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Thomas Cook Airlines review - by D McConaghie
1 January 2008 Customer Trip Rating : 
My partner and I flew with Thomas Cook Airlines from Gatwick to Barbados on an A330. We had pre
booked our seats the previous evening and were allocated row 8A/B. We thought we were lucky getting
the extra leg room beside the exit doors. My partner is over 6' 2" tall and found out very quickly
that seat 8a is far from ideal for someone this height - there is a cover at the door to prevent
anyone stretching out. It is also extremely cold as you are next the door. The TV is somewhat
difficult to get at along with the table which is in the arm of the seat, for when food arrives.
During takeoff the air con leaked all over the two of us and the air crew explained that it always
done this. This being the case why were we not informed prior to being soaked. Now if this was not a
reasonably bad start to an eight hour flight it was not long until we discovered that the queue to
the toilets formed on top of our feet and the impromptu gym class for all those afraid of deep vein
whatever it is. On our return flight you can imagine our delight to find that we were in the same
seats. This time we decided to swap and my partner tried to sit in the middle seat. This was not to
be any easier as he had to slide into the seat it was so narrow. The seats were also lacking in
padding and we suffered from the most severe cases of numb bums known to man. Approx 4hrs into the
flight the lights were dimmed for sleep and I tried to recline my seat. I was verbally abused by a
male passenger behind me who pushed my seat so hard it hit me forcibly in the back causing my neck
to jar. This was reported to the cabin staff who stated that it was almost impossible for them to do
anything except move myself and my partner to the rear of the plane. All the above problems
persisted during the return flight only this time an added problem of no TV for the first 4 hrs of
the flight the explanation given that the system was working in the forward premium cabin and they
did not want to reboot in case it failed to work again. So a small majority wins again. Food was
good and service was A1. Overall plane is made for a small minority of vertically challenged size
zero people of which myself and my partner are not and we will not be flying with this airline ever
again. And for those of you out there who are a normal size do not even think of booking with this airline.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by M Adams
30 December 2007 Customer Trip Rating :
Sharm El Sheikh to Gatwick. Very cramped seating. Ok perhaps for a 2 hour flight but 6 hours return was painful for my wife and me - and we are
only average height and weight. Put me off travelling again to Sharm or similar flight journey with this company again.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by S Dearn
31 December 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
We were flying on a charter flight (Airbus with a 3x3x3 seating ) from Gatwick to New Orleans and
returning via Barbados. I have to say it was much better than I anticipated. I made sure we got to
check in fairly early and obtained two opposite aisle seats. The seats were tight, but not
particularly uncomfortable so long as the person in front kept their seat up and I stretched by legs
from time to time. Complementary drinks were provided, as was a free (Metro) newspaper. The films
were not particularly classics. Service efficient and food okay. Having two hot meals was an
unexpected bonus for an economy flight. In fact the flight left exactly on time and arrived nearly
an hour ahead of schedule, tempered by the fact we had to wait twenty minutes before we were allowed
off the plane as they weren’t expecting us! The return flight was even better as regards comfort as
no one sat in the other two seats in the row. We were delayed for four hours but as we stayed on the
ship until a departure time was known this was perfectly acceptable. I would be happy to fly with
Thomas Cook long haul again.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by David Gambrell
14 November 2007 Customer Trip Rating :
Just returned from Montego Bay after a Princess cruise which use Thomas Cook Airline as their
carrier. The flight was 3hrs late reaching our outbound destination and 1 hr 15 mins on the return
leg. This has to be the worst airline I have ever flown with. The seats and aisles are so narrow it
is difficult to get comfortable, I felt sorry for the stewards who have to work the aisles. My
headrest was only attached at one end and the reading light did not work on the return leg, which
was overnight. The drinks were complimentary, but the food pretty disgusting both ways.No wonder
Princess kept the name of the airline quiet until the last minute. Most people were disgruntled
with the flight, but were of the opinion " is it worth complaining". I will definitely make sure I
never have anything to do with Thomas Cook again
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by S Fry
14 November 2007 Customer Trip Rating :
Montego Bay to Gatwick . This flight was not our choice but that of the cruise company Princess, it
was awful, narrow seats, close proximity of the row in front of you, minimum legroom, the 3x3x3 format
across the plane. Aisles so narrow that people with those seats were constantly knocked by other
trying to stretch their legs or by the trolleys. The food was poor quality with breakfast in a bag
almost thrown at you. Cleanliness of toilets was poor. Entertainment was poor.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by Niall Lawlor
14 November 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
YYZ-GLA, MAN-YYZ. Seat pitch good. Everyone seemed happy with crew and flight for what we all paid.
