Spikemorgan flew Thomas Cook Airlines Premium long haul, on a A330-200 (Long-haul) (20/05/2012 15:12)

We flew Manchester to Sanford on 4th May and returned on 18th May. The flights were very good and I would certainly use them again. The cabin crew on both legs gave excellent service and nothing was too much trouble. We used the twilight check in and were lucky enough to be put in the PE seats which were comfortable with good leg room and we paid for the PE seats on the way back.

The IFE was good with a good selection of recent films, I noticed that some of the screens were crackily but were certainly watchable.

We had an hour's delay on the way back but not the fault of TC, it was due to a computer failure which read the passports at Sanford Airport.

Jimmy_Kirb flew Thomas Cook Airlines Long haul, on a A330-200 (Long-haul) (19/05/2012 14:30)

I flew with Thomas Cook long haul last year and they have changed so much for the better! This year I flew with them to Mexico on the A330-200.

The flight was on time and once told to go to the gate we went straight on to the plane with no waiting - we took off early! The cabin crew were very attentive and always had a smile on their face - best crew I've had yet! But the food is what made the flight, made by James Martin it was amazing!

We had a choice of Thai Green Curry or Sausage and mash served with strawberry cheesecake and cheese and biscuits! The best food I've ever had on a flight and a great move for Thomas Cook to re-do their meals.

The inflight entertainment was great with 6 films to watch and also TV shows. I didn't get bored of something to watch - even on a 10 hour flight!

Also the legroom was great! 35inchs, it was nice to be able to stretch your legs and feel as though you had space.

Overall if you've been with Thomas Cook and felt disappointed - try them again!! They have improved massively and had the best flight we've ever been on.

RodneyDDunn flew Thomas Cook Airlines Short/medium-haul, on a B757-200 (19/05/2012 09:19)

a good flight spoilt by lack of leg room

andrewpick flew Thomas Cook Airlines Long haul, on a A330-200 (Long-haul) (01/05/2012 20:57)

We flew to Sanford from Gatwick on Friday April 13th and returned on Friday April 27th,

Outbound were standard seats but inbound were premium. I must admit I was slightly worried given some of the reviews here but generally we found Thomas Cook airlines and the whole experience very good.

We didn't bother with any advance seat reservations and found check in to be smooth and with 2 adults and 2 children were all seated together no problem.

Slight delay on the way out but that was out of TC's control. Something about a hot air balloon straying into Gatwick airspace on the way out (well it was Friday 13th!!!).

Food was ok (as it usually is) and service was generally very good from the staff.

Seats were generally very good. Not hugely comfortable but legroom was fine, even on standard seats on the way out (around 33inch pitch).

Premium on the way back were good. Slightly wider seats but with 35inch pitch I believe. Service was no different, apart from the seat sizes with premium.

Bit of turbulence on the way back but nothing too uncomfortable and didn't stop me trying to grab 40 winks on the evening/night flight to Gatwick.

Generally a positive experience with this airline and would definitely use again. Not really that much difference in my opinion between these and Virgin Atlantic for example (which we have also experienced)

laney2442 flew Thomas Cook Airlines Long haul, on a A330-200 (Long-haul) (20/04/2012 18:48)

I have not flown with Thomas cook before, but my son and his fiancé went to Cuba last year and praised the airline and the holiday so much that they have decided to get married there on 05/07/2012. We are travelling from Manchester on 01/07/2012. They said the whole experience was faultless hence doing it again so i hope to be back on here when we get back repeating the same experience.

Pam2011azura flew Thomas Cook Airlines Short/medium-haul, on a A330-200 (Long-haul) (07/02/2012 14:24)

We came back from Barbados Christmas morning it has to be the worst experience of our lives We were packed in like sardines I have flown with so many airlines I have lost count, never were they like this The staff were surly and plastic and as an after thought the captain wished us Happy Christmas as we were fling in to Gatwick Never having flown Christmas eve/Day I was expecting something cheerful and happy what a let down I have never heard so many complaint's Thomas Cook if you are in trouble you only have to look at your selves you don't deserve to stay in buissiness. By the way our in flight entertainment was broken.

Pam2011azura flew Thomas Cook Airlines Long haul, on a A330-200 (Long-haul) (07/02/2012 14:23)

We came back from Barbados Christmas morning it has to be the worst experience of our lives.

We were packed in like sardines. I have flown with so many airlines I have lost count, never were they like this. The staff were surly and plastic and as an after thought the captain wished us Happy Christmas as we were fling in to Gatwick.

Never having flown Christmas eve/Day I was expecting something cheerful and happy, what a let down. I have never heard so many complaint's Thomas Cook if you are in trouble you only have to look at your selves you don't deserve to stay in buissiness.

By the way our in flight entertainment was broken.

HazelJoy flew Thomas Cook Airlines Long haul, on a A330-200 (Long-haul) (19/01/2012 15:17)

Well, we have recently arrived back from Mexico, having flown on the Thomas Cook A330 - 354 passengers

On long-haul flights with Thomas Cook you cannot book a seat in the premium cabin- these are offered on a first come basis. We arrived at Gatwick early and were asked if we would like to upgrade for an extra £20 per passenger. For this you get to wait in the VIP lounge and given free breakfast and drinks, except the champagne cocktails, and there is a toilet area and lounge area with plasma TV. There is no premium extras on the flight but the seats are obviously more spacious and more comfy.

You can book the premium seats for the return journey but by the time we made our holiday booking these had all been taken - hence we opted to sit in seats 38H & J (37 had already been taken).

