where you going to in cozumel? if its the iberostar can you give a review when you get back please as im going in june, thanx in advance

Hi pacman 182

Thanks for your info, I am hoping that we can get seats together, we shall be there well in time for checkin as we have to travel up to Gatwick from Devon so we will be travelling during the night. We are staying at the Iberostar and on our return will definately add a review. Most of the reviews that I have read on this hotel are excellent. Can't wait to get there. 6 weeks and 5 days to go.

If anyone else has information on when seating is allocated whether it is when we book or when we check in. Much appreciated.

Paula.

jamz1107

Sorry, I hadn't realised that it was yourself that gave me the info about asking the check-in staff.

Thanks for you information, its much appreciated.

Paula

It seems that seat allocation happens about 4 days before departure, so whatever time you arrive at check in you get what you are given. I'd imagine that if the flight is not full there would be scope to change but if it is a full flight you're stuck. We are off next Monday...Hope we are not next to the kids!!! (Joke)

Recently returned from Kenya and were in the Star Class Premier section. After all the top reviews First Choice get I was expecting something exceptional that was much better than their rivals. The reality was that it was okay but no better than the premier cabins from other airlines. I went with Monarch to Goa last year and did not feel First Choice were any better. Okay, there is an extra 2inch on the seat pitch but I did not think this was a significant factor. I thought the Monarch in-flight entertainment was superior. I liked the touch screen system they had where the First Choice system had a remote control. Also I thought on First Choice the navigation around the menus and games was very complicated and some of the games were almost impossible to play with the remote control. The complimentary packs also did not have eye masks, something we have always had in the past. Also did not like the tables coming out of the arm rest, much prefer seat back tables. They were also very flimsy and were not stable - saw 2 meals drop off people's tables ! Was not too impressed with the cleanliness, I realise they have quick turnrounds but the seat back pockets were disgusting. On the plus side I thought their system for allocating seats were a good idea. They are allocated in both directions days before the fight on the basis of who booked first were allocated seats first. On this basis we had 2 window seats for each flight. This avoids the scramble to check in early and get preferred seats. I do not think I would pay full price again for the upgrade as I think where First Choice do excel is the normal economy section which looked very comfortable unlike the Monarch economy which looked horrendous, have never seen so many people packed into so little space. Overall I would travel in the premier cabin again but only if I had a good offer and I do not think they differ that much with Mytravel or Monarch who I have also travelled with in the premium cabins.

Gosh,

Sorry To Hear You Have Had A Bad Experience With Them =(

Ive Never Personally Flown Them Myself.

But I Have Heard Superior Reviews About Their Premier Cabin.

Jamz1107

Jamz

I would not say it was a bad experience as such but just that it did not live up to the high expectations. From experience I would put First Choice premium cabins on a par with Monarch and MyTravel. I would certainly travel with them again in this cabin but only if it was a good offer, the reason being that the economy section seemed very comfortable and would be fine on a long flight.

beegee,

I think a lot have come to your conclusion, myself included. I flew with them long and short haul last year and have just done a 14 hour (outbound) and 11 hour (inbound) flight with them. I see no reason to upgrade to premium since star class is excellent as it is. You can upgrade to the premium IFE package for £5 (I did on the inbound to watch Deja Vu, not bad) and you never get your monies worth in terms of complimentory drinks. The ques for check-in are quicker and you get priority baggage but you have to wait for non-premium passengers when in resort so it doesn't get you to your hotel any quicker. The premium package is good and everyone has their own opinions and experiences, but star class is good enough for most. I'd rather put the £200 towards a better hotel and get the benefit for 2 weeks rather than just the flight.

Darren

Darren -

welcome back to UK......, hope they still do offer some Tequilla in Mexico after Your visit there.......

I appreciate Your opinion about upgrading to premium - but myself decided to go premium.

This is just my second longhaul flight and holiday out of Europe, the first one I did 12 years ago...., so I want to have the most possible service for me and my wife.

BTW, that time I flew from SXF with BIRGEN AIR flight ALW 301 to Puerto Plata - but thanks God our inbound had been on 30th of NOV 1995 and not on the 7th of FEB 1996..........

I spent GBP 300 more for premium, this is GBP 75 each flight per person so it won't drive me into ruin.

I really fell in love with the more comfortable seats in the premium class and I will also appreciate the priority check in - remember before I can take off into holidays I have to fly from SXF to LGW and I want to minimize my stess factor as much as possible.

But it's good to hear again FC has also an excellent star class - this makes travelling for all passengers more valuable.

So even my holidays are 10 month away I really enjoy it in advance.

Cheers, Frank.

We are flying from Bristol - Alicante on Sat18th Aug with First choice on flight FCA7642, when booking it flight times were 06.00 after looking at Bristol airport website yesterday that flight is now showing as 14.40 and even worse the return flight FCA7643 originally coming home on Sat1st Sept at 10.25am is now showing as Sun 2nd Sept at 10.25 am. The flights left at that time yesterday so I phoned first choice and asked if it was getting changed, well they kinda said dont bother with Bristol airport doesnt matter what it says on there the flight times are still the same as when we booked. Does anybody know if the flight times will end up being changed and a really stupid question now if they do change them would we be thrown out our room at midday on the Saturday? Thanks in advance for any help.

jen123,

I've just checked airline scheduling for BRS (OAG Worldwide not BRS's own website), and your flight (FCA7642) is showing as departing BRS for ALC on 18th Aug at 14:40 operated by a Boeing 757-200, arriving at 18:05. The return flight (FCA7643) is showing as leaving ALC on 2nd Sept at 10:25 arriving back in BRS at 11:50 operated by a Boeing 757-200.

FCA's own booking system is showing the details as per your original booking. There's something strange going on since OAG is rarely wrong! The only thing I can think of is FCA have changed the details from the ones quoted on OAG/BRS to the ones you booked and the details on the other websites haven't been updated. You can only do what you have done, ask FCA direct for confirmation. If they say the flight details haven't changed, then you can only go with that and trust them.

Darren

Thanks for checking Darren guess we will just have to wait and see I just thought it was weird that the flight left at the 2.40 time yesterday and first choice are saying that it wrong.

We are going to Shar el Sheikh in May with FC. DOes anyone know if we will get a meal on this flight?

Thanks

Nia

Yes you will, it's included in the price

hi travelling to turkey next month , can anyone tell me if the premium seats, normally first four rows, have seat back tv's......my 8 year old is desperate to know thanks

tracytreacle1,

FCA's premium equiped A321-200's don't have seat back IFE I'm afraid. Only the full star class Boeing 767's that are used on long haul flights have seat back IFE throughout.

Darren

thanks for your reply my son will be disappointed as in the brochure next to premium upgrades it shows seat back tvs, however as we are on a night flight he will probably sleep all the way.

First Choice Airways latest addition to their long haul fleet, Boeing 767-35E/ER, ex-EVA Air (B-16605) constructed in 1992 now carries the UK registration G-PJLO. It was delivered from Abu Dhabi to Manchester following the installation of the excellent Star Class interior on Tuesday 3rd April 2007. It's just awaiting its certificate of air worthiness so should be in service very soon. I'll look forward to flying her in the near future. This takes FCA's 767-300ER fleet to 6x aircraft (G-OOAN, G-OOBK, G-OOBL, G-OOBM, G-DBLA and G-PJLO).

Darren

any idea which plane will be flying man-cancun on 22 april? and it it still showing plenty of available seats?
just got the tickets and we cant wait!
I notice that people are saying not to bother upgrading but I am really looking forward to star class premium.
my hubby tried to book a special occasion package only to be told they are not available long haul.