Phil Copnall, 787 Dreamliner Fleet Manager
In the coming months, we’ll be bringing you updates from all sorts of people involved in the groundbreaking launch, both on the frontline and behind the scenes. First up this month, we hear from Phil Copnall, 787 Dreamliner fleet manager…
Hi and welcome to my blog. My role on the project team is to ensure that our pilots adhere to safe and efficient procedures on this new airplane. As part of this I recently visited Seattle for my training and kept a diary of my time there. I hope you find it interesting…
Week one
Although I’m qualified to fly 757 and 767 airplanes, to fly the new 787 Dreamliner I headed to Seattle to attend a 787 type rating course. Completion of this course will qualify me to fly the 787 and work out the pilot procedures for the company before we enter the airplane into the flying programme.
The technology on the 787 Dreamliner is light years ahead of what I currently fly. Although all airplanes have the same basic principles of flight, there is a huge amount of additional information provided to the pilots on the 787. The flight crew operations manual is a book comprising a mere 1600 pages which I will be supposed to know most of and be familiar with the rest!
Even before I left for Seattle, there were hurdles to jump in terms of security clearance which has been introduced since 9/11. There was a security check including finger printing that needed to be done and approved before I will even be allowed to fly the simulator.
The course includes ground training that is largely computer based, with the odd tutorial to explain the more complex items and two exams at the end. Provided I pass both of these I will then have a 787 airplane rating added to my pilots licence!
Week two
I am only halfway through the computer based training and they have paired me up with a 777 Captain from British Airways. This is proving quite beneficial for me as the 777 is similar to the 787, so I am able to draw upon his operational experience.
We had three two hour sessions in the simulated flight deck and although it has some of the switches and levers that a real airplane has, much of the flight deck is virtual and reproduced on LCD touch screens. This is used instead of a full flight simulator to reduce course costs.
Week three
Things moved on at quite a pace and I completed all of the ground school which culminated in the theoretical knowledge exam, which with a helping of good fortune I managed to pass. The next step is the full flight simulator phase. The 787 is very automated with large LCD displays for the pilots instruments and checklists. Additionally, it is equipped with a head up display for each pilot. This displays the essential flight information on to a glass panel directly in front of the pilots head so they can operate the airplane almost entirely ‘heads up’.
One of the most challenging areas for a pilot of a commercial twin jet airplane is controlling it when one of the engines fails. Because the remaining operating engine is out on the wing the thrust effectively wants to roll the airplane. To stop this from happening the pilot flying must correct this tendency with rudder to ‘balance’ the plane. The 787 is clever in this respect and, apart from during the takeoff roll, it automatically corrects this phenomenon leaving the pilot much more capacity to manage the situation and making the operation much safer than ever before.
Once the simulator training is complete there is one final hurdle to cross – the licence skill test which in simple terms is flying the simulator and demonstrating that I can operate the airplane safely both under normal and non-normal conditions.
The skill test took place at Boeing’s training facility at Gatwick; again, with some good fortune I passed; job done for now!
Well I hope you found it interesting hearing from me, I will keep you posted on my progress in training ready for the new airplane in future blogs.
I have booked my wedding with Thomsons for May 2013. We are getting married in Aruba. It would be fantastic to fly on the Dreamliner from Manchester!!!!!!
Hi Michelle, There aren’t any plans to fly to Aruba at the moment but we’re sending all this feedback through to the team. Congratulations and I hope you have fantastic wedding next year.
Hi,
Is there a seat plan available for the Dreamliner. When i selected the seats in the premium cabin the the diagram showed the layout as 3-3-3 but with the middle seat on each outer row with an X (seats B & I) in them. The seats available on the outer rows were A & C and H & J, I selected seats D & E row 1 Outbound and row 3 Inbound in the end to make sure they were together, well at least i think they are could you confirm this please.
Booking Ref :0051/***** , Flight Ref: *******
Thanks,
Matt
Hi Matthew. That’s correct in the Economy Club on the 787 Dreamliner it will show the flight plan as 3-3-3 and the Premium Club only has the seating configuration as 2-3-2, Colum B and I are removed but only used on our systems for ease. The seats are still close together and there are no gaps between row A and C.
Unfortunately we’re unable to provide a seating plan for the 787 Dreamliner however you may search this independently. I hope this helps.
this aircraft looks fantastic, can’t wait.
i love this plane how do i book a flight???/
Hi Joanna, You can see which flights are Dreamliner by using our flying schedule – http://dreamliner.thomson.co.uk/flying-schedule/. And then the best place to check availability and up-to-date prices is by using our website – http://www.thomson.co.uk. Alternatively, you could always drop by your nearest Thomson Travel Agent to discuss further.
