MONARCH AIRLINES   Passenger Reviews and Customer Trip Reports

MONARCH AIRLINES review :  5 November 2008 : by Oliver Bennett

Gatwick to Banjul B757 in row 2, with extra legroom. This is worth the money and makes a real difference to the Monarch experience. Free head sets provided courtesy of the tour operator (Gambia Experience). Lunch pretty awful; good thing one can buy extras (offered twice) on this six hour flight, especially as it was two hours late.

MONARCH AIRLINES review :  30 October 2008 : by Derek Long

Return flight to Gatwick from Istanbul on an aircraft chartered to carry MV Discovery cruise passengers. There was a short delay before boarding which was not by rows or ticket numbers but as a straight free-for-all. The aircraft was exceedingly old and seat pitch and width amazingly tight. Suitable perhaps for a Primary School outing of 7 year olds but basic adults and very mature and physically challenged cruise types had major difficulties in manoeuvring with canes and walking frames in a six seat wide, centre aisle configuration. In an emergency it would have been a major safety issue. Leg room non-existant but fortunately all seats had the reclining mechanism removed. Drinks were charged for as were headphones though as the aircraft was fitted with some limited drop down aisle screens the take-up was near zero. As ex-aircrew I believe the aircraft was not really fit-for-purpose in modern passenger transport and probably not very economic or environmentally friendly to operate

MONARCH AIRLINES review :  27 October 2008 : by Paula Holmes

Gatwick-Malaga- Gatwick. We had trouble free flights - arrived 10 minutes early on both legs. My advice is to check in on-line and splash out on extra legroom. Crew were great.

MONARCH AIRLINES review :  27 October 2008 : by Tom Maule

LGW-ZTH outbound on A321. Very clean aircraft and polite cabin crew. Seating was reasonably comfortable apart from the tight 28" seat pitch, because the plane was half empty. Meal was reasonably good quality but not worth the extra charge. Return on old B757 where the seats had seen better days and you could feel the metal frame through the inadequate cushioning. Good legroom in row 5 at about 33" with no extra charge. Again cabin crew were polite and efficient and the aircraft was clean - a very different experience from my last flights with Monarch. The biggest gripe is the constant sell, sell, sell!

MONARCH AIRLINES review :  27 October 2008 : by Stuart Ward

Recent long weekend from Luton to Gibraltar with Monarch. Comfy leather seats with tight but adequate leg room. No inflight entertainment but for 2.5 hours it's not needed. Didn't try the food. Crew very good. Return on A320 with fabric seats which caused a bit of numbness after 2 hours, again tight but adequate leg room. Again didn't try food and no entertainment but good crew. Both flights about 75% full. Given the whole weekend inc hotel cost £500 less than a full fare flight only ticket then it was excellent value with allocated seats. Just because it's a no smoking flight doesn't mean people won't use arm rest ash trays. Weeks old chewing gum is not very pleasant. And peoples definition of carry on luggage beggars belief, people were struggling to lift and fit what I thought were full sized suitcases in to overhead bins. The weight limit per bin of 32kg must have been sorely tested.

MONARCH AIRLINES review :  23 October 2008 : by Ron Moody

LGW-LXR-LGW Airbus A300, a rather old aircraft. We had prebooked extra legroom seats both ways and on the outward journey were allocated seats in row 9 - the exit door row with lots of room. The legroom in the normal seats would not have been enough and would have caused me to greatly downgrade my assessment of this airline. The outgoing meal was just a snack. Flight attendants good and all went well with the flight times. Our return journey on an A330 and the extra legroom seats were mostly at the rear of the aircraft - row 37 backwards. These were configured 2-3-2 where seats A,B and F,G were extra legroom with C,D&E being normal leg room - which looked to be adequate. The aircraft looked newish so perhaps the company are listening to customers about legroom, let's hope so. The meal served was a joy to eat, quite substantial and the best I've had on a low cost airline for many a year. As on the outward journey everything on time, and made pleasant by the flight attendants.

