Didn't see a thread on this - mods feel free to move if this should be merged into an existing thread.

Flying LON (can leave from any airport in London) - JTR (Santorini) next May and trying to figure out the best carrier. We have to be in Royston for a wedding on Sunday night so the BA and DY flights are out which leaves us with either Thomas Cook or EasyJet if we want to fly direct (there is a Vueling flight via BCN but it's the same price so why would we both with a connecting LCC over a direct LCC - it's not like I'm trying to maximize time on EK F here or anything).

The EasyJet schedule hasn't been released (comes out in October) but Thomas Cook is coming in at ~$220 USD for the one way + bag + seat selection + meal (costs the same with or without the meal with their bundle).

The TC flight is on an A321 while it looks like the EasyJet flight is on an A320 (that's what they are running right now). I am assuming the prices will be roughly the same with bags, etc., factored in and both depart LGW (will likely stay at LGW Hilton or Marriott which is cheap).

I flew EasyJet when I studied abroad in London but that was 2009 so I don't know how it fares these days. I've never flown Thomas Cook.

Is there any reason (apart from potentially price) to wait for EasyJet schedule or are they both basically the same and we should just grab the TC flight and pick the seats we want (First Exit Row with no window seat is available which seems like a good one) and be done with it?

As an employee of tcx I must promote my work!

However we have just finished a huge cabin refresh and it's much nicer flying with them, I have free reign on my business travel and I used to avoid tcx but now I happily pick it

A few considerations:

• Are the flight times all more or less satisfactory for you?
• Which airport is most convenient? Royston is closest to STN and LTN, though a train to LGW (connecting at King's Cross/St. Pancras) is certainly possible.
• This being FT, have you considered any other options, particularly those that might earn miles (eg, A3)? Together with a more convenient airport, this may be a deciding factor.

If the EasyJet schedule hasn't been released yet, it is unlikely that prices will go up substantially. Other airlines may also adjust their S17 schedules over the next few weeks, giving you more options and/or price competition.

This is good to hear! I know close to nothing about Thomas Cook so a cabin refresh is certainly appealing

Thanks chalf! Good points all around. A3 has only released their LON - ATH schedule but I am waiting for them to finally release the ATH - JTR flight schedule to see if connecting via ATH on A3 (and earning miles) is an option.

The Thomas Cook flight has gone up a bit in price (~$535 USD for 2 one way including bags/seats) so at this point I'm definitely waiting for EasyJet to see how their prices compare.

I do get your point re: LTN and STN relative to Royston but I have a Marriott Cat 1-5 night to use so I'm a bit biased towards LGW since we can get a free hotel night and then take an early morning flight out on Tuesday morning (that's the Thomas Cook schedule).

Either way thanks for the input! I'll keep an eye out for EasyJet and then will circle back if anything else comes up

If hand baggage is consideration:

- Thomas Cook specifies a smaller/lighter carry on, but also allows an additional laptop or (I assume) camera bag.
- EasyJet allows a bigger, heavier carry on, but terms and conditions apply if you want to bring a separate laptop.

Service is very comparable between the two. I think EasyJet is better overall for the business traveller but I had no issue using Thomas Cook for a business trip to Gambia. In fact, I was delighted with the direct option! There's not a great deal between the two.

Ah thanks for the heads up about the carry-on with Thomas Cook. I think Thomas Cook is going to win by default - the EasyJet flight doesn't leave until late afternoon and arrives in Santorini at 8pm+ versus the Thomas Cook flight which will have us there by 140pm so we can enjoy the whole afternoon at the hotel.

Hi, just curios whether you booked with Thomas Cook or waited out for Easyjet in October? Am in the same situation and trying to guess what will work out cheaper...
Thank you!