Booked our holiday to Florida for July 2013 so I could fly the 787 dreamliner
Hi Phil,
Booked May 6th 2013 Glasgow to Cancun on the new Dreamliner can’t wait it looks fantastic, premium seats booked as we want to make it special holiday flew on 767 before to cancun and thought that was a good plane so hope the Dreamliners live’s up to the hype.
This looks like a really nice plane. I am flying from Gatwick to Punta Cana in the Dominican in Nov 2012, will it be the Dreamliner that takes us? If not do you have any idea what type of plane it will be, I’ve been trying to google it but can’t find any info. Many thanks.
Hi Lisa, We don’t get delivery of the Dreamliner until early next year so unfortunately you won’t be flying on the Dreamliner. However you should be flying on a 767 to Punta Cana, but our aircrafts are subject to change. Have a fantastic time in November.
We fly twice a year with Thomson long haul, Mexico or Jamacia, will the 787 reduce the total time of the flight?
Hi Suzanne, No, the Dreamliner won’t reduce the flying time, but it can fly to further away destinations.
It is my 60th birthday in may 2013, can you tell me if there are any plans to operate the dream liner to mexico from bristol
Hi Steve, Unfortunately, the Dreamliner will only be flying from East Midlands, Manchester, Gatwick and Glasgow.
I will be flying to Cancun from Manchester on Saturday 4th May 2013, will i be flying on the Dreamliner
??
Hi Gary,
It’s great to hear that you’ll be jetting off with us in May. To check if you’re flying on the Dreamliner, you’ll need to have a look at our flying schedule – http://dreamliner.thomson.co.uk/flying-schedule/. All the Dreamliner flights are highlighted in blue. Hope that helps.
We have booked 3rd October 2013 flying from Manchester to sanford for my daughter’s 21st,
I am looking forward to flying premium on the dreamliner as it looks amazing!
Hi, looking at traveling to Floida on the 4th May 2013 will we definitely be on the 787Dreamliner if we book.
Hi Geoff, You can check whether the Dreamliner will be used for your flight by viewing our timetable here – http://dreamliner.thomson.co.uk/flying-schedule/.
I’ve booked to go to Florida August 2013 from Manchester and have the pleasure of going on the Dreamliner…Upgraded the seats to premium too…can’t wait..had to try this out, it’s a shame it wasn’t leaving from Birmingham as that’s nearer to home…EXCITED ALREADY!!
just booked my flights for Florida from Gatwick on 1st May 2013 premium class. is that the maiden voyage?
Hi Lee, It’s great to hear you’ve got your Florida holiday booked for next year. As far as I can see on the flight timetable there is a Dreamliner flight from Gatwick on 1st so that should be a first flight.
thanks. the only reason i asked was i have been told that my flight is at 9:45 on the 1st May from Gatwick but your schedule shows 10:25. i have double checked and have been told its dreamliner. wasnt to sure if you have an new up to date Schedule for your new mothership
cheers
lee
Hi Lee, The most up to date timetable we have is here – http://dreamliner.thomson.co.uk/flying-schedule/.
Hi everyone – exciting news about the dreamliner I have been following this closely and I am like a kid in a sweety shop (well i will be) I have booked to go to Mexico next June Premium of course. Can you tell me please I have on the 8th June just flown into LGW from Malaga and I was sure I saw a flight crew all wearing the Dreamliner uniform -would they have been flying the dreamliner that day – I looked briefly but didn’t have much time
The dreamliner was only in the country at the end of April, so it wouldn’t have been the dreamliner that you’d seen. However our 767′s have been repainted in the new livery design so it was probably one of those that you saw. I hope you like the new livery, Toni.
I do indeed like the new unforms very smart indeed – if I had more time I would been a sad person and asked for a picture and they would have most likely thought I was mad – but as it happens I didn’t have time – do you know if the Dreamliner actual cabins pics will be available as it states on the web – these are the PLANNED appearances. Thanks
Hi Toni, As soon as we have actual pictures of the interior we’ll post them for all our customers to see. So keep an eye on our website.
I will be booking a holiday to Florida for May next year flying from Manchester, the thing I would like to know is if the seatbelts are bigger on the new planes making it more comfortable if you have to keep them fastened while sat in your seat.
Hi Elizabeth, The seatbelts will be standard size but our cabin crew will be happy to give any customers extension seatbelts should they need them for added comfort.
We’ve just booked to go to Cancun, Mexico on 30th June 2013 from Gatwick, we up-graded to the premium package to get a great experience, as the 30th is a Sunday its not listing the Dreamliner as flying that day. Is this due to expand to include Sundays by june 2013?
Hi Mick, I’m not aware of any changes to our flying schedule for the Dreamliner but if we do hear anything else, we’ll let you know.
it will be our 5th visit to mexico and always use thomson airways PE . We have just booked yet again from east midlands 8th 2013 , so we can fly on the dreamliner …exciting times ahead , well done thomsons…
sorry i should of put we fly on the 8th may ..oops
We have just booked our holiday next year to Mexico. Leaving from Gatwick on 24th May on the Dreamliner. We have upgraded to Premium seats and are very much looking forward to the experience.
