Slowjet asks a good question of Smokey ; how many of the rumoured 170 lay-offs were pilots? None, I suspect. Still a discomfort to those who are now looking for work. Gypsey states he left GF along with "scores" of pilots. A "score" is 20. "Scores" would be at least two score, let's say 40. In my 17 years with GF, I never saw at least 40 leave along with "thegypsy". GF hotels were fabbo. The Hyatt in Muscat was a treat and no where near the airport. Doha Hotel was a bit close but there wasn't much choice. Excelsior at LHR was very close but everyone else stayed there, including the mighty CX and any accommodation within 60 miles of LHR is a bit close to the airport. Looks like you rested in your SQ bunk a bit too much Gypo .