London, Gatwick to Granada, Spain in economy. I used Monarch's website to book two economy seats on a scheduled flight to Granada, and I paid a modest supplement for extra leg-room seats. During the on-line purchase transaction, I was also able to select the seats, and I chose an aisle and adjacent seat. When we checked-in, I handed the documentation to the agent, who handed me tickets for a window and adjacent seat in a different row. When I noticed this, I asked for the seats I had already booked, and was told that they were not extra legroom, or that somebody else had already booked them at the same time as me, and finally that the agent had no understanding of the web-site system. When I insisted that I wanted an aisle and adjacent seat, I was told that this was impossible, and against company policy. I pointed out I had already booked aisle + adjacent, and this was what I expected, at which point a supervisor was summoned and we went round the same argument again. She finally sought permission from yet a higher authority to issue me with an aisle + adjacent seat, whilst making it perfectly clear that she thought I was being totally unreasonable in this request, as this could lead to the splitting of families. When we boarded the flight, there were 30 extra legroom seats, of which merely 12 were occupied. As this was a mid-term flight to an inland city, there was not a single child anywhere on board. I found the sheer lack of any kind of customer service value, let alone mere common sense, disgraceful. Monarch airlines is a charter company, trying to promote itself as a scheduled airline, but has still to shed itself of its charter airline mentality of flying families to the Costas. Apart from this problem at check-in, the seat pitch was good, and the plane left on time and arrived early. However, the check-in experience and the inconsistent policy between their web-site and the check-in desk would make me avoid Monarch Airlines in future.

Monarch Airlines - by Mary Wadey
27 October 2006

I never normally take any notice of which airline I fly with but this time because of wanting to check what I could take on board I googled Monarch and found this site. After having read the comments here I set off with some trepidation on my trip to Gran Canaria. On the flight out we were sitting on the runway for an hour, according to Monarch staff it was because one passenger was missing and they had to search in the hold for their baggage, strange that twenty minutes after our take off time a whole load of other passengers turned up. It seemed to me that they had just thought of an excuse to delay while these other passengers got there which was daft as I wouldn't have minded if they had told us the real reason. Anyway I thought one hours not so bad and started to become more confident that the airline was ok even though all the comments about legroom were spot on and the fact that you are squashed in so close to the person next to you. The return was a nightmare. We were at first told by our rep there was a delay of two and a half hours then it became five hours, we were given the apology letter but at no time were we told that if we managed to get on another flight Monarch would be liable to pay for it. This was particularly important to me as I had my brothers funeral to attend the next day and a drive of 4 hours to get there.I had informed The staff at the Monarch desk about this and they just said there was nothing they could do, obviously not bothering to inform me of my rights under the new EU legislation. Our original time to depart was 4.15 pm which would have got back around 8.30pm and at home by around 10pm to get some sleep before the funeral the next day. The time of departure kept changing by half an hour at a time so you couldn't decide to try and get some sleep and we had to keep phoning home to change our pick up time. We finally took off around midnight and arrived at Gatwick at 3.30am. My son had to bring our clothes to the airport and drive us to Wales. We then had a four hour journey home again all without having any sleep since seven the previous morning. I will never fly with Monarch again they have obviously lived up to their bad reputation and I will be posting this on all the forums i belong to as maybe if people start refusing to fly with them the travel agents will do something about it. People power can work and force airlines like these to up their standards. I know our delay was not as bad as some on here but the stress of not knowing if we were going to make it back in time made a sad time for me unbearable.

Monarch Airlines - by Paul Adams
27 October 2006

In August we flew from Gatwick to Orlando which was a package booked through Cosmos. On reading the brochure, we read about the Monarch Plus option which boasts 'enjoy upgraded levels of comfort and service'. This seemed ideal, so we took the upgrade. As it turned out, we were mixed with economy passengers in the 'designated area' of the plane, and even the cabin crew did not know who was Plus and who wasn't. The food was the same as other passengers, not upgraded as described, no kids pack, and we could only see about one third of the TV screen. On our return flight, similar no-choice meals, similar view of the TV screen, but we were seated against a bulkhead which meant our seats were fixed in the upright position - impossible to sleep as this was the overnight flight. Our luggage was also marked 'Priority, last on, first off' but we had to wait a good half hour after the first luggage came off the carousel. On my return, I wrote to Monarch with my complaints, and sent a copy to Cosmos as they were the agents. Monarch Customer Service is as poor as the rest of the airline, they didn't bother to answer. Having pressed Cosmos, they also could get no explanation of the dreadful upgrade from Monarch. All credit to Cosmos, they have returned the monies for our upgrade. The moral of the story is that I will never fly with Monarch again, and although Cosmos have been great, unfortunately I won't book with them again if they can only offer flights with Monarch - sorry Cosmos.