Beats Air Transat on same lanes. Recommendable comfort on a budget on 757's
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by M Hughes
4 November 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
Varadero Cuba to Manchester. Our seats 28A / 28B were in front of a storage compartment with no chance
to recline. When the people in front reclined their seats the tv screen was almost touching my face.
The legroom was the tightest I have ever known. The crew attitude seemed to deteriorate the longer the
flight went on with the bags containing the hot breakfast literally thrown at you. The outward flight
was more enjoyable as the cabin crew were working hard but the problems with the legroom were still
there. I will mark them with 2 stars for the captain of the return flight who thankfully managed to
cut 45 minutes off the flight time.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by Ellie Payne
1 November 2007 Customer Trip Rating :
Gatwick - Calgary return trip with Thomas Cook for the second time. Legroom on the Canadian Affair
West Coast flights (ie A330s) has improved since the last time I did this trip in 2004, however there
is no longer a free bottle of water in the seatback, and headphones are now chargeable. Brand new
plane on return leg with AVOD - however, most of the movies and many of the TV channels were on an
upgrade-only option (having already paid out for the earphones you then need to pay another £5 to
obtain all the choices). The most frustrating aspect of this policy is that the on-screen menu isn't
split into standard and premium entertainment, so everytime you selected an unavailable option you had
to sit through a 45-second "why not upgrade" sequence which you are unable to turn off. The major
issue with the seating is the fact that the seats are extremely narrow (particularly at shoulders).
Emergency exit seats have fixed sides rather than adjustable armrests which makes the tight width even
more unpleasant for anyone above a UK size 10. Crew excellent and food not too bad - but eating is a
challenge with such tight width and I found my elbows constantly striking those of the adjacent
passengers.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by Karen Crickard
26 October 2007 Customer Trip Rating :
Calgary to Gatwick and return. Flights were most uncomfortable ever travelled (even in Canada with Air
Canada). Crew friendly, but you had to pay for everything. Seats very narrow and no leg room. A bonus
for the meals, hot and tasty (better than Air Canada!) but because of having to travel for 8.5 hours
in cramped quarters, doubt that I will ever book Thomas Cook for travel again.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by R Joiner
26 October 2007 Customer Trip Rating :
Manchester to Lanzarote. First our flight was brought forward from a 5pm departure to 8am which
resulted in an overnight trip to Manchester. We were then delayed both ways but no explanation or
information was given until we were on the plane. Legroom was woeful. Admittedly I'm over 6ft but this
has to be the most cramped flight I've ever taken. Knees hard up against the seat in front that was a
real pain by the end of the 4hr flight.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by Mike Palmer
5 October 2007 Customer Trip Rating :
London Gatwick to Halifax return. These flights to Canada are through Canadian Affair who charter the
aircraft. Reconfigured 757-200's are used - ex Flying colours aircraft. The reasons for booking flight
were avoiding Heathrow, flights a third cheaper than Air Canada and a re-configured aircraft with
about 192 seats rather than 235. This equates to 34/35 seat pitch throughout the cabin. Bear in mind
these planes only do east coast Canada - ie Halifax, Toronto and Montreal. Seat are pre-bookable which
is a con but worth doing. (not much choice really) Couples checking in around us were only offered a
pair of seats on the aisle if they hadn't booked. The planes are old, and in need of a good clean. The
seats were dirty as were the tables and the back of the seat in front when you put the tray table down
Outward bound flight was delayed an hour - service was appalling for a crew starting from their home
base. It took ages for the bar to come through with all drinks including soft drinks having to be paid
for. When it was pointed out that the promised free bottle of water hadn't materialised - we were
offered a free drink. They ran out of blankets before takeoff. The meal was finally served 2 hours and
15 mins into the flight and was rubbish. Billed as a four course meal, the 6 carrot batons for the
starter, inedible chicken, something inedible which was either chocolate pudding or tiramisu and
cheese and biscuits. The meal is served in a cardboard box - I wonder if they re-cycle? Tea and
coffee served 2 hours and 16 mins into the flight! A second meal was not better with a scone and
cream, and a savory. You have to pay for entertainment and it's on the old screens in the aisle which
are not worth squinting at. On the return flight, service was faster (motivated by a 5 hour and 7 min
flight time) with an inedible meal served again (roast beef) after a prompt bar service. Breakfast was
better with a hot bacon panani, OJ and tea / coffee. Overall the service is ok - it's clearly a
charter flight standard of service though it's dressed up as more in the brochure. Gatwick beats
Heathrow on overcrowding (though it is as big a dump as Heathrow), the leg room is worth flying on
these aircraft, though I think Air Canada is probably worth going back to. If leg room is important,
and you're not flying for the "inflight service experience", then Thomas Cook / Canadian Affair are
worth considering - esp if you're on a tight budget
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by Simon Garner
5 October 2007 Customer Trip Rating :
Manchester - Toronto return. Originally booked with Flyglobespan however quickly cancelled due to the
horror stories that were emerging on this site about their long haul service. Rebooked with Thomas
Cook via Canadian affair. Both flights were operated by Boeing 757-200 aircraft. The positives:
Excellent leg room (35" seat pitch), good in-flight food, extremely friendly and jolly crew on both
legs. The negatives: Soft drinks and water not free (apart from first bottle of water), inflight
entertainment system not working at all on outbound flight - luckily we had books otherwise it would
have been a very long flight. Too much sales activity on return flight - it was a 6 hour night
flight, yet the lights were only dimmed for 45 minutes due to the constant trolley runs up the aisle!
