In Stockport at my training session for this summer, we had tests every morning on the day before’s lessons. One question asked for the definition of “vertical integration” within a travel industry context. The answer? When a company has every part of the holiday package in-house. JMC is quite proud of being a vertically integrated company, but they couldn’t be one without this, their own airline. I didn’t fly to resort with JMC since they didn’t have 15 spare seats on the day we had to go, but I did make my return journey with them on Friday night.
Check in in Mahon was swift and simple, with the maximum possible number of desks open. My luggage weighed in at 19 kg (the lightest it’s ever been), just under the quite strictly enforced 20 kg limit. I wasn’t given a choice of window or aisle seat, but that was because the majority of people get free pre-booked seats in the UK. My seat was booked by my resort office about 2 weeks before I came home (and my ticket, incidentally, written out by hand 10 mins before I went to check in) and so I was simply allocated any available space on the plane.
My flight, the 8.35 Mahon-Manchester and for once it boarded early. JMC are no worse than any other charter airline for delays, but I know that it can feel like that if yours is the one plane that week that’s delayed. When there are delays, the company do try to make it as bearable as possible though. In Menorca at least you’ll find a group of Kids’ reps in the airport at all times to entertain the little ones, and when there is a delay, this number can triple in a matter of hours to try and keep the guests happy. Anyway, the flight was on time and we were soon soaring 7 miles above ground.
The flight took about 2 and a half hours, but it seemed to pass pretty quickly. There were more TV screens in the cabin than I’ve ever seen before, all showing Friends, Alistair McGowan’s Big Impressions and cartoons. There are also various music programs available through the headsets. These are £4 each, but if you have normal ones you can simply buy an adapter for £1. For the record, MyTravel headphones also work on JMC planes…….
The food was picnic style and consisted of a cheese and tomato ciabatta sandwich, a pack of Mini cheddars and a Time Out, all of which, handily, was vegetarian. For once I ate everything provided, and shock horror, it actually tasted nice. In the picnic bag were an un-needed cutlery set and, my favourite, the lemon soaked paper napkins. Memories of the Hitch Hiker’s Guide…. Free tea, coffee and squash were available, with other drinks available from the bar. My one main gripe in this area is that the stewardesses seemed more interested in selling than sticking to their not serving intoxicated guests any more booze policy. The family in front were merry when they got on board, and rolling drunk by the end of the trip, which doesn’t make for a peaceful flight.
In terms of Health and Safety, the usual escape procedure video was followed by 5 mins of Mr Motivator going through some DVT-prevention exercises. These were also featured in the in-flight magazine. The legroom seemed incredibly stingy, and it’s not like I’m tall. The air also seemed rather iffy, and despite my 40 cent 1.5 l bottle of water, my mouth still felt dry for most of the flight. The descent seemed to take an unusually long time meaning more pain than usual for my darling little ears, but surprisingly, 24 hours later they’ve sorted themselves out.
Extra points:
The onboard shop features perfume, chocolate and gifts, but on EU flights they can’t carry alcohol or tobacco even though it’s in their in-flight magazine.
The majority of guests are families, so expect the odd screaming kid, and at least 75% will be on JMC package holidays, although we also have flight only, Select holidays and beach villa guests.
The magazine itself changes seasonally, so you’ll probably get the same issue going as coming. The summer one isn’t that bad as airline magazines go, with interviews with Claire Sweeny and Samuel L Jackson, a report on school reunions and an article featuring new high-tech gizmos among other things.
On board you will be offered a CSQ (customer service questionnaire). If your rep has mentioned anything about ticking excellent during your holiday, then this is the place to do it. It’s a long ‘un, but there’s a chance to win £1000 of JMC vouchers, and more importantly give your feedback on your holiday. Just remember that what you tick for reps and kids’ clubs dictates whether or not we get proper lunch breaks that month…..
Mandy, one of our air hostesses, deserves a special mention. She was really friendly and perky, but more importantly incredibly efficient at sorting out not only her rows but also those nearby whose attendants weren’t quite so attending.
You can pre-book a range of facilities and extras, from extra legroom seats to champagne and special meals (vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, children’s and so on). These can be arranged when you book or afterwards by phoning the airline direct.
With most package holidays you don’t get a choice of airline, but if you have a second home somewhere served by the airline, I have no problem recommending them. They fly to all the packagey destinations – the Balearics, mainland Spain, Portugal, Greece and the islands, Tunisia and so on – plus some places further afield. You can book online at jmc.com, over the phone or through a travel agent. For next year due to an up-coming rebranding, they’ll be known as Thomas Cook airlines, but I’ve been assured that the service and quality will remain – it’s only the colour of the plane that’s changing from green (and if anyone wants to know why JMC is green, just ask) to a more summery blue and yellow combo. Don’t let all the other ops’ horror stories put you off – give them a try and you might be pleasantly surprised.
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Class flown most frequently
Economy
How often do you travel with this airline
First time
Where did you book
Other
Safety
Good
How well does it cater for disabled people
Don't know
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