Monarch Airlines

[linda.s]

Hi,
I have been through most of the airline postings, but haven't seen much that specifically refers to Monarch flights from Gatwick to Sanford. Can anyone let me know how this company performs? We are flying with them in October, have already pre-booked our seats, and meals/drinks are included.
Any info would be appreciated, although we aren't going to change, some forwarning would be good if they are not up to scratch!
Thanks!

[CarolAnn]

Hi Linda,

It has been a while to be honest, but we have flown Monarch to SanfordWe found it absolutely fine. I am told Sanford has really come on since we flew there too, with amenities, and the access roads, all is supposed to have developed really wellBy choice, I would now pick AA or Virgin, but anyway I could get to Orlando at a price I liked would work for me!!! [msnsmile2][msncool]
Certainly you shouldnt have any problems[msnsmile][msnsmile2]
Happy Hols[msnwink]
Carol

[linda.s]

Thank you! 7 weeks and 4 days, not that I am counting!!! lol

[KevinT]

Hi Linda,
We travelled a few times with Monarch from Newcastle to Gatwick. It rather depends on what type of plane you get as to the quality of the trip. They have a few nice Airbus 300
series (modern/ seat back screens etc.) Main problem is - when any of the airbuses need servicing or new parts ( and sometimes even when they don't!) they use some old DC10s which are not very good. (Youll be able to tell them - they have a third engine in the tail)
We have been to Orlando about twice a year for the past 6 or 7 years now and Monarch currently hold our record for delay of 6 hours (At the Sanford end!) waiting for a part to be delivered. At one point they were talking about acommodation for the night, but eventually we got away 6 hours late.
Some friends of ours travelled the following year, and despite booking premier seats with Monarch they arrived at the check in to be informed that Monarch had had to change the plane (Yes - the trusty DC10 again!) and the substitute plane did not have premier seats so they had no choice but to accept the economy seats. As far as I know they were not offered any refund either!
Sorry if this paints a black picture - but please don't get the wrong idea. It has not put me off travelling with them as they are not at the bottom of my league for charter companies. (Just not at the top!) If, when you get to the airport you notice the plane has little diagonal upturned fins on the wings you'll probably be fine (Airbus). If it looks old and has a third engine in the tail - batten down the hatches!!

The way I look at it is - can 9 hours of discomfort put a dent in the pleasure I get from Florida, and the answer is a resounding No!!
Have a really great time - I'm sure Monarch will try extra hard.
[msnsmile][msnsmile]

Kevin T.

[Daniel Snell]

Hi Linda I travelled with Monarch to turkey last year and going out with them again this year. No problems to report from me I had an airbus! Dont say I much like the idea of a dc10 Kevin they are a bit old. Fingers crossed[msneek]

[linda.s]

Thanks guys! Just as long as it isn't like a flight I had to Germany for business a couple of years ago - It was dreadful, and one of the comments I heard getting off had me in hysterics - to quote..... "That wasn't an aircraft, that was thousands of bit of metal travelling in roughly the same direction at roughly the same time!" Well, it made me laugh! I also got snowed in last winter at Birmingham, another German business trip, and Stanstead shut just as we came in to land - diverted to Birmingham, and sat on the tarmac for 5 hours until they decided that Stanstead wasn't going to re-open, so we had to stay in a hotel. No spare clothes, no nighty or undies, and the heating wasn't working properly - Who says the Hilton is flash??? lol

I'm with you Kevin - 9 hours discomfort is well worth 2 weeks in Florida - it's just the coming home that isn't so much fun though....... [msnsad]

[wilfy]

We went a few years ago with them into florida, this was when they first got their 757's (i think) and stopped off at bangor in maine for refueling. We said never again with them and we've stuck with it. Service was apalling, inflight entertainment broken, etc etc.

[chris c]

My daughter and her friends are flying with Monarch - Gatwick to Sanford at the beginning of September.

Will let you know how they get on - or maybe not if it's a horror story!

[cherry]

Monarch used to be a real damn good charter company and I have flown with them a lot of times in the past .We flew a DC10 out of Las Vegas to Manchester once and it arrived early .You pay your price and you take your pick.I have flown schedule and been delayed for a longer time than charter.Charter are shedule also if you take the time to check the flight iteneries they have pre allocated take off slots months in advance.Snobbery come to mind .Plus the extra cost

[KevinT]

I fully agree Linda - and somehow, if there's going to be a long delay it always seems to be on the homeward journey, when you just want to get back with as little hassle as possible!
Any way don't pay too much attention to my gripes ( I'm in training for being a grumpy old man!) I do think whatever airline you travel with they all have their successes and failures.It's just the luck of the draw.As well as Monarch we've been with Airtours, Thomas Cook, Air 2000, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, KLM and Martinair. One plane got us there over an hour early - can't remember which though.

Have a great time.
Kevin.