charliefarlie,

FCA2662/3 is showing as a Boeing 757-200
FCA2348/9 isn't showing on ACARS

FCA2348/9 is showing as a Boeing 757-200 for 22nd August. 767's are sometimes used on short haul flights to cover the 757-200's when there are technical problems but they are seldom scheduled for this purpose.

Darren

Hey everyone,

Just thought I'd give my views on FCA. This time last year I was frantically posting on here, trying to find out as much as I could about SCP, as I was off to the Dominican Republic with First Choice. Found TONNES of info on here, so I knew what to expect. I had only ever flown long haul before with MyTravel (in economy) to Cancun. I had found MYT to be fairly ok, fab in-flight entertainment, however I found the seats on the 330 to be quite narrow. FCA to Punta Cana was to be my second ever long haul flight, and I as hoping that as we had upgraded to SCP, that the seats would be wider (leg room was ok with MYT in my opinion).

This is my first time writing anything like this. I wrote with myself this time last year in mind- i.e. what would someone like to read who's never flown SCP before? So here it is!

I'm from Dublin, so when we left here with BA the night before our flight to Punta Cana. Arrived at LGW in the evening, around 10pm I think, and walked over to the Premier Travel Inn, located beside North Terminal. I LOVE this hotel; it's in walking distance to the terminal, and relatively cheap. I think the room was only 65 pounds, which was great!
Anyways, got up the next morning and headed over to the terminal. The hotel offers a shuttle bus for 2 pounds one way, but the walk literally took us 5 minutes (dragging our cases behind us!). Got to the terminal and proceeded to the FCA Check-In desks. There was a good few of them in a row, with barriers around them forming places where you could queue. The SCP check-in desks (two of them) and a little carpet think in front of them with the First Choice logo on. There were already a few people in this queue, so we joined it. The person I was flying with is a VERY nervous flyer, and what made it worse was that I knew (from on here), that our seats were already pre-assigned, so there was no way of choosing our seats once we got to the top of the queue. Not only is he a nervous flyer, he has a thing about sitting on the left and side of the plane, and not in a row with an uneven number- it's quite funny really!
So we got to the top of the queue, and the first thing I asked the check-in lady was "can we have an a and b seat please". She replied "sorry, all the seats are pre-assigned (I knew this already, no harm in asking though!), but I can see you have seats 4a and 4b". I was so happy, I wanted a window seat, and Peter got what he wanted too!
So after check in, we went straight through departures. As this was a year ago, my memory is a bit fuzzy.. We browsed around all the shops in Duty Free (quite a selection!) and we went for breakfast in one of the restaurants. It was lovely, we had a full English (we call them full Irish!) breakfast, and then we sat and looked out the window, down onto the apron.
I hate the way at UK airports you're never told which gate to board at (usually). You just have to wait until the number comes up on the screen, forcing you to wait at the shops and spend money!
Anyways, gate number came up- can't remember which one it was to be honest. We walked and walked and walked, and we finally got to the gate. I remember it well cos it had a tiny little Starbucks in front of it, like a one man Starbucks. Does anyone know where this could have been?
The flight as called, SCP passengers first of course. So up we jumped and scuttled over to the gate. SCP was full, so there were a lot of people queuing, although I suspect some of the SC passengers were trying to board too! We got our boarding cards ripped, and carried on down the air bridge. Just before the plane door, we were stopped and had to wait for about 4 minutes, whilst the crew finished preparing the cabin. We got on and turned left into SCP. The cabin is beautiful! The seats were amazing, there was a little goodie bag on it, lots of room, very squishy, overall a fab seat! Better than what we experienced with MyTravel anyway! So whilst we waited for everyone else to get on, we were offered a drink (Sparking Wine or Apple Juice), where was brought around on a tray by the crew, and you took a glass off yourself. We were then given fruit. It came on a little clear plastic holder, kind of like the plastic lid of a take away coffee up, turned upside down. Fruit was yummy, I think they were grapes. Doors closed shortly afterwards, and we pushed back. I can't remember the safety demo at all, but I imagine it was done on the PTV screens, and not manually.
After take off, the crew introduced themselves, advised us of where the toilets were and how the in-flight service would operate (dinner, with a snack before landing). Great headphones were handed out for the in-flight entertainment. Supposedly noise cancelling, they were HUGE. I watched TV the whole way over, and played games like Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and stuff. Time seemed to fly (ha ha!) and in no time (although it was 9 an a half hours later), we were landing.
The in-flight service could not be faulted! After take off we were given a little menu with all the drinks available (free, of course). They had Bacardi Breezers, Beer, Wine, WKD, Cider, Sprits, Soft Drinks- everything! As much as you wanted too! The couple beside us would always get two Bacardi's each and four cokes and the crew didn't even bat an eyelid! We kept the drinks card. We were also handed a menu to choose our meal from. The crew took all orders, just like in a restaurant. You gave your preference, and then a second choice. I can't remember what I had- I'm sure it was a choice of chicken, beef or a veg option. The food comes out in courses. You get a tray with your cutlery, a glass for your wine, your salad, desert and other little things. Your mains come separately. Crew do about 5 drinks runs, plus a drink with your dinner, plus tea/coffee afterwards and a lovely chocolate! I can't remember the snack; I think it was a sandwich with a kit kat or something, and another drink.
Once we landed, SCP disembarked first. We flew though immigration at Punta Cana, got our bags and were on the coach within 30 minutes I'd say.

