Arillas Forum

Welcome to Arillas => Corfu Flight Board => Topic started by: vivian on November 24, 2011, 02:02:53 PM

Title: Thomas Cook.
Post by: vivian on November 24, 2011, 02:02:53 PM
Was about to book with TC the other day and then Janis told me about the differculty they are in. I wasnt quite sure weather we should go independantly (as we have done most of the time) but with the flights and accomadation I was looking at there is £386 differance. Now I really dont know what to do, I know what I would like to do but its a hell of a lot of money to save but if there's any chance that we may not get there, I think we have to bit the bullet. Has anyone else booked with TC for next year? x
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: Mick and Jill on November 24, 2011, 02:49:10 PM
My son in law works at a travel agents and they have been told they cant take any bookings for TC flights and can only take bookings for TC package deals. Its not looking good. Think I will wait till after Xmas to book my flights, may have to book through Thomson.
This is going to have a big affect on independent travellers and hotel owners.

Jill x
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: Truth on November 24, 2011, 04:50:56 PM
I CAN'T say to much but I have a friend who works for TC who is convinced that this will not bring the company down.
She is not worried and her livelihood is at risk so I would say that Thomas Cook will be around for a few years yet. The fact that TC made a £190 million profit 2010/11 has been omitted from all of the media, as has the fact that TC have been planning to shut the shops that are being mentioned now a long time ago. They are a similar size to Thomsons and have about 300 more shops currently and people use the internet to book a lot more these days, its a no brainer really. The main problem that TC have is the Egyptian situation, they are tied into it more than Thomsons so they have been affected by it more. I hope I have helped to ease a few peoples worries although theres not a company out there that's 100% safe in this climate.
Personally I am looking to book next October half term holiday at the moment and it won't put me off using TC if they come out the cheapest but this is just my personal opinion. Could be a good time to get a bargain maybe???
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: vivian on November 24, 2011, 05:33:42 PM
We usally fly with thomson and stay any where we want too, I was going to book a package with TC  I will wait tel the New year and see what happens with bookings and prices. Got an e-mail from Bobby last night telling me to be careful about booking flights. x
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: Truth on November 24, 2011, 06:03:16 PM
They are cutting down on the number of planes that they own so I can understand why he has E mailed you that.
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: Mick and Jill on November 24, 2011, 06:51:58 PM
I was told they had sold a number of planes and that is why they were using Mint planes. Have to admit even if they were cheapest if they use Mint next year there is no way I would fly with them. The planes were awful never been so squashed in all my life, it was total discomfort the whole way.

Jill
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: TONYNEW on November 24, 2011, 07:03:36 PM
Viv i think i'm gonna do the same as you and wait until the new year before booking which is when i usually book and you seem to get a better deal then,not sure if that,s because folks are up to the limit on their credit cards after Xmas and not booking hols so the prices drop slightly ,time will tell and very likely prove me wrong lol
One way or another we shall be in Arillas in August
Anyone on here ever hitch hiked there by any chance ? would love to hear your story !
Tony
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: Angela66 on November 24, 2011, 08:00:42 PM
Hi all.  If you look in the forum (somewhere) you will see my initial panic as I am booked with Thomas Cook for next year.  I have to say though, that after doing a little investigation online in Martin Lewis's forums and listening carefully to the good press (Fin. Times etc), I now feel quietly confident that next year with TC will be fine.  Not sure about the longer term but then none of us have chrystal balls.  Fingers crossed!
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: kevin.g on November 24, 2011, 08:24:45 PM
maybe if they dropped there prices ,especially in school holiday time,and set a trend ,they might see a in flux,in bookings for 2012,,xx
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: JohnTheRef&Dot on November 24, 2011, 08:34:42 PM
Booked a package with TC in September for next summer.
Not worried about things, can't see it going upside down,
If it happens then at least I get a full refund (may have to wait for it)
One way or another I will be in Arillas next Summer
See ya all there.
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: Sandy x on November 24, 2011, 08:41:15 PM
My only concern is that their share price dropped 60% in one day.....that can't be good news!
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: kevin.g on November 24, 2011, 09:34:10 PM
with 30000 staff ,,im sure the goverment will propp them up ,,,,yiammas
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: Angela66 on November 24, 2011, 09:49:11 PM
Let's look forward to all logging on this forum in early summer and sharing a joke about how silly we all were to be worried.  fingers crossed still:)
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: alex on November 25, 2011, 10:03:59 PM
i booked to fly with easy jet through thomas cook when the flights came out i have travel insurance and am keeping my fingers and toes crossed that everythink is ok for may.
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: adairsl on November 26, 2011, 02:08:13 AM
Hi
Hope this helps to put you more at your ease.The last I heard TC had secured an agreement with their bankers which guarantees funding until at least 20013.Although we dont book with them it is great that a danger to visitors to Arillas has been averted.At the end of the day all we all want is to make sure everyone who wants to enjoy the enchantment of Arillas has that opportunity.
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: Angela66 on November 26, 2011, 11:42:01 AM
Thanks Adairs, I have read the same this morning.  Such a relief.  Having said that I am so determined to get to Arillas next July that I think a swimsuit and a rubber dinghy might have been employed if all else failed!  Lol! 

