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Welcome to San Stefanos (NW Corfu) => San Stefanos news and views => Topic started by: tonyco1 on March 20, 2009, 01:43:28 AM

Title: The Airlines Charges - what do you think?
Post by: tonyco1 on March 20, 2009, 01:43:28 AM
Airlines - we know they have to make a profit - it's a business of course, but don't you hate the subterfuge.
Shame on you Airlines - you have more Spin than Mandleson & Brown!!
You give a price, then we have to pay for loads of extra's - which are not really extra's!!
1) To Sit together, this is a joke!! everyone should boycott this one and not pay the stupid charge.
    We never pay it and always still sit together.
2) Meals, your choice really, but most economy flights serve rubbish on short flights - we always buy an M&S sandwich etc.
    On one thompson's flight, they didn't want to take away the rubbish from our own food, (snotty cabin staff), so I took it to the
    galley and gave it over anyway!!
3) Luggage Allowance, all Airlines should give a Minimum of 20Kgs, anything less for the average family or couple is silly.
    Thomas Cook only allowed us 15Kg, last late Summer, and made it impossible to "buy" a larger amount.
    Everyone then got caught at the Airport on the return flight and were "Blackmailed" into paying large amounts or dump your stuff!!
    Shame on Thomas Cook - this does not make me want to spend more money with them, on what was otherwise a great flight.