The seats at the rear of the cabin are in a 2-3-2 formation and the 2 seats do give extra room in the aisle but they are standard seats. The problem we found was that the seats had obviously been spaced further apart for the long-haul flights but the over-head individual lights had not been moved so my seat light shone on the passengers head in front of my husband! The toilets are quite close but we found that passengers actually queued in the rear section rather than along the aisle itself.

The only real complaint we had was the food on the return journey. On the original take-off there was severe vibration on the front wheels so the take-off was aborted and we ended up being delayed for 22 hours. This meant the food pre-packed for the return journey had defrosted and Thomas Cook had to get food from Mexico and this was disgusting.

I hope this information helps others.

Jimmy_Kirb flew Thomas Cook Airlines Short/medium-haul, on a A330-200 (Long-haul) (11/01/2012 09:45)

Thomas Cook get a lot of bad reviews but I don't see why, it's a great airline and you get what you pay for.

I flew on an Airbus 330-200 (the old mytravel airways plane with the downstairs toilet)

Seats are comfortable with loads of legroom - 33inchs! Better than Virgin & BA.

Inflight entertainment is good, with plenty to watch (just a shame it was on a loop and not on demand)

Yes you have to pay for your drinks but if you want them free then why choose Thomas Cook? The service is exceptional from the cabin crew and the food is always to a good standard.

A very enjoyable 9 hours flight with Thomas Cook and am flying with them again to Mexico later on this year.

Poolyjan flew Thomas Cook Airlines Long haul (04/12/2011 23:34)

I have just returned from a P and Cruise in the Caribbean, returning 02/12/2011.

When we booked the cruise 14 months in advance we also booked premium seats. About 13 weeks before our departure we were informed that Thomas Cook had removed the aircraft for our return journey flight TCX 255 and replaced it with 767 with no premium area. We were unable to rearrange the flights as there was no availability at the late stage.

The outbound journey was reasonably comfortable with no problems. The inbound was the journey from hell. The flight was
delayed by 3 hrs due to a technical fault with the replacement aircraft, though we received no updated information at the airport after the initial 2 hr delay.

We eventually boarded the aircraft after waving off all our fellow cruisers who found it amusing that our Thomas Cook flight was the only one delayed. We then spent the next 8 hrs crammed into the smallest space I have ever had to endure. I felt on the verge of a panic attack on several occasions. There was no way of finding a comfortable position to sleep. The on board entertainment a film was impossible to view due to the screen being located above our heads behind the access to the overhead locker that the cabin crew used for storage.

After about 1 hr the front tort became unserviceable and getting to the others took ages as you had to wait for the trolleys to clear then join a very long queue. I never actually made it as an hour before landing all the toilets became unusable. I therefore had to go a full 9 hrs without the use of a loo! After landing we picked up our luggage to find both solid suitcases smashed at the corners .

THOMAS COOK we will NEVER fly with you again.

Hachiko flew Thomas Cook Airlines Short/medium-haul, on a A321-200 (29/11/2011 19:39)

Thomas Cook Scandinavia A321 from TFS to HEL.

Check in desks for all departing Thomas Cook flights had long queues and took time. Flight delayed one hour which is most common with this airline on this route.

Boarding procedure was slow, we were first bussed to the stand. Crew unhelpful and mostly rude. You had to be selfservice minded when boarding this airline. One FA stepped on my spouse´s toes twicely and hard. When we pointed out, comment was: "This is my private space", drawn with a finger to the floor. As if we could turn our legs under the seat. Situation solved on board, reclamation given.

Exit row 11 offers generous legroom, though seat itself was narrow due to tray in the armrest, padding was hard and I had a back pain after one hour. Never have had this situation before when frequently flying. OY-VKD looked tired in the cabin, seats had some dirty marks.

During flight there were too many disturbing announcement, as they sell almost everything. Prepaid meal, 9€, was small and tasteless. Drinks were expensive. IFE were small lcd´s top op every sixth row.

This airline has come down in all aspects of comfort and service since 2 years ago. All in all not a pleasant experience considering the price 550€ paid for this airline.

GerMon1 flew Thomas Cook Airlines Short/medium-haul, on a A320-200 (09/10/2011 14:10)

LGW to EFL (Kefallonia) 12.45 18th September 2011. Part of a Thomas Cook villa package.

Self and Partner had reserved seats and booked in on – line, so at Gatwick just needed to use fast-bag drop – waited about 1 minute. Worried about weight of hand luggage – check-in girl asked to see the hand luggage (which was within the miniscule bag size allowed) but did not ask to weigh them luckily for us as my partners camera bag inside my rucksack weighed at least 7kgs!

Flight was on time and boarding was efficient. I hate the seats but only because as a big guy there is little room for the tray table and me. At 5’9” there was just enough leg and knee room and thankfully the occupant of the seat in front did not recline into my face. Seating therefore just as expected and bearable for the 3 hour flight.

We took off just about on time had a very smooth flight. In flight service was ok we were served quickly at the front of the plane. The package included the meal which was the usual sausage potato gravy and peas, cheese and biscuit, bread bun and butter and a chocolate sponge thing which was quite moreish. Tea and coffee also on offer. The only problem as usual is that the staff request the ‘rubbish’ before the meal is finished and then you are left nursing the empties for too long.

Landed on time, of note was the hard and fast landing by the pilot !! wow have landed many times at Kefallonia Airport this time we both thought that we were going to take off again!