MONARCH AIRLINES review :  16 October 2008 : by Paul Meally

FAR-DUB. My wife daughter and I were due to fly with Monarch from Faro to Dublin on 21 Sep 2008. While in the queue to check-in we were given a sheet of paper stating that there was a delay and that we would be transferred to Lisbon by coach. We were still forced to check in our bags even though there was no plane. After being given some vouchers we went to the restaurant where they had run out of food. Then when we went back to the Monarch desk for info on the coaches we were told that there would be no coaches and would stay at a hotel nearby. We had to queue again to retrieve our baggage so we could get on a bus to the hotel. It was after 23:00 by the time we got to the room only to be woken at 6:50 for a wake-up call so that we didn't miss our coach back to the airport at 11:00! Back to the airport, queue to check in our bags, another delay with the plane arriving. More lies from the people at the Monarch desk. Eventually checked in only for another delay in take off. The cabin crew boarded passengers from front and back regardless of where they were sitting. This led to mayhem in the aisle and a further delay. Just when we were settled, my family was asked to move to the right side of the plane to facilitate a family of four. This despite the fact we had been checked in twice. Once we finally arrived in Dublin 21 hours late, to no surprise our baggage was delayed coming off the aircraft. Awful airline, terrible customer service and rude staff.

MONARCH AIRLINES review :  11 October 2008 : by David Brunger

London Gatwick to Murcia. This flight was on time but on arrival at check in we were informed that due to "technical reasons in the Monarch fleet" arrangements had been made for us to travel on a Titan Airways Boeing 757, which they expected to operate on schedule. The flight took off on time and seats were leather. We were given a 'free' meal although were charged for drinks. We returned to the UK by Monarch. The aircraft took off ten minutes early - unheard of in my experience with an airline. The only complaint we had was the constant sales pitch on the return flight: Drinks, Food, Magazines, Gifts and a Scratchcard game. Otherwise a good experience.

MONARCH AIRLINES review : 9 October 2008 : by Mick Atkinson

Trip Rating :  1/5

Gatwick to Corfu return - both flights delayed for 4 hours. £4 voucher at Gatwick and complimentary in-flight meal on the way out, a free soft drink and baguette, complimentary in-flight drink and meal on the way back. In both directions we arrived at our final destination at gone midnight. Were told in both directions that the plane had to be changed due to technical reasons - and on the way back an extra hour was excused because of a shortage of crew. I don't think the compensation was enough for having to wait at two different airports for twelve hours!

MONARCH AIRLINES review : 6 October 2008 : by Deirdre Murphy

Trip Rating :  1/5

Shannon to Faro. Checked in and we were told we would be delayed for 5hrs. A couple of hours later, an extra delay time of 1hr was added. A couple of hours later we were told we would be re-routed to Lisbon because they could not get us a plane to Faro and that we would have a 4hr bus journey to Faro and then get our connection bus to our hotels. A couple of hours later plans changed again and we were told we were not flying out until 11.15 the following morning. We were put up in a hotel for the night and collected the following morning and delayed again for over an hour with no explanation. A total disaster, didn't leave till Mon 22nd. Missed a day and a half of our holidays. The worst airline I have flown with. When we eventually arrived after the long delay they couldn't even open a door on the plane to get out baggage so we were delayed for another hour! A joke! At this point we were so annoyed and tired it wrecked the Sunday and Monday for us. I will never use this airline again. They are so unreliable and explanations are rubbish. There are getting 1 star because it's the lowest score there!

MONARCH AIRLINES review : 1 October 2008 : by J Bartlett

Customer Rating :  4/5

Luton to Malaga return by Monarch Scheduled. A321 out, A320 return. Paid for extra room seats - well worth it as we are both tall. Aircraft clean, crew polite and attentive, meals etc optional and at cost but acceptable if required. To time on way out, knock-on delay on return of 90 minutes due to Swanwick problems the day previous. The best of the popular airlines in our view and we have used most over the years.

