Jay Trip,

IFE is currently available on all flights apart from those operared by the Boeing 737-300's.

Darren

Its not confirmed yet, it is something that the company are looking to remove ofF flights under 7hours(single aisled aircraft) in line with Thomas Cooks change last year. They are removing inflight meals from Nov 1st 2011 so any changes to the IFE will probably be the same time, could be sooner.

Thanks for quick replies.
Our holidays last year were with Thomas Cook so IFE will be a nice change.
We will be travelling on TOM 434 to Monastir on 20th March.Will this be a 737-300?
The previous Thomson holidays we have been on the planes have had the Recarro(?sp) seats which seem to have more leg room.

Jay Trip,

NCL-MIR-NCL (TOM434/5) are operated by a Boeing 737-800 (winglets) with the slimline Recaro seats.

Darren

As many of you know, Thomson have followed Thomas Cook and reduced their standard luggage allowance to just 15kg from the previous 20kg. This was done to obviously increase profits by spending less on fuel, and making passengers pay more to take their usual holiday clothes away with them.

But thats not all. Ive heard a rumour that come winter 2011 inflight entertainment on short and medium haul trips will be no more, and there will also be no more inflight meals available on short and medium haul trips - so for Egypt, Canaries etc. there will be no more tv down the middle of the isle, and no more meals available. You will be able to buy snacks and microwave meals as you can on current budget airlines.

Looks like Thomson is going to be no better than the likes of Ryanair and Easyjet soon - well, apart from the fact they will of course be considerably more expensive.

As many of you know, Thomson have followed Thomas Cook and reduced their standard luggage allowance to just 15kg from the previous 20kg. This was done to obviously increase profits by spending less on fuel, and making passengers pay more to take their usual holiday clothes away with them.

Here's an interesting few figures.....

One person flies Thomson from Gatwick to Malaga on 10th June 2011, returning a week later, with 20Kg of luggage and has the inflight meal - costs currently £196.
And has to pay for any drinks wanted.

The same person plans to fly with British Airways, same dates, same destination, with 20Kg luggage, gets free food, AND FREE DRINKS - costs currently £ 169

SO Thomson costs 16% MORE than the national carrier scheduled airline.
And provides less of a service.
It pays to always CHECK before booking a Thomson flight these days as they ramp up their pricesand reduce their service.

Here iis another instance, Newcastle to Stanstead with Easyjet £89, Newcastle to Heathrow £68.
Do not assume the 'budget' airlines are the cheaper option
Al

Sorry
Newcaslte to Heathrow was with BA

Hi alfords,

My key point was that Thomson - and Thomas Cook, and Monarch - the major charter airlines in the UK today are actively dropping standards, reducing service, and increasing prices - often dramatically.
It means that it can be cheaper to fly scheduled than charter, and one can get better service.
As per my posted example of BA vs Thomson.

On your point - I often fly Glasgow/Gatwick - and, providing one is booking a reasonable time ahead, I find it usually CHEAPER to fly BA than the Orange rugby scrum boarding planes of EasyJet.
So I agree with you.
Yes - EasyJet (and RyanAir) often have headline giveaway price deals, but often when one tries to book them they vapourise, or are swallowed up by extras charged for. Like checking in!!!

I think that the current times have to be a huge business opportunity for the big scheduled carriers.
Instead of navel contemplation, or squeezing staff benefits, or selling the family jewels off to join up with foreign airlines - they should aggressively go after the charter airlines business like that of Thomson.
They have the planes, the landing rights, the experience,the infrastructure..
.. they should aggressively try to take business away from the complacent charter airlines like Thomson
... who are relaxing now they have merged themselves into giant monopolies.

I wholeheartedly with your sentiments, where is the competiition!
Al

Iliketravel

BY-TOM-AMM-FCA posted a few above yours about the IFE and meals.

Personally I don't bother about IFE unless it is seatback, but meals I like. Won't kill me to do without for a 4/5 hour flight though.

Thanks Darren,Most of the Thomson flights from Newcastle I have been on over the last 3 years have had the winglets and the Recarro
seats.I must have been lucky as these planes seem to take less time than stated in the brochure to arrive at the destination.
I find these seats much more comfortable and better legroom than the others.
At least i dont have to sit with my legs round my neck.

what plane might i be on, manchester to arrecife, TOM2250 10.25 departure in april

dcoops,

MAN-ACE-MAN (TOM2250/1) are operated by an Airbus A321-200. You'll find further aircraft information on our What Aircraft? guide (link below).

Darren

thanks dazbo, your good! is it a thomson TUI or a first choice, can only find pics of a first choice plane

dcoops,

Thomsonfly never operated Airbus aircraft, hence why they are in the First Choice livery.

Darren

When I spoke to Thomson on the phone a couple of weeks ago with reference to the cost of excess baggage, I asked about the new reduced weight allowance and was told it was not an "across the board" reduction, it depends on the destination. I was asking about Mexico and was informed that it was still 20kg - standard class.

I have an email from Thomsons Pre Travel section about luggage allowance. It is dependent on which brochure you have booked from, not your destination, although the Faraway Shores brochure bookings will still get 20kg.

Customers who have booked Thomson and First Choice standard packages, including splash and kids club products will now receive a hold luggage allowance of 15kg. Customers who have booked Premier holidays with First Choice and Thomson will now receive a luggage allowance of 20kg rather then 23kg and for customers who have booked from our Small and Friendly, Gold, Holiday Villages, Thomson Families, Chic and Unique, Simply, Thomson Villas & Pools, Faraway Shores, Florida and Tropical products will all remain unaffected and will receive a 20kg complimentary allowance. For customers who book premium seating on their flight they will still be entitled to a luggage allowance of 23kg.

Hi Darren,
could you tell me what aircraft TOM358 from EMA to Dalaman on the 26/05/11, 15:20 flight will be & whether it will have ife?
thanks karen