All in all pretty much OK and I would not mark Thomas Cook down in any way compared to Thomson/First Choice or Monarch.
On the return flight 2 weeks later at 12.25 the cabin crew apologized for being a man down and possibly as a consequence we got our meal but no tea or coffee and if 2 girls had not timed their arrival at the airport to coincide with the departure time we would in fact have taken off 30 mins early as ground staff needed to make room on the apron for an incoming Thomson flight.

Complaints – yes but only 1. The restricted size of the carry on luggage. Last year we bought bags to suit Thomson and Monarch this year they were too big for Thomas Cook.

cookie17 flew Thomas Cook Airlines (02/10/2011 21:55)

We flew from Newcastle to Tunisia on 18th Spetember 2011.

We tried to check the flight on the internet before we left home- 3 hrs before departure but no information was available. Whilst waiting to check in we found that the flight was going to be 1 hr late in departing. It was actually 1 hr and 35 mins. Thomas Cook hired Mint airlines for this journey.

We were given the seats we had booked but to say that there isn't much room when you pull down the table is an underestimation. I am only 5'2" but my knees nearly touched the seat in front. Meals were included in the holiday price but when we were served with our bread bun etc they forgot to leave the hot breakfast and it was only because the person sitting next to us heard us asking where our food was that she said that we had better buzz for an attendant as others had been served. The attendant apologised but there must be no counting of meals otherwise they would have known that they had not given out 2 of them.

The flight attendants were also unaware that there is no time difference in Tunisia and they gave out the time as being an hour later that it actually was.

We also had no in flight entertainment and from my seat 6F I was unable to see the safety procedure demonstrated by the Air Stewardess.

On returning we were supposed to be picked up at 8.10am but it was 8.35am before leaving the hotel which was a 35minute drive away and the flight was leaving at 10.20 am. On the way it started to rain and water leaked in through the rooflights on the bus getting all of us slightly wet. On approaching the airport we were informed that at least there was a cover as we got off the bus but it was mesh which allowed the rain to go straight through.

Because we were so late getting to the airport there was no on waiting at the chek in desk so we went straight through putting our suitcases on the conveyor belt and waiting for our boarding cards only for the suitcases to be taken off and we were motioned to move to one side. As no one spoke English we could not understand what they were talking about so I took out my seat reservation to show them and as far as I could understand they had given our booked seats to someone else but after 5 minutes wait our suitcases were finally put back on the conveyor belt and we were given our correct seats.

Fortunately on the return journey the flight left on time and the only hold up was at Newcastle Airport where it took us 1hr 30 min from the plane landing until we got through passport control. By then our luggage had been sent to the conveyoir belt and because there was so much due to the wait suitcases had been removed from the conveyor belt and left on the floor.

totty01 flew Thomas Cook Airlines (27/09/2011 13:34)

judyboughton flew Thomas Cook Airlines Long haul, on a A330-200 (Long-haul) (27/09/2011 08:20)

uxb36074 flew Thomas Cook Airlines Short/medium-haul, on a B757-200 (22/09/2011 15:55)

simdog's_lj flew Thomas Cook Airlines Short/medium-haul, on a B757-200 (12/09/2011 11:54)

Birmnigham to Rhodes 18th June 2011 & RHO - BHX 3rd July 2011.

Both of these flights left on time and we found the seats perfectly comfortable and spacious for us (5 ft. 7ins & 5 ft. 8 ins). The food was normal plane food but I quite like it so I was happy with what we got. Cabin crew were very friendly and were kept busy for the whole flight. There wasn't any in-flight entertainment but I just listened to my iPod and read a book. Drinks prices are high but they are with every airline. Overall, a good set of flights.

loeb247 flew Thomas Cook Airlines Short/medium-haul, on a B757-200 (10/09/2011 12:57)

MsCatkin flew Thomas Cook Airlines (21/08/2011 19:03)

lovely flight although a tad cramped. Food was fine except it cost £4.90 for two teas!!! left on time both ways and took only 2 hours which was fine by me!!!

Traveljunkie flew Thomas Cook Airlines Short/medium-haul, on a A330-200 (Short/med-haul) (13/08/2011 18:16)

Thomas Cook Airlines uses the wide-body Airbus A330 in two different cabin layouts, one for long-haul and another for short-haul. This is the latter, denser version, which carries 354 passengers.

This flight was extremely disappointing. They had used the short haul for this nearly 9 hour flight which was probably close to 11 hours for the people who got on earlier in London and so the leg room was extremely tight at 29”, narrow seats. Not to mention they had given away our preselected prepaid seats when we checked in so could only give us the final row 44 which doesn’t even show up on their long haul flights. My seat had no recline and my husband’s maybe an inch. Also at the most got a small bottle of water about 8 ounces and two small teas of about 4 ounces each for free the entire time. Any other drinks of water, tea or soft drinks were charged for which due to the danger of Deep Vein Thrombosis I thought was not allowed in Canada. So I am not sure how a flight booked through Air Transat as a code share gets away with this dangerous practice.

Furthermore, the entertainment system did not work most of the flight and the toilet behind us was out of order the entire flight which resulted in line-ups 8 to 10 deep for most of the flight near us. I was surprised to hear this was one of the newer planes, with all these problems it is one I will not use again.

davidwelsh flew Thomas Cook Airlines Long haul, on a A330-200 (Long-haul) (22/07/2011 19:55)

Nice crew , leg room was good seat no 38 a & b seat back tv worked well nose and belly cam very good ,time flew by 9 hr Manchester to Punta Cana .Thomas Cook gets some bad reviews but not this time flights on time both ways aircraft very clean, date of fligth 30/06/11

geordieflyer flew Thomas Cook Airlines Short/medium-haul, on a B757-200 (30/06/2011 17:50)

The most uncomfortable flight of my life.... and i've flown a lot and can normally sleep anywhere.