Overall, the flight was great. Since then, I've been to Hong Kong with Virgin and although I flew economy, the SCP product was FAR better than Virgin's Economy product. We were so impressed with FCA that we booked to go with them this year to Margarita. We're off on 29th September, flying SCP again. I have to say though, that we met lots of people whilst on holidays who said that Star Class was amazing, and that upgrades weren't really with is (Dazbo is of this opinion too I think?). To be honest, I'm not too sure whether it is worth it or not. SC seats looked quite comfy too, and as far as I'm aware, SC is also in the configuration 2-3-2. The upgrade means you get free alcohol, slightly bigger (better?) meal, comfy seat, movies on demand (which you can get in SC for 5 pounds). The only downside about SCP is the fact that although they try to sit your party together, this is not always the case. Seating is done on a first booked, first seated arrangement. I'd prefer if you could go online, use a seat map (like on VS) and manually pick your own seat. Anyways, we had a fab experience with FCA although coming home was a different kettle of fish! I don't have time to go into too much detail, here are the basics
- our flight was cancelled (we were advised this two hours after our departure time)
- our flight left a day later, therefore all the food that came over on the flight had perished, so First Choice advised us that the meals wouldn't be up to the usual First Choice standard (they were ok, certainly not like what we had going over though!)
- As we were delayed a day, we missed our BA connection, and had to pay 200 pounds altogether to get home!

Even with the negatives above, I thought- ah it! I'm on holidays, I get an extra day here! The cancellation and stuff would not put me off flying with them again (it hasn't!)

Right, that's it! I just thought I'd let everyone know what my experience was. If I remember anything, I'll pop in later. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to answer them!

Flying SC to Aruba and was wondering if seats are already allocated? Have been informed by First Choice that we are sitting together (free of charge ) Don't particularly like sitting at the back, so was wondering if we would have any choice if we arrived early?

Also, when FC give you sitting together and there are 4, would it normally be 2 and 2?

Many thanks.

Thats a strange one- I think you're to pay to have to your seats allocated in SC. Are you flying SCP? In that case, they're allocated as part of the price.

If you seats are allocated, there's nothing you can do. They'll sit you together, but you might be separated by an isle (they try avoid this though!).

No, it is definitely star class

FC have put us as priority customers That just tells me we have spent too much on holidays

Enjoy it then! Have you flown with First Choice before? If not, you have PLENTY to look forward to!

If you've booked a premier hotel with First Choice Holidays, you get assigned seating as standard on board too!

No, never flown long haul with them, so looking forward to that.

Was just wondering if in fact it was a good thing to have seats together booked, if it means you can't request not to be at the back.

I'm sure it will be fine wherever we are seated

starry,

Are you staying in a First Choice Premier hotel? If so, you get little extras sometimes because you have booked their highest class hotel, ie priority customer. If you get to check-in early, you can request certain parts of the aircraft if they haven't pre-allocated seats. It's always worth asking, nothing lost. I often get pick of the aircraft when I'm travelling without the baggge (as in those than normally come with me!).

