THOMSON AIRWAYS IS ‘TOP RATED’ WHEN IT COMES to LONG Submittedhaul FLIGHTS By: TUI UK Friday, 19 June 2009

THOMSON AIRWAYS IS ‘TOP RATED’ WHEN IT COMES TO LONG SubmittedHAUL FLIGHTS by: TUI UK Friday, 19 June 2009

Thomson Airways has been voted the best economy long-haul carrier in an online ‘Top Rated’ survey by seatplans.com, the website that offers advice on all classes of air travel. Thomson Airways has long been renowned for its superior long haul flights (http://flights.thomson.co.uk/en/index.html) service, and seatplans.com has further recognised Thomson by awarding it an overall user rating of 9.50 and seat comfort rating of 8.50. Airlines were rated by passengers via seatplans.com on criteria that included boarding service, seating, in-flight entertainment, onboard food and drink and baggage. Contributing factors to Thomson Airways (http://flights.thomson.co.uk/en/index.html) success include the 33 inch seat pitch in economy (more than BA or Virgin on long haul), leather seats with seven-inch seat-back TVs offering films, TV channels, audio channels and interactive games as well as a dedicated children’s' channel and a choice of eight pre-bookable meals included in the ticket price. Chris Browne, Managing Director of Thomson Airways comments, “This accolade is an outstanding tribute and to be recognised by the people that count – the customers – is fantastic news for Thomson. The customer’s satisfaction with the airline is especially appreciated when you take into account the recent merger of Thomsonfly and First Choice Airways.” Thomson offers a range of holiday experiences in Long Haul, with direct flights (http://flights.thomson.co.uk/en/index.html) to over 10 faraway destinations from 7 UK hubs, including Glasgow, Bristol, Newcastle and East Midlands. Destinations include Aruba (http://www.thomson.co.uk/destinations/caribbean/aruba-island/holidays-aruba-island.html), Cuba (http://www.thomson.co.uk/destinations/caribbean/cuba/holidays-cuba.html), Kenya (http://www.thomson.co.uk/destinations/africa/kenya/holidays-kenya.html), the Dominican Republic (http://www.thomson.co.uk/destinations/caribbean/dominican-republic/holidays-dominican-republic.html) and Mexico (http://www.thomson.co.uk/destinations/caribbean/mexico/holidays-mexico.html), with return flights to Mexico starting from just £394 return.* Thomson also offers fourteen night package holidays in Mexico staying at the 5T+ Sensatori Mexico (http://www.thomson.co.uk/destinations/caribbean/mexico/mexico-caribbean-coast/riviera-maya/hotels/sensatori-resort-mexico.html) on an all inclusive basis from £1,224 per person departing Birmingham Airport, 9th July, 2009 based on two sharing. Price includes return flights, accommodation, resort transfers and fuel supplements. For further information or to book visit www.thomson.co.uk or call 0871 231 3235. Notes to Editors: *Thomson offers flights direct to Cancun from 7 UK airports (including Newcastle, East Midlands and Birmingham). A return flight from Birmingham starts from just £394 including taxes, fuel supplements and charges, based on a fourteen day departure on 14th July, 2009. All Thomson flights are now ATOL protected so customers can be confident that their money is safe. For further information or to book visit www.thomson.co.uk/flights or call 0871 231 4787. For further press information please contact:

Page 1 Anne-Marie Buckley - Thomson Press Office Tel: 01582 645336 Email: [email protected]

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