Also, thomas cook should be more carefull as to which lease aircraft they hire for the season as the one in question was in such a bad state inside that it really does bring their name down even further.

Biggsy1985 flew Thomas Cook Airlines Short/medium-haul, on a A320-200 (10/06/2011 12:19)

Flew To Turkey September 2010. I have to inform you that Thomas Cooks Slogan Don`t just book it Thomas cook it, Is all to know avail.

we had no legroom on the plane what soever. After doing my own investigation i found out that Thomas cooks Flight management team had made the decision to increase the amount of seats on the aircraft making all passengers leg room smaller than they advertised.

With this in mind Thomas cook have failed to comply with there advertisement regarding how much leg room they actually offer on short haul flights. I personally wont be boarding another Thomas Cook Aircraft again Especially After my mother has just flown with Thomson Cook to Canada (07/06/2011) and to have been in formed that she had no more leg room on the aircraft than a short haul flight.

Surely being on a long haul flight its imperative that leg room is increased

mitchy376 flew Thomas Cook Airlines Long haul, on a A330-200 (Long-haul) (28/05/2011 15:32)

Me and my family flew economy to Orlando's Sanford airport in economy.

Gatwick airport was obviously very busy on the day of our departure but we booked into the No1 lounge which offered some very nice views of the runway including the plane that we flew on arriving. Check-in staff didn't seem to have very much experience in the way that Thomas Cook perform but that was because they were on loan from Delta.
The outbound flight to Sanford was very good, with a very attentive cabin crew and decent legroom.

The entertainment was also okay but because we were on the old layout a330, it used a channel system which meant a wait between shows. The food was also okay. The captain kept us well informed as to our location and so did the cabin crew when asked, probably because the map was down during the whole flight. The leather seats weren't too comfortable but the downstair's toilets were very good because there was very little queuing in the aisles.

Orlando's Sanford airport was nice and quiet, which was pleasing and check in was fast. Security was also easy to get through. The inbound flight to the UK was an overnight flight in a newly renovated a330. The entertainment on this flight was considerably better because it was on demand, but other than that, not much was different, apart from the lack of contact from the captain and the less attentive cabin crew, but that was probably because they were tired and didn't want to interrupt people's sleep, or lack of sleep in some cases... loud children most of the time, but what do you expect, its Florida.

Overall, I was really pleased, especially after reading some reviews on here. Take no notice! I would recommend Thomas Cook Airlines to anyone.

sparkyquef flew Thomas Cook Airlines Long haul, on a A330-200 (Long-haul) (01/05/2011 20:18)

We flew out to Holguin, Cuba for christmas and new year, and after flying many times around the globe with various airlines, I can honestly say that this is the worst experience of my life. Only comparible to a shorthaul economy flight by Ryanair. Poor service, seat width and pitch only suitable for a child, and to top it off, charging for drinks on a 10hr flight. How rediculous, to charge for drinks on a 10hr flight with over 200 passengers, all that change (they don't have) for notes, rip off prices etc....

Why not put an extra £10 on the flight and give everyone free drinks, this would not only save a lot of hassle for the crew, it would also mean everyone would get served quicker. Very very poor indeed.

UflyRight flew Thomas Cook Airlines Long haul, on a A330-200 (Long-haul) (26/04/2011 17:06)

From POP to MAN we where in an ex-My Travel Airways aircraft. You always get a better flight on board one of these aircraft than the other type of A330's that Thomas Cook operates.

There are downstairs toilets and no queues for them. The entertainment was a lot better and the maps and cameras were working. I've seen people complaining about the layout being different to the one that is displayed on all websites but you do have a better flight.

I would definitely fly with them again and advice people to look into not only Thomas Cook but the main rival Thomson over other British airlines as they are keeping each other on their toes. As they are competing a lot more than other airlines this means that you tend to get better service than the other airlines like BA, Monarch and definitely Virgin Atlantic.

So next time you fly, Don't Just Book It. Thomas Cook It :)

UflyRight flew Thomas Cook Airlines Long haul, on a A330-200 (Long-haul) (24/04/2011 16:31)

From MAN to POP we were on a Thomas Cook Airlines A330 the has always been with Thomas Cook and after reading other peoples reviews I say don't read the lower raters ones they are just retem be really fussy people and they dont know a bad flight as the have clealy never been on a monarch A330 or a Virgin Atlantic flight. Thomas Cook airlines food is not that good and the same with the entertanment outbound flight I was surpised at how good they were in fact the only thing that lets them down in the A330 layout that they use. But this is the same with all A330's not using an airtours designed cabin as the toilets and gallies are postitioned badly but thats not Thomas Cook that can only be blamed on the manufactuerer Airbus.

hi292dc6 flew Thomas Cook Airlines Short/medium-haul, on a B757-200 (23/04/2011 06:54)

Flew Manchester - Arrecife outbound 10th April with a 9 hour delay and little information!! Plane had an engine problem on arrival the night before and our departure at 0700 was delayed, the plane was not even towed for engine runs until 0800 and then we finally got airborne on a substitute plane! We were then served the "all day breakfast" - what a joke, the crew were terrible but had only just come on shift, the service was awful, terrible seats and very cramped - no apologies for the seating just the delay.. By contrast the return journey a week later on G-JMCE, the seating was better and the crew excellent. All in all I would mark Thomas Cook Airlines down as a never again experience after two terrible journies in a year.

bitterntwisted flew Thomas Cook Airlines Short/medium-haul, on a A320-200 (14/04/2011 18:05)

Just returned from Cyprus - a four and a half hour journey of pain. I am 6 feet tall and was unable to find a comfortable position onboard - other than standing up. We requested extra leg room because of the bad back caused by the outward bound journey, to be told there were seats with extra legroom but I could not have one BECAUSE I HAVE A BAD BACK! My back is now worse than ever thanks to Thomas Cook Airways.