Just booked for Florida in Aug 13 from Manchester. Looking at your schedule we will be on the dreamliner. The kids want to know what games they can play on the seatback TV’s ?
Hi Jonathan, We don’t have a list of games available yet but we’ll share any updates when we receive them. I’m glad to hear you’re all booked up for August 2013 and I hope you all enjoy flying on the Dreamliner.
hi there myself and wife and daughter are booked up to go to florida on september 10th from glasgow i was looking to see if the 787 DL WAS ALSO MAKING THAT JOURNEY AS IT LOOKS FANTASTIC AND A THRILL TO TRAVEL ON , PLEASE COULD YOU VERIFY IF THIS IS ONE OF THE DATES THIS PLANE WILL MAKE , FINGERS CROSSED THE MURRAYS
Hi Johnpaul, We don’t receive delivery of our Dreamliners until early next year so unfortunately you won’t be flying on her this September. She will be flying from May 2013 from selected airports to Mexico and Florida so hopefully you’ll get a chance to see her next year.
Seems we all are looking forward to the Dreamliner next year, would be good if people travelling same dates could say hi – I’m going 27th June 2013 to Mexico
I will be celebrating my 50th birthday in February 2014, and we are planning to take a caribbean cruise on the Thomson Dream.Could you please inform as to whether the Dreamliner will have replaced your 767 planes currently operating these flights to the Dominican Republic by that time?
Many thanks,
Gordon
Hi Gordon, Unfortunately, we don’t have that information available at the moment. I’m sorry I couldn’t help further.
i am unable to get the flight schdule for the dreamliner from manachester to florida 2013 in august could anyone tell me the flight dates for that month. thanks in advance
Hi Graham, Our flight schedule for Florida and Mexico is on our Dreamliner site. Here’s the direct link – http://dreamliner.thomson.co.uk/flying-schedule/. Don’t forget that the Dreamliner flights are highlighted in blue.
Hi we have just booked a package to Florida flying from Manchester on 3/5/13, this flight is highlighted blue on your schedule. Will this flight definitely be on the dream-liner? CANT WAIT!!
Hi Wayne, All our Dreamliner flights will be highlighted in blue but if you want to send us the TOM number, we’re happy to double check this for you.
Hi, I am looking to book flights to Orlando next August. If I’ve read the Dreamliner flight guide correctly, if I book on the flight departing 9th August 2013 going to Sandford airport, are we guaranteed to be flying on one of the new 787 Dreamliner planes?
Thanks
Hi Graeme, Can you let me know which airport you’d like to fly from please?
If it helps the flight number is Tom126 & Tom127.
Ta
Hi Graeme, I’ve just checked this and it’s a Dreamliner flight. Have a great time!
Hi Rhiannon , the flight number are tom 126 departing and tom 127 returning. many thanks
Hi Wayne, I’ve just checked and it looks like that one is a Dreamliner flight.
I have checked and my flight from Manchester 21st June is not on the dreamliner. If this was to change (hopefully) will we be charged the extra premium? and also is there a chance of the more flights being added or is there a reason for scheduled due to amount of dreamliners bought?
Hi Michelle, If you’ve already booked seats prior to an aircraft change then there wouldn’t be an extra charge but you wouldn’t be advised of any change unless you were affected. All of our flight lists have been added but if this was to change then they would be available on the system.
Hi there I have booked to go to Mexico frpom Manchester at the end of May 2013 which should be the Dreamliner. My question is will the target of flights starting 1 May be met.
Hi Alan, The Dreamliner will be flying on selected dates for Mexico and Florida. If you’d like to check the flying schedule for the Dreamliner, please see the flying schedule – http://dreamliner.thomson.co.uk/flying-schedule/.
We are booked on the Dreamliner to fly to mexico on June 28th cant wait
How exciting, John. I hope you have a great time.
hello can you confirm the flight from Gatwick to Orlando on May 1st 2013 flight number TOM 070 and returning on 21st May TOM 071. are these Dreamliner flights?
cheers
lee
Hi Lee, It doesn’t appear that these are Dreamliner flights.
Amarita. thanks for checking. Could you please advise what the correct flight numbers are for the Dreamliner flight from Gatwick to Orlando Florida on the 1st May 2013. Thomson in Norwich have just advised thata Thomson have no other flights on that day for those destinations. here are the flight details from the florida schedule on here”13001 TOM 10 WED 10.30 SUN” What are the correct TOM Ref numbers for this flight?
Hi Lee, The London Gatwick codes are as follows – TOM046 outbound and TOM047 inbound, TOM070 outbound and TOM071 inbound.
