Cyprus Turkish Airlines

ROBIN HOOD


Joined: 26/05/2008
Posts: 238

Message Posted:
14/08/2009 19:15

Anyone heard anything about the airline in the last 24 Hrs. Seems to be a problem with flights out of Germany in September? Info greatly rec'd. Our September flights, booked and paid for in May, have been cancelled.

alano


Joined: 20/12/2008
Posts: 139

Message Posted:
14/08/2009 19:36

My family are booked on Cyprus Turkish Airlines end of Sept from Birmingham all ok as far as we are aware and they only booked 2 days ago.If any problems surely the booking centre would have said at the time.

Vidal


Joined: 14/05/2009
Posts: 867

Message Posted:
14/08/2009 19:52

Ring 'em Robin



+90 392 227 1240 HQ

+44 207 241 5523 Europe (girls here are super helpful)

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
14/08/2009 20:10

Hi Robin



I have been on the phone to them since your message came up:



1] Mixed messages so I can't quote



2] Flights still bookable on their agents system for August



3] Flights not bookable on Sabre in September



4] They should either transfer you to other flights / aircraft or repay you.



4] Email or call now and I will get you flights on Pegasus I will stay in the office till at least 19.00 today to help you and anyone else.



Tom



IAH Ltd

info@flightholiday.co.uk



Skype flightholiday



0871 855 2925 (UK)

Earlybird


Joined: 28/04/2009
Posts: 816

Message Posted:
14/08/2009 20:27

Is there something they are not telling us?

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
14/08/2009 20:54

Maybe they are trying to consolidate their business in the UK?



Historicaly Turkish has been strong and SunExpress too but that is because of the strong Turkish/German affiliations not because of North Cyprus.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
14/08/2009 20:57

Robin still here till at least 19.30 so ahppy to help or leave a message as I will be dashing by the office in the morning and could try to help you then.



Tom

ROBIN HOOD


Joined: 26/05/2008
Posts: 238

Message Posted:
15/08/2009 09:15

Just spoken to CTA about the cancellation. Apparently they are no longer flying from Germany from the end of August 2009. So anyone with bookings please check with CTA. I was informed that as my cancellaion was over one month in advance I could possibly get my money back. When I pointed out that it was not me that was cancelling, they were very apologetic and said I would certainly get my money back. They also said they would try to rebook with Turkish Airlines. They'll ring on Monday with a result.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
15/08/2009 10:31

I'm glad your problem seems to be resolved - far better this way as they will probably pay any differences to waht you have paid them.



If you want any help I'm in the office on Monday as usual - might not be able to be more than a listener though!

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
15/08/2009 10:41

RE ROBIN HOOD: I've not checked what I was told by Dutch friends, but "Pegasus" (Turkish company) seems to have very reasonable priced flights from two or three German airports (and from Amsterdam) to Istanbul -> Ercan. Maybe worth to check it out when CTA fails you and Turkish Airlines is as expensive as always. Good luck!

Tatty


Joined: 24/09/2008
Posts: 186

Message Posted:
15/08/2009 12:16

I have flights booked with CTA to istanbul on the 11 Sept 09 will these's be ok.

Dusterbruce


Joined: 03/08/2007
Posts: 1125

Message Posted:
15/08/2009 12:27

DC

I am coming to Cyprus with Turkish in a couple of weeks, price £260.

Just checked the price with CTA for the same dates £401. I think Turkish is a little cheaper if my arithmetic is correct!

ROBIN HOOD


Joined: 26/05/2008
Posts: 238

Message Posted:
15/08/2009 17:12

Dutch Crusader. Thanks for the tip.

Lufthansa still appears to be the cheapest at present 235€ return.

If anyone can do better.From Frankfurt to Larnaca let me know please.

Need 4 Tickets outbound 23.9 back on 7.10

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
15/08/2009 19:43

One benefit of Pegasus is a flight to Ercan from many German cities - some prices are nearly compatible to you Lufthansa flight to the south.



Hopefully CTA will put you on a Turkish Airlines flight and you will have no problems.