(I do understand however that fares may well be higher if there was no Buy on Board). Overall, this
was a positive experience. Excellent value and the excellent legroom made it worth putting up with
the other niggles experienced
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by P Foster
5 October 2007 Customer Trip Rating :
Gatwick-Ottawa return. We had pre-allocated our seats on booking for extra legroom (had to pay extra
for this) and got it both ways, also vegetarian meals arrived without the usual "OK, where's the
weirdo veggie" search. Flights both on time, food edible, legroom excellent (emergency row so no-one
in front of us), service good and with a smile, only drawback was rather narrow seats and difficult to
get the tray out of the armrest. Didn't pay for the headphones so can't comment on in-flight
entertainment but did think it was excellent value for what we paid.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by B Jewels
18 September 2007 Customer Trip Rating :
Birmingham to Antalya. Sat at back of plane, very busy with trolley going up and down. Very little
leg room, most uncomfortable. Did put in a comment on my return. Hopefully if they receive enough
comments they will put comfort for passengers before profit!
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by Tom Maule
6 September 2007 Customer Trip Rating :
LGW to Dalaman. Delayed about 2 hours because they didn't have ground crew allocated to load luggage
from the previous flight. Old, but clean B757-200 with fairly comfortable leather seats. Allocated
31A exit row seat, but leg room even poorer that the normal and cattle truck 28" pitch because of the
emergency slide. Like all charter airlines nowadays the crew went into sales mode soonm after take
off. Food OK, but very small portions and not good value. IFE was acceptable with a recent movie
shown during the 3.5 hour flight.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by P O'Keeffe
21 August 2007 Customer Trip Rating :
TCA to the Dominican Republic from Manchester. We paid extra for seats together and to choose our
seats on the plane. We sat at the back of the Airbus where it changes from 3-3-3 to 2-3-2 seating
configuration. Thankfully the aisle was wider at this point as I spent 4 hours of the flight standing
up so I could get out of the very uncomfortable seat. It was impossible to get comfortable as my knees
were permanently jammed against the seat in front. I'm 6'0 and my son who is 5'9 had the same problem.
To make matters worse the seat in front of the window seat has a large box under it - probably
controlling the TV and entertainment system - which meant that it was difficult to have both feet in
front of you without jamming one of them off to the side. Food was average, drinks expensive, and it
cost £5 each if you wanted full access to the TV system. Overall the least comfortable long haul
flight I've been on. It's no surprise that they don't quote the seat pitch on their web site.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by Derek O'Hara
7 August 2007 Customer Trip Rating :
Glasgow-Toronto-Birmingham. 2 weeks before we were due to travel I received an e-mail from Canadian
Affair stating that whilst our outbound flight was still OK the return to Glasgow had been cancelled
by TCA for operational reasons with no further explanation. I contacted Canadian Affair and was
informed I would have to make my own way back either from LGW or BHX at my own expense. After a lot of
wrangling and pointing out that this was a major change by them they formally agreed by e-mail to pay
for a flight from BHX to EDI but Ii had to book, pay for it and claim it back which I am now in the
process of doing. The flights themselves on older 757-200's were quite good, departed on time and the
35 inch seat pitch is quite comfortable. Food was OK but the IFE was poor. No PTV and then only one
channel and they wanted £2.75 for headsets and you also had to pay for soft drinks. Crew on both legs
were good and were sympathetic on hearing about our altered travel plans. On the outbound flight i was
informed by a regular Glasgow crew that the return from Toronto on a Thursday was not one they
normally do so who i don't know why it was advertised in the first place. Canadian Affair/Airlines
must learn that they cannot make major changes to customers main summer holiday at such short notice
and certainly without giving a valid reason. I paid £1250 which was £400 cheaper than British Airways
from EDI for 2 adults and one child as it was the peak season. I now wished I had gone with BA via
London as I normally do. The old saying goes you only get what you pay for so sorry Thomas Cook but I
cannot have major alterations and will stay with BA as a loyal customer.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by Derek Tweddle
31 July 2007 Customer Trip Rating :
Gatwick to Florida. The aircraft was supposed to be a widebody with
extra room! Thomas cook should be ashamed of themselves to use an
aircraft like this for long haul. The legroom is not sufficient nor is
the seat width. As for service on board, for a 9 hour flight we were
allowed 3 very small drinks free, but had to pay over the odds for
extra. Although there were TV screens in front of you, the only choice
was to watch the same episode of the Simpsons or the same episode of
Vicar of Dibley. You are asked for £5 to watch a film per person! The
only thing that kept us going on the flight out was the thought of the
holiday. The flight on the way back was just as bad but we had free
films but had to pay for the headphones! There were no drinks for the
kids only pure orange juice.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by Duncan Whiting
31 July 2007 Customer Trip Rating :
Gatwick - Dalaman return. Being 6 ft 3 inches and having read previous reviews,
I was dreading this flight. Asked for exit row at check-in but none available. Delighted when I
boarded the B757-200 aircraft to find that every seat in the plane had approx 35 inches of leg room.
