If you have ever flown to Orlando or Miami from the UK you will be used to the poor standard of some of the economy seating on offer. Many economy seats on the scheduled or charter airlines are cramped which offer little in the way of space, decent food and comfort. Thomson are now offering a revised Premium Club service on their long haul services to Orlando.
Having been used to their old service around 5 years ago I was impressed with the premium service over the economy seating. Because of this we decided last year to try the new Premium Club service out of London Gatwick. First impressions were very good as we received priority at check in. This was a godsend as the queue was around 45 minutes to check in baggage. ! We then made our way through to security where we went through the staff queue, again saving extra time. So far so good!
When boarding the plane we were boarded first, just before the families with small children. When on the plane we were offered a small drink while the plane filled up. One thing I did notice was just how much bigger the premium seating was over the economy seating, it seemed a lot wider and as the configuration a little less cramped. Thomson claim 38 pitch on their seats (better than Virgin and BA Premium). This is a great addition if you find it hard to sleep (like I do) on the return leg.
The service at in the Club seating is not really all that different than in economy, the only real difference being you are always served first. Meals are slightly better and 4 course instead of the 3 in economy. Seatback TV’s are wider and have more choice, so better for children. We found the new TV’s very good and a match for Virgin new systems and better than the old TV systems on the 747 Virgin Airplanes.
There are a lot of plus points for considering this new service if travelling around 8 – 11 hours on a plane. At the time of going to print the cost is around £225 per person, which in my view is a fraction of the price for a premium economy upgrade on Virgin. For a similar service it really does seem good value for money. For me the upgrade is well worth it and should be considered if booking with Thomson for either flights or a fly drive. Thomas Cook also offer a similar service for similar price, but I have not been on this as yet. One thing you can be assured of is to arrive in Florida far more relaxed than if cramped in economy! For those who can’t afford the excessive Premium Economy Prices of the Scheduled airlines and want a little extra, give it a go.
Having been used to their old service around 5 years ago I was impressed with the premium service over the economy seating. Because of this we decided last year to try the new Premium Club service out of London Gatwick. First impressions were very good as we received priority at check in. This was a godsend as the queue was around 45 minutes to check in baggage. ! We then made our way through to security where we went through the staff queue, again saving extra time. So far so good!
When boarding the plane we were boarded first, just before the families with small children. When on the plane we were offered a small drink while the plane filled up. One thing I did notice was just how much bigger the premium seating was over the economy seating, it seemed a lot wider and as the configuration a little less cramped. Thomson claim 38 pitch on their seats (better than Virgin and BA Premium). This is a great addition if you find it hard to sleep (like I do) on the return leg.
The service at in the Club seating is not really all that different than in economy, the only real difference being you are always served first. Meals are slightly better and 4 course instead of the 3 in economy. Seatback TV’s are wider and have more choice, so better for children. We found the new TV’s very good and a match for Virgin new systems and better than the old TV systems on the 747 Virgin Airplanes.
There are a lot of plus points for considering this new service if travelling around 8 – 11 hours on a plane. At the time of going to print the cost is around £225 per person, which in my view is a fraction of the price for a premium economy upgrade on Virgin. For a similar service it really does seem good value for money. For me the upgrade is well worth it and should be considered if booking with Thomson for either flights or a fly drive. Thomas Cook also offer a similar service for similar price, but I have not been on this as yet. One thing you can be assured of is to arrive in Florida far more relaxed than if cramped in economy! For those who can’t afford the excessive Premium Economy Prices of the Scheduled airlines and want a little extra, give it a go.