Monarch Airlines

This was the first and last time we will ever fly with Monarch. We have just arrived back from Hurgada - 'Gatwick'. The outbound flight on 13 March was fine only a few issues namely the severe lack of entertainment on board for a five hour flight and the ever changing price of an extra leg room seat which went from £30 online to £ £7 in the airport then back up to £15 on board. Our return flight was where the major issues started. Firstly the flight which took 5 hours on the way there was now going to take nearly 7 hours to return. We then sat on the tarmac for around 45 mins before finally taking off. After all of the waiting we then were told rather abruptly that the runway was closed at Gatwick and therefore we had to fly to Luton! We found it hilarious that all other flights managed to land at Gatwick with the 'runway closed' and also that Luton is Monarchs head quarters. We believe they had absolutely no intention of ever landing at Gatwick. Monarch staff were not present once we arrived as I imagine they simply couldn't be bothered to help us in any way. The handing agents Menzies were to organise the coaches. We were made to queue at a check in desk and told two coaches were ordered but that we would be taken to Gatwick on a first come first served basis! Bearing in mind there were 300 people on our flight. At no time were we given any vouchers or even a cup of water and we couldn't leave the queue as this may mean we would miss out on a place on the coach. When the coaches did arrive we had been waiting for over an hour and then had to tolerate the hour and a half coach trip to Gatwick. We were due to arrive at Gatwick at 9pm on Friday we actually arrived at 2am on Saturday. We have never experienced such a thing and we travel up to 7 times a year. We will stick to Norwegian Air and other reputable companies in the future.

Just last week flew on Monarch from Gatwick to Sharm. Second time in two years flown with Monarch and generally impressed with standard. On return trip I would say the crew were a little too social sharing conversation with colleagues a bit too openly and snacking drinking during services before flight etc. On the whole would fly again unless a legacy carrier were to open up a route. Would guarantee my custom if they were to offer a wider seat or separate cabin for a premium.

I have just returned from Alicante airport with Monarch. I was a saga passenger in my sixties and needed a wheelchair. Normally we are allowed on first when there is more space and time to get seated with help. I was shocked last night when we had to wait till the end and then face no baggage space and a delay being seated. It was very difficult and painful as I had to wait in a queue on the plane. I will have to consider not booking with Monarch if this should happen again. I hope this was a one off. We had no problem flying out from Manchester. I think the lax attitude of some of the staff was the problem.

23 Jan and returned the evening of 30 Jan from BHX to Hurghada. Excellent flight and crew from Birmingham to Hurghada. Faultless and professional staff both ways especially on return journey when I suffered a nose bleed half way through the flight. All staff were fantastic above and beyond the call of duty in making me comfortable.

LGW-INN return for ski holiday charter. Both directions had an A321 with older clean seats. Given exits without asking on the way out and standard seats on the return. It would have been nice to be able to check-in online but on charters this isn't possible apparently. Queues at both airports no more than 15 minutes. I noticed the cabin crew taking time with all customers and being friendly and professional. In my opinion the on-board menu is rather dull and I can't figure out why airlines can't sell stuff of the quality of high street coffee shops either heated or fresh? Both flights were on time and the return flight was in fact early to leave and arrive. Monarch is distinct because of it's high quality cabin staff and characterful identity. No problems experienced but nothing amazing about it all either. Would use again with no problem.

Flew ZB286 London Gatwick to Tenerife on 2nd February 2015. Flight on time. Excellent unobtrusive service from cabin crew. The best thing about Monarch now is the new slimline seating. They are comfortable enough for a 4 hour flight and would be OK for longer flights. The fixed angle of seat back is good (a compromise between fully upright and reclined) so there are no hassles with the passenger in front depriving you of your legroom. I am 6ft 3ins and there were a full 2 inches spare in front of my knees so I could sit comfortably and there is space for your tablet in the seat back in front. This is such an improvement on other budget airlines.

Flight from Luton to Alicante last July. 9 hour delay minimal information. No staff on the ground. Arrived in the dark to collect my rental car. Return flight delayed although only 2/3 hours so felt lucky! No stairs to disembark at other end so had to wait half an hour for them to arrive then luggage didn't arrive for a further hour. Would never use them again.

Flew to Sharm and back this January with Monarch on 9 month old G-ZBAM. Aircraft immaculate crew professional and friendly. Informative announcements from cabin and cockpit no endless sales announcements. Arrived early on both flights. Aircraft had cloth seats and not the new slimline ones - leg room was perfectly fine - only criticism was thin seat backs so you could even feel the person behind you removing a magazine for example. Sixth journey with Monarch in the last 3 years consistently good.

I travelled from Birmingham to Alicante on 10 January returning on 17 January. I was very satisfied with the service received the cabin crew were friendly and the flight crew kept us informed of our progress. The seating was surprisingly comfortable for a budget airline and leg room seemed ample even without an extra legroom seat - I am 6 foot 1 inch tall so can be an issue!

ZB238/239 3rd-10th January. I have flown Monarch 4x times this year and have to write as they have improved immensely in the past 12 months. The check-in facility at Gatwick is now excellent. The standard of the refurbished cabins with the new slim back seating is so much better than any comparable airline - there is a real sense of space and no need to pay for extra legroom (I am 6ft+). The food/snack choice is more than acceptable and for the first time in a long time their crew seem to be genuinely trained in customer service. What's more - no delays this year! I hope these new changes are here to stay.