Monarch Airlines - by Robert Matthews
27 October 2006

Manchester- Male. After a 21 hour delay we finally took off for Male in the front row of the premium cabin ( we had pre booked these seats due to my wifes disability ) on the Airbus A330 Seats as expected were comfortable and we had a happy and efficient cabin crew. Meals were adequate and we managed to get some sleep during the smooth flight. On the return flight we found that Monarch had given our pre booked seats to someone else and we were put in row 2 of the premium cabin. These must be the worst seats in the premium cabin They were cramped and there were only seat back screens for 2 of the 4 seats with the 2 ends having armrest screens. Again the crew were cheerful and meals adequate. I would be happy to fly Monarch premium again but would not be happy if Ii was put in the centre aisle of row 2.

Monarch Airlines - by Elaine Mansfield
22 October 2006

Gatwick to Luxor - a complete nightmare we were delayed for 42 hours altogether, going and returning. The flight was the most uncomfortable we have experienced, we were wedged in on the very back middle seats, my husband is over 6ft and his chin was almost resting on his knees, we could not bring the food trays fully down which meant getting coffee spilt over us. The cabin crew were unhelpful and - could not give a damn attitude!! We ordered two bottle of vodka duty free and were told they were sold out even though we were the first passengers to get served! The return journey was equally as bad and because of the delay and lack of information given by the airline we missed our return flight to Belfast. All in all the delays cost us approximately £500. This was our first and I suspect our last experience of flying with Monarch Airlines.

Monarch Airlines - by Mark Stone
22 October 2006

There should be two separate forums for Monarch - one for their European scheduled services and another for the long haul charters. I have found the Monarch Scheduled services on the European routes to be generally reliable and on-time. So long as you allow about £25 each way over and above the fare, to pay for an extra legroom seat, a drink and a meal (the actual content of which is not always exactly as described on the menu but tasty), and don't object to paying for water etc (although headsets, hot towels and newspapers are free) you can enjoy a flight to very acceptable economy class standards. The regular seats are very uncomfortable though and not recommended.

Monarch Airlines - by Thomas Finlay
19 October 2006

Gatwick to the Maldives (via Manchester) with Monarch and it was an absolutely horrific flight. The legroom is bad enough but the width of the seats is what makes the flight so terrible. As others have said it is impossible to eat at the same time as the person next to you and only slightly less difficult for the person at the window seat to squeeze out. Any attempt to walk around the plane to stretch your legs is, frankly, impossible given that you have to inch sideways down the aisle. Customer service was ok under the circumstances but the battery chicken like conditions overshadowed everything about the flight. If you can, change to another airline - if you can't change airlines, then try to upgrade to premium (we tried and failed). If you can't do that then I'd say try to book seats in the "middle" section of three seats (config is 3-3-3). At least that way it's easier to get out onto the aisle. The only saving grace? Our inbound flight was delayed 24 hours (quite a common occurance according to resort staff) so we had an extra day in the Maldives.

Monarch Airlines - by Geoff Kelly
17 October 2006

I had the unfortunate experience to fly with Monarch Airlines on a long haul flight from Newcastle to Orlando (Florida). The seating was so cramped it was unbelievable. I am only 5 foot 6 inches tall and I really struggled. People were crammed together like sardines; it was impossible to eat a meal at the same time as the person sitting next to you. The food was appalling and after a four hour flight delay we were fed a cheese and tomato sandwich. Furthermore we were not allowed to take water on board and had to purchase bottled water which was an exorbitant price. However customers were prepared to pay it because they ran out of water half way through the flight. Alternatives offered by cabin crew were, warm tap water or fruit juices in even smaller bottles. The return journey was no better and the food again was best described as challenging. When I mentioned this to the stewardess she informed that this was because of the standards and quality provided by the outside caterer. I had heard good things about Monarch but it would appear things have changed. As a footnote we experienced a 4 hr delay travelling out of Newcastle, my friends experienced a 6hr delay on returning to the UK with Monarch. From what I have read above it would appear that I am not alone in my views. So Monarch please look at your customer service and also increase the amount of leg room for your customers.

