Thomson confirms Dreamliner delay
Thomson announced today that it has been forced to switch customers booked on the first planned Dreamliner flights to alternative planes.
It said that, "in the absence of a deliver schedule from Boeing, it had decided to activate its contingency plans. All existing 787s remain grounded while investigators try to fathom out what caused fires to break out in the battery compartment of two of the brand new jets, and the manufacturer has not told airlines waiting for new deliveries when to expect them.
Thomson said its customer service team is in the process of contacting all customers affected to tell those travelling in May and June that they will now be flying on Thomson Airways 767s with premium cabins.
The £20 per person supplement paid for the 787 Dreamliner flight will be refunded to those customers who proceed with their original holiday bookings and those due to travel in Premium will receive an additional £80 refund as there is less legroom on the 767 aircraft.
Thomson is also waiving fees for those customers who want to amend (but not cancel) their bookings. Customers can change to fly from a different UK airport and choose an alternative Thomson holiday as long as it departs within four days of their original departure date.
"We understand how frustrating and disappointing this news will be for those customers looking forward to flying on the 787 Dreamliner, we are equally as disappointed that Boeing was not able to confirm a delivery date for us but unfortunately these circumstances are out of our control," said a spokeswoman.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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