Find out all about Thomson Airways

Airline: Thomson Airways

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Thomson Airways: Overview

• IATA aeroport code: BY
• Website: www.flights.thomson.co.uk
• Country: France
• Tel: (+44) 0871 231 4787

History

The story of Thomson Airways starts back in 1962 when the airline Euravia was launched. After changing its name to Britannia and then, in 2005, to Thomsonfly, the airline merged with First Choice Airways (itself a merger between Air 200 and Leisure International Airways) in 2008. This coming together made the company into the largest charter airline in the world. The airline, which is the third largest in the UK, has its headquarters in Luton, England. For the past few years it has been voted most punctual airline in the UK and it also won best leisure/charter airline at the World Airline Awards in 2010.

The airline’s main base is at London Gatwick, with significant operations too at Manchester and Birmingham Airports. Their operations and engineering services are based in London Luton Airport. Other bases include: Belfast International Airport, Bournemouth Airport, Bristol Airport, Cardiff Airport, Doncaster Sheffield Airport, Dublin Airport, East Midlands Airport, Exeter Airport, Glasgow International Airport, London Stansted Airport and Newcastle Airport.

Thomson Airways fleet comprises of 66 planes: 7 Boeing 737-300s, 13 Boeing 737-800s, 25 Boeing 757-200s, 13 Boeing 767-300s, 6 Airbus 320-200s and 2 Airbus 321-200. They will also be the first airline in the UK to fly the Boeing 787 Dreamliner

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Alliances

Thomson Airways is part of the TUI Airlines alliance.

Customer services on board

Passengers flying from Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham and whose flight leaves before midday have the option to check in the day before departure at the airport between 12pm and 10pm.

On Thomson Airways short- and mid-haul services, there is only one class of cabin, however it is possible to pay a supplement for extra leg space. Standard seat pitch is between 28 and 30”, although for as little as £20, depending on the flight, you can have a seat with more room. These places are however only available to adults. To reserve, you’ll need to call 0871 231 4793 up to three days prior to departure. From November of 2011, hot meals were replaced by snack-type bites available to purchase on board. The entertainment systems were also phased out and instead passengers can buy magazines or hire Sony PSP consoles. A range of duty free products are available onboard.

On long-haul flights, not only is the pitch larger at 33”, but you still get the personal screens and a hot meal is provided free of charge. For those who wish to have even more leg room then you can opt for the Premium Economy Cabin with a pitch of 36-37”, larger screens, a four-course meal and complimentary drinks. Passengers in this cabin can select their seats up to 90 days before departure.