You know, on another note, and me getting on my soap box a little, I have (on other forums) listened to so much supercilious smugness from those who prefer to book independently and with brands, that it makes it a pleasure to come back here.  I fly all over the world via major cities using  branded hotels and major airlines but you know what, it's far nicer to simply make a one stop booking on the Internet and let the package operator do the work. 

I think people should get off their pillars of judgement, stop making judgements and simply live and let live.  Just be nice - as they are on here!

Yamma (I am starting to learn a little Greek ready for next year:))
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: kevin.g on November 26, 2011, 02:25:37 PM
what a relief
thomas cook has two hundred million backing from there bank so it looks like all will be good for at least a couple of years ,,,yammas.x
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: Ron and Sue on November 27, 2011, 12:46:46 PM
Have booked for May 2012 with T .Cook.Assured that there are no problems.If there are any at least they are ATOL and ABTA  registered.
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: MaryH on November 27, 2011, 05:40:40 PM
I'm sure Thomas Cook will come through this , especially as they are the longest running travel company :)
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: Val n Bill on November 28, 2011, 04:39:32 PM

The other aspect to the news from Thomas Cook is ..... At least they are keeping people informed via newscasts, they told the world "we have a problem but don't worry we are fixing it" then they told us they had put a sticking plaster on with the bank loan.

It's certainly better than finding out they had folded, as this is what has happened with other travel companies in the past. I too hope they survive.

                    Val x
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: kevin.g on November 28, 2011, 06:09:14 PM
val
well said ,,,not like some who know there going bump ,but still keep taking the money,,but they did do it the right way ,,yiammas ..x
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: Angela66 on November 28, 2011, 09:32:46 PM
Mind you, I wouldn't mind if they went under and left me stranded in Arillas:)
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: vivian on November 30, 2011, 08:55:18 AM
Well I deciced that we couldn't let the price its at go so have booked for May 14th. Im sure we will get there not sure what prices will do, still cant make out how it is so much cheaper even though we know that the owners dont get very much.Viv
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: Val n Bill on November 30, 2011, 06:47:17 PM
Neither can I Viv. If I wanted to book a flight today for July the cheapest works out with luggage, at almost £500 for the two of us, plus the cost of accommodation and taxi transfers...... but if I book a week for the same dates with TC the cost is between £600 to £700 with transfers, depending where we stay.
All I can think of is, you are grossly overcharged by all travel companies unless you can spot when they have offers online.
Not everyone wants to be scouring the internet for their holidays.
Personally I quite enjoy it. ;)
            Val x
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: justphil on November 30, 2011, 10:17:49 PM
There are now some AMAZING offers on Thomas Cook's website. Only compared one date, 13 July 2012 to 27th from Gatwick.

