AC or Thomas Cooke?

[U/S]

I will be travelling to the UK in fall and have a choice between a Transat flight operated by Thomas Cooke in a 330-200 or Air Canada in a 777-300 saving about 40 min flight time. The price is virtually the same so the choice is between carriers rather than dictated by price. I have never flown with Thomas Cooke and am hoping some of you guys have so I can make a good choice. Thanks for the help.
U/S

[L1011]

I REALLY like the new AC interiors. I flew one of the 762's in the spring that was on one of its last few flights with the old interior, and then a 772 on the return with the new interior and the difference was night and day.

I flew Transat once in the pre 9/11 days on an A330 and I wasn't impressed then. It could be that they've changed since then so don't really take my opinion on them into account.

If it's just a matter of cost I would go with AC. They're still the best airline that North America has to offer. (which is kind of a "tallest midget" type deal, but whatever!)

[Airtids]

Last time I flew Transat, the F/As were SMOKIN'!! Last time I flew AC, not so much. All else being equal...

[deflux]

I have flown with Thomas Cook a couple times but all was on the 757

The 757 has WAY more legroom than the AC 777, I am not sure about Thomas Cook's A330 though. The food on Thomas Cook is also excellent.

I think I would actually pay more to travel on a Thomas Cook 757 than on AC.

[L1011]

I have flown with Thomas Cook a couple times but all was on the 757

The 757 has WAY more legroom than the AC 777, I am not sure about Thomas Cook's A330 though. The food on Thomas Cook is also excellent.

3" greater seat pitch and leather seats on the 757

Last time I flew Transat, the F/As were SMOKIN'!! Last time I flew AC, not so much. All else being equal...

And another important factor is raised...

[Four1oh]

I have yet to see a Thomas FA in the YYC terminal that wasn't bonable. Hope that helps.

[skycoupe]

Transat has recently increased the seat pitch on the fleet .. I recently flew on an AC 767, and my boney knees were bangin on the seat ahead .. recently flew on a Skyservice 757, and they were around my ears .. recently flew on a Transat 310, and they were free and clear .. all in economy class of course .. I am a pilot .. I can't afford J, Club or Star class

[B-rad]

Flew on AC 777 twice this season and I was very very pleased.. For me the seats were comfortable, service was great and the touch screen TVs were awesome with great selections of movies, music, and TV and to view. I would have nooo problem flying in the 777 again. Awesome interior with loads of head space (for the claustrophobic part in you) a comfortable atmosphere and mood lighting.

As for Skyservice, 757 Old interior, crummy TVs, decent service but they weren't on the list you asked for anyways eh.

I don't know a thing about Thomas... but I would be willing to give them a try just for kicks.. and especially after hearing about the FAs.

[ZBBYLW]

Well first off I will say I have never sat in Y on the 777s with AC, and I have only been on the machines about 4-5 times. That being said I have flown quite a bit in Y on the 767s, 320s and E90/75s. I have to say I love them! Now the 767s are nice because the 2-3-2 layout, I am sure the 777s would be just as good in Y. If you get a seat by a door you will get a whole lot more leg room. The service on AC is great, the IFE is also a step above any North American airline. Also I hear because of the 3-3-3 lay out in the back of the 777s, if the flight is full they can spread you guys out very nicely!

My vote: AC

[Red Line]

a comfortable atmosphere and mood lighting.

The mood lighting on the 777 is indeed quite impressive, aint it?!

[ScudRunner]

The AC 777 Inflight entertainment is great, lots of movies to choose from seats where great no complaints.

[_dwj_]

Think about what will happen if the plane breaks down. A few years ago we waited for 8 hours in Manchester for Zoom to bring a replacement plane, and I imagine TC would be the same. AC has a larger fleet, which means they can (probably) get a replacement plane more quickly.

I have flown with TC in the past, and they were very good. Not sure how good they are now that they have merged with MyTravel (who had really crappy customer service and zero legroom).

[deflux]

Thomas Cook is a UK based airline, they would have an easier time getting a replacement aircraft in the UK I think..

[. .]

Thomas Cook is a UK based airline, they would have an easier time getting a replacement aircraft in the UK I think..

But a lot harder in Toronto. I think AC might do a bit more back and forth across the Atlantic than Thomas Cook, which the post wast trying to get it.

[U/S]

Thanks guys, I think I may try Thomas Cooke just for something different.

[altiplano]

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[Four1oh]

buuut, hot FA's? Wasn't that what kept SG going so long??

[termerair]

You said the price is the same...? Why don't you help out your national air carrier in those difficult times...? Just my thought... The 777 has a nice cabin too!

Cheers!

T.