MONARCH AIRLINES review : 30 September 2008 : by W Stanton

Customer Rating :  2/5

LGW-LCA Airbus A320. I am a short person but the seats were really cramped. Then the pEOple in front reclined their seats - need I say more. We were in about row 31 and when the food service was offered, the main course had run out and so had the vegetarian option which I wanted. Didn't realise this was so popular until FA said that only 3 were loaded. Only choice left was a microwaved sandwich. Fortunately I had suggested that we had a meal before at the airport. One of the most uncomfortable journeys I have had.

MONARCH AIRLINES review : 26 September 2008 : by Mags Cronin

Customer Rating :  1/5

Shannon to Faro. There was a 2.5hour delay going out, 8 hour delay on the return leg which was a disaster considering it was late sunday evening when we eventually got to Shannon. Had to wait all day in Faro Airport after checking in at approx. 9.30am. A part had to be flown in from London to repair the plane. Eventually we left shortly after 7pm. I felt really sorry for the families with kids and babies. The only positive part was that the staff and food on flights were good. Staff in Faro Airport were not so great, in particular a lady on the Monarch desk. We had asked her for info re the delay and getting food vouchers etc. She was unsympathetic, rude and extremely sarcastic. She actually had the nerve to mock us which amazed me considering we had done nothing wrong and were very calm under the circumstances. Ground staff were reluctant to give the food vouchers, and that's if you were lucky enough to find a member to speak to! I would advise to avoid flying with Monarch.

MONARCH AIRLINES review : 26 September 2008 : by Paul Goulbourn

Customer Rating :  5/5

LGW-SFB-LGW. Paid extra for premium seats, well worth the extra. Seating good, choice of food, drinks included, selection of films good, plus cabin crew friendly and helpful. Return flight ahead of schedule. As with previous flight, service all very good. Only black mark was luggage taking around an hour to get off the plane - not the fault of Monarch.

MONARCH AIRLINES review : 25 September 2008 : by H Knight

Customer Rating :  3/5

Flew premium both ways Gatwick to Sanford Orlando. Delay of about 3 hours on outbound and on time on return although baggage handlers kept us waiting an hour and a half. Pleasant flight crews, comfy seats in premium, nice private cabin - definitely worth the upgrade if you can. As many free drinks as you want during flight, choice of meals although the breakfast on the way home was pretty inedible! In flight entertainment is hit and miss - not the newest of equipment! All in all it turned out to be very pleasant indeed and would consider flying with them again.

MONARCH AIRLINES review : 23 September 2008 : by David Kearney

Customer Rating :  2/5

DUB-PMI-DUB. Check in by Servisair reasonably quick in Dublin, but by Iberia in Palma slower. From DUB flight delayed nearly one hour due to "missing passengers". Similar delay in PMI. Crew friendly and quite professional. The food was mediocre but edible, and better on the return. At Palma, both flights were at the same remote stand, meaning a long bus journey to/from the gate. Airbridges at Dublin. The one thing that really let this duo of flights down was the equipment MON used (both flights had the exact same A300) which with nine-abreast seating and woeful pitch, coupled with interior trim falling away at the slightest touch makes this otherwise higher review a mere 2-star one.

MONARCH AIRLINES review : 23 September 2008 : by Sandie Lockett

Customer Rating :  5/5

My husband and I flew Monarch from Gatwick to Malaga. Young woman at the check-in at Gatwick was helpful and pleasant. The legroom isn't very big and my 6ft 3" husband found that a bit difficult , but inflight staff were helpful in finding him a bigger leg room seat. We missed our home bound flight because we misread the departure time. Again the staff at Monarch's desk at Malaga Airport were more than willing to help us out of our dilemma, and for a small extra payment we were allotted seats on the next flight home. We are so grateful that they accommodated us without recrimination, even though the mistake was ours.