Besides that the check-in person was rude and unhelpful and the food? What can you say about a thimbleful of sausage and mash which was totally tasteless. As for the half full cup of tea we were offered? No comment!

The service onboard was totally disinterested. They preferred to discuss their childrens' breakfast preferences with each other rather than our needs. They barely spoke to the passengers. Indeed one member of the cabin staff seemed to spend most of her time in the cockpit and only re-appeared just before landing.

I wonder what will become of my questionnaire which tried to point these facts out at the time. We are regular fliers but will avoid Thomas Cook Airways in the future.

amazinggrace flew Thomas Cook Airlines Long haul, on a A330-200 (Long-haul) (07/04/2011 18:52)

Travelled to Jamaica on Thomas cook's first direct flight. It was very enjoyable.

Left on time, arrived home exactly on time.

The crew were lovely very helpful and the food was very good and hot.

We were on the 330 airbus. The leg room was great the seating was comfortable we read some reviews before we went which gave us some concern but i can tell you we never came up against any of them

We are hoping to go long haul again next year and i think it will probably be Thomas Cook again.

My advice to anyone with it in mind is just go for it and decide for yourself

Hope you enjoy as much as we did ...could have done with a bit more baggage weight though......

MrsWatson flew Thomas Cook Airlines Premium long haul, on a A330-200 (Long-haul) (21/03/2011 09:39)

My husband and I flew in a premium cabin to Jamaica.

I would recommend that anyone who wants to experience a smoother check in and a quicker service should purchase this option. I have seen some reviews that state it is not value for money. I disagree, It is very good value for the money that I paid. I have been in economy on a long haul flight and to be honest it isnt that bad, the thing I like about the premium options are the things that you wish you had when in economy such as faster host service and more legroom. I fail to understand what some people expect in addition to this.I feel the option to upgrade is worth the extra you pay for the comfort and convienence.

The seperate cabin is a good idea too although there is only a curtain and small partition wall between this and economy so there is stills ome noise from the back of the plane, such as children screaming every now and then, but thats just going to be the case when traveling on such large aircrafts.I found the cabin crew very attentive and polite and have no complaints about them whatsoever. I will always pay the extra to upgrade as I feel it is most definatley worth it.

flyboydixie flew Thomas Cook Airlines Long haul, on a A330-200 (Long-haul) (03/03/2011 19:04)

At last Thomas Cook have given us some decent legroom but the nine across seating means only 16.5 inch width - tight for me (6 ft tall 38inch waist )but hopeless for your average obese Brit.-The service and seatback entertainment were ok for charter flight standard as was the food.We left Gatwick on time and arrived in Goa 1 hour early.The return flight was spoilt - a few posers boarding at midnight dressed for the beach then started complaining about being cold despite all being issued with blankets and pillows resulting in cabin staff requesting the captain to up the heat. So uncomfortable 98% felt we were being cooked alive- why do the few always spoil it for the many? I was not looking forward to this return flight but turned out not so bad as expected.

gooner2233 flew Thomas Cook Airlines Long haul, on a B767-300 (20/02/2011 19:39)

Went to Cancun x2 last year (April and October). The first flight in the April was fine and the seat pitch was good, and I would say it was 33" but when we went on the October the flight it was very uncomfortable indeed with only a 29" pitch for a 10+ hour flight. I complained to Thomas Cook and was given an answer that the seat pitch is comparable with other long haul carriers?

Row 2 C,D,E and F on the way back was even more uncomfortable. As these seats are offset with 3 in front on row one it was very difficult to put your legs in a comfortable position.

schumachergirl1956 flew Thomas Cook Airlines Short/medium-haul, on a A320-200 (18/02/2011 22:27)

Last Year in 2010 is the first time i have ever flown with Thomas Cook airlines, i was thrilled to bits as always when i boarded the plane, the feeling was sensational all the magic came back from when i used to go to europe with my parents and younger brother way back in the early 1970s. i always have thrills of excitement when i go flying. not a dull moment i ever get, the air hostesses asked me one time ago am i ok because i have a habit when the plane taxis down the runway and bulids up speed ready to launch up in the sky, i start bobbing up and down on my strapped seat, i re assured her i was ok i just get so excited on planes. will some of the passengers might be nervous, i still do it today how much i am now approaching 55. its so thrilling and magical feeling i can't really explain but its like i am on cloud 99.also thanks to all the pilots and aircraft crew they do a splendid job.

mattman flew Thomas Cook Airlines Long haul, on a B757-200 (config 2) (07/02/2011 17:12)

I flew from Birmingham International to Toronto aboard the Thomas Cook B757-200 last September, and I must say what a fantastic flight!

Big comfy leather seats with 35" leg room, I'm 6'1" and had loads of space in front of me.

The flight was ontime both leaving the UK and returning. We landed 50mins early on return.

