Flight TCX881K to Tenerife
We got to the check in at Manchester T1 3 hours before departure, after checking in we went to sit in the seating area overlooking the domestic apron (T3) and Pier B of T1. Amongst the many a/c about were a couple of VLM F50s, BA ERJ145s,737s, 320s, BMI 320s, ERJs, LH CRJ.
After having something to eat, we proceeded through to the departure lounge before being called to the gate for boarding of our flight. Once at the gate we sat for about 20 mins before boarding began, with the front of the a/c called first, then the rear, and then those of us in the middle section.
If I remember correctly we boarded through Gate 31 and I had seat just in front of the wing.
Parked next to us was an Air Atlanta Europ Boeing 747-200.
We pushed back on time and made our way to runway 6L past Concorde in the viewing park. Nice long queue of 7 a/c ahead of us for departure
Have to say, so far I was very impressed with TCX
After a BMI A321 took off for London Heathrow we lined up on 6L, and the 757 produced it's unmatched take-off performance as we climbed majestically into the skies about Stockport before turning north of the airport to head west before joining the main airways down to Tenerife.
The cabin crew were released to do their duties and they were very friendly and such.
After getting a beer, I started to relax listening to the radio and watching the TV.
Just as we reached the Southwest coast of the UK I looked out the window to see a Martinair MD11 leaving a nice big contrail.
Other a/c we passed included a Britannia 757-200, and Iberia MD87.
The film onboard todays flight was Shrek2 and the meal was absolutly delicious.
After about 4 hours of flying it was time to descend into Tenerife's Reina Sofia Airport, where landings were on runway 26.
Descending into TFS, we passed the island of Gran Canaria on the left hand side of the airport and turned to a SW heading for finals.
Touchdown was firm, and the a.c slowed down very quickly before turning off the runway and heading for the gate. TFS was in a middle of reconstruction work on the apron I noticed and a large number of other UK airlines were present.
Have to say, the 757-300 is a very long a/c and very nice to fly on.
Thomas Cook Airlines UK are a very good airline to fly with, and I thoroughly enjoyed the return flight as well.
Any questions?