Cabin crew and they advised that this was one of only 3 aircraft that are usually leased
to Canadian Affair for flights to Canada, so I just got lucky. On the return leg it was
back to the usual cattletruck with what looked like about 28 inches of legroom. So I happily paid
the £15 at check in for an exit row seat, and the one next to me was empty.. Crew polite
and regular route announcements from Captain.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by P Maslen
23 July 2007 Customer Trip Rating :
Gatwick - Cancun return. Premium Cabin both ways. Seperate check in at
Gatwick with all the Economy Plus passengers. Makes a mockery about
having unique check in. Food in Premium was abysmal - felt sorry for
Economy passengers. Quite good legroom in Premium, leather seats etc,
seat back IFE. New A330 outbound but older one inbound.No separate check
in at Cancun until we had joined the only queue available and then it
opened! Flights on time both ways, arrived 1 hour early at Gatwick but
over one delay in getting baggage onto carousel. Overall good flights
but cost of upgrading certainly not worth it for better legroom but
diabolical food. Flight and cabin crew pretty good both ways. Would
travel TC again but I think you would have to pay upgrade to get decent
seating( eat before you board aircraft)
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by Andrew Williams
11 July 2007 Customer Trip Rating : 
Manchester to Calgary. Booked through Canadian Affair. This is the third
year running that we have flown to Calgary. We purposely booked the
Premium Cabin for the past two years as the seats in normal economy are
cramped to say the least for the 8 hour flight. If you must fly economy,
book the extra leg room seats well in advance or you will be sorry if
you're taller that 5"8'! Anyway, the premium cabin gives you around 35"
seat pitch and a slightly wider leather seat. We were comfortable both
ways - even when the people in front reclined their seats. I am 6' 3"
and was fine. Flights were on time both ways and the inflight service
was more than acceptable. I have no complaints whatsoever.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by J Tindall
27 June 2007 Customer Trip Rating :
One feature of Thomas Cook airlines comes across repeatedly: lack of
legroom, even small people complain. This was my experience: with my
knees trapped high into the seat in front of me, a cabin staff member
attempted to thump my table into position. However the table's brackets
dug into my elevated knees, causing considerable pain - easily the most
uncomfortable 4-hour flight (Newcastle to Bodrum, and back!) in 35-years
of flying. None of the air-vents or windows were aligned with the
seating, suggesting that extra seats had been squashed in. Never will I
travel Thomas Cook again.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by Gordon Davies
19 June 2007 Customer Trip Rating :
Gatwick - Preveza. Check in was not bad - it was appalling. Arrived two
hours before take off and joined a queue stretching right round the
airport. We were one of four flights checking in, all in the same
queue, with only four check in desks open. One and a half hours later we
were checked in and had to be rushed to the front of the security queue
which was almost as long as Thomas Cook. No coffee, no duty free, no
Sunday papers, just a flat out rush to the furthest set of gates away
from the departure lounge, followed by a bus trip to the aircraft. This
is the one that TC always seem to be sited at. The aeroplane was clean
and the aircrew were polite - seats were just too small and cramped, but
this is an old and continuing problem which the management ignore.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by Joanne Brocklesby
19 June 2007 Customer Trip Rating :
I would like to express our disappointment regarding a flight that my
family and I experienced on a return journey from Holguin, Cuba on
Wednesday 6th June. One member of the cabin staff was extremely rude
with an attitude problem towards the other crew members as well as
passengers, the plane itself was not to the high standards advertised in
the brochure or website. The seats were uncomfortable and legroom was
non existent and cramped, the televisions were not up to an acceptable
standard and half of the time did not work, no complementary drinks
were available, only 1 drink was served throughout the flight (apart
from mealtimes). When I asked the stewardess for 4 bottles of water,
her attitude was rude and was charged £6.00. I cannot express myself
strongly enough that my family and I were really disappointed with this
flight; this was our first long haul flight and will definitely be our
last with Thomas Cook. I would also stress the disastrous check in
procedures at the Thomas Cook desks in Manchester. At the time of
checking in on our outbound journey, there were around 12 desks open for
about 10 different flights. I was moved from 1 queue to another to
