Thomson to give more legroom in economy

[Pootle]

An article in today's Sunday Times reports that Thomson is the latest holiday giant to offer more legroom on long-haul flights (from summer 2007).

Thomsonfly will remove 4 rows of seats from its Boeing 767s to give a seat pitch of 33". BA and Virgin have a measly 31" in economy these days. They are following the lead of First Choice and expect other charter operators will follow suit.

Doesn't benefit me personally, but I think it's excellent news nevertheless

 

[sarahc]

They will also be offering seatback tvs in economy and in premium the seat pitch will be 37" - an inch more than First Choice!!! All aounds good to me!

 

[Captain-Ste]

Touch screen tv's !!

there new cabin sounds lovely

 

[arieliwish]

Good, at last they're catching on that longhaul really does need better standards. Its fine sitting cattle class for 2 hours to spain, but 9 1/2 no way!

We flew with first choice last year and the 33" seats were excellent.

As we all know size does matter!!

 

[Night-train]

Thomsonfly will remove 4 rows of seats from its Boeing 767s to give a seat pitch of 33". BA and Virgin have a measly 31" in economy these days. They are following the lead of First Choice and expect other charter operators will follow suit.

Take note Sir Richard! With 2 flights a day every day of the week you could easily afford to at least try to match this!

 

[Deedee]

Its not just long haul, they should do it on all flights. We have just got back from majorca and my poor DH who is 6ft 6 was so cramped up he had indents in his knees from the seat in front. this was with Thomson the worst we have been with was air malta even me with normal length legs had problems with them. we have booked leg room seats with Thomson to go to Florida as my DD will be 16 when we go so we can all sit together.

 

[Cochise]

Pleased to see Thomson are following the model on which First Choice went with last year. Hopefully this will prompt the long haul charter industry into action to keep customers.

 

[Pootle]

Its not just long haul, they should do it on all flights...

It would be nice but it's unlikely to happen

Long haul is a different matter though. Thomson are unlikely to be acting for altruistic reasons: I've just checked First Choice plc's last trading statement (end of April) and their long haul revenues and bookings are up by 38% and 30% respectively - that's what Thomson/TUI will be looking at

Deedee, I sympathise with your DH totally; my DS is 6'7" and so far, BA and American Airlines have been very good at giving him exit seats when in economy. Well done for getting your next Florida flights sorted out with Thomson

 

[Lizzybear]

Great news! Still deciding who to fly with.. Waiting for Virgin flights for our dates to be released before we decide. If they're too pricey it may well be we go for the charter option.

 

[Miffy2003]

This is very good news! Let's hope they don't reflect the loss of revenue for those seats across the rest of the plane

 

[arieliwish]

Mmm, I've priced up similar hols for next year on first choice and thomson, and thomson are coming out more expensive and it doesn't mention car hire, not a very clear site. First choice back to top of our list then!

 

[gavvy]

This is very good news! Let's hope they don't reflect the loss of revenue for those seats across the rest of the plane

This is My fear, if the tour operators are to believed they are all rather Hard up, I think its almost a cert that prices will increase, however I have to say Id be willing to pay more for decent leg room.