Monarch Airlines - by G O'Dea
15 October 2006

Gatwick - Cuba. I would simply say that, unless you are able to upgrade to Premium Economy do not fly Monarch. I had to endure possibly the most cramped airline seat I have ever had the misfortune to occupy for these 9.5 hour flights. I had the Travel Agent upgrade our seats to extra legroom because I knew that it would be impossible for me to use a standard seat (I'm only 6'2" by the way so not exactly a giant), but this did not mean that any extra comfort was forthcoming. The seat was so narrow, it was impossible to eat the meals as moving my elbows was impossible without nudging the person next to me. Fortunately on the outbound leg, the seat next to me was free so a little extra elbow room was available, but there was no such luck on the return. I also now have a juicy bruise down the side of my leg from the audio controls (which were impossible to operate). All in all this is a disgraceful way to treat 'customers' and really should not be allowed on long-haul flights. Rest assured, I shall never fly on a Monarch charter again and after this experience, I would never consider even using their scheduled service. To be honest, if you can afford the £159 per person extra to upgrade, then consider using a different carrier altogether.

Monarch Airlines - by Jenny Marshall
10 October 2006

We usually use BA but the flight times were better on Monarch this time but will not fly Monarch again if we can help it. The regular seats were so cramped and I am only 5ft tall. The seat in front felt like if it had reclined would have hit my face. Luckily it was just a 2 hour flight but on return we paid for extra legroom seats. We knew in advance that food / drink was not provided free so took our own and luckily bought bottle of water in the departures lounge due to the recent liquid restrictions but were dismayed for others who had to pay £1.60 a small bottle. As for the leg room it appears they have squashed the usual seats up together to accommodate the extra legroom seats. BA has 31" distance on it's normal seats and Monarch supposedly 29" (seemed even smaller than this though!!) They say the extra legroom seats are 4" more. Which is only 2" more than BA for £15 each way per seat. We have flown Monarch a few years ago but it was not like this then. It's a shame that Monarch have joined the cattle truck brigade !!

Monarch Airlines - by Bob Nienhuis
5 October 2006

My wife and I travel to Costa Blanca (Alicante and Murcia) 4 or 5 times a year from Birmingham. We have also flown to Tenerife. Monarch often get our vote because their flight times are made available earlier than competitors - panic buying? We have no complaints with the staff (thanks for the free newspapers) and certainly no complaints with punctuality since we have had no late arrivals - only early ones. Top marks there. Bottom marks for the comfort of the seats. I am over 6ft and find the seat pitch only just bearable for a 2hr.30mins flight. This is really bugging me so I am currently investigating seat pitch data for bmibaby and Thompson, and may change allegiance because of this.

Monarch Airlines - by Mike Thompson
28 September 2006

Just flown back from Crete to LGW with Monarch B757. The seating is terrible. Believe Monarch are about to or have ordered Being 787 Dreamliners, should be interesting! I am an average 5ft 10, when the guy in front put his seat back after take-off, I was near-on kissing him! No room for my very hot (but nice) bangers and mash. Cab crew couldn't care less attitude. Some carriers (especially in US), politely suggest that seats are forward for when nosebag is served. Time you travelled with other operators Monarch and see what customer delivery is all about. I am very careful who I book with when flying, I am know losing patience with Monarch. I have flown both in charter config and scheduled config with Monarch - is there any difference?

Monarch Airlines - by Moira Gibson
25 September 2006

Glasgow-Sandford return. Travelled with Monarch (Premium Class) from Glasgow. Informed the flight was delayed on checking in at 6.30am and going at 10.30.Eventually left at 12 noon and no explanation till we boarded. Older aircraft in poor condition compared to First Choice who we travelled with last year. On return journey again delayed 3 hrs and was told the inbound aircraft was late hence knock on effect. Pilot then said it was due to toilets not functioning. Two were out of order !!! Average service but if you have other options take them. They are not a patch on First Choice and need to pull up their socks if this wish to keep customers but I for one will not use them if I can help it.

Monarch Airlines - by Helen Barnes
22 September 2006

Manchester - Cuba. Flight out was fine, crew were pleasant. we paid £60 each to upgrade to Premium Cabin which we felt was worth it as it was such a long flight, might as well be comfortable and have a bit more legroom and slightly bigger seats. served a hot meal which was the standard plane food plus a few added extras, small bowl of seafood, salad and cheese and crackers. The flight back, however, was a different story. Any consideration for the passengers, who ultimately are 'customers' went out the window. A medical emergency meant that we had to divert to Shannon, Ireland which obviously the airline was not responsible for. However, due to the stop they told us that this meant the crew were running out of hours, so we had to divert to Gatwick. Surely it is closer to Manchester than it is to Gatwick?? Our friend who had been waiting for us in Manchester was told that the plane was being diverted to Gatwick for repairs/maintenance. We decided that the real truth of the matter was that it was more important to Monarch to get the crew home on time than it was to get us home. Total travelling time home = 19 hours. Disappointed in Monarch to say the least and we will not use them again. Ever!