speed up the check in time and 45 minutes later we were still in exactly
the same place, I approached the staff member who had moved us, only to
be told “well I did give you the option” we eventually checked in with 5
minutes to spare. On this occasion, it was a good job that I had pre-
booked the seats so my family could be sat together. Had we know that
this was a shambolic organization; we would have most definitely
cancelled flying with Thomas Cook.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by J Tinslay
11 June 2007 Customer Trip Rating :
Flew to Bodrum on Bank Holiday Monday, flight due to leave at 18.30 so arrived at check in just
after 15:00. Told that the flight would be leaving one hour earlier so boarding would commence at
16:30. Not too much of a problem except that we were going to enjoy a leisurely time at the airport
and have a meal etc as we hadn't booked the meals on the plane. Took ages to get through security
so we rushed our meal and had a quick look around duty free. Nothing appeared on the board until
around 17:45 when it told us delayed until 19.30. We had booked through Thomas Cook Select so we
got 30kg of luggage, supposedly free headsets and a complimentary drink which I had vouchers for.
When the attendant came around with the headsets to buy for £2.50 I gave her my voucher which stated
all the passengers names in our party (2 adults and 2 children) she said I was entitled to one set
of headphones as I need 4 vouchers. I pointed out that the voucher stated headsets for the
following passengers, she still insisted I need 4 vouchers. I didn't want to argue the point so
only took headphones for my daughter (I wasn't that bothered about watching the entertainment).
When the drinks trolley came round I did have 4 separate vouchers, so I ordered 2 soft drinks for
the children, one beer for my husband and a gin and tonic for myself. The attendant told me gin and
tonic counts as two drinks and I needed to pay an additional £1.50. I laughed and said I wished I
had ordered a white wine. It is not that I am tight and certainly don't mind paying for my drinks
but it seems a bit of an insult that Thomas Cook make such a big deal of being a Select Passenger
etc and than are so petty as to to charge me for a tonic water, do they expect me to drink neat gin.
Especially as some customers would have been greedy and used the vouchers to order four alcoholic
drinks for themselves. As for the legroom, even for myself, I am only 5 foot tall, this was the
most uncomfortable flight I had ever been on. Flying with Thomas Cook to Cuba in their Premium Cabin,
I hope this is a vast improvement for the extra £1,200 we have paid.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by Michael Morgan
17 May 2007 Customer Trip Rating :
Bodrum and back from Gatwick. Outward flight descended into a farce.
Pleasantly surprised to find check-in at LGW open early for outward
flight, only to be told that outward flight delayed by two hours to
23.00 hrs due to late incoming flight. Eventually boarded flight at
22.20 hrs. Captain explained that flight was delayed due to the aircraft
having flown in from East Midlands and had to be restocked with catering
supplies. Flight further delayed as it turned out there had been an
almighty mix up with catering supplies due to the rear galley not being
large enough to hold all catering supplies, so no duty free service and
limited drink supply. To be fair, Thos Cook offered a complimentary
drink on the house to compensate for the delay. Flight eventually left
LGW at 00.20 hrs. Return flight left 30 minutes early and was
uneventful. Cabin Crew courteous.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by B Wilson
10 May 2007 Customer Trip Rating :
Gatwick - Larnaca return. Going out very good and flight on time. Coming
back flight very good but delayed 1 hour. Not a big deal but an
announcement as to why and how long the delay was going to be would have
been nice. The Captain did inform us why us why once we'd boarded.
Didn't have any food and didn't have to have contact with the crew but
they appeared to be very helpful with those that needed it. Great pity
about the 28" leg room. Would fly with Thomas Cook again but not on long
haul due to legroom.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by B Bayram
1 May 2007 Customer Trip Rating :
Just returned from Orlandoa with wife and 2 kids, plus my eldest son,
his wife and my grandson and this is the first time flying with Thomas
Cook. The service for a long haul flight was excellent, food fine and
seat was comparable to Virgin. Films shown were very good on both
outward and inbound flights and kept the kids happy. Look forward to
using them again.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by Richard Knott
12 April 2007 Customer Trip Rating : n/a
Just returned from Cuba into Manchester on A330. This is the worst
aircraft I have flown from a comfort point of view. Must be minimum CAA
seat pitch, as barely room to move, let alone try to stretch your legs.