Hi can you confirm flight number Tom 182 from Manchester to cancun is on the Dreamliner departing 4/8/13
Hi Lee, This flight will be on the Dreamliner.
will tom126 on friday 24th may 2013 be on dreamliner
Hi Richard, Your flight is currently planned to be on the Dreamliner for those dates.
Hi , we are booked to fly from Manchester to Florida on TOM126 on Fri 9th Aug 2013 , willthis be on the Dreamliner ?
Hi Jonathan, This is scheduled to be a Dreamliner flight.
Hola, Flying from manchester to punta cana, dom rep. on 23rd June 2013, will the dreamliner be our flight? Or what type of flight will we be on?
Hi Lucy, Can you let me know your flight number please?
Flying from Manchester to Punta Cana on 26th June 2013 and fly back on 10th July 2013. Flight number is 0172. What sort of plane will this be? and what do you get on board flights?
Hi The Burtons, Having looked into this for you the aircraft you’ll be flying on is the Boeing 767. I hope this helps.
How many dreamliners have Thomson Airways ordered.
Hi Dave, We’ve ordered 8 Dreamliner’s in total, but we’re not getting all of them next May. They’ll be introduced to the fleet gradually when they’re delivered.
Why do Thomson not fly from Belfast to Florida with the Dreamliner
Hi Ellie, Belfast isn’t one of the airports we’ll be using at the moment but when we get further delivery in 2014, we can look at other airports and destinations.
Possibly heading to Cancun next summer for 14 nights, all inclusive. planning on flying from Glasgow on the dreamliner but its £600 cheaper to fly from Newcastle on a 767. Worth the extra cost?
flight tom046 outbound on 11th may to sanford and inbound tom047 gatwick, will these be pn dreamliner?
Hi Suzie, I’ve just checked and this is a planned Dreamliner flight.
Brilliant, thank you
hi we are flying to orlando on 12.4.13 flight tom126 and returning flight tom127, is this a dreamliner flight thanks!!
Hi Mark, It’s a bit too early for our Dreamliner flights as they won’t start going to Florida until May. Sadly your flight isn’t on a Dreamliner.
Hi, we have booked to go to Orlando on the 26th Oct 2013 until 9th Nov 2013 from Gatwick. We are on TOM 046 outbound which says its the dreamliner outbound flight.Flying home on TOM 047 is this also a dreamliner flight?
Hi Clare, I’ve checked the schedules and both flights are due to be operated by the new Dreamliner.
YAY!!!!!! Thanks Dan.
I am just wondering how many Workstreams are in the Thomson Airways 787 EIS Programme Leadership Team?
Hi Steph, I can confirm that the answer is 14. I hope this helps.
Hi, We fly to Mexico on 12/04/14 and have booked to go premium, we cant book seats until 90 days before the flight is the 90 days for the return as well.
Hi Paul, You’ll be able to select both your out bound and in bound seats within 90 days of your return flight. I hope you have a wonderful time in Mexico.
Thank you Elaine, can’t wait to go on the dreamliner
Flying to aruba on 26th July from gatwick , will it be the Dreamliner ???
Hi Darren, Unfortunately the Dreamliner won’t be flying to Aruba. I’m sorry for any disappointment this may cause.
We are booked on a Dreamliner to Florida for 10th May. With all the bad publicity can I change my flight to an alternative aircraft?
Hi Jacqueline,
If you wish to amend your holiday, normal booking conditions apply as we’re still expecting our first delivery on time.
Hi, we have booked Dreamliner for may. We have a concern regarding safety. I don’t think it right that normall booking fee aply if you want to change to a different location. As safety come first. When do Thomson get there plane? And when will we know if the Thomson fleet get grounded.
Hi James, We’re due to receive our first Dreamliner in the next couple of months. Having checked with Boeing we have no reason to believe the delivery of our first 787 Dreamliner will be delayed. Our first Thomson Dreamliner is still on track to be delivered early this year. Boeing has reassured us that they are taking action to rectify the issues highlighted to them.
Hi myself and my family are booked to go to Florida from Manchester on the 19 April this year on the 787 dreamliner, I am unable to book our seats .. can you advise me when I am able to do this please.
Hi Nicola, You’ll be able to pre-book your seats 90 days before your return flight. Unfortunately it won’t be on one of our Dreamliners as they won’t start flying to Florida until the start of May.
Ive booked our seats for our return journey from sanford to manchester 3/5/13 , but now it looks like it wont be the dreamliner so what will happen to peoples seat choices ? The 767 aircraft is smaller and different seat plan..
Hi Nicola, If your flight is affected by a change then we’ll contact you and let you know what’s happening.
We’re due to fly 7th May to Sanford on Dreamliner. I appreciate that Boeing have reassured you that the Dreamliner will still be delivered on time, but what will happen if it’s not, which the powers that be must be taking into consideration. Customer safety is paramount so contingency plans must be made. Will Thomson put another plane on or will they cancel our holiday, which I am really worried about. Also what is the policy for reallocating PE seats if Dreamliner is delayed we booked our holiday last April on the first day summer dates were released. Please do not repeat that we are still expecting the delivery of the dreamliner I want to know what will happen if it’s delayed.
