Thomson Airways - The large re-branded charter airline
In 2004, the Thomson Group re-branded Britannia Airways to Thomsonfly, the new low fare and holiday airline. In early 2009, Thomsonfly merged with First Choice Airways and they began to fly under one name: Thomson Airways, now the UK's largest charter airline.
They are both part of TUI UK, which also includes UK holiday company Thomson. Both the Thomson and First Choice holiday brands are still being used on the high street however.
After axing budget flights from Coventry and Jersey airports in 2008, Thomson Airways continues flying from 20 UK airports to more than 80 worldwide destinations.
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Thomson Airways Routes and Destinations
Thomson Airways' highest frequency flights are concentrated at London Gatwick, Manchester, Doncaster Sheffield, East Midlands and Birmingham airports. Spain, Portugal, Greece and Turkey are particularly well served.
Less frequent holiday charter flights depart from many other UK regional airports, including a range of direct long haul flights to exotic destinations from 7 UK airports, including Glasgow, Bristol, Newcastle and East Midlands.
For the latest and lowest return fares from £80 see...
Alicante flights start from £80 rtn from many regional airports.
Starting from only £90 return Thomson Airways flies to Majorca from 19 UK airports.
Some of the cheapest flights to Faro are with Thomsonfly from £90 return.
Soak up the sun for a long weekend trip to Malaga from under £100.
Other Useful Information
| Booking |
The Thomsonfly website no longer exists, but flight-only booking can now be done on flights.thomson.co.uk or via the Thomson call centre on 0871 231 4787 (10p/min). Booking fees are not refundable under normal circumstances, but all flights are ATOL protected.
There's an extra fee for payments with credit or debit cards, (visa electron card is free). After payment, a booking confirmation with a Reference Number is sent out, this number is needed for check-in. |
| Seats |
All seats are allocated at check in. Extra legroom seats can be pre-booked for £15 each per flight. Families can book seats together for £5 pp. per flight. Standard short-haul seat pitch (legroom) is a tight 28 inches, try an aisle seat if you are tall. Long-haul seats are in leather with a comfortable 33" legroom. |
| Food |
Meals are not included in flight price, snacks and drinks are for sale on board. On certain routes inflight meals can be pre-booked from £6 each way.
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| Baggage |
Free hand baggage of up to 5 kg, maximum dimension 55x40x20cm, but note that handbags, laptops etc. must also be carried within this single item of cabin baggage.
For 'Flight Only' bookings: Check-in baggage charges start from £6.50 per item per journey and varies per route, so check whilst booking.
For package holiday customers only: Free checked-in baggage allowance is 20kg per person and pooling of baggage allowance for passengers travelling together is allowed. No single bag may weigh more than 23 kg. Allowances may vary with a package holiday, so check your ticket just in case.
Babies under the age of 2 get no baggage allowance or seat, pushchairs are carried free.
Excess baggage costs each way £6/kg short haul, £9/kg long haul. Sports equipment like golf clubs, surfboards, skis, bicycles etc. cost extra and must be prebooked, wheelchairs free. See: Latest security rules.
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| Check-In |
Check-in at the airport least 2 hours before a flight and 3 hours for long haul flights. Self-service check-in is possible at Manchester, East Midlands and Gatwick airports. Internet online check-in is not possible but early check-in is possible from London Gatwick and Manchester, see: Early Check-in.
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| Flight Changes |
Changes to flight-only bookings must be made via the Thomson call centre on 0870 1900 737. Date or name changes cost £25 pp. per flight plus any fare increases. No refunds if you cancel or miss your flight.
If your flight booking is part of a holiday package through a travel agent or tour operator, you must contact them directly to change your booking. If your holiday was booked through Thomson, phone the Thomson Holidays Call Centre on 0870 165 0079.
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| Fleet |
Thomson Airways uses a Boeing fleet of 737,757 and 767. Former thomsonfly aircraft are now carrying the Thomson name until a new livery arrives. Some older aircraft are being replaced. |
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