OK - they are my main 3 gripes - What are your's?????????
Also what are different Cheapie Airlines like - e.g. EasyJet, Ryanaire, etc. etc.
Title: Re: The Airlines Charges - what do you think?
Post by: Jules on March 20, 2009, 09:42:02 AM
One of mine is that you have to pay to listen to the tv or radio by buying there ear phones. We always take our own now which work anyway. ;D
Title: Re: The Airlines Charges - what do you think?
Post by: Helen on March 20, 2009, 08:44:01 PM
last year going to corfu and coming home we were the last to check in, both ways we sat together in the extra leg room seats ! how lucky was that with no extra cost ! ;D
Title: Re: The Airlines Charges - what do you think?
Post by: peter on March 20, 2009, 09:43:05 PM
we were on a thomas cook flight from tenerife at christmas an d there baggae allowance was 15kgs almost everybody got done at a charge of 11euros per kilo on the return journey , going back there in a few weeks with globespan and have just learned they too have dropped their allowance to 15 kilos as from 1st of march, we will just have to take very little with us .
Title: Re: The Airlines Charges - what do you think?
Post by: don on March 20, 2009, 10:55:38 PM
We Thomas Cook'd it for a Canarian Christmas too. We had previously been with them in november so had learned our lesson. We flew out with 29kilo between us. We flew back with 32kilo. The difference? We had dumped and used toiletries... disposable razor, soap, shower gel, shaving gel, shampoo and toothpaste. We had used and dumped .5kilo of cheese, a jar of coffee and 2 packs of biscuits. We had read and left 7 books between us, 5 of which had been in hold luggage. We had jettisoned 2 bottles of sun tan lotion and and 1 of aftersun........ How is this possible?
We saw the same happening at Christmas and again last saturday. We now take a set of Fishermans scales and will hopefully stay under limit.
Title: Re: The Airlines Charges - what do you think?
Post by: tonyco1 on March 21, 2009, 12:15:45 AM
We Thomas Cook'd it for a Canarian Christmas too. We had previously been with them in november so had learned our lesson. We flew out with 29kilo between us. We flew back with 32kilo. The difference? We had dumped and used toiletries... disposable razor, soap, shower gel, shaving gel, shampoo and toothpaste. We had used and dumped .5kilo of cheese, a jar of coffee and 2 packs of biscuits. We had read and left 7 books between us, 5 of which had been in hold luggage. We had jettisoned 2 bottles of sun tan lotion and and 1 of aftersun........ How is this possible?
We saw the same happening at Christmas and again last Saturday. We now take a set of Fisherman s scales and will hopefully stay under limit.
We bought a pair of scales on the net, called Balanzza  -  http://www.balanzza.co.uk/?gclid=CPPcsuy1spkCFYITzAodXxys8A
Google it and shop around for best price - very accurate and lightweight.
These Airlines are using a form of legal theft and I am sure they fiddle the weigh-in scales a touch!!
once again - Airlines that only allow 15Kg. are a joke!!
Title: Re: The Airlines Charges - what do you think?
Post by: zoe on March 21, 2009, 08:51:23 PM
when we came back from  san sefanos last october we thought we would be well over the weight but  we were under we both looked at the case and roy had the end just off the belt we were one off the few not having to pay extra
Title: Re: The Airlines Charges - what do you think?
Post by: don on March 22, 2009, 03:17:39 AM
Two years ago we flew Liverpool to Palma with Ryanair and were well under weight on the outward journey. On the way back we were 7 kilo overweight! Not possible after leaving literature and toiletries behind. Me being me, I jumped on the unused scales on the next check-in desk only to find I had  put on a mere 22 kilos in a week. The Ryanair staff called the Guardia Civil and threatened me with all sorts until I flashed my "Freelance Press Pass. " Excess baggage charges suddenly and miracuously waived.
Something really stinks in the way we are all treated !!!!!
Title: Re: The Airlines Charges - what do you think?
Post by: tonyco1 on March 23, 2009, 02:41:52 AM
Two years ago we flew Liverpool to Palma with Ryanair and were well under weight on the outward journey. On the way back we were 7 kilo overweight! Not possible after leaving literature and toiletries behind. Me being me, I jumped on the unused scales on the next check-in desk only to find I had  put on a mere 22 kilos in a week. The Ryanair staff called the Guardia Civil and threatened me with all sorts until I flashed my "Freelance Press Pass. " Excess baggage charges suddenly and miracuously waived.
Something really stinks in the way we are all treated !!!!!
You'll have to get me one of those Passes!! LOL
Seriously though, Ryanair were getting another mauling in the papers the other day, over their very unfair money making schemes,
and their arrogant & ignorant C E O, who believes that customer Service is robbing us with sneaky underhand charges.
Title: Re: The Airlines Charges - what do you think?
Post by: Jules on March 23, 2009, 10:00:49 AM
Thomsons on there website say you can only have 20 kilos each and not spread them over 2 cases so each case can only be 20 kilos max and if you have hand luggage that has to be deducted from your 20 kilos as well >:(
Title: Re: The Airlines Charges - what do you think?
Post by: swedebasher on March 23, 2009, 12:27:40 PM
No one has ever weighed our hand luggage Jules, and having gone with Thomson's for ages, to have the hand weight deducted from your 20kg is news to me.
The Ryanair range of charges currently being taked about are a total outrage, and they should be cold shouldered.
Title: Re: The Airlines Charges - what do you think?
Post by: Jules on March 23, 2009, 04:23:35 PM
No one has ever weighed our hand luggage Jules, and having gone with Thomson's for ages, to have the hand weight deducted from your 20kg is news to me.
The Ryanair range of charges currently being taked about are a total outrage, and they should be cold shouldered.
We always go with Thomsons from Manchester and the hand luggage always get weighed. The other info I found on there website.
Title: Re: The Airlines Charges - what do you think?
Post by: Colin on March 23, 2009, 07:42:31 PM
Never EVER had hand Luggage weighed....I hope we never do!!
Title: Re: The Airlines Charges - what do you think?
Post by: don on March 23, 2009, 10:59:36 PM
We fly with Thomson in june and are allowed 20kg hold luggage and 5kg hand luggage. Easyjet in september allow 20 & 10.
Title: Re: The Airlines Charges - what do you think?
Post by: swedebasher on March 24, 2009, 10:16:07 PM
I'm with you Don on weights, and also have never had hand luggage weighed, good job as I have my cameras in that!!
Title: Re: The Airlines Charges - what do you think?
Post by: don on March 24, 2009, 11:09:13 PM
I'm with you Don on weights, and also have never had hand luggage weighed, good job as I have my cameras in that!!

I know exactly what you mean. I carry a minimum of 2 digital cameras and a video-cam and sometimes a full SLR outfit too. That back-pack stays with me!!!
Title: Re: The Airlines Charges - what do you think?
Post by: tonyco1 on March 25, 2009, 01:08:43 AM
I'm with you Don on weights, and also have never had hand luggage weighed, good job as I have my cameras in that!!

I know exactly what you mean. I carry a minimum of 2 digital cameras and a video-cam and sometimes a full SLR outfit too. That back-pack stays with me!!!
I sometimes take the Laptop in the back pack as well as my camera so I can download and check my pictures out.
Also good for checking any DVD films on offer and you could always log on in previous years to the public Wi-Fi
and check emails or this forum!!
Sad - eh!!  :o 
Title: Re: The Airlines Charges - what do you think?
Post by: Jules on March 26, 2009, 12:16:13 AM
Thomsons on there website say you can only have 20 kilos each and not spread them over 2 cases so each case can only be 20 kilos max and if you have hand luggage that has to be deducted from your 20 kilos as well >:(
This is what is stated on Thomsons website
Standard Baggage Conditions
Any baggage may only be accepted if it is packed and secured in suitcases or similar containers and capable of withstanding reasonable handling.