MONARCH AIRLINES review : 21 September 2008 : by L McConnell

Customer Rating : 1/5

Arrived at Gatwick, checked in for Corfu and told we would be boarding at 19:10. At 19:30 message came up on screens saying delayed. No information was announced. Board then changed and said further info at 20:25. That came and went, then board said further info at 21:25. Still no announcements. About 22:00 we were told there were technical problems with the aircraft and given £4 in vouchers. At 00:30 we were told we weren't going anywhere given another £4 of vouchers and they said we were staying in Gatwick Hilton for the night and flying at 11:00 next day and to check in at 08:00. By the time we got to our room it was done 02:00. The 24hr bar was shut and there was nowhere to get a drink, until finally they gave in and let us use the vending machines that the cabin crew use. Following morning, we checked in again, given £6 of vouchers. We didnt fly at 11:00, even despite being assured we would. We were called to the departure gate at about 11:00, but didnt fly until 12:00 ish. The excuse given was that they were waiting for a late member of the standby cabin crew. When we asked the cabin crew, funnily enough, they knew nothing about that! No apology was given the following morning at the airport for the delay. The Olympic rep at the hotel told us that they had had nothing but trouble and delays with Monarch all season. 2 weeks later on the return journey, same scenario, technical fault. All in all about a 4 hour delay. 6/7 Monarch flights due back that night were all delayed at least 2 hours for the same reason.

MONARCH AIRLINES review : 21 September 2008 : by S Bennett

Customer Rating : 3/5

Manchester - Kos return. Flights came as part of a package booked through Olympic Holidays. Outbound flight left an hour late due to late arrival of the plane. This wasn't a huge inconvenience, the delay was explained and apologies were made. The plane was a 767, and appeared to be a bit shabby. Was clean though and staff were friendly and helpful. I didn't eat the inflight meal as they didn't have the vegetarian option (that I'd preordered). Didn't hear anyone complaining about the meal though. My major and only real complaint was how cramped I was. I'm 5'8 and largish build. It was very uncomfortable. Legroom is non-existent. The return flight was in an Airbus, a larger plane. Surprisingly we found that we'd been allocated the " extra legroom" seats, free of charge. They are extra legroom, but they are also narrower. Other passengers moved to the standard seats, as they appeared to be wider. Surprisingly, there were spare seats. Given the recent demise of XL, we expected the plane to be full. The flight left on time, staff were excellent, and we arrived early at Manchester. One little gripe was that the toilets smelt terribly. Again, the plane seemed a bit shabby. Overall, have very little to grumble over, except for the cramped conditions.

MONARCH AIRLINES review : 21 September 2008 : by M Watkins

Customer Rating : 4/5

Gatwick to Faro return. Having flown and been delayed by Monarch on a number of occasions, we were prepared for the same again. Someone must have listened to customers, at least on these flights. Very quick check in, left on time, got there early on a very clean and comfortable aircraft. Returning from faro the check in was slow, but then it always is a small airports. Flight left on time and was early touching down.

MONARCH AIRLINES review : 18 September 2008 : by J Watts

Customer Rating : 4/5

London Gatwick to Luxor return - this was a charter flight with Monarch. I had read with some trepidation the reports posted here of Monarch's service and therefore upgraded the seats to Premium in the hope that whatever else happened we would be a little more comfortable than standard class. In addition I emailed Monarch to confirm their services. To date I have had no reply from Monarch customer services, something that has irked me. With regard to the flights we got what we paid for. True the designation Premium comes nowhere near similar designations on scheduled carriers but judging from the seats and the fact that in standard class you pay for everything on board, this was a bonus. Much of the bad reports here of Monarch's and indeed other airline's services usually stem from events which are often not in an airline's direct control. Never let it be said though that customers should allow airlines to get away with shoddy service especially in these current times of failing travel companies and carriers. No complaints this time Monarch but a reply to my emails would be courteous.

MONARCH AIRLINES review : 13 September 2008 : by Linda McGrath

Customer Rating : 1/5

Dublin-Sanford Orlando. We flew Premium with Monarch - the good points to this were no queues when checking in and first to board the plane. Other than that I would not recommend premium. The food was terrible, baggage allowance very little and we were treated badly. The legroom & seat pitch weren't that much bigger than a regular seat on a Virgin/BA/Aer Lingus flight. We were 12 hours delayed on our departure due to technical problems with the plane, and 4 hours on our return. I would personally never fly with Monarch again.