SMa wrote:

Thanks, Darren, such a quick response as usual! I'll be OK at check-in but hoped that one way of 'stretching' the allowance was to buy the toiletries and sun creams etc from Boots once through security. The main reason I'm right up to the limit is that I'm taking an 8 place setting dinner service out with me! That alone weighs close to 9kgs! My landlady is incredibly house proud but their home was badly damaged when Hurricane Sandy ripped through the southeast of Cuba last year and the family lost a lot of their stuff. Her china was one of her prized possessions and so this is to replace it. The last time I was out there I was very ill - poisoned by the airline food on the way out - and she looked after me really well so this is a bit of 'thank you' present.

SM

Sunaddict wrote:

Taking things for good friends and family is great, but random gifting to strangers and resort workers (if that is what you were thinking of doing. I apologise if it's not) is doing a lot of harm in Cuba. The resort workers are some of the richest people in the country.

This is a very good read
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Travel-g147270-c129786/Cuba:Caribbean:Think.Before.You.Gift.html

Sunaddict wrote:

Just tip in CUC's for good service, that way they can buy what they really need. A lot of things that are gifted get sold on the blackmarket for cash. Better to just give cash in the first place. One hotel I went to, one of the cupboards behind the bar was stuffed full of colouring books going mouldy! They appreciate a smile, a thank you very much, and to be treated with respect, as much as anything (and obviously tips in CUCs are much appreciated!).

z.j.c wrote:

Hey

Does anyone know what the new longhaul service thomson are launching in May is?

I've seen them mention it a number of times on the 787 blog but doesn't go into detail?

BY-TOM-AMM-FCA wrote:

z.j.c wrote:

Hey

Does anyone know what the new longhaul service thomson are launching in May is?

I've seen them mention it a number of times on the 787 blog but doesn't go into detail?

It will be launched soon, but snippits include free tui snacks mid flight, all seats receive upgraded IFE so no charge in economy, Branded food and hot drinks as the second meal, branded coffee/tea during first meal service. china mugs returning to premium instead of the small cups currently offered. the amount spent per passenger on food has roughly doubled so this should translate into better food offerings- more than BA spend per economy passenger on food.

The drinks service in premium will be delivered from a cart now, similar to BA/Virgin which will make it a quicker for everyone to get a drink.

*branded-not sure if I am allowed to mention brand so won't for the time being, can't remember if its already in the public domain ;)

Need a hol wrote:

Heard on the thomsons blog that some of the 767's have had a "re-fresh" on the inside and that a few rows have been removed to create a roomier premium cabin, not sure if anyone has any more info.