Thomson Airways LGW - EFL TOM4714 July 12

It never occurred to me that anyone would be interested in a TR for a short haul Thomson flight from Gatwick but as Im not being served in the Bar and Entrrail Shack until I produce one - here goes!

We needed some sun and after a recommendation from a friend that the Hotel Emilesse in Kephalonia would fit the bill perfectly I looked around for the cheapest deal. To get the particular room I wanted with the dates and flight times to match wasnt easy but Thomson were extremely helpful and bought the sea view room from their sister group Soveriegn so a deal was struck. I havent booked a package deal for years so to say I was apprehensive was an understatement.

The flight left at 6am from LGW so we checked in at the Sofitel the day before. Thomson allow you to check in from 1200 hours the day before if your flight is before 0800 so all the bags were handed over and we only needed to sleepwalk through to the departure lounge 45 mins before boarding. This too worked well but! The flight left on time and we had pre-booked extra leg room (12 E and F) and whilst not luxurious, for a short flight it was perfectly comfortable and the crew was extremely professional throughout. Luckily the captain announced the flight would only take 2.5 hours - an hour less than scheduled.

You could pre-book a cooked breakfast but most brought something on board with them. From what i could see it was Fruit Salad, yoghurt and sausage and bacon with fruit juice, tea and coffee. The flight went very quickly watching the preset film during which drinks were on offer.

We were met by the most amazing Concierge (I kid you not reps are a thing of the past!) who offered a business card with his 24/7 mobiile number. Still looking for the catch we were taken to our taxi and driven to our hotel which I must say exceeded all expectations a wonderful place with just the right level of service to make you relax. PM me if you are thinking of visiting the island.

After two glorious weeks it was time to go home. Our taxi arrived and we were met at the airport by our Thomson concierge Rory who personally escorted us to a waiting check in desk. The flight left early and again whilst not UC it again exceeded my expectations. I felt the level of service and comfort on board provided good value for money.

To sum up the Thomson product was very impressive. Customer service at all stages proved very effective. We had a problem our intial car hire firm Eurocar during the trip and had to change after one day. At the airport we were refunded in cash one days hire fees as Thomson felt we should not have been charged by Eurocar and they said they would deal with it locally. The attention to detail at every stage was refreshing and I can thoroughly recommend both the hotel and the Company given this experience.

Can I have my drink now please?
[:D]

I forgot to mention, referring to a previous thread we had 'severe nut allergies' on both flights![:w]

Edited to hide my lack of knowledge re: airport codes!!!!

Fairplay for getting such good weather in Iceland, did you manage to try the volcanic hot pools,.....

KEF= Reykjavik

[:)]

Surely KEF is Keflavik which is where this airport is - rather than RKV which is actually in Reykjavik. Although admittedly most would associate KEF whe flying to Reykjavik. [;)]

Didn't see any Ice so reckon the pilot fancied a trip to the Greek Islands!!

[Scrooge]

Thank you for the TR, it's good to see a company taking care of it's customers.

You may now drink.

Thank you for the TR! Glad you had a good time.

Neil, you see it's not difficult to do.[}:)]

Thanks for the TR, nice to read a positive report on a charter flight.

Dominic

[Darren Wheeler]

Lets not be so hasty. A proper return TR?? [;)]

I think that will suffice, Jacki. Pint of sherry, paid for by your dear old Uncle Scrooge, and a complimentary pickled egg are waiting for you on the genuine formica bar.

Thank you Mark and Scrooge. Good grief Darren you are very difficult to please - I am in mid training for the Sydney TR and this unexpected request came at a particularly sensitive point in my preparation strategy - just hope I haven't peaked too soon!!

[Darren Wheeler]

Pickled egg? Complimentary!!! Going soft I tell ya.

Very interesting read - my last charter flight was I think Excel Airways... my favourite used to be Air 2000.

Thanks for the TR it was good to see the rep escort you to the checkin.

cheers

alex

Hi Alex, it was more impressive than that, he met the taxi, took the cases out of the boot, put them on a trolley he had and then marched us through the airport to an empty check in that he had waiting to serve us! We weren't late so it was amazing service. I wish I could promise this is the norm for all Thomson flights but I somehow doubt it.

As it's a Thomson 'A La Carte' product it could be as standard... going back a few years to when I was a travel agent, they had two products which people loved - 'A La Carte' and 'Small & Friendly'.

Thanks Sealink, I just booked it on recommendation but will specifically look for 'A La Carte' if I am in the market for another package deal.

Excellent TR and what stunning service from Thomson.

A well earned sherry indeed[:D]

Iain

Truth is I'm anyones for a sherry and a pickled egg[:$]