Monarch Airlines - by Richard Watson
16 September 2006

Male - London Gatwick. We only flew with Monarch on this return leg of our shortened holiday due to their being no other choice to get us back to Gatwick. We had flown out to the Maldives with First Choice Airlines and had upgraded to Star Class Premier both outbound and inbound (I will post a review of First Choice separately, although suffice to say it was a hundred times better than Monarch). Our flight back with Monarch was delayed by around an hour, and the reason for this was only explained after we boarded the plane, by the captain. I must pint out that it would not have been my choice to fly with Monarch after diabolical seat width on flights to and from Luxor in Egypt last year on their Airbus A300's, which was single class and frankly inhumane! Anyway, back to this flight... The aircraft was an Airbus A330 with 2 classes - Premium and Economy, and being that our flight back was booked at short notice, all the premium seats had been sold, so economy it was. I asked at check in for extra leg-room seats, but there was none left either, although there had only been around 10 people checked in before us. The seating on board was 3-3-3 or 2-3-2 towards the back. I would say that on this particular flight, the seat width was better than on the A300 aircraft, but the legroom and personal space overall was TOTALLY INADEQUATE, for what was a 10.5 hour flight and this only gets worse when the person in front reclines their seat - any room you did have then dissapears! Meals served were fine, as usual first meal was hot, then a few hours before landing we were served a cold snack. The entertainment was large central drop down screens, and headphones were supplied free, although the quality of sound was dodgy. I had a look through into the premium cabin during a trip to the toilet and this did look better, although without hesitation, I would say that First Choice Airlines leave Monarch trailing when it comes to comfort, and quality of service. I would round off by suggesting to anyone that, if you can avoid using this airline, you should. Monarch really need to pull their finger out and remove some seats from their long-haul aircraft, because what you are forced to put up with is nothing short of a disgrace, and a British disgrace at that!

Monarch Airlines - by Carolyn Bailey
13 September 2006

Cardiff to Sanford on 27th July this year. We upgraded our flight to Premier Package, which only cost £179 return. Seats had ample legroom, food was great, staff were friendly and flight was smooth. Our return flight was just as excellent, despite being delayed 7 hours, due to the threats to flights over the US. We were kept informed throughout the day at the airport and also throughout our flight.

Monarch Airlines - by Clive Hampton
6 September 2006

Flew from Newcastle to Orlando-Sandford on 10 August when the terror alert happened. We were delayed on the tarmac for 30 minutes waiting for the US to give us security clearance. The pilot told us this kept us up to date with any progress and the cabin crew brought around cups of water for anyone who wanted it. The cabin crew worked hard throughout the flight. I have flown with several airlines and did not find the leg room any worse with Monarch. I think it was an Airbus 330 but the leg room was O.K for me (5'11''). Despite staff bringing around plastic bin liners to collect rubbish The pasengers left this aircraft looking like their had been a riot on board. The amount of newspapers, food, polythene and drinks containers left was discraceful and embarrasing. The return flight was again fine . My 7 year old daughter was physically sick and the cabin crew were very attentive in clearing up and providing sick bags and cloths for any future illness. There had been no child's meals loaded on the return flight but on of the cabin crew made up a meal for my daughter from items from their trolley including drinks which was beyond what I could have expected. Apart from only being able to hear 3 of the advertised stations over the headphones both flights were fine , not uncomfortable and the staff were informative and attentive.

Monarch Airlines - by M Branton
23 August 2006

We have just returned from a Thomas Cook holiday in Cuba which was fantastic and spoilt only by Monarch Airlines. The seats are cramped, I have never been so uncomfortable on a long haul flight as on the return leg of this one. We were delayed on take off but no apology was made, the breakfast was dreadful and even tho no water was allowed as hand baggage, we still had to pay for it on the plane. The outbound flight was little better, the left hand row of seats had no IFE and the cabin crew could either do nothing or couldn't be bothered to try and fix it and also refused to refund the cost of the headphones even tho we couldn't use them for anything.

