Monarch Airlines Experiences?

[Scunner]

With the exception of my old mate Kenkay (who is biased because his daughter works for them    ) - what are member's thoughts on Monarch?

The reason I ask is that although mine are relatively few, they are generally dire. Nice planes, nice staff, always delays. The last time we flew with Monarch was to Rhodes, where we were to arrive at our hotel around midnight, but were so delayed that we walked straight in to breakfast after putting our bags in the room.

Now Easyjet give you a seat number and the ridiculous scrum at the gate is no longer required I think they are my favourite but for the destination and dates Monarch are the cheapest by quite some margin

Any thoughts or opinions on them?

Cheers!

[stoop]

Used them last year. Out - ok. Back - crap..

[stoop]

Using again in June. Tesco vouchers  

[Scunner]

Ah yes that was your two planes fiasco wasn't it..?

I can't remember being delayed on Easyjet by any significant time on non UK to UK flights, even out of Dalaman - they always seem to make the time up when delayed a little. Same with Jet2. My track record with Monarch is fairly opposite to that.

[bewva]

I have flown with them about 5 or 6 times and never had a problem. I would choose them over Thomas Crook any day.

[Scunner]

I'd choose the dolmus over Thomas Cook

[kenkay]

We were on the same flight as Stoop for the two planes saga. It was intended to send an A330 for the original flight but they couldn't staff up to crew it. (I've got to stop our Joanne taking maternity leave   ) Instead they sent two A321s but obviously they couldn't arrive together. I'm told that they studied the passenger list and sent the more needy families on the first, as scheduled, flight. This is the only real delay I've had with Monarch and the 20% familly discount more than compensates   

[savoyboy]

We nearly always get delayed on Monarch
 But do like the flight times.
  The prices are ok if you go outside
School Holls.

[lynne]

Frequently used them and never a problem.  If you have a booking with them at the moment, if you want to order a meal, there is a 25% discount available if you book it now - offer expires tomorrow.

[Bluwise]

Flown many times with Monarch and no real delays.  They are now the only flights offering extra leg room (apart from emergency exits) since jet2 removed theirs, so will be pretty popular with us now.