Thanks.
Hi Jane, If we did have to use a different plane, our Programme Change team would call you and discuss your options.
Thanks for reply that’s fine not really bothered which plane we fly on as long as we get PE seats and fly from East Midlands safely I’m happy.
hi Phil, dose the Dreamliner fly to Dom Rep in June this year. THANKYOU
Hi Mrs. Lockley, We’ll be adding more long haul routes on to the Dreamliner schedule which will include the Dominican Republic, but this will depend on when you’re looking to travel. You can check out holidays to this destination to see whether the flight is scheduled to be on a Dreamliner on our website here – http://www.thomson.co.uk. I hope this helps.
Hi,
Myself and my partner are due to fly to Mexico on the 24th of May from Gatwick on the Dreamliner, we have upgraded to Premium to specifically have the two seats to ourselves as we had a particularly bad experience on our last flight with you and we would like some assurances about refunds if we are not able to get what we have paid for. If the Dreamliner is not available which at the moment it does look likely given that you were due to receive the first planes this month wasn’t it to start the pilot training etc we will be happy to accept a flight on the 767 but we want a guarantee that we will be refunded the difference and still be able to get Premium?
Latest reports are this fault could take months if not years to rectify and Thomson need to start playing fair and updating customets on the contingency plans.
Kind regards
Kerry Hogan
Hi Kerry, Thanks for your message. I understand your concerns in regards to the Dreamliner. I’d like to assure you that Thomson’s would never operate an aircraft unless we were completely confident in its safety. We have an impeccable safety record which we intend to maintain. I understand the differences in the premium club experience on the Dreamliner and we want to reassure our customers that we are still working towards operating our flights on 1 May. However, if for any reason we operate on another aircraft, we would of course be in touch to discuss options regarding customer’s premium seating on the new aircraft. The difference of premium would be refunded back to you. I hope this helps.
Hello,
I have just booked the Flight from Glasgow dated 26th May into Orlando Sanford. From what i understand on the website this route on this date is due to be operated on the new Dream liner 787. Please can you clarify if this flight will operate on the Dreamline aircraft? My flight number is TOM 570 and return TOM 571. Admittedly i am now very nervous to fly on the Dreamliner after all the bad reports/ press i have read today. It’s also all very unclear what is happening with the Thomson Dreamliners? Please can you advise what the aircraft type is for my flight to Florida.
Many thanks,
Sharon Lawrie
Hi Sharon, Your flight is due to be operated by one of our Dreamliners. We have every faith in Boeing and its ability to fix these issues as soon as possible and we understand Boeing is doing everything it can to assist the FAA in its investigation.
I see nobody’s talking about compensation yet.
So I now see that Boeing have told Thomson the Dreamliner will be delayed and that Thomson are , making contingency plans, when is it that Thomson will start to update the passengers due to fly on the Dreamliner in May? I wanted to experience that plane for the extra touch of luxury and added relaxation but as long as I still get Premium and a refund of the difference I think compensation is unnecessary.
Kind regards
Kerry Hogan
HI KERRY I HOPE THAT THOMPSON WILL ENSURE THAT THE TELEVISIONS ON THE 767 ARE WORKING PROPERLY I WENT FOURS YEARS GO TO ORLANDO THE TELEVISION WOULD NOT WORK SO WE HAD TO MOVE SEATS FOR THE FLIGHT AND THEN MOVE BACK FOR LANDING YOU CANNOT COMPARE THE 767 TO THE DREAMLINER AND ALOT OF THOMPSON CUSTOMERS WOULD BE HAPPIER IF THEY HAD GIVEN SOME PROPER INFORMATION INSTEAD OF THE BROKEN RECORD ANSWERS ARE GETTING AND NOW IT IS BECOMING A BIT TIRING IT NOT ALL ABOUT COMPENSATION AS YOU MAY THINK ITS ABOUT FAMILIES PAYING OUT ALOT OF MONEY WE WERE A FAMILY OF SIX AND NO WE DID NOT COMPLAIN WE PUT IT DOWN TO ONE OF THOUGH THINGS BUT THOMPSOM A BIG COMPANY WOULD NOT DO LIKEWISE THEY WILL NOT REDFUND CUSTOMERS THEIR DESPOSITS MAYBE WE ARE TO EASY TO LET THINGS GO MAYBE WE SHOULD DEMAND ANSWERS SO WILL THE 767′S STEP UP TO THE MARK
I totally agree with harry, people that booked to fly on the new Dreamliner should get some sort of compensation if they don’t . I could have booked to fly on one of their other planes from an airport that’s literally right on our door-step, but when we were told about the new Dreamliner by our travel agent we paid the extra premium and decided to travel over 80 miles to a different airport just to be flying on this new plane. It’s like booking to be picked up in a brand-new Mercedes benz stretch limousine but on the day they turn up in a 30 year old Ford Granada, yes they will get you to your destination but not in the style\luxury you expected and paid for.