Monarch Airlines - by Andrew Evason
22 August 2006

Just arrived back from Florida flying with Monarch, due to the threat from terrorism we were unable to take any water on to the plane and understandably so, but I was astonished to find out that they had no bottled water for sale onboard and could only offer water from there internal system which quite frankly was un drinkable. The lunch provided which was meant to be hot was in my sons case not just cold but freezing my wifes slightly warmer and mine just right, reminding me of the story of the three bears which is apt when describing the uncomfortable seating and lack of leg room which can be tolerated on short hall flights but should be band for longer destinations. The service provided by the staff was inadequate when dealing with personal requirments but attentive and helpful when trying to sell you something. Needless to say I will not be travelling with this airline again.

Monarch Airlines - by Reeva Cutting
22 August 2006

Manchester to Male in Premium Cabin. Our flight was delayed by 2 hours which meant we only left at 2am. Not much one can do about these things so no point in complaining. Service was fine, and being premium cabin all drinks were included thank goodness. Was appalled to discover people in economy have to pay for their drinks, even water, and at £1.60 per bottle that is extortionate. Food was pretty good for aeroplane food so no complaints there. In-seat entertainment was great to have, really got us through the flight, although the movies were mostly dvd release, not cinema release, as per other long haul carriers. Seats were as comfortable as seats can be on long haul. Have to note that the premium cabin was worth the money as economy looked like an easyjet flight. Only one section and one set of toilets for all of economy. All in all, not a bad flight, but I think I can only say this because we were in premium cabin. I think it may have been a very different story if we had flown economy!

Monarch Airlines - by Jonathan Harford
12 August 2006

Gatwick to Male. Although flight times vary a little, it took only 10 hours & 5 minutes direct to Male and about the same time coming back. A small water bottle, pillow & blanket was provided on each seat both ways. Free headphones brought round after take off and collected before landing. A rolling programme of in flight entertainment (2 films & various comedy shows) was screened on the old fashioned arrangement of small overhead pop down screens. Two adequate meals, one hot, were served to all passengers. The inflight service was fine. The main point with Monarch is the legroom. 29" has been quoted seat to seat. This is no doubt inadequate as being 6'2" I struggled for comfort and my knees touched the seat in front. I had to ask the person in front not to recline to avoid crushing my kneecaps. We didnt have to queue, checked in 3 hours before the flight time and I asked about emergency seats for the extra legroom. I was told that they were already taken - 100 people had apparently already checked in! Monarch also clarified that they are not charged for, you just have to get there early enough or pay extra for the Premium seats.

Monarch Airlines - by Lyn Hawker
30 July 2006

Seven of us have just returned from Florida. We upgraded to Premium Plus and I have nothing but good things to say. The service was spot on, staff extremely helpful and pleasant. My grandson (age 8) was looked after really well. Obviously I cannot speak for the economy part of the plane but when I travel Monarch again it will be in preimum plus, well worth the extra pounds.

Monarch Airlines - by Peter Hawley
18 July 2006

How anyone can say that Monarch seating is comfortable beats me. 235 passengers crammed onto a Boeing 757? Recently returned from ALC on Monarch. Check in was horrendous. Monarch's saving grace is cabin service - excellent. But could someone tell Monarch that they are now a scheduled carrier ( as well as Charter) and they should take some seats out. Noticed on the return 757 that the 2 crew members even had difficulty getting into their crew seats because of the legs of the passengers opposite. But if you can cope with cramp in your legs, it is worth it, and experience their excellent inflight service.

Monarch Airlines - by Paul Kendall
14 July 2006

I have flown Monarch Scheduled about 10 times between Luton to Alicante - no delays, no problems with the seating, flight, service. It has all been excellent - People who complain about the "cramped" seating should try flying Ryanair or Easyjet. The inflight service is good - food, TV, Newspaper, Stewardess/stewards polite and very helpful.

Monarch Airlines - by Ken Canfield
18 June 2006

Just returned from Sharm El Sheikh with Monarch Airlines from Gatwick airport. I will not fly with this airline again. On the outbound journey the flight was showing as delayed on the monitors. It became obvious as time passed by they were stringing us out just adding on another hour delay every hour - with no explanation to the waiting passengers of why or the expected take off time. Eventually we took off four and half hours late. Normally one can expect this occasionally on one leg of the journey. However, they repeated the same thing on the return journey, eventually dropping us back to Gatwick at 2:30 in the morning. This company has little respect for its customers. It doesn't deserve customers.