Interesting like a previous correspondent, had to try to sleep with head
down on seat table, try being the operative word. If Thos Cook want to
expand into the Long Haul market, they seriously must review the seating
arrangements on these aircraft as a matter of urgency. I will never fly
again on their A330's, and would certainly not recommend anybody else
to. Cabin crew, outbound very good, inbound fair, but both crews spent
alot of time chatting at the back of the aircraft, whereas they could
have provided a better service. Food, had better. Need to improve their
Customer Service, as outbound, 3 hr delay, with no information until on
board the aircraft.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by John Lynn
24 March 2007
Manchester - Madeira return. I'm 5ft 9in and average sized - had no
problems even though I was in the middle of the row of three seats on a
757-300. No one that I could see reclined seats (mainly mature
passengers - felt young at 51 !). Cabin Crew excellent - friendly and
efficient - prebooked Veg meal served without problem. Good commentary
from Flight Deck during the flight. An enjoyable 3.40 hour flight in
both directions.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by Gordon Wright
20 March 2007
Glasgow to Sharm El Sheik. Outbound, cabin crew giggled and cackled
throughout flight, rushed through meals etc retired to the back and
continued their racket. Inbound, again meals rushed, film started as
soon as meals were out and why do some airlines serve tea/coffee with
the meal instead of after? If you have wine you'll have to drink that
and your coffee at the same time. Worst aspect was meal price/quality -
a single dish both ways, no juice, fruit or anything else, just a little
piece of cake in a wrapper to accompany my two sausages and mash. For
this we forked out £11 for each meal each way. How can they sleep at
night?
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by Helen Harney
27 February 2007
Just returned from 2 weeks in Cuba. Great holiday, shame about the
flights (A330). The seats were cramped: my husband's shoulders were
wider than the seat; the leg room was awful (probably the industry
minimum?) and all the window seats have a large box underneath
restricting the space by about a further 50%. For the first time on a
flight, my husband and I both got swollen ankles despite getting up
during the flight and exercising our feet. We could hardly move in our
seats, my husband slept with his head on the lap tray! Headphones,
premium movies (I still hadn't heard of them!), meals (£10 per person
per flight), seats together and extra legroom all cost extra.
Our invoice included meals but an announcement asked us to identify
ourselves and we were then told we weren't entitled to them. Our invoice
was in the hold. They let us carry on eating but didn't apologise.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by Tony Pickard
27 February 2007
We flew Thomas Cook from Manchester to New Orleans, returning from
Barbados after 15-day P&O cruise. Going out was the worst experience
we have ever met. The so-called new A330 was 'proudly launched'
according to the in-flight magazine, with high-spec seat back
entertainment. I wish they had spent more on the actual seats.
These were in 3-3-3 pattern, which meant they were very narrow. We
booked ahead, to get extra legroom seats, but since many passengers were
standing there, either waiting for the toilet, or simply getting some
relief, we didn't get much use out of the 'extra legroom.' In the
aisle seat you were constantly bumped by the trolleys coming up behind
you. I could only make the seats marginally comfortable by using the
blanket as an extra cover for the unyielding material. The design of
the seats meant you were forced slightly forward, with no reclining
possibility. We were delayed for seven hours, and given a voucher for
only £6, which certainly didn't buy adequate meals for that length of
delay.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by S Tyrer
26 February 2007
Gatwick - Fort Lauderdale on Charter Flight for a Cruise. Cramped
conditions and in row 14 which does not have a window. Not being able to
move I developed swollen ankles. Return journey we were not given a
choice but put in the same seats. Legs swollen to knees this time and
difficulty walking on arrival home. Last time I travel with Thomas Cook.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by B Smith
26 February 2007
Having just returned from holiday in Mexico travelling on Airbus A330,
it was a very disappointing flight. Having paid to upgrade to premier
class we found the seating no better than we have had in economy class
on other airlines. The seat pitch was not what we were told it would be
and the seats certainly no wider. We had none of the extras we should
have had with the upgrade. I doubt we will ever fly long haul with
Thomas Cook again unless they make considerable improvements to their
seating arrangements and service.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by R White
26 February 2007
Just returned from Cancun in Thos Cook Airlines A330. No room to sit and
no sleep. Cabin crew were good but who wants to travel with an airline
which packs people in like sardines? The aircraft is clearly set up
wrong for the seating, no way should such a short gap be allowed between
rows, especially for long haul. Maybe Thomas Cook should put their
senior management on the flight and see if they can take the pain.