ROBIN HOOD


Joined: 26/05/2008
Posts: 238

Message Posted:
19/08/2009 12:42

CTA have rebooked us at no extra charge on Turkish Airlines. 30Kg baggage allowance and Miles and More points. Took some time to organised. Thanks CTA

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
19/08/2009 12:55

Robin,



Glad to see they have done it. It was what I expected them to try to do but could not say so, it's better for you. By the way I might be wrong but I think on the Birmingham and UK runs Turkish only offer 20 Kg luggage so please check on their web site and conditions.



For a different reason I had to go onto the KTHY web site today and noticed that they are advertising German flights - it is difficult to keep site's up to date.



Tom

Sandcastle


Joined: 16/03/2009
Posts: 215

Message Posted:
19/08/2009 13:18

At the moment, Manchester is 25Kg. Either that or they are not charging. Biggest case allowance is 32kg. But obviously that must be for more than 1 person.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
19/08/2009 13:26

Sandcastle 25 Kg was the CTA or Turkish?



The baggage handlers rules put in the 32Kg limit per item for safe handling

NatAless



Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 789

Message Posted:
19/08/2009 16:22

With the problems they seem to be having it looks like we may be booking Pegasus for our London holiday at the end of September, Turkish airlines is cheaper but don't want to have to change in Istanbul.

What is the service like with Pegasus? It's my fiances' first long flight and he is a bit of a nervous flyer, do they provide entertainment ie films like Turkish airlines do?

Thanks

Natx

roversnan


Joined: 20/05/2007
Posts: 81

Message Posted:
19/08/2009 16:25

Birmingham is definately 20kg and 5kg hand luggage. We fly on Monday 10.30am and its on the tickets.



Cheers Lyn

teatime


Joined: 20/10/2008
Posts: 852

Message Posted:
19/08/2009 16:58

Msg 19

No entertainment, but very good airline, just take an ipod and a good book and you'll be OK.

NatAless



Joined: 31/03/2009
Posts: 789

Message Posted:
19/08/2009 17:50

thanks will do! natx

dynamicduo


Joined: 23/08/2009
Posts: 66

Message Posted:
23/08/2009 20:11

TOP MARKS TO CTA!!!! Our flight on Monday 17th August (Ercan to Heathrow) was full to capacity. We took off within 3 minutes of the scheduled departure time, and landed at London Heathrow to the very minute of its arrival time. The cabin crew performed most admirably and carried out their duties with a smile. This is our 21st return trip with CTA, so TOP MARKS TO ALL THE STAFF CONCERNED who are working under the most difficult circumstances. For those travellers who ciritcise CTA catering, try taking a sandwich with you in your hand luggage!!!

finchy


Joined: 08/04/2008
Posts: 86

Message Posted:
23/08/2009 20:37

CTA are an absolute joke and get my vote for one of the worlds worst airlines.



Ask anybody who was on the flight back from MANCHESTER that arrived 7.30am today, should have been 11am yesterday. Ask all those people that decided to come on holiday to the TRNC that won't be going again, another kick in the teath for an economy that is already on it's backside. Everybody wants to go on strike for increased pay, but they can't get it into their heads that world wide others are taking pay cuts to keep jobs.



We queued up at 5am yesterday and CTA staff just didn't have a clue what was happening, only that the pilots are on strike. Announcement over loud speaker 'No flights today'. I asked CTA staff when the flight would be and they said maybe tomorrow??? On our way back to Girne we saw the pilots having a union meeting at the round about, I couldn't believe my eyes.



Why CTA want direct flights is beyond me because as soon as they get competition they will be go bust.

bugsy


Joined: 16/05/2009
Posts: 114

Message Posted:
24/08/2009 08:08

any news on the strike are cta flights still leaving ercan cant seem to find latest news supposed to be flying weds!!!!

Sideways



Joined: 21/01/2009
Posts: 529

Message Posted:
24/08/2009 08:11

They also get my vote , as their customer service is non-existant.

On the LHR- ECN flight 15th Aug. A passenger was sick but the cabin staff just ignored her. At Izmir the sick bags were left on the seat but the staff saw them but completely ignored them. Not a smile in sight.