Two weeks at Makris, including transfer, 346. That is a total bargain. Same dates Tria Adelphia 358, Akti 423, Dionyssos II 459, Mirage 477.

Well worth a good look. (We're already booked, and October 2012 not shown, but at those prices we could have saved a little. )

Phil
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: JohnTheRef&Dot on November 30, 2011, 11:12:02 PM
Booked Dionyssos in September for next July,
9th-23rd was a great price @ £336

October was a little hit and miss last summer there were no flights in October from Birmingham. Perhaps they have also stopped packages from other airports next October.
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: Truth on December 01, 2011, 05:55:19 PM
You shouldn't go away during the football season John !  Tut Tut !  lol
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: martin-w on December 02, 2011, 02:27:57 PM
Hi Phill!
Just had a scout around the T.C. Website and tried a few 'bargains', but got no luck. They seem to limit the booking to 2/3 persons, and 'single' bookings are either very pricy, or 'not available', with a request to 'change booking details/dates'.
Martin. 
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: kevin.g on December 02, 2011, 09:30:36 PM
martin
the solo traveller always seems to get a bad deal ,,,in this climate they need to realise this ,,xxxx yiammas
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: Angela66 on December 03, 2011, 10:09:33 AM
Hi Martin.  I also have problems using the TC website.  It will never allow me to book for one adult and one child- it always states no availability!  So the I enter 2 adults but it will not let me go on to book as it then states smy daughter's age as not being that of an adult!  What I tend to do therefore, is to use the online prices as a guide but book through their call centre.

It may not work of course for you as a solo traveler but on the other hand might be worth a try?

Yammas
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: Paul D on December 04, 2011, 12:01:21 PM
Martin, I sympathise with you over pricing for single travelllers like yourself and others.  Their excuse - under occupancy. But why does it have to double the price.  After all, the hoteliers have had their cut from the tour operator decided on anyway, with a block booking. ( I assume).
  Do they want to sell seats or not?
  And then flight only doesn`t come cheap with all the add-ons.
  They`ll be charging for wings on the plane next!!! (£50 cheaper without!)

    Paul
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: MaryH on December 04, 2011, 12:21:16 PM
Hi Martin
I don't think it's fair the way single travellers are penalised, but I don't know if TC work the same way as Thompsons, they way I've been doing it for a couple of years is to go on the Thompson's site book a flight only then when you get near the end it asks if you want accomodation then gives a choice of hotels & appartments. Last May I paid a small under occupancy charge it was so small I can't remember the exact ammount so it may be worth you trying to book like that. Maybe it's also worth waiting a few weeks to get a cheaper deal :)
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: Val n Bill on December 04, 2011, 06:57:08 PM

Thanks for sharing that tip Mary, not that I've ever got to go on my own yet (Bill wouldn't miss coming as well), but lots of people do and it nice to know when someone finds a cheaper way than what is offered by the travel companies first. 
You can bet most singles have never been offered a booking this way.

             Val x
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: MaryH on December 05, 2011, 08:52:14 AM
You are welcome Val. I'd never realised I could do it this way before  as  the 1st couple of times I went solo I booked my flight and accomodation separately till I spoke to a lady who was staying at Kaloudis on her own I thought she had booked privately with the family so it is she ( Katerina) I have  to thank for that as she told me about just booking the flight, then scrolling down and then booking the accomodation. I  like the fact that I can use the bus transfer too although it takes longer to get to Arillas than the taxi it's cheaper, which means more money to spend in Arillas.

Mary x
Title: Re: Thomas Cook.
Post by: martin-w on December 05, 2011, 12:42:54 PM
Hi all! Thanks for all your comments and advice. Proves it's not just me getting the brush off on these websites! Will have another look and try your suggestion Mary.
Promised myself three weeks back 'home' in Arillas next May.
Yammas,
Martin.