On the outbound flight of eleven hours we had to pay for everything
including the essential water recommended in their in flight magazine -
next they will be charging to use the toilet.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by James Crichton
26 February 2007
Thomsonfly on my honeymoon from Gatwick to Phuket return. I booked
Premium seats since it was a special occasion. The Boeing 767 outbound
was rather tatty and in need of a refurb, which I believe is due to
happen shortly. The seats we were sitting in only reclined about 2
inches, there was obviously a problem with the seats in front of us as
they reclined to such an angle that they were almost touching our
midrift. We asked the people in front to move up a bit, they complained
to a steward who told us if that it was their right to recline the seat.
I paid extra for having less room than those in economy. This meant
that I couldn't even watch the portable DVDs that they gave us to watch,
On the way back the headrest came off my seat which couldnt be repaired,
a temporary fix was done but this meant the headrest was digging into my
shoulders for the entire flight since premium was full.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by David Thomas
19 February 2007
We flew to and from Barbados on a new A330 Airbus. This has got to rate
as the worst flight we have had. Cramped conditions, minimum leg room,
unable to recline seats as you hit passenger behind in face. Food
abysmal and served after several hours, due to vast number of passengers
standing to alleviate cramp.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by Ann Berryman
8 February 2007
Thomas Cook to Barbados return. Both flights were fantastic. Plenty of
legroom, good food, and crews the best we have encountered.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by Claire Lackford
22 January 2007
Just returned from Geneva with TC. The service on board in both
directions was excellent and the staff were all friendly and helpful.
We were travelling with a 15 month old and were told that there were
lots of empty seats if we wanted to spread out a bit, they even gave us
some extra food for him which he enjoyed. Having said that, I'm 25 weeks
pregnant and only just fitted into the seat. Also, 3 pieces of our
luggage (skis, boots and a suitcase) have yet to join us so I may be
adding to this in the days to follow.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by Michael Fillingham
21 January 2007
Thomas Cook to Paphos. Two good flights - however extremely cramped! At
5'10 I found it hard to get comfortable. However the staff were
friendly, entertainment good and meals enjoyable! I would recommend them
- as long as their seat pitch improves!
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by Ken Mackison
19 January 2007
Glasgow to Lanzarote January 2007. This must be the worst airline
seating experienced. At 5ft 11in my knees were jammed against the seat
in front and when the seat in front decided to recline, my legs were
jammed painfully and there was little space even to read a book.
Thomas Cook allocate the seating and you cannot request an aisle seat as
the seating arrangement, they claim is to assist the cabin crew when
dishing out the food to those who prepaid. Definitely avoid this
airline with baggage allowance of 15kg and pack them in policy.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by Carole Cornell
19 January 2007
Airbus A330. We approached our flight to Barbados on 8th December with a
great deal of trepidation. We booked premium seats and amazed at the
space provided, admittedly row 1, but the seat behind seemed big enough.
The service was best we have ever experienced. Seats very comfortable
with movable headrests and PTV with a good range of programs. The food
was good. It was an excellent way to start our P & O cruise. The return
journey was equally good, although the staff not so attentive. The down
side : Gatwick airport on our return took 2.5 hours to get luggage.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by Robert Cooper
9 January 2007
Gatwick to Las Palmas. Fast friendly check in at Gatwick and I was offered a seat in front of the
bulkhead with extra leg room. Flight boarded on time an aging 757 but very clean and well looked
after. Friendly crew, very thankful extra leg room seat as seats very cramped despite the extra leg
room. Flight left on time and service was explained in detail by purser. Headsets and adaptors sold
to watch the movie. Drinks and snacks offered for sale then hot meal service for those passengers
that had paid for it with their ticket price. Very good healthy meal. Duty free sales offered
after meal followed by more drink sales. The focus is definitely on inflight sales. Flight arrived
early - very good value for money for mid length flight - due to cramped seats would not consider
the airline for long haul flights.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by H Carter
31 December 2006
I returned from Barbados after a ten hour nightmare traveling with
Thomas Cook. The seats are so small and tightly packed together that it
is impossible to get comfortable. At 5' 10" I am not the tallest guy in
the world and my legs were crammed against the seat in front. My
girlfriend suffers with a bad back and was left in agony. Worst of all
is an introduction to the inflight magazine by Thos Cook chief
executive. It says "at Thomas Cook we are obsessed with customer service
and do all we can to perfect the personal leisure experience". Well I
suggest you get on one of your aircraft and try sitting in that tiny,
bolt upright, seat for nine hours. Finally, being asked to pay an extra
£5.00 to upgrade and be allowed to watch a bigger selection of films is
