacuation flights to get out. 

Now, before I continue, I want to acknowledge my immense privilege in this situation. Holding a strong passport and simply trying to navigate a way home is absolutely incomparable to the devastating reality faced by the people living through war in Southwest Asia. My safety was a temporary logistical hurdle, whereas for locals, it is an ongoing crisis. 

Still, the ground experience was incredibly chaotic. 

As a First Class passenger, you might expect the Premium Lounge staff to be a haven of support during disruptions, but in reality I was met with total stonewalling. I managed to reach the private ticketing agents inside the lounge, but when I asked for assistance finding an alternative route due to the airspace closure, they refused to help and directed me to the chaotic main Oman Air counters. 

And while I genuinely understand the immense pressure the entire airline staff was under during the crisis, the total breakdown in communication and lack of basic empathy made a scary situation even harder to navigate. Especially when so many of us were given conflicting information about flight routes and availability. Understandably, in the end, travel class holds little weight when it comes to severe crises.

Ultimately, I had to use an independent travel agent to book an entirely new economy ticket just to get back home, which cost thousands of euros due to demand. 

To make matters worse, that agent illegally booked me on a flight with a layover in Saudi Arabia that exceeded legal limits (12 hours is the maximum time you can spend on a layover; mine was 13), forcing me to buy yet another ticket on arrival just to finally get home.

Overall Rating — 4/5

In the skies, Oman Air delivers a world-class 5-star experience. But they completely dropped the ball on the ground when things went wrong.

On board, their Apex suite is a spacious sanctuary, the culinary dining an absolute triumph and a glimpse into Omani culture through thoughtful aesthetic, which completely outshines the sterility onboard the likes of American Airlines or KLM.

However, luxury travel is expensive precisely because you are paying for priority support throughout your journey. Unfortunately, the total breakdown of empathy and communication from lounge and airport staff during a geopolitical crisis proved that luxury amenities dissolve when you need them most.

All in all, Oman Air is a spectacular airline to fly with if the weather is clear, but be prepared to fend for yourself if the stars stop aligning.

TLDR

Overall Rating: 4 / 5 stars. An absolute masterpiece in the sky, but a total blunder during a ground crisis.

Service: Flawless. Warm, approachable, and unhurried cabin crew who truly embody genuine Omani hospitality.

Facilities: Massive, secluded Apex Suites with open footwells for side-sleepers and surprisingly fast, free Wi-Fi.

Food: A 10/10 culinary triumph. Dine-on-demand authentic Omani Shuwa that tastes like a luxury restaurant at 35,000 feet.

Timing: Flights were perfectly punctual, but ground staff provided zero assistance when war abruptly closed the regional airspace.

Quality vs. Price: 100% worth booking for the onboard flight experience - just be prepared to leave it to fate if an emergency happens on the ground.