Darren,

Many thanks for the quick response.

Regards

Ant.

Thanks Darren for the response.

Subject: THOMSON AIRWAYS ... Q&As

Dazbo HT Mod wrote:

cmc767,

Welcome onboard
I don't have the full flight schedule for Summer 2011 as yet, I should get it towards the end of March if you want to ask again. If it's an ex-FCA aircraft (as last summer), then it should be non-stop. If it's an ex-TOM, it'll operate via MAN (fuel) outbound unless it's weight restricted.

Darren

The ex Thomsonfly 767's have been going direct lately with full passenger loads.... Don't know why they can magically do it all of a sudden though. Maybe no cargo.

BY-TOM-AMM-FCA wrote:

The ex Thomsonfly 767's have been going direct lately with full passenger loads.... Don't know why they can magically do it all of a sudden though. Maybe no cargo.

Winglets - I forgot about them.

Darren

Hi there,

Can you advise details of aircraft type on TOM188/189 Manchester to Male (Maldives) on 19 April 2011?

Many thanks,
Derek

gilf,

Welcome onboard

MAN-MLE-MAN (TOM188/9) are operated by a former First Choice Boeing 767-300/ER. You'll find extensive aircraft information on our What Aircraft? guide (link below).

Darren

Dazbo HT Mod wrote:

The ex Thomsonfly 767's have been going direct lately with full passenger loads.... Don't know why they can magically do it all of a sudden though. Maybe no cargo.

Winglets - I forgot about them.

Darren

Does this mean the flight will almost certainty be direct?

Regards

Many thanks for the helpful advice, Darren

cmc767,

From the information at the moment, it'll be non-stop. Direct in aviation terms doesn't mean non-stop, there's a subtle difference. Direct just means you don't change aircraft, but can involve a stop onroute, eg BHX-CUN, with a fuel stop in MAN is classed as direct.

Darren

Do Thomson have IFE on their short haul flights

Jay Trip,

IFE is currently available on all flights apart from those operared by the Boeing 737-300's.

Darren

Its not confirmed yet, it is something that the company are looking to remove ofF flights under 7hours(single aisled aircraft) in line with Thomas Cooks change last year. They are removing inflight meals from Nov 1st 2011 so any changes to the IFE will probably be the same time, could be sooner.

Thanks for quick replies.
Our holidays last year were with Thomas Cook so IFE will be a nice change.
We will be travelling on TOM 434 to Monastir on 20th March.Will this be a 737-300?
The previous Thomson holidays we have been on the planes have had the Recarro(?sp) seats which seem to have more leg room.

Jay Trip,

NCL-MIR-NCL (TOM434/5) are operated by a Boeing 737-800 (winglets) with the slimline Recaro seats.

Darren

As many of you know, Thomson have followed Thomas Cook and reduced their standard luggage allowance to just 15kg from the previous 20kg. This was done to obviously increase profits by spending less on fuel, and making passengers pay more to take their usual holiday clothes away with them.

But thats not all. Ive heard a rumour that come winter 2011 inflight entertainment on short and medium haul trips will be no more, and there will also be no more inflight meals available on short and medium haul trips - so for Egypt, Canaries etc. there will be no more tv down the middle of the isle, and no more meals available. You will be able to buy snacks and microwave meals as you can on current budget airlines.

Looks like Thomson is going to be no better than the likes of Ryanair and Easyjet soon - well, apart from the fact they will of course be considerably more expensive.

As many of you know, Thomson have followed Thomas Cook and reduced their standard luggage allowance to just 15kg from the previous 20kg. This was done to obviously increase profits by spending less on fuel, and making passengers pay more to take their usual holiday clothes away with them.

Here's an interesting few figures.....

One person flies Thomson from Gatwick to Malaga on 10th June 2011, returning a week later, with 20Kg of luggage and has the inflight meal - costs currently £196.
And has to pay for any drinks wanted.

The same person plans to fly with British Airways, same dates, same destination, with 20Kg luggage, gets free food, AND FREE DRINKS - costs currently £ 169

SO Thomson costs 16% MORE than the national carrier scheduled airline.
And provides less of a service.
It pays to always CHECK before booking a Thomson flight these days as they ramp up their pricesand reduce their service.

Here iis another instance, Newcastle to Stanstead with Easyjet £89, Newcastle to Heathrow £68.
Do not assume the 'budget' airlines are the cheaper option
Al

Sorry
Newcaslte to Heathrow was with BA

Hi alfords,

My key point was that Thomson - and Thomas Cook, and Monarch - the major charter airlines in the UK today are actively dropping standards, reducing service, and increasing prices - often dramatically.
It means that it can be cheaper to fly scheduled than charter, and one can get better service.
As per my posted example of BA vs Thomson.

On your point - I often fly Glasgow/Gatwick - and, providing one is booking a reasonable time ahead, I find it usually CHEAPER to fly BA than the Orange rugby scrum boarding planes of EasyJet.
So I agree with you.
Yes - EasyJet (and RyanAir) often have headline giveaway price deals, but often when one tries to book them they vapourise, or are swallowed up by extras charged for. Like checking in!!!

I think that the current times have to be a huge business opportunity for the big scheduled carriers.
Instead of navel contemplation, or squeezing staff benefits, or selling the family jewels off to join up with foreign airlines - they should aggressively go after the charter airlines business like that of Thomson.
They have the planes, the landing rights, the experience,the infrastructure..
.. they should aggressively try to take business away from the complacent charter airlines like Thomson
... who are relaxing now they have merged themselves into giant monopolies.