The food on board was OK, and the service very good. If they had TV screens in each seat I would have said that it was by far the best flight I've ever been on in economy.....

tripoli56 flew Thomas Cook Airlines Short/medium-haul, on a B757-200 (17/11/2010 15:45)

Recent golden wedding holiday sept 18,2010 to Rhodes ex Gatwick.

Frequent requests for disabled assistance were ignored at Gatwick and Rhodes.

Extra leg room seats paid for, but not provided on the return flight. Instead I was allocated a seat at the rear of the aircraft. I am 5ft 11in tall and I could not get into the seat to sit down.

The flight had been delayed and it was 0230. I was told that I had to fasten my seat belt or the aircraft could not leave. I had to sit sideways and place my feet in the space where my wife's feet should be.

Although I was able to prove I had paid for extra leg room a steward stated very loudly in front of other passengers that I had not. I was then moved forward to an aisle seat, again I could not get my legs into the seat and had to spend four hours with my legs in the aisle with other passengers climbing over me.

A totally awful experience from beginning to end. A golden wedding celebration ruined.

There is a frightening consequence to this story. If passengers are trapped in seats with no room to move, the pre-flight pantomime pointing to escape doors etc. is totally irrelevant.

In the case of an emergency, two thirds of the passengers will remain trapped in their seats and not escape the aircraft. How do you establish the required brace position with your seat upright, feet together, seat belt fastened? Lean forward and head down ( READ THE SAFETY PAMPHLET THATS IN FRONT OF YOUR FACE) if you cannot get your legs into the seat while the aircraft is still on the ground prior to take off?

Thomas Cook responded to my complaint with a voucher for a seat with extra leg room on my next flight.

These flights are not even cattle class anyone transporting cattle like this would face prosecution.

badgolfer1954 flew Thomas Cook Airlines Long haul, on a A330-200 (Long-haul) (15/10/2010 19:01)

My partner and I have just returned from the Dominican Republic with Thomas cook, as one of the other reviews state, the seating plan on the tickets did not resemble the seating plan on the aircraft. The out bound flight was bearable, the return flight was a nightmare, we had been in the air over two and a half hours before I could get a drink, the entertainment kept breaking down( I had to watch the same program four times, and still did not see the end of it.) the passenger in front of me kept rocking back and forth for the whole flight, he must have found my discomfort highly amusing. We finally landed at Gatwick and had to wait twenty minutes to get on to a dock.

Soeedyjoe flew Thomas Cook Airlines (09/10/2010 12:16)

I travelled Manchester to Antalya in September 2010-dreadful going out. Very little space but even worse coming back-despite paying extra for extra leg room seats we were sitting in front of a couple with two toddlers one of whom was on her mum's knee. Most of the flight was spent with the child kicking my seat or screaming. The flight attendants did nothing to help the mother.... or me. The flight was delayed by an hour and a half as we waited on the tramac. Flight from hell.

SacWood167 flew Thomas Cook Airlines Premium long haul, on a A330-200 (Long-haul) (09/10/2010 08:50)

teggs10 flew Thomas Cook Airlines Short/medium-haul, on a B757-200 (06/10/2010 14:22)

Flew Thomas Cook from Manchester to Antalya. Seats were easily the most cramped I've ever come across anywhere. I'm 6' 1" and average weight, but I've never felt so uncomfortable on a flight and I couldn't even read a book when the person in front reclined their seat.

Paid to get extra leg room on return flight, but the benefit of having extra leg room was greatly reduced by the constant procession of people striding across to get to reach one of the far too few toilet facilities. I will never fly with this airline again unless they increase seat pitch and width.

ferguss flew Thomas Cook Airlines Long haul, on a B757-200 (config 2) (01/10/2010 09:44)

Booked with Canadian Affair - as 35" seat pitch to quote brochure was "guaranteed". In the event the aircraft used had a seat pitch of 30" - for a long haul flight this was intolerable. Was advised at check in that flight was 3 hours late but the limited seat pitch was only advised at departure gate where it was too late to consider other options. If I book something with a guarantee I expect it to be delivered or given some alternatives if problems arise.

ferguss flew Thomas Cook Airlines Long haul, on a B757-200 (config 2) (01/10/2010 09:35)

UnhappyThomasCookFlyer flew Thomas Cook Airlines Long haul, on a A330-200 (Long-haul) (05/09/2010 14:49)

Absolutely the worst airlline I have ever flown with and I am a frequent flyer. I paid extra for an extra legroom seat and got a seat that was too narrow to sit in. Trying to arrange a different seat for the flight home with Thomas Cook is impossible. Their online customer service is as bad as their A330-200 seat configuration. I suggest everyone avoid this airline like the plauge unless it is a very short haul flight. I stood for 8 hours becuase i could not comfortably fit into the seat.

johngorry flew Thomas Cook Airlines Long haul, on a A330-200 (Long-haul) (31/08/2010 17:39)

We are told that Thomas Cook longhaul flights next year will not have a premium cabin. however their website shows that there is still a cabin at the front of the aircraft of which you are not able to book. What is all this about Thomas Cook? Removing the premium cabin will make me think twice about booking Thomas Cook again as the same holiday can be booked with First Choice and we are given the availability of a premium seat.

pjs617s flew Thomas Cook Airlines Long haul, on a A330-200 (Long-haul) (23/08/2010 13:43)

We flew to Holguin, Cuba on this aircraft and paid extra for exit seats. The seating plan that came with our tickets and the seating plan on Thomas Cook Airlines website bore no resemblance to the aircraft configuration.