a disgrace. After paying for the flight, and being expected to buy
everything on board, to be asked to pay extra to watch films is, like I
said, a disgrace.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by Vivienne Ashbolt
15 December 2006
Gatwick to Barbados. This was the most uncomfortable flight we have
ever experienced. The narrow seats and poor seat pitch meant passengers
were wedged into their seats, absolutely disgraceful for any flight but
unbelievable for long haul. The cabin crew were miserable and the
service just acceptable. We hope we will never experience such
discomfort whilst travelling again.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by Michael Godfrey
12 December 2006
In early November 2006, I and 15 other golfers flew from Manchester to
Turkey. We are all seasoned travellers and have flown on most airlines
there are. We all agree that the service and legroom on the flights was
the worst we have ever experienced and have all vowed never to fly
Thomas Cook again. I am only 5' 9" and slim but had difficulty fitting
into the cramped seats. Stretching your legs out, even very slightly,
was impossible. Others who were by no means 'big' couldn't even get
their trays down. On opening the in flight magazine it says. 'Now you
are sitting comfortably' That's a laugh. On the return flight on the
14th November they had run out of food and even coffee by the time they
reached row 30. Fly Thomas Cook only if you want to crawl off the plane
bent double, hungry and thirsty.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by Gwyn Morgan
2 November 2006
My wife and I have just returned from a great holiday in Tunisia marred
only by the apalling service offerred by Thomas Cook Airlines. Our
outward flight from Manchester to Monastir was delayed by four hours but
we could not believe it when we delayed by three hours on our return. I
would echo the comments made by other reviewers about the discomfort
caused by the narrow seat pitch. At 5' 10'' I could not move my legs at
all and could not even vary the angle at which I placed them. I have
been in dicomfort ever since and believe it makes a mockery of the
comments made in the sanctimonious company video about how highly they
placed the comfort and enjoyment of passengers. We flew in a huge and
packed 757 but it is apparently now "company policy" to carry only five
blankets, no-one could tell me why. However the answer is obvious, only
profits matter,the passengers do not. Like so many others on this site,
I will do my utmost not to fly with them again.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by David Hill
2 November 2006
Think carefully before using Thomas Cook. We flew with them on their
Gatwick-Fuerteventura route and will not repeat the experience again.
The same week as the UK's August security scare when all cabin luggage
had to be checked into the hold, Thomas Cook reduced the baggage
allowance down to 15kg but you can increase this to 20kg by paying extra
at the time of booking. Now if this isn't a cynical ploy to extract more
money from the travelling public then I don't know what is. Then there
is the problem of legroom. The seat pitch on their 757-200 fleet is
pitiful and 4.5 hours spent cramped in a 28" environment is painful for
anyone over 5'10" tall. The plane was far too hot but did not even have
individual "fresh" air nozzles to give one at least the opportunity to
blow cold air downwards. Cleaning the aircraft at the Fuerteventura end
was rushed, the drop down table tops were disgusting. The flights were
roughly on time and meals basic but of reasonable quality however the
overcrowding and miserly baggage allowance means we will never use
Thomas Cook again. A very poor airline.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by Helen Farmer
2 November 2006
Gatwick to sandford. Flight fine,on time, aircraft clean and quite
spacious. Booked seats with extra legroom for my self and husband with
seats behind us for kids, flight only half full and as we were
encouraged to move around, i spent most of the flight in an ordinary
seat next to my daughter. I have a 32inch inside leg and the legroom
was fine. On board entertainment was good, TV screens in all seats,
several choices of TV and radio. Food was fine, staff helpful and
friendly.
Thomas Cook Airlines review - by Harvey Brant
2 November 2006
Manchester to Toronto. I chose Thomas Cook due to a combination of price
(they were cheaper at the time of booking than Air Canada, Zoom or Air
Transat on routes from the UK to Toronto) and the fact that Id heard
they offered more legroom than rival carriers. On neither count was I
disappointed. I don't think I've ever had so much legroom in an ordinary
economy class seat. The flight was a few minutes late taking off, but
arrived 10 minutes early. The baggage handling was lightning fast, too.
Now the downsides: firstly the fact that only one of the two available
'cattle class' toilets was operational after the first few minutes of
the flight. The operational one was perilously close to reaching
capacity by the time we landed. Secondly, even by the low standards I
have come to expect of airline food, the food on board was best
described as 'very poor'. You didn't even get complimentary wine to mask
the unpleasant taste of the extremely overcooked and additive-laden
swill they served up either, although to be fair, the wine they offered
for sale at three pounds per miniature bottle was not too bad. All in
all, I would definitely fly with them again, especially at that price (I
think it was about 50 pounds one way plus taxes!). The legroom clinches
it for me, although next time I would probably give serious
consideration to taking a packed lunch!
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