Any passenger presenting baggage that is insecurely or insufficiently packed, or already damaged must sign a disclaimer waiving their right to any subsequent claim.

Each customer may take one item of hand baggage (maximum dimensions of 55x40x20cm), Other bags such as handbags, laptop bags or laptop computers must be carried within the single item of cabin baggage.

The total weight of hand luggage items must not exceed 10kg and is part of any baggage allowance which you may have purchased, or be entitled to (please see your travel documentation). You must be able to lift this yourself into overhead storage compartments and any handbag or laptop computer bag (or equivalent) must fit under the seat in front of you.

If your total baggage weight exceeds the limit detailed on your booking confirmation, excess hold baggage will be accepted for carriage subject to the conditions of acceptance of excess baggage, and will be charged at the current excess baggage charge (per kg) each way. This rate will vary by destination. Extra weight can be purchased in advance on Thomson.co.uk/flights.com at a discount during the flight booking process, or via the call centre.

Any single item of checked-in luggage must not exceed 32kg, as this exceeds the recommended guidelines for airport baggage handlers to lift.

Infants under the age of 2 have no hand/hold baggage allowance.

It is recommended that video cameras, mobile telephones and other valuable items should be carried as hand luggage; they must not exceed the dimensions outlined above. Customers will only be able to carry Hypodermic Syringes in their hand luggage if supporting an approved "Diabetic Doctors letter". Customers carrying such items must also advise check-in staff.



Can I combine my baggage allowance with someone else?
No, unfortunately you can no longer combine your luggage allowance with another passenger. The maximum weight for any piece of luggage to be checked into the aircraft hold is 20kgs. If you and another passenger wish to share a bag you can do so - however please ensure that no one piece of luggage exceeds the maximum 20kgs weight allowance. Similarly if you are taking hand baggage, please remember that no one piece of hand baggage must exceed the maximum dimensions of 55x40x20cm and maximum weight of 10kg.  
Title: Re: The Airlines Charges - what do you think?
Post by: tonyco1 on March 27, 2009, 02:30:25 AM
I rest my case - it's all in the small print -
Thompsons and co-conspiritors, use the baggage scam all the time and see it as a cash cow!!
Ryanair being the worst!!
Title: Re: The Airlines Charges - what do you think?
Post by: Jules on March 27, 2009, 09:36:19 AM
Personally though I think it is all just pure luck who you get at the check ins as it does seem to vary across the country and aslo varies at your chosen airport. Its probably all comes down to how busy they are.
Title: Re: The Airlines Charges - what do you think?
Post by: tonyco1 on March 29, 2009, 10:37:21 PM
Personally though I think it is all just pure luck who you get at the check ins as it does seem to vary across the country and aslo varies at your chosen airport. Its probably all comes down to how busy they are.
I think there is an element of truth there!!
Title: Re: The Airlines Charges - what do you think?
Post by: zoe on August 16, 2009, 11:13:26 PM
have just been looking to book for september thomsons have put baggage allowance down to 15kg £10 for 5 extra when we went in june it was 20kg >:(
Title: Re: The Airlines Charges - what do you think?
Post by: don on August 16, 2009, 11:18:49 PM
Late bookings with Thomson always carry less of an allowance. Did you book?
Title: Re: The Airlines Charges - what do you think?
Post by: zoe on August 16, 2009, 11:33:51 PM
we were going to book today but will now be monday as i will ring a girl who can sometimes get a little bit more off the price if i work out a price for everything if she cant will do it myself
Title: Re: The Airlines Charges - what do you think?
Post by: Paulene Dean on August 17, 2009, 12:35:30 AM
Hi all

Over the years we have used a number of different flight operators - this year Easyjet started flying to Corfu from Bristol - brilliant times as we have 2 young children - and from beginning to end I couldn't fault them. We booked the flights back in Jan at a very good price, luggage allowance was not a prob as 2 standard cases are allowed with total weight of 64 KG (u can pay for xtra if needed) , and also because our youngest is under 5 were given priority boarding at no extra cost. Checkin at both ends  was really quick - quickest we have ever known it - and the in flight food - altho you need to pay seperately for it - was the best we've ever seen for choice and value for money. We'll def be booking with them again next yr.
Title: Re: The Airlines Charges - what do you think?
Post by: tonyco1 on August 17, 2009, 01:48:43 AM
Yes - we also had a good Easyjet experience.
Also travelled with Son and Daughter-in-law, with Grandson.
Given priority boarding as per the child, a good all round experience.
Flights were (with all the bits) £140 each approx. return. Easy everything - only complaint - they ran out of food on the way home!