Is this a record?

[stevefry]

One of the best things we ever did was to upgrade to Premium class with Monarch's Airbus on our recent flight to Sanford. The seating wasn't that much different to cattle class, but the other benefits were (imho) well worth it.
On the outward journey, we arrived at Cardiff Airport at the minimum time allowed, and went straight past the long-suffering, snaking, queue to our own dedicated check-in desk.- Then, when we arrived in Florida, we were: first off the plane; first through immigration; first to get our cases from the carousel; and first to the car-hire depot. - In all, it took around 15-20 minutes from getting off the plane to driving away towards the 417. - Very impressive!

Alas, not so good on the return journey though! - We arrived in Cardiff and had to join a queue from a previous flight that had landed before us. The ground staff then took 45 minutes to start loading the bags onto the (wrong) carousel. - It took about 90 minutes before we actually left the airport to drive home.

 

[UKDEB]

From wheels touching down to driving off, the quickest we've clocked is 30 minutes. Obviously that's at MCO, not Sanford. That was in the days when you had to pass through the security check at the top of the stairs after clearing customs and I don't reckon it was possible to do it any quicker. We've been first (or thereabouts) off the plane and through immigration and then customs on many occasions. The problem then is that you always beat your luggage to the second baggage claim. I've lost count of the number of times I've still been waiting for the carousel to start when dh has re-joined me having sorted out the car. Now that you no longer have the security check and can take your luggage with you on the tram to the main building, it'll be interesting to see if we can beat our record.

We always used to dread getting back into Gatwick, but the last few times it's been surprisingly well organised.

 

[wilma-bride]

We found the whole process at Sanford to be much, much quicker than MCO. 15-20 minutes is pretty good though - I think we were through in about 30 minutes when we flew in there.

 

[markndean]

What about the record for the LONGEST time to get through?

We took 3 1/2 hours once to get through MCO - that's why we always get a seat at the front of the plane now, and leg it to immigration. Otherwise you can take ages.

 

[stevefry]

I suppose it's all relative. I certainly wouldn't like to go back to the days when immigration control was sorted out in Bangor, Maine - and the added ordeal of several further hours of flying down to Florida. With total journey times sometimes in excess of 12 hours.
Steve.

 

[Sundariel]

Hey that sounds amazing!

I've got a holiday booked with Thomas Cook where we paid for extra for premium seating on their plane. A couple of weeks later we were rung and told we would be flying on a Monarch plane.

Any chance do you think we'll get the same? or did you pay for something extra?

 

[stevefry]

Ours was an Airbus A330. Which is being used by Monarch.
See Cabin layout with 2-classes here:
http://flights.monarch.co.uk/images_site/cnt/aft/seat_lrg_a330_243.gif
(Premium on the right).

We paid an extra £199 each for the upgrade, but a couple we talked to who were also in premium, had managed to get it much cheaper than us because they'd booked nearer to the actual flight time.

For the most convenient (and quickest) exit from this type of plane, it's probably best to sit in row 7, as this is at the rear of the Premium Cabin and therefore nearest to the doors.
Steve.

 

[Sundariel]

Cool. I think we've got premium as we did pay a bit extra for more legroom and such. And my parents have done the same thing the last couple of times we have been to America (my dad has super long legs).

 

[MARK N TYME]

We paid £300 for the four of us,what is the premium cabin like are there seat back tv and free drinks like virgin?

 

[stevefry]

I've copied the following from Monarch's website:
Steve.

premium cabin
Premium Cabin upgrades are available predominantly on long-haul routes and can only be booked directly with your tour operator. Please check with your tour operator for further information regarding prices and availability*.

in-flight benefits include:

Wider seat with extra legroom - 34 inch seat pitch
Increased seat recline, with adjustable headrests, pillows and blankets.
Individual Seat back or personal video entertainment system.
Complimentary use of upgraded headsets.
Give-away amenity packs.
Complimentary welcome drink and free bar service.
Upgraded catering with a choice of entrée and a superior wine.
airport benefits include:

Dedicated check-in counters at most airports.
Increased baggage allowance of 30kg.
Priority boarding and baggage reclaim.
Fast-track/ Fastlane service at peak times at London Gatwick and Manchester.
To arrange an upgrade, please contact your tour operator directly. Upgrades cannot be arranged through Monarch Airlines directly.

 

[stevefry]

I don't want it to sound too much like an advertisement for Monarch.
Whereas we were more than happy with the 'Add-on' benefits, - I found the seats were still fairly cramped, considering the large upgrade-fee.
Steve.

 

[MARK N TYME]

I've copied the following from Monarch's website:
Steve.

premium cabin
Premium Cabin upgrades are available predominantly on long-haul routes and can only be booked directly with your tour operator. Please check with your tour operator for further information regarding prices and availability*.

in-flight benefits include:

Wider seat with extra legroom - 34 inch seat pitch
Increased seat recline, with adjustable headrests, pillows and blankets.
Individual Seat back or personal video entertainment system.
Complimentary use of upgraded headsets.
Give-away amenity packs.
Complimentary welcome drink and free bar service.
Upgraded catering with a choice of entrée and a superior wine.
airport benefits include:

Dedicated check-in counters at most airports.
Increased baggage allowance of 30kg.
Priority boarding and baggage reclaim.
Fast-track/ Fastlane service at peak times at London Gatwick and Manchester.
.[/QUOTE What was the choice of food and did you get free drinks?

 

[stevefry]

The food was edible. I think it was a choice of beef or chicken for entree.
Real cutlery too!!! - What was the point of all that searching for weapons at the airport, if they're then going to issue you a REAL knife to eat your food with!
Choice of drinks with meals included free red or white wine, or choice of soft/fizzy drinks.
Steve.