24 Hour Flight Delay with Thomas Cook Airlines

Norman_Hewit

On 10 May my wife and I should have flown back from Cuba with Thomas Cook Airlines but the flight was delayed by 24 hours.
We arrived at Cayo Coco Airportat 13.00 on the 10 May and boarded the plane at 15.00. We then sat on the plane with practically no air conditioning for around two hours listening to announcements about late taxi cabs, wrong paperwork, computer problems and an engine fault. During this time we were towed from our stand to the runway, onlyto be towed back again. We were then told we would have to get off the plane with our hand-luggage and return to the departure lounge as the flight would have to be delayed until the next day. We then had to wait in an un-air-conditioned departure lounge without Thomas Cook supplying any refreshments and drink for about another four hours. During this time we were advised by members of the aircrew that there was no Thomas Cook representative on site but they understood that only 100 rooms had been found for the passengers and only three buses were available. Apparently attempts were being made to get a representative to the airport.
At around 21.00 we were herded down to the baggage reclaim area and then outside of the terminal buildingwhich then promptly closed up behind us with no explanation as to why. At around 21.50 a Thomas Cook Rep’ and a man in a red shirt turned up and began to put passengers on the three buses and ferry them to various hotels, a lengthy process with only three busses available. At around 23.45 we were checked into a Hotel and finally given a basic meal and a drink.
To make matters even worse,when we did finally arrive back at Manchester we had to remain sitting on the aircraft while the Captain spoke to police officers who later came onto the plane and removed various passengers for interview.
I used the claim letter template on this website, filled in my details and sent it recorded delivery to Thomas Cook Airlines.
About 4 weeks later we received a voucher for a total of £1,054.00 which we have used to pay off most of a holiday already booked for next year.
We also received £50,00 each from our insurance company.
Thank you very much guys for your website and good advice.