Monarch Airlines - by Kevin Fenton
12 June 2006

Manchester to Male. Didn't want to splash out on premium or extra legroom, in case it wasn't too bad. Outbound, it wasn't, as we asked for 2 together at the back of the A330, where it is a 2x3x2 config. (We checked in 5 hours before however to ensure we had this choice!) No one behind us, meant guilt free reclining! Our tickets from Airtours said 'no meal/no meal', which we thought, understandably, meant no meal! I asked the cabin crew who said that in spite of the individual tour operators prices, Monarch's policy is to give every passenger a meal, which turned out to be a bonus. It wasn't too brilliant, but enough to kill the boredom and the hunger for a while. The aircraft on both journeys were clean and looked new, and the cabin crew were ok. On the return trip however, we could only get 2 together in the middle section, with people at either side, in front and behind! How we lasted 10.45 hours in this situation is amazing. It is incredibly cramped, and as soon as the person in front reclines an inch or two, you have had it for any personal space or comfort at all. They should not be allowed to have this minimum seat pitch (29ins) on such a long journey. It should not be allowed, and I think it is disgraceful of them, and other airlines, to charge extra for 'extra legroom' seats, which turn out to be the wider spaces near the exit doors, which is a safety requirement. They are capitalising on these seats, and the sooner this practice is stopped, and airlines are forced to ensure adequate comfort and space on board the better. I think that Monarch are cramping as much as possible to maximise profit, and to make all the more alluring the prospect of extra room. I would never fly with them again, and if in future I am to book through a tour operator, I will make sure that I do not fly Monarch.

Monarch Airlines - by Suzanne Cahill
29 May 2006

Gatwick - Male (Maldives) return. Monarch A330. I had tried to contact Monarch airlines by email and by phone prior to going away with regard to booking premium seats but the desk that deals with this is only open Monday - Friday I was told. We got to Gatwick 3hr before check in to try and get premium seats or at least to ensure that we received seats together. Premium was fully booked. This was not to bad where we got sat at the back end of the plane seating is 2x3x2. We got seats together and had a small bottle of water given to us. Meals were just typically airline food, nothing to write home about. The return journey was a nightmare same size plane but got sat towards the front in row 19 3x3x3, totally cramped this was all that was left together, there were a lot of people separated from their partners. This was just like being on a glorified bus in the rush hour it was so packed. I know that Monarch is a direct flight to male but next time I travel to the Maldives I would rather take a short stop in Doha or Dubai with another airline and be sitting comfortably for the duration of the long haul flight. Kouni have always been a good named travel company why do they bother booking flights with such an awful airline. Quality not quantity of passengers please.

Monarch Airlines - by Sarah Seal
20 May 2006

Gatwick - Manchester - Male (Maldives) return. We got to Gatwick 1hr before check in to ensure that we received seats together as it was our honeymoon. To our surprise, checkin had opened 1 hour befor that. We requested seats together, but when we got on the plane we realised that I had a window seat, and my husband had an aisle seat in the middle. Thankfully, the couple which were sat between us offered to swap with him. For some reason we had to pick up in Manchester, this would have been fine, but we were informed that we weren't allowed to leave our seats. 2.5 hours later we finally left Manchester to fly to Male. I can't even describe what the flight was really like. The crew were rude, and made sure that you understood that they were not happy to help you. In our 13 hour flight we were offered one cup of water, and that's only because we asked. Later, we asked if we could purchase a hot drink, only to be told to wait for when the dinner came round (which was 2 hours later). We purchased headphones on the way out for £1, only to find that they were taken back at the end of the flight. Then on the returning flight, again we purchased the headphones, only to be charged £1.50. We questioned the price, but the air stewardess wouldn't give a straight answer. During the flight, when everyone was trying to sleep, a gentleman in front of me dropped his cushion in the middle of the aisle. I watched the cushion for over 2 hours, and counted that 7 members of the cabin crew walked over it (surely health and safety should come first?) After we finally had our meal, it took 3 hours for our plates to be taken. Every time we asked someone to take them, they would reply with 'sorry, I'm serving at the moment'. To sum things up, all I can say is how disappointing this flight was, and how I would never fly with Monarch again. There are plenty of other opinions that I could give about this flight, but I'm sure that no-one has got the time to hear all of them. Monarch should really look into their customer service and their seating arrangements. I can't believe the plane that we flew on was for a long haul flight, it was only suitable for a short flight. If Monarch took 3 rows out of their planes and gave everyone an extra 3 inches leg room and charged an extra £50, I'm sure everyone would be more than happy to pay this.