We had extra legroom in front of us but were not aware that here was a downstairs toilet as it was not shown on the seating plan. Our extra legroom area therefore turned into the toilet waiting area and gossip area, not good on a night flight home when you are trying to sleep!

Two of our entertainment screens did not work outbound and one inbound, so very boring on a ten hour flight.

Crew excellent going out and dreadful coming home. Food and drink service excellent going out but food and service awful on return flight.

Four weeks on from this flight am still suffering lower back pain from the seat.

FOCUSVON flew Thomas Cook Airlines Short/medium-haul, on a B757-200 (15/08/2010 11:49)

Thomas cook must be the worst airline for legroom, Extra legroom seats are essential on these planes if you are travelling more than 3 hours.

Climate flew Thomas Cook Airlines Long haul, on a A330-200 (Long-haul) (10/08/2010 08:36)

A330 LHR to YVR return. Seat pitch is good but seat width is very tight, especially in the exit seats where table and screen are in the armrest. The entertainment was dreadful - just two movies for a 10 hour flight!! Food OK but all drinks extra. Unless u have done a good deal on price (and some deals are very good) I personally would stay with scheduled.

herrybirch flew Thomas Cook Airlines Long haul, on a B757-200 (config 2) (21/07/2010 20:42)

We flew with Thomas Cook to Sharm el Sheik from Gatwick and on the way out had a decent flight, sat together nice atmosphere and good legroom.

But on the way back we were split up and the airconditioning was broken so it was boiling and there was about 1 inch of legroom and it was the old horrible cabin. we had no announcements or anything and we took off on time but arrived 1hour late with no explanation. Will now always fly with Thomson who are great and warn you about Thomas Cook

JulieClark flew Thomas Cook Airlines (14/07/2010 23:52)

We flew to Varadero, Cuba on May 7th 2010. The check in process was very well organised and once on board the cabin crew were excellent, very attentive and professional. On landing in Cuba the persons in front of myself and my partner were politely asked to exchange seats with us as they were very much in drink and were occupying seats next to the emergency exits. I was very impressed with the professionalism and diplomacy exercised by the cabin crew who diffused a potentially volatile situation. Well done to all who made our flight so enjoyable

sandyking flew Thomas Cook Airlines Short/medium-haul, on a A320-200 (10/06/2010 17:40)

Airbus A320 AWFUL! Paid for extra leg room before i had a panic attack. I am a short person and couldn't move. The most uncomfortable flight ever and it was only to Tunisia. Was brilliant after I had paid and moved to extra legroom but it is really annoying that some just drop lucky and get these seats for free.

NigelHaymes flew Thomas Cook Airlines (25/04/2010 16:06)

The legroom for seating was the smallest that I have ever experienced which for a 6.5 hour flight was very uncomfortable and I'm not tall. Food was more of a snack rather than a meal and there was no choice of menu on the flight that I caught. Would think twice about using them again.

Eddiema flew Thomas Cook Airlines Short/medium-haul, on a B757-200 (05/04/2010 16:54)

We have flown with Thomas Cook on several occasions, especially to Canada. The flights to Canada are extremely good; very comfortable, extra leg room, and good value. In addition, the flights are not too crowded.

westhpostone flew Thomas Cook Airlines Long haul, on a A330-200 (Long-haul) (31/03/2010 15:53)

good flight and the staff worked hard but on the outward flight there was some of the channels on the tv not working. on the inbound there was no tv working which made the passengers very noisy. the food on the flight to me was an embarrassment to the airline.

wind_surf_fan flew Thomas Cook Airlines (15/03/2010 19:46)

Thomas Cook, Mid-Haul Egypt flight. What a complete joke.

An hour leaving the most horrendous airport I have experienced (no flushing toilets, bearing in mind this is Egypt and lots of people suffer from a poorly tummy). Meant to leave at 22.40, having spent over three hours at said horrendous airport, left best part of an hour late = 23.30ish (so almost midnight).

Staff insisted on selling everything under the sun every five minutes - up and down the aisles, announcements, "would you like this would you like that" - at almost 2am, it was quite enough - why do you have to sell stuff to people who want to sleep!?

On top of that they squish you in to 2-4-2 seating plan with hardly room for the trolley let alone a slightly-wider than average a*se, if you are on an aisle seat, be warned you will, undoubtedly, get knocked everytime someone of average size passes.

The seat pitches for a flight that is the best part of six hours is just not acceptable, if you are slightly aggitated by confined spaces, this is hell. No leg room, no aisle space and even those who paid for the extra leg room were constantly interrupeted with passengers crossing them to go to the toilet that is no only on one side.

Thomas Cook, do something about this. It is unacceptable to pack people in for such a long flight. Neilson (I know that you are owned by TC) but seriously, this ruins a perfectly brilliant holiday experience.

travelingman flew Thomas Cook Airlines Short/medium-haul, on a B757-200 (05/02/2010 21:42)

Traveled with Thomas Cook 16/01/10 and 23/01/10. Rating; worst ever flight! for comfort. Cabin-designed hand luggage rejected as such at check-in £80 excess charged. Same piece of luggage accepted with every former flight and Airline(24 former return flights).

Traveled on a T/C Boeing 757-200. seated on seats 30 E&F outward and 30 A&B inbound. These are bulk head seats that back on to lavatories mid aircraft. There is NO recline in these seats. Passengers directly in front can recline and do so to gain a meagre degree of comfort on what was a 4.5 hour flight. However at only 5ft 8" my head was only 9 inches from the headrest in front.

