Finally made a decision re flights!!!

[Young Pooh]

I have finally made a decision as to what to do about flights for next August.

We usually travel Virgin but was a bit unsure about wether to wait until we could book flight only in October or to book something now. The VH flydrive was either £2160 or £2511 (2ad & 1ch) depending on which day we flew. Looking at comparable flights with VA for this year I thought we might be able to save about £500 by waiting, possibly more by looking at a different airline (BMI or Continental) and going indirect.

I then decided to check out the charters. After much head scratching at trying to get any holiday company website to quote for a flydrive I finally called Thomas Cook. There flydrive was £2739 - even more than VH. And this quote didn't even include rip-off car insurance - just the flight and "free car". I then recalled that the initial options on the phone had included an option for flights only. I gave them a call.

Guess what, they can do the exact same flight for £1754
I can't believe that Thomas Cook Holidays can charge £1k for a free car.

So I think the decision is made. Thimas Cook Airlines will be getting our custom. The very nice lady I spoke to confirmed that the planes have all been refurbished, have 33' seat pitch in standard and seat back TV's. The price also includes meals and 20kg luggage (ok not as much as VH/VA but for that price who can complain).

 

[Netty]

wow what a difference in prices just by taking the flight only option. years ago it used to be the other way around-flydrives were always cheaper than flights only.
so have you booked yet??!!

 

[higgy66]

Result!

Quick book before they change their minds!

 

[snookhams]

Young Pooh, can you tell did you find there phone number on the website, as we are looking for next year too and can only find fly drive or package at the moment, and are really restricted to dates due to exam results and a big swimming competition, so want to guarantee a certain date etc. Thanks

 

[wideeyes]

wow what a price difference, I am trying to decide if I should wait for flights or book fly drive for next september.

 

[Young Pooh]

wow what a difference in prices just by taking the flight only option. years ago it used to be the other way around-flydrives were always cheaper than flights only.
so have you booked yet??!!

Not yet. I told DH the price and he was quite impressed. I was then a bit naughty and phoned back for a quote in the Premium cabin. That is £2085 so still cheaper than VH. Just waiting for DH to get back to his desk after lunch to tell him. Either way, I think it will be booked before the day is out.

Young Pooh, can you tell did you find there phone number on the website, as we are looking for next year too and can only find fly drive or package at the moment, and are really restricted to dates due to exam results and a big swimming competition, so want to guarantee a certain date etc. Thanks

It took a bit of searching for but it is 0870 750 5711. There is an option for flights only and then they ask you which website you had been looking at - the yellow one (flythomascook) or the blue & white one (thomascookairlines). I chose blue & white one and got through to someone immediately each time.

 

[fiona3103]

we booked a few weeks ago & went for Thomas Cook as well. we managed to get flights for £480pp LGW 18th August 2009 but the luggage allowance was only 15kg on the orignal pricing so we paid an additional 25pp (included in the final £480) to get 20kg I just hope by next summer their 'teething problems' have gone. mind you it really is only a small bit of the holiday.

 

[shughamster]

I'll probably never fly with another airline than Delta after my last trip. Didn't matter that it was indirect, the money saved got a luxury car for 25 days and paid for the food the entire time.

 

[AlanUK]

Great news

 

[Young Pooh]

I've done it.

Just booked Thomas Cook Premium cabin but from Gatwick rather than Manchester. When I checked the prices this was £300 cheaper than Manchester, only £100 more than the strandard cabin from Manchester.

At that price, DH is more than happy to drive to Gatwick.