The numbers game is paying off for Thomas Cook Airlines UK which is reporting a phenomenal response for its pre-bookable Your Seat, Your Choice service.Launched in May, the initiative, which allows passengers to choose their precise aircraft seat, was available only by telephone booking. But it has proved so popular that the airline has also made the service fully interactive via its website (www.thomascookairlines.co.uk).

Thomas Cook started the initiative following a customer research project which indicated a real enthusiasm for being able to choose specific seats. Demand has proved so great that the airline has had to boost the numbers of pre-flight assistants during peak times.

Now, in addition to being able to book by telephone, customers can go to the website and choose seats from a plan of the aircraft once they have booked their flight.

“We felt pretty confident that the service would be a success, but the huge level of response took us by surprise”, said Joanne Wild, the airlines Director of Customer Services. “Many passengers want to sit in a particular section of the aircraft, but others want to make birthdays or anniversaries more special by relating them to particular seat numbers”.

She added: “It was the next logical step to make the service fully interactive and we believe this will create even more interest in the service”.

As well as being able to book specific seats on line, passengers can also order celebration packages such as champagne and chocolates or places in VIP departure lounges.

Prices for the Your Seat, Your Choice option are from 10 for each return short haul flight when bought in conjunction with pre-bookable seats, extra leg room seats or a VIP package. (Medical seats cannot be purchased).
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