Now back from my trip to Punta Cana and just thought I'd update you on my flight as I asked quite a few questions before I flew out!!
Anyway, booked through FC originally (flew with them last year and loved them). Was expecting an ex FCA plane this time as well but when we arrived at the airport it was a Thomson plane. We had a two hour delay - this was put down to cleaning the plane thoroughly because of 'swine flu' not sure if it had come from mexico? TOM 071 (Gatwick). The plane was there for hours being serviced.
I had my biggest fear confirmed when we checked in - we were sitting behind each other - not what I wanted for the start of my honeymoon! Anyway, when I asked if there was anything they could do, she said no, as we were the last to book in for Premier (was told originally it did not matter what time we booked in as seats were pre allocated) she seemed to say that she could have if everyone had not booked in!!
As with Premier, when they started boarding we were boarded first, realised as it was a thomson plane, the premier section is a lot smaller than the FC planes. Magazines, papers, blankets and pillows all provided, didn't notice any difference to leg room or seat room at all. Drinks upon arrival as stated. Must say, the trip was actually fine sitting behind each other, dont know what i worried about!
The one thing I did not like was the two sections were only seperated by a curtain, at one stage we had a smelly foot coming thru onto an empty seat next to me under the curtain, really not nice. Much preferred the FC set up.
Staff were wonderful through the whole flight, really attentive, never wanted for a drink for very long. This was both ways. Did have to laugh on the way back though because before they even started serving food, the couple next to us asked for two of everything off the snack menu, including snack boxes, crisps, pepperami, pretzels, crinkles and soft drinks. I thought they were having that instead of their meal, but no, when that came out they tucked into that too!
Food was good, although I did not get any choice off the menu on the way out, but what I did get was edible. Film choice on way out was ok, much preferred the films on the way back. We also got to sit together on the way back in Row 5 (the last row) and that was great
Couple of things I noticed that were missing from the premier service that we had last year... priority luggage came off first last year. and this time on both ways, we were not allowed off the plane first, in fact we were stuck getting out as they offloaded everyone else first this time.
Would I upgrade again.... yes, although the airport at PC seems so much more oranised this year, unlike the cattle market last year! I really preferred the bigger seats and TV screens in premier as I had the chance to swap seats for a while with a friend in star class and I really would not have liked to have sat there for 9 an half hours. overall a great flight but must say, I did prefer the ex FCA setup as opposed to Thomsons, but thought the staff were brilliant (not sure about the uniforms though!!)
There are two flights from MAN-LCA on a wednesday and they are next to each other on the schedule. TOM2334/5 departing MAN at 1355 is a 757-200 and TOM2342/3 departing at 1810 is an A320-200. I must have crossed lines somehow (and still half asleep!).
