Thomson Airways

Due to come back from Paphos on 12th June. French air traffic control wreaked havoc with the schedule. These things happen but it was the way that Thomson chose to deal with it that disappointed most. I accept the delay as inevitable but Thomson chose to send the taxi to our 5 star hotel a full 7 hours before the flight was likely to depart at best. We were at the airport before the plane had even left the UK to come to Cyprus forcing us to spend 7 hours in Pahos airport. The airport manager couldn't adequately explain how it benefited anyone other than Thomson for us to spend so long at the airport. The completion of a complaint form with him was a farce as I received an immediate auto response saying that the local staff were empowered to deal with any issues. All anyone did was pass it up the line. When the plane did arrive we were told that we would go to Gatwick rather than Manchester. We left at 2am. The plane was freezing cold in our section. The crew were tired. We did eventually land at Manchester for which we are grateful but I suspect the whole thing was stage managed. Very disappointed. I won't fly with this shower again if I have a choice.

London Gatwick - Puerto Plata - return - Premium Cabin. Our return flights exceeded our expectations and we were really pleased. The plane - an elderly First Choice 767 - was in fairly good nick inside and the premium seats were comfortable and offered decent legroom. Inflight entertainment was a little clunky but worked fine. The food was really good and the service from the crews in both directions was friendly and efficient. No problems getting drinks when required. The only negative was the 45 minute queue for the day before check-in as only one agent was on. 2 more were found just as we got to the counter.

Cardiff to Dalaman on 20/5/2013 and return on 30/5/2013. We often travel from Cardiff with Thomson and always have great service. On the outward flight the aircraft was clean and tidy and took off early Excellent announcements from the cockpit crew and even told us sights we were overflying Cabin Crew were very helpful and attentive. Its a shame that Thomson have removed the inflight entertainment but didn't seem to bother anyone Food was great but perhaps a bit expensive. Return flight was also excellent departed 25mins early from Dalaman and arrived in Cardiff 1hr early A bit bumpy on the way back but again excellent announcements from the cockpit. All in all a great experience and as always is from Cardiff with Thomson.

Edinburgh to Palma (18/05/13) on the Sunwings aircraft that Thomson are using out of Edinburgh this year. The plane was comfortable better than the usual Thomson offerings supplied by Monarch that we've had previously. Cabin crew going out weren't too bad but coming back they seem to be more human and interacted with passengers. After a delayed take off from Edinburgh (1 hour delay) they announced that orders would be taken for any hot foods bacon baguettes seemed to be the order of the day only for staff to then come round telling most folk that they'd run out due to not getting the full quota of baguettes. Due to the plane being Canadian all the safety announcements were made in English and French which was different. On the return flight there were no announcements from the flight deck other which I thought was somewhat unusual and the seatbelt signs seemed to be activated after the turbulence not before!

Flew to Lanzarote in April from Newcastle. Had pre booked and chosen our seats when we boarded the plane asked why we didn't have seats we chose told different plane but we were seated together. Very rude staff no people skills at all. Plane was cramped no leg room seat in front was pressing on my knees - felt so claustrophobic. When getting off plane same member of staff very sarcastically said you might get right seats going back as it wont be same plane. Coming back didn't get right seats again better plane more room.

After reading reviews was terrified that I was flying with Thomson but flight from Luton to Las Palmas was great smooth check in cabin staff polite and attentive. Sat together 3 of us there and back at no extra cost. Only had drinks on outward flight but enjoyed hot snacks on way back no complaints at all and will fly with them again.

London Gatwick to Aruba May 2013. First flight with Thomson never again! I object to having to pay in order to sit with your family that should be given. 2 hour delay on the way out no proper communication. Ground staff said it was due to cleaning and maintenance requirements after previous flight delays. Captain then said it was due to an incident at Heathrow meaning too many flights having to go out of Gatwick. Plane was shabby and old working a 2-3-2 configuration. Staff seemed miserable and de-motivated plane full which meant constant queue for toilets. Space issues meant that queuing got in the way of cabin crew constantly selling. One of our tables had a broken arm. Food was fine and so was in-flight entertainment. On the return journey there was another 2 hour delay with no explanation given. Had the same seats and the table still had a broken arm! This was a night flight and none of the lights for the middle aisles were working so couldn't read a book or even see to fill in their questionnaire the whole journey! Cabin crew tried to fix them but couldn't. Again - miserable female staff males were a bit more cheerful. Will never fly with Thomson again BA Virgin and Thomas Cook are infinitely better.

Manchester to Boa Vista April 2013. I booked every extra as a special treat for my girlfriend and Thomson failed on every one. Airport lounge was appalling and we left early. Fast Track security was open to all another lot of money wasted. The bubbly and chocks booked the cabin crew had no knowledge of and refused to give me the chocolates. Only 2 drinks services on a 7 hour flight. Having booked legroom seats at £85 pp for the return the airline denied all knowledge the day before return. On check in we were 6 rows apart having previously selected adjoining seats. The bar had sold out on the outbound flight. Lazy cabin crew disinterested reps old tired aircraft poor selection of airport partners (lounges) and no quality control. Unfortunately they were the only option to my chosen destination. Next time I will chose more wisely.

Manchester to Sanford Florida at the beginning of May it was the first time we have travelled with Thomson and will be the last. The plane was dirty and the seats were tatty and uncomfortable the films would not play and the staff were very rude. Food was terrible and was skimmed across to us with such force I didn't know if I would be eating it or wearing it.

We flew from Glasgow to Cancun and back. The seats were worn filthy and torn. I had to keep all of my things on the floor the whole flight which was uncomfortable on a 10.5 hour flight. My husband and I don't drink alcohol we kindly asked them to sell us diet coke or water with the dinner but staff said "No sorry. Only red or white wine." It's unacceptable to eat only chocolate or sweets for 10.5 hours. The food they served was microwaved pasta which makes you feel full for 30 minutes. On a 10.5 hour flight we could only buy something to drink 2 times. The plane was extremely warm and passengers was sweaty and thirsty. Service from staff was non existent.