There is absolutely NO leg room and my knees were jammed into the front back rest. Should you drop an item on the floor during a flight it cannot not be retrieved unless you move adjacent passengers out of their seats. Eating during a flight would be impossible unless you are a child, your dining table would be resting on your torso and there would be no arm movement. Astronaut food of the liquidized variety is the only solution. The most important point however would be the release of the under seat life jacket stowed under your seat as this would be virtually impossible in the seated position. The Cabin crew when questioned on this matter are very defensive and very quickly quote Civil aviation guidelines. If you are looking forward to your trip or vacation, take my advice don't let Thomas Cook ruin it by their disregard for customer care I have informed the Group CEO and am still awaiting a reply.

Thomas Cook used be a byword for travel expertise. I DON'T THINK SO. Ryanair for us next time at least you know what you will get. One last thing - the inflight entertaiment wasn't functioning. The cabin-designed hand luggage I paid excess on was damaged beyond use.

Well done TC.

harrietwithall flew Thomas Cook Airlines Short/medium-haul (03/01/2010 17:35)

ILOVEHOLS flew Thomas Cook Airlines Long haul, on a B767-300 (20/09/2009 16:11)

WHAT AIRCRAFT ARE YOU USING ON YOUR JAMAICA RUN NEXT YEAR ?

UflyRight flew Thomas Cook Airlines Short/medium-haul, on a A320-200 (13/09/2009 16:11)

There no room between the seats and they were uncomfortable even for a 3h30m flight. The crew were not happy or friendly and the food and entertainment were rubbish just like every thing else.

Buggerbean60 flew Thomas Cook Airlines Premium long haul (29/08/2009 15:27)

Our upgrade was marred by very badly behaved young children on both outbound and inbound flights to Cuba.

Cabin crew did nothing. We had no peace to read, sleep or watch a film! One film was missing with no explanation given and the recline action on my seat didn't work. I'm quite small so found there was enough space, but the seats were quite hard and uncomfortable.

The touch-screens in the head rests are the WORST idea in history - people prodding so hard you are almost headbutting the seat in front!

The entertainment is NOT on demand - all films are shown at the same time and you have to wait for the longest film to finish before they are all rewound and all shown again so that you can watch a different one.

The food was good enough, but wasn't the meal originally ordered!

Overall, a complete waste of money and airlines customer service aftercare was very poor. Seems to be a case of "we already have your money, so we don't care" - I certainly won't be paying for an upgrade on this airline again

camholgate flew Thomas Cook Airlines Short/medium-haul, on a A320-200 (29/08/2009 15:23)

Flew to and from Santorini. Fantastic flights, took off on time and landed early both ways. Crew were great, very informative and helpful. Both aircraft were old but very clean and comfy. The IFE was very good, showing the latest movies. Food and drink were quite expensive. Boarding was quick and the flight was great! Overall, a very pleasant experience.

camholgate flew Thomas Cook Airlines Premium long haul, on a A330-200 (Long-haul) (16/08/2009 09:16)

Recently flew to and from Sanford. The outbound aircraft was new and very clean. The premium seats were comfortable and well worth the extra money. Cabin crew weren't the best and didn't speak a lot. The entertainment was good. Inbound aircraft was an ex My Travel one. The premium cabin was a different configuration and the entertainment was poorer due to the smaller screen and non-moveable control. On this flight, cabin crew fantastic and the captain was great. Overall a pleasant experience. Also, boarding was quick as the premium cabin boards first.

luvtoholiday flew Thomas Cook Airlines Premium long haul, on a A330-200 (Long-haul) (26/07/2009 11:26)

I recently took a holiday to Orlando, although the extra leg room was great, the entertainment was not on demand, unlike other premium class flights I have taken where it was possible to start and stop whatever you were watching once the film or programme had started, it was continuous and if one programme had finished nothing else was available until all the channels had completely finished. Also if you needed the toilet, you had to miss a part of the programme or film.

On the outward flight the entertainment and drinks were stopped 1hr 45mins before we were due to land. On the inbound flight the drinks were room temperature and they had no ice! Water dripped on my wife for about 30mins before landing from the overhead area, when we looked a previous customer must have put a serviette above the seat where the leak was, this was most uncomfortable. Cabin service on both flights was not as good as was expected,

captainwebb flew Thomas Cook Airlines Premium long haul, on a A330-200 (Long-haul) (21/07/2009 16:58)

well worth the extra money!!!

TravelAddict flew Thomas Cook Airlines Short/medium-haul, on a A320-200 (14/04/2009 11:49)

LGW-Saltzburg - booked through travel agent and did not get seat choice at check-in so was disappointed to see we were in row 29 seats D and F, second to last row. Boarding was OK because back rows were called first. The last row (30) could not recline as it was right against galley area, so I had huffs and puffs from the person behind me when I reclined mine - which I did because the guy in front reclined his. No win situation so would not recommend row 30 as no recline, nor row 29 as although it does recline it is a guilt-ridden recline which cancels out any comfort gained. In terms of space I am 5 ft 9 and had to sit with legs apart as knees dig into seat in front. Not the most comfortable. The cabin was sectioned into people who had a meal booked with their ticket and those who hadn't, so us lot at the back saw all the food being rolled through our section but were not offered it. We were offered drinks and snacks at a price instead (around £3 for a can of beer or £1.50 for a small bottle of water). You can get tap water though for free, although the flight attendant was serving the paying customers so she did keep forgetting to nip back and get my free cup of water. Don't think it is worth paying to choose your seat though - only short flight and chances are you won't be as unlucky as me.