Hi Adrian. Thank you for your question. Thomson Airways is still working towards flying our first commercial Dreamliner on the 1 May 2013. We have every faith in Boeing and its ability to fix these issues as soon as possible and we understand Boeing is doing everything it can to assist the FAA in its investigation. We will of course strive to give customers as much notice as possible, should they not be flying on the 787.
I read online that Norwegian’s Oslo-based airline won’t be getting their delivery – planned to start the same time as you and they are offering people their money back or people can go on older aircraft. When are Thompson going to offer that? We should be given a choice even to change it to a later time in the year…
Hi Michelle, Currently no airline has been given a confirmed delivery date for the Dreamliner. Once we know the confirmed dates, we’ll be sure to let all of the affected customers know.
NO – it was not they had been given a confirmed delivery date it was that they had been told they were NOT getting delivery of their planes in April and June. So surely you must have been told the same??? So for your customers who are to fly out in May, like myself, this is probably not going to happen is it?
Hi Michelle, Thomson Airways are on a different delivery schedule to other airlines so we don’t have the same information. We’re doing everything we can to support Boeing and set our own new delivery date. As soon as we have this date confirmed we’ll let all our customers know their options should it affect any of our flights.
Will there be an option to move holidays to later on in the year?
Hi Michelle, At the moment, if you’re looking to move your holiday, normal booking conditions will apply. As soon as we have further information detailing a new delivery schedule, if this were to affect your flight in anyway, we’d look to contact you with all the relevant information.
Not looking at the moment to move but I would hope this will be an option – I certainly DO NOT expect to pay for it!! Perhaps you should pass all of these comments onto the CEO! Do you? Let’s hope Boeing come up with a solution. You cannot spoil people’s holidays and not compensate them for it and then get sufficiently compensated yourself.
Hi Michelle, We’ll be sure to pass your feedback onto the relevant team.
I do hope all these comment are sent on I do not want to change my booking I was looking forward to my holiday but I do not feel the same way I cannot even get excited about going anymore thompson have already destroyed my dream and how can you compensate that. how to people from thompson that answer these blogs do their job when they know how customers feel I could not do your job , if thompson had not advertised the dreamlimer hoildays so in advanced i would be looking forward to a holiday
Thank you Lauren, you are at present doing a thankless task. When we moan here we do not moan at you but please when passing all of our emails on I do hope it gets to the top. So to that end I would hope Thomson will give everyone affected a choice of:- 1. Move to older aircraft with substantial refund; 2. Full refund and cancellation; or 3. Move holiday to a later Dreamliner flight in the year, with a discount for all the inconvenience and upset!
Hi Michelle, Customer feedback is passed on, and monitored as we strive to constantly improve our services. If we do have to change the aircraft then further information will be given on customers options.
Leanne et al, I, and my family, like many others only booked with Thomson holidays because of the Dreamliner. With the terrible reviews regarding the aging fleet of planes currently used by Thomson I, like others, would like to know what Thomson’s back up plans are. I know this fault is not of Thomson’s making but if it was not for the Dreamliner we would have booked with another carrier because of the poor current reviews and aging fleet. It would not be acceptable to me for just the refund of the £20 excess paid. Can you please respond?
Hi David, Where possible we will re-allocate you onto a Thomson Airways 767 aircraft with a premium cabin. This means those that have paid extra for our 787 premium cabin, will be offered the same service they would have received on the 787 aircraft. Those customers who have not paid for a premium cabin will be allocated seats in the Thomson Airways 767 economy cabin. Those in economy will also receive the same level of service they would have received on the 787.
I shall wait to find out as you say I booked our holiday purely to fly in comfort on the dreamliner .. But now ive paid to choose our seats on the dreamliner so bit concerned as to where we are going to be seated
Hi Nicola, I’ve answered your question on your other comment.
I have booked my honeymoon on the “dreamliner” to mexico on 4th May, this is now looking like a nighmare not a “Dream” my plans are all up in the air I dont know if Im going on honeymoon or not, I have paid to go on the “Dreamliner” and if that is not possible then I want a FULL REFUND ASAP so I can book another honeymoon. I have booked and paid in full with Thomsons so Thomsons should honour that contract, if they cant then a FULL REFUND please its just good customer service, I guess thats how thomson will play it with boeing
Hi Gail, We’ve got no further updates at the moment to provide to our customers. Once we do, we’ll look to let passengers know as soon as possible, should they’re flights be affected. For customers wishing to change their holiday then normal terms and conditions will apply.
due to fly 20th June to Florida from manchester. paid extra for premuim cabin on d/liner. can you tell me what my likely situation will be re aircraft and premium seating?