If you want to have a preview of what to expect, these are my recent trips reports:

MAN-PVR Via SFB, First Choice FCA012 14/03/07

PVR-MAN, First Choice Airways FCA013 28/03/07

Darren

Hi All, Going with my family to larnaca on above date, am booked as a premier customer with Eclipse Direct, guarantee to sit together , 4 of us in total.Just a couple of questions, is there a separate check inn desk at manchester for Premier or not, What kind of plane is it likely to be and what will the seat configuration be.Any replies would be appreciated.

jono77,

Have you got your flight numbers? Presumably FCA2764/5? It sounds as though they've scheduled a larger Boeing 767-300/ER to cover the flight since it's school hols rather than the regular Boeing 757-200 (you lucky thing!). A Premium desk will be availablie for SCP customers. The aircraft is configured 2-3-2. See my trip reports above for more information on the aircraft.

Darren

Thanks Darren. No, not a premier hotel, they phoned and said it was a "little thank you for your custom "

Definitely plan on getting to Gatwick early

Hi Darren,

We are travelling on FCA534 to Dalaman and wondered if you could tell us what type of aircraft this is.

We have paid for the Premium flight Upgrade and wanted to know if this was a seperate cabin, or just the first couple of rows of the plane (hope not),

Thanks in advance

Holiday Mad2007,

FCA534/5 is a bit of an interesting one! Over the last 2 months, the flight has been operated by the following:

26th July: G-OOAV (FCA Airbus A321-200)
19th July: G-BNYS (Excel Airways Boeing 767-200/ER)
12th July: G-OOBA (FCA Boeing 757-28A)
5th July: G-OOBL (FCA Boeing 767-300/ER)
28th June: G-OOAV (FCA Airbus A321-200)
21st June: G-OOBM (FCA Boeing 767-300/ER)
14th June:G-OOAV (FCA Airbus A321-200)
7th June: G-CPEU (FCA Boeing 757-236)

Going off that, your guess is as good as mine! Since you have premium seats, it should be either an A321-200 or 767-300. The 757's don't have premium seating. Given it's school hols, I would imagine it will be the larger 767 but going off the above information, it's just an educated guess. The 767's have a seperate premium cabin (full Star Class Premier). The A321's is just the front few rows, not a seperate cabin.

Darren

Hi Darren,

Thanks for the info..just sopke with FCA and they have said that it will be a 767-300 type aircraft, but I forgot to aks what the seating config was for this aircraft in the Premium section..?

Can you help.

Thanks again

Holiday Mad2007,

The aircraft is configured 2-3-2 throughout. Star class has 33" seat pitch, Star Class Premier 36". If you have a look at my MAN-PVR trip reports above, there are photo's of the aircraft and cabin. You'll love the roominess and comfort of these aircraft. Flying will never be the same again!

Have a great time,

Darren

Some advice please
Flying from Manchester to Cayo Coco FCA 196 and i was wondering about check in times. I know check in opens 3 hours before the flight leaves. I was wondering if you can check in any earlier as we prefer to get there early
We have booked the extra legroom seats in SC has anybody used these and have any views on them

Manchester allows day before check-in if that helps. It costs an extra £5 per person and has to be booked ahead of time which is easily done by ringing them.

We are doing this next Monday as we have a 15 month old and staying at a Park and Stay hotel the night before our flight and think it may be easier and less stressful to check in the night before and have no worries about luggage and long cues on the day of.

purcho.

As ukusa says, you can check-in up to 24 hours prior to your flight in so desired. If you want to get to the airport early on the day, you can do. Presumably your flight will be departing between 9-11am? That is peak time for departures so will be very busy in the terminals. I would advise checking in early to avoid the squeeze.

As for extra legroom seating, it depends on aircraft registration on the day since the 767's do vary slightly. Extra legroom seats are located at rows 12 and 20/22. There's plenty of room in these seats. 33" seat pitch is plenty for most people, the star class cabins are very nice. It's personal preference whether its worth booking extra legroom, everyone has different opinions.

Have a great time,

Darren

Hi Darren,

Where would I fiind the photographs of the 767-300 in the MAN-PVR thread that you mention..?

Thanks