First Choice

[tmp]

Hi all,

First Choice can do me a package with flights,car and villa for £2600 for the dates I need which are 5th to 19th Feb-has anyone used this company?

Their website doesn't really mention the aircraft or services they offer now-new planes are being used from May so they are showing them off.

Been with Virgin before,but can't get flights and a bit concerned about their service level,a lot of people seem unhappy with recent flights.

If you have used First Choice or can give me any info I'd be grateful.

 

[tmp]

Help me someone PLEASE !!

 

[allie5]

Hi TMP

Im sorry, but Ive not used First Choice so cant help. However, from reading other boards, they do seem to be one of the superior charters, so I wouldnt worry overtly.

May I ask how many people that package is for, as if it is for the standard 2 adults 2 children, I think it is expensive for February. It maybe worth costing it independantly. Expedia are worth trying for flights...BA operate a pretty decent service direct to Orlando if you can get to Gatwick. They also offer "Continental" flights, which is basically a codeshare with Virgin (you will fly on a Virgin plane). They tend to be cheaper.

For that time of year, I would expect a 3 or 4 bed Pool Villa to be around £300-£400 per week, depending on facilities. Its a "dead" time for Villa owners, so even better bargains can be had if you shop around.

Car hire can also be done much cheaper than the Tour Operators. Try airline network, Yescarhire, uscarhire, usrentacar. All offer really reasonable rates (fully inc).

It may also be worth calling Travel City who specialise in "all in" packages. We have used them often, and can work out cheaper than doing it DIY.

Not sure if that helps, but good luck anyway.

Allie

 

[Cochise]

Read a few things about them when i was booking. They were introducing a new cabin config on the aircraft, they had with more space and a guaranteed 34in pitch and working tv. This is very good for charter. New aircraft i am not sure, are they buying more 767's and A330's ? They currently dont operate anything bigger afaik.

I have used them short haul a few times and they were the best crew and planes I have been on for charter.

You should be fine

 

[annette_tr9]

I am using First Choice to buy our flights, they have been brilliant because i have had to change lots of things (that serves me right for trying to book a holiday for 20 people!)

Ask first choice what the flight number is for the holiday they have quoted you then go onto the virgin site and look what plane it is, it will probably be a 747.

we are flying out on 10th feb so i might see you there!

 

[MsPennieLane]

I flew with them into Sanford Airport in July - going out was a bit of a mare, the seats were so close together and the plane was full. You had no room in front of you before the next seat, people couldn't bend down to pick up stuff from the floor without waiting for someone sat next to them to move! Coming home was a lot better as I was given exit seats. Can't fault the service though, very reasonable for a charter. We flew with My Travel in September and found them to be better - much more room and seat back TVs, and much better service.

 

[furballs]

Hi,
We have just returned yesterday and flew with first choice.
I must say that i tend to agree with MsPennieLane. The aircraft itself wasnt too brilliant, not much room and no seat back tvs which isnt exactly brilliant when your travelling with children. Having said that the service from the cabin crew was great.

 

[SimonG]

Hi,

From May 2005 there will be all new planes for long haul flights with First Choice. There will be T.V.'s in the backs of the seats, 33" seats economy and 36" premiere class starting from £159 PP £99 Per child, flying from all airports. In premiere class this includes complimentary drinks and all classes, 4 course meals, kids pack, T.V with games etc all this at a more affordable price than Virgin. We flew with Virgin this year from Manchester in an old plane and were not overally impressed, it's time they had a run for their money!!

Simon