Hi Ian, At the moment we’re working on contingency plans, should there be any changes to our scheduled Dreamliner flights. Once we receive further information from Boeing, we’ll look to let our customers know as soon as possible, should any flights be affected.
I am due to fly to Mexico in August and I can honestly say I cannot see this happening, I have been paying off my holiday every month and want to know should the Dreamliner not be available will I get a full refund so that I can book another holiday. I only booked this holiday for the experience off flying on the dreamliner and the extra legroom, being over 6 foot. I travelled to America last year in economy class and never want to do it again, as the legroom was non existant for me.
Hi Paul, I can appreciate your frustration but once we have any further information we’ll let our customers know as soon as possible.
Hi,
Like Previous customer Nicola, I have has also paid to reserve seats on the Dreamliner, not in premium in economy. But paid to reserve seats together, which we have done, as the configuration of seating is 3-3-3 on the 787? We reservation seats by the window A/B/c family together. However, I believe if we are changed to the 767 configuration is difference and is 2-3-2? I paid the extra on the dreamliner to reserved seats together to get by the window together as a party and family of 3 traveling. But worried now that this is wasted money as the 767 can’t accommodate my family together by the window together due to the configuratio
Hi Sharon, I can appreciate that this may be causing frustration but at this time, we’re putting contingency plans in place, should any of our customers flights be affected once we receive further information from Boeing. As soon as we have further information we’ll let our customers know as soon as possible.
Why is it other carriers have already put their contingency plans into place and informed their customers they won’t be on a Dreamliner but Thomson haven’t? Japans All Nipon Airways have cancelled all Dreamliner flights for May, United Airlines cancelled all Dreamliner flights until June the 5th and Polands’s national airline LOT are not going to fly them again until September! So surely Boeing have made Thomson aware the planes will remain grounded for several months but Thomson are choosing to ignore their customers concerns and just take our money without giving us satisfactory answers, I booked this whole holiday based on the sales person selling the Dreamliner experience for myself and my partner to sit in premium on the two seats on our own, now this clearly won’t happen I want Thomson to be honest with us! And yes Watchdog are interested in the story.
Kind regards
Kerry Hogan
Hi Kerry, I’m sorry you feel this way. We appreciate how disappointing this will be for many customers if they don’t travel on our Dreamliner. We want to reassure you that your holiday will go ahead and you will be switched to an alternative aircraft, which we would notify you of, should this be necessary. Unfortunately, I don’t have any further information at this time. If anything were to change we’d be in touch.
How can you say we will be offered the same service when customers are being placed on your aging fleet of 767′s that are 14\20 years old? If the 767 and 787 planes offer the same service why advertise all the benefits of flying on the new Dreamliner?
Hi Adrian, If we have to change aircrafts, we’ll do everything possible to ensure that our passengers get to their destination as comfortably as possible and we’ll ensure that they receive the same level of service from our crew on board.
I have sympathy for all the people travelling on the dreamliner this May/June.
This is a Boeing problem so why cant Boeing provide alternative aircraft for the duration of the delays…???
I am going on the dreamliner next April so hopefully the issues will be sorted before then, my holday and i think most of the people on here booked there holiday mainly to fly on the dreamliner.
Firstly i know safety is parramount but alot of people will be very dissapointed if the dreamliner wont fly on time and the back up plane is a 20 year old replacement…!!!
I am writing to express my utter dismay to the handling of our honeymoon by Thomson holidays. We only booked with Thomson holidays because of the Dreamliner. We are travelling with my seven year old step daughter who has never been on a long haul and we were prepared to pay a premium for booking the holiday through Thomson’s due to the Dreamliner.
The aging fleet of planes currently used by Thomson have horrendous reviews and the idea that you can simply give us a £20 discount is frankly derisory. THIS IS OUR HONEYMOON!!
We could have booked this holiday at considerably less cost through other travel operators, the ONLY reason we did not was because of the attraction of flying on the Dreamliner with our little girl.
The fact that you have continued to market the Dreamliner on the dates of our flight even at the point of announcing to customers they will no longer be flying on the plane is an absolute disgrace.
It is my understanding that other carriers expecting delivery of these planes have been circumspect about delivery and have not pushed the Dreamliner in their marketing. Thomson’s has had no such qualms and you have made the Dreamliner central to your marketing, even when you knew that you were effectively lying to your customers!
Now having had to admit that you cannot deliver the holiday we have paid for, you are falling back on the terms of your contract…what kind of company is Thomsons, that employ the kind of tactics used by rogue traders.
I repeat THIS IS OUR HONEYMOON!!!
It is supposed to be a magical two weeks without any hassles, for which I was prepared to pay Thomsons a premium. We haven’t even left the UK and already our honeymoon is unravelling.
