Part 2 Dubrovnik to Manchester-Thomsonfly (long)

So, after a lovely 5 nights on the island of Korcula, It was time to return home, but on a different flight. On thursday, the Holiday Options rep told us BA had overbooked the return DBV-MAN flight by 30 passengers. The rep said we could either have another 2 nights in Korcula at BA’s expense and compensation and fly out on Tuesday, or she would try and get us to the airport early so we could be first for the flight. My mum and I opted for the second option because we hadn’t planned to stay for a week and my mum had work and I had school. I asked the rep if there were any other flights that day, because in Flight Check, there was a thomsonfly flight.

The next day, the rep told us a that the thomsonfly flight was available so we were transferred to that. The only snag was the flight left at 2pm instead of the BA 12pm, so it would mean 4 hours in DBV.

On Sunday, we hopped on the ferry to take us to the mainland and from there, we picked up the coach for the 2 hour transfer to DBV. We arrived at DBV at 10am. The airport rep said that we could wait in the bar and the company would pay for drinks and food. At 1130, the rep came and said check in was open for the Thomsonfly flight. Me and my mum headed to check in. We got checked in by a very bored looking girl who we thought had left charm school a bit early. After heading through security, we took some seats. DBV is quite small but very modern and clean, although the bar area was extremely smoky.

Flight Number: TOM2772
Aircraft: Boeing 757-200 G-BYAU http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1034007/L/
http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0899198/L/
Seats: 13A/B
ETD: 1400
ATD: 1320 (next day)
ETA: 1610
ATA:1515 (next day)

We saw the TOM 752 arrive at about 1245 and at 1330, boarding was called at gate 6. We were bussed over to the aircraft, G-BYAU. Boarding was taking place through doors 2L and 4L. Our seats, row 13, were just behind the exit seats at 2L, so we were through the door and straight into them which was good. The crew were very friendly and the pilots greeted us over the tannoy. The TV’sin the aisles were showing music vidoesof Madonaa and Corrine Baily Rae.

At 1400, boarding had finished but the stairs were still attached and doors open. Then the pilot came onover the tannoy, I sensed it would be bad news: (rough account) “Ladies and Gentlemen, on our approach into Dubrovnik,the aircraft encounted a lightning strike. I have done an inspection and I can’t find any hazardous damage, but for precaution, I need an engineer to inspect the aircarft. We are currently having trouble locating a local engineer,and it could take a while” (Groans and moans of passengers) “If we are unable to find a suitale engineer, we will have to fly one in from the U.K…”. There was like a mexican wave of groans on the plane. After a few minutes, the crew announced they would do a complimentry bar service and put the IFE on. Alison, one of the crew, was talking to us and some other passengers who asked about the lightning, she said she saw a sudden flash and something like fire shot across the wing. Some passengers weren’t reassured.

After 1.5 hours sat on the plane, watching the chronicles of Narnia, the captain came on and explained that they were unable to find an engineer, so one from the U.K would be flown in. He said a plane was leaving East Midlands within half an hour to drop him off. So the busses came to the plane and we were sent back to the terminal. We were give Transit Cards, and refreshments were served at the bar. They were croatian airlines sandwiches with cartons of juice. Now, about 1700, the terminal was jam packed. There about 5 flights, and 1 of them to Dublin was also delayed for a few hours.

At about 1800, a thomsonfly 757-200, G-BYAI, landed. We thought it was a rescue plane, but half an hour later, it departed. The passengers were now very hot, tired and frustrated. There had been no communication whatsoever from any Thomson repsor anyone. Then at about 1900, the captain came to the terminal wand announced a new departure time of 2030, because a problem had been found with the aircaft.

Well, 2030 came and went, and at 2130, the purser George came into the terminal and said we would be overnighting because the engineer had found a major problem and he wouldn’t let the plane fly tonight. Now tempers were soaring. At about 2200, we were told to go to arrivals. We queued for about 30 mins and then we had to go through passport control. Where did they think we had been? At 2300, we had our bags and we were on the coach to a hotel. Our Holiday Options rep had been at the airport throughout the delay, and said that we were her responsibillity. She arranged for us to stay at the 5 star Hotel Croatia in nearby cavtat, about 10 mins from the airport. A lot of thomson passengers were staying there aswell. We arrived at the hotel and had dinner. the crew wee also staying at the hotel. There were only 5 cabin crew for an almost full 757 flight, is that normal? We then retired to the room to sleep. The 5* hotel was great! The rooms were spacious and the beds were so soft.

In the morning, we went to breakfast and we were told that we should be departing between 11 and 12pm. The coach came for us at 9am and we were at the airport by 0930. Check in was fast. We only had to drop our luggage off and then go. Again, we went through security and into Departures. At 11am, the piilot entered the terminal and said 1pm departure, the engineers were still fixing the plane. The lightnig had blasted some rivets on the left hand side of the plane near door 2L, so new rivets had to be fitted. More refreshments were served and finally, at 1230pm, boarding was announced at gate 8 and 9. We were bussed to G-BYAU and boarded through 2L and too our seats. I was like a deja vous. The captain said we had a slot at 1320 and all was well. Finally, at 1300, engines were started and the aircraft taxied to runway 30. The safety video was shown and then after a 23 hour and 20 minute delay, the 757’s roll royce engines were spooled up to take off power. The difference from the A320 was immense. The engines were so much louder and powerful. We were thrown back in our seats as we hurtled down the runway, eventually performing a steep 757 style rotation. Everyone clapped as we lifted off. We made a left turn over the Adriatic coast and climbed up to 36000ft, reaching it near Zadar.

The IFE was on and showing the ending of Narnia and other programmes such as Everybody Loves Raymond and My Dads the Prime Minister. We were given a flight time of 2 hous 45 mins. A cold meal was served due to the fact that the hot meals had to be thrown out due to the delay, and in DBV, they only cater cold food. The pilot addressed us again and the crew came round with a complimentry drinks service. The seats are very comfy, the legroom is less than BA, but having the seat pocket above is great, allowing more knee space. The TV’s were fine, in the centre aisle but I could still see them from the window seat. I thought thwy were better than the Flip down LCD ones because they had a very clear picture.

We flew over germany, northern france and over calais. I could see Manston Airport in Kent. Soon, we began the descent into Manchester. We were soon flying low over the fields of Lancashire. Flaps were lowered and the dull thud of gear being realised told me we were on finals. The pilot used a lot of spoiler to slow the plane down before a very smooth landing on runway 24R at 1510. The reverse thrust kicked into action and soon we were exiting near the end of the runway. Everyone cheered as we arrived and we pulled up onto stand 208 at terminal 2. We were haded letters for Insurance purposes and we proceeded to passport control and to get our bags. And thus, the end of an extremely long trip.

Despite the delay, I’ll give thomsonfly 7/10. The seats were great, food ok and IFE was good. The crew were also very kind and helpful and you can’t beat the 757. I know the delay was no fault of the airlines but I think they could have sent another plane to pick us up when they realised how badly damaged the plane was.

Thanks for reading,
Astraeus471