We have travelled twice with Thomas Cook Airlines. The last being in November 2004, flying from Glasgow to Sharm el Sheikh (Egypt).
Check-in was 3 hours before departure and the desks even opened slightly early . The staff were friendly and helpful even although it was still only 5am!
Everyone moved slowly forward for the usual weighing of bags,security questions -have you packed your own bags? Has anyone asked you to carry anything for them? Then, the suitcases disappear and with a pleasant 'Have a Nice Holiday!' boarding cards are issued. Onwards to the departure lounge.
If you are departing with Thomas Cook in Glasgow the desks are located in the small Terminal 2 Building.
The flight was called on time and everybody boarded the plane. The friendly stewardesses located everybody to their seats.
The leg room on board is limited to say the least , I am 6ft 2in and when I sat down I couldn't put my knees together ,the row in front was so close, with my elbow touching the back of my seat my fist could touch the seat infront! ( I was later informed by a steward that when Thomas Cook airlines refitted the planes they moved the rows nearer to fit in an extra row !). Not the most comfortable for a 6 hour flight.
The captain comes over on the tannoy and gives a bit of information about flight time , weather on route , and weather at destination, and then the safety demonstration is given by the very self concious looking stewardesses, and off we go!
Not long into the air a bar service is offered with a selection of alcoholic and soft drinks as well as sweets and snacks. While this service is in progress a video is shown on exercises to do to prevent the possibility of deep vein thrombosis / blood clots.
The toilets as usual onboard were small but appeared to be well maintained. Frequently during the flight the stewardess' were noted to be checking them.
The in flight movie{ I ROBOT going out and SHREK 2 return journey) begins just as the meal is served. A pleasant surprise of chicken in pesto sauce, potatoe wedges and veg followed by chocolate mousse .
With full stomachs many passengers had a short nap. A further bar service is then offered , shortly followed by duty free. The inflight magazine displayed clearly what items you could purchase - perfume, aftershave, sunglasses, make-up, alcohol, games etc.
As the plane was beginning its decent the captain announced again our location, any landmarks, weather forecast and estimated arrival time.
The seat belt sign was illuminated and the stewardess' ensured that all the seats were upright and everybody was wearing their seatbelts.
The return journey started with the same check in procedure but with much less efficiency by the local groundstaff and plane left safely 20 mins late.( funny noise from left engine for 3-4 mins after takeoff )
same very limited legroom , and noticed immediately that the plane was very cool , on looking above the cold air was visable coming out the vents ,it looked like steam. the temperature was dropping noticably. people started asking for blankets and soon they had ran out,leaving many now cold passengers. After a short period of time,I noticed frost below the window on the inside.this continued on and around window until we started our descent,passengers had on all there outdoor winter clothes.
we arrived safely and hobbled off the plane into the warmth of Glasgow (5 degrees).
In all we were well looked after by very helpful crew, but unfortunately the lack of legroom and cool cabin air temperature of return flight tarnished the all round good experience of THOMAS COOK AIRLINES.
More details
Class flown most frequently
Economy
How often do you travel with this airline
Rarely
Where did you book
Travel Agent/Tour Operator
Safety
Very safe
How well does it cater for disabled people
Don't know
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