I have just dropped off the family at ECN but the 08.30 flight to LHR is delayed but no one knows how long for!

The LHR flight 0n 22nd was cancelled and 3 days later the passengers are still here!



Good old CTA.

aripointer


Joined: 01/07/2008
Posts: 189

Message Posted:
24/08/2009 17:41

When is the next strike due, or is it ongoing?



Plenty of very good pilots and cabin staff out of work in the UK?



AP

Hector


Joined: 26/08/2008
Posts: 2352

Message Posted:
24/08/2009 17:50

3 days? Still waiting? Surely not?

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
24/08/2009 18:07

Msg 28 re Msg 26 I was rather surprised too.



There was supposed to be a replacement on Sunday but of course they have only a limited number of aircraft and crews so safety considerations etc. might have affected this.



There are LHR flights due today and this might be the third day mentioned in Msg 26.



My guess only.

ROBIN HOOD


Joined: 26/05/2008
Posts: 238

Message Posted:
25/08/2009 08:30

I was told last night that CTA have some 600 staff and only 6 planes. The ratio seems obscene. How can staff shortages be a cause for delays?

Earlybird


Joined: 28/04/2009
Posts: 816

Message Posted:
25/08/2009 09:16

I think we have heard this before in the local press, a pity some of the 600 haven't done the 'customer service' course yet!

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
25/08/2009 13:23

Msg 30 - The 600 staff will include ground crew airport admin sales management etc. For many airlines that might seem too many but this is KTHY



The number of aircrew and cabin staff who were not "over their hours" may not have been enough to crew a plane. As sure as eggs are eggs I'm sure you would not want a pilot to be too tired to fly safely.

odgy47


Joined: 04/01/2008
Posts: 75

Message Posted:
26/08/2009 19:37

was due to fly out 8.30 saturday morning from ercan,finally flew out 5.15 monday afternoon .

good old CTA

Joe Soap


Joined: 17/10/2008
Posts: 170

Message Posted:
26/08/2009 21:39

Earlybird..............



Contrary to your comment, I heard that the CTA staff had been on the Tesco Charm Serviuce management course.............. they all failed.













Sorry to be sarky, but had to get this off my chest..........considering my experiences with the airline.

TinLondon


Joined: 20/07/2009
Posts: 171

Message Posted:
30/08/2009 10:17

(Msg 24, 26 & 34) I totally understand where you're coming from, I used to fly CTA a few years back and I too have many horror stories I could tell. It seems like things have got a lot worse since! I now fly directly from LHR (Terminal 5) in to Larnaca with BA and cross in to Northern Cyprus by road. The airport journey from Kyrenia / Girne is probably 15-20 more than it would be from Ecran but I more than make up for that by at least an hour in the air and another hour at Larnaca passport control. I really can't understand why people insist on flying with CTA to Northern Cyprus? Is it for the terrible cabin crew service, delayed flights or just for the bland food they serve on board. (Msg 23) I'm not even sure which airline you flew, it doesn't sound like CTA but why should anyone have to carry on a packed lunch after you have paid an airline for one? People should really start voting with their feet now.

PS. BA flights to Larnaca are now £178 rtn from Nov-09 (tax included)

Dusterbruce


Joined: 03/08/2007
Posts: 1125

Message Posted:
30/08/2009 11:23

I fly into Ercan because I refuse to support the economy of a state that makes it as difficult as possible for me to visit the country of my choice, and a country that would also try to make me a criminal if I chose to buy a property in my country of choice. I do not usually use CTA, it has its faults yes, but getting to North Cyprus now is a breeze compared to what it was 25 years ago.



Regarding the ratio of 100 staff for each plane at CTA, Jet2, the UK budget carrier, has just announced that it will set up a base at East Midlands Airport. By basing just ONE plane at EMA it will create 250 jobs, a far higher ratio of staff per plane than CTA's!

girne 29


Joined: 06/12/2007
Posts: 1488

Message Posted:
30/08/2009 11:35

This must cause tremendous damage to the tourist industry.3 days delay!!!!