The complete disregard that Thomsons holidays have shown to the effect of their disingenuous marketing campaign on customers holidays is criminal.
I would request an immediate FULL refund of our holiday so we can book our holiday with an operator who might actually see that they have a responsibility to look after our holiday and might be capable of dealing with us in an honest, transparent manner which apparently is beyond Thomsons ability.
Hi Liam, It’s disappointing to hear you feel this way. We originally expected to take delivery of our first Dreamliners at the end of February, which provided us with ample time to operate our first flights originally planned for 1 May 2013. No one could have foreseen these circumstances and Boeing is working closely with the FAA to try and resolve these issues as soon as possible. We understand how frustrating and disappointing this news will be for those customers looking forward to fly on the 787 Dreamliner. Unfortunately these circumstances are out of our control as Boeing has failed to fix the issues with its aircraft in time to meet our flying schedules. There are several options available to you so if you would like to discuss this further you can send us your booking reference to cares@thomson.co.uk.
I have sent two email to cares@thompson one on the 25/02 2013 nd the other 03/03/2013 and I have not recieve a reply even to say we will get back to you in due course I feel these emails have been ignored so much for a care team . I will keep copies for futher reference if and when need
Hi Mags, Sorry that your previous emails haven’t been responded to. If you’d like to send us another email, we’ll be able to look into any concerns you may have. The address to send it to is cares@thomson.co.uk.
mags, there is no ‘p’ in Thomson, so your mail would not have reached them. (My wife made the same mistake recently)
thanks for that
Booking Ref: (Admin Edit)
Could you please tell me if you know when our compensation will be paid.
Hi Larry, All compensation has been taken off your balance and has been refunded to you by the shop on the 23rd March. This can take up to 5-7 Working days.
Thank you for your comment above. Are you able to tell me if we will recieve a new E-ticket before we travel on 8th May and if so will in be E-mailed to me or sent via the shop where we purchased the flight, also when will it arrive. Ref
Hi Larry, The reference number you’ve provided isn’t recognised in my system. Could you re-check the reference number and post this again. Once we have this, we’ll be able to look into this further for you.
Comment above 9th April 15.20hrs -ref should be (Edit)
Hi Larry, I’ve just checked this for you and your tickets were issued on 31st March.
hi could you please check have my tickets are due to be issued shortly, I have ask for them to be posted to my address as I cannot print the e tickets out. I was told my one of your shops I would get them two weeks before departure and if I did not received them a week before to give them a ring, they could also be picked up at the airport, I was not happy about this as I would not be able to check details of flight times, if there were any changes in flight times from the Dreamliner flights. my ref no is * thank you very much
hi again I have checked the Thomson web site regarding the tickets. I do not want the answer to my question on the blog. thank you
Hi Margaret, Thanks for letting us know. Have a great holiday!
Ref
could you please confirm that our seats are 8 F & G going out and 3 F & G on tghe return flight. TOM 070 and tom 071 on 8th May and 29 th may
Regards
Larry Jones
Hi Larry, I can confirm that the flight information that you have is correct.
Will the Dreamliner fly from bristol?
Hi Joshua, We don’t have any plans to operate the Dreamliner from Bristol at the moment, but this may be something we introduce in future seasons.
going to dom rep 1 nov 2013 is the dreamliner still on this flight from gatwick
Hi Alan, If you could send over your booking reference I’ll be able to check this for you.
hi lauren my booking ref …
Hi Alan, Good news, I’ve checked your booking and your flight is currently planned to be on the Dreamliner.
I have just tried booking my seats for flight leaving on 27th July 2013, the default seating plan shows we are in 1A, 1C, 1D, 1E & 1F, this means 1 window seat.
I don’t know any plane that has this configuration, and I am unable to go any further with my booking, why?
Forgot to mention its flight TOM046 to Sanford, Orlando
Hi Fred, If you could send over your booking reference I’ll be able to check this for you.
Thanks Lauren, booking ref is ******
Hi Fred, I’ve just checked this for you and your flight is scheduled to be on one of our Dreamliners.
Hi Lauren, I assumed this would be on a Dreamliner but I am still unable to book the seats now, do you know why?
The booking site only opened last night but I cannot book my seats. This is a special holiday for my son and grandsons and wanted something special for them, thanks
Hi Fred, Sorry for not answering your original question. We are experiencing some technical difficulties with our booking system. I’m able to book seats for you here if you’ve got an idea of where you’d like to sit. Have you tried to log in and select your seats yet today?
Hi Lauren, Have not heard from you and wanted to book these seats, so I rang and spoke to someone, who had many technical issues trying to book any seats, finally (after stating only a few seats were left) he came back and booked the seats I wanted, row 1 A to F.
Hi Fred, I’m glad to hear you’ve managed to select the seats you wanted.