If I have 2 weeks off I want to spend nearly all that time at my holiday destination,I do not want to book return flights 4 days before my holiday ends for fear of not getting back in time for work.



Even lesser delays are as bad . Those of us that use RyanAir or Easyjet to connect with London will know that to miss flights and have to buy new tickets at the last minute costs an absolute fortune,probably more than doubling the total travel costs for your holiday flights.



What about the costs of extra days in Cyprus or in London hotels. Is that paid for by CTA if its a direct result of their own staff or operations? They should at least be liable for the extra time in Cyprus .

TinLondon


Joined: 20/07/2009
Posts: 171

Message Posted:
30/08/2009 13:36

(Msg 36) I think you really need to try another airline before you call flying with CTA 'a breeze' ... I based my comments soley on my experiences with CTA and it had nothing to do with the political situation in Cyprus. My background is also from Northern Cyprus, but I refuse to pretend that this is a good airline just because it's the only one we have... there are many other ways to get to NC and I feel your comments are based on a little paranoia, I have had no problems flying in to the South and crossing the Check-Point.



As for your Jet 2 Ratio comments - This airline actualy has 31 aircraft and employing around 1,500 staff, soon to be 1,750. That's still far less than CTA's 900 staff (as of 2008 count, this includes 49 pilots) for 8 aircraft. So best not compare CTA to any other airline.... they are simply an inefficient airline with may financial problems due to too many over-paid staff. I can't think of many other airlines who have a debt in the tune of 60 Trillion TL.

Dusterbruce


Joined: 03/08/2007
Posts: 1125

Message Posted:
30/08/2009 13:51

TinLondon



Learn to read please! I did say that I do NOT fly with CTA, and I am certainly not supporting the airline!



In saying getting to North Cyprus now is a breeze compared with 25 years ago I am talking about the choice between Heathrow and Heathrow, no choice but to change in Istanbul, often an 8 hour wait between flights....... need I go on?



The Jet2 comparison was that there will be 250 staff at EMA for just ONE aircraft!

TinLondon


Joined: 20/07/2009
Posts: 171

Message Posted:
30/08/2009 18:10

Dusterbruce - Apologies, you're right I didn't read your comment correctly. ;-)

Dusterbruce


Joined: 03/08/2007
Posts: 1125

Message Posted:
30/08/2009 18:43

No problem, sorry I was rude!

odgy47


Joined: 04/01/2008
Posts: 75

Message Posted:
14/09/2009 22:53

has anyone ever received any compensation from cta for the delays?

Smity



Joined: 14/09/2009
Posts: 826

Message Posted:
14/09/2009 23:30

Had our flight times changed from 13.30 to 22.30 same day but now lost out due to getting in TRNC at 05.30 the next day and cant seem to book yet for next year

minertor



Joined: 14/02/2009
Posts: 1238

Message Posted:
15/09/2009 00:33

With my luck I can't understand why I haven't won the lottery. Been flying back and forth, Ercan - Man - Ercan for six years now. The only problem I've encountered is trying to get a fourth "free drink". A couple of years ago we were held up by an accident on the M62. The check-in was closed when we reached Manchester but they let us on. We had to leave our cases at the soft luggage gate and were told it might not make the plane, it did.

Hope I aren't tempting fate, flying back, hopefully, Oct 3rd.



Tony



ps wife says I do't do the lottery, solved that then.

breezyboy


Joined: 14/05/2007
Posts: 1179

Message Posted:
15/09/2009 18:14

\somebody wants the cabin crew to smile. It is in their contracts that they cannot do this under any circunstances.



Funniest problem I have had when unable to book with a proper airline was last December when they flew 2 aircraft into MAN one after the other and parked on adjacent stands. The PA system instead of its usual call for two remaining passengers was for the crew of one of these planes to return to it as obviously boarding couldn't commence without them. Must have been last minute Christmas shopping!

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
15/09/2009 18:21

Returning CTA last May from Istanbul to Ercan, I was surprised that they were serving alcohol and even had a male Steward working the cabin. A first for me!



Richard

clayton


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 1143

Message Posted:
15/09/2009 21:09

breezy boy,you are right.i was there at the same time.