Monarch

[neil2jo]

Hi All,

I hope you don't mind me rejoining these boards. I used them a couple of years ago for a trip and found all of the information really helpful.

I am looking to plan another trip for May/June 2011 and at the moment Monarch seem to have, what seems like, quite a good deal on offer for flights/car hire and a villa - less then £3,500 for 2 adults/2 children. However, before I get too excited I wondered if anyone could share their experiences of travelling with them.

My concerns are that I have read that they may/may not be close to going into administration and all other reviews say bad things (with the exception of one or two!!!)

Likewise, does this seem like a good price?

Many thanks for any help you can give

 

[kevin harrison]

I follow a simple saying. Has never failed me.

"If in doubt - leave it out"

 

[fairytale]

Welcome Back

I live by "If in doubt, chuck it out"

But in all seriousness, I havent heard anything good or bad regarding Monarch, I know they have been offering some seriously low cost flights recently to Florida. £259 return

If you can live in the knowing that there are rumours circulating about the company you have booked with and are happy to "wing it out" then go for it as the price seems fairly reasonable.

I have the same situation at the moment, were we are looking to book for Florida October 2011. A company called Complete Orlando (who I have never heard of), are currently offering the deal that I am waiting for Disney to bring out been 42% off Saratoga Springs plus free dining. Its the same offer we book on through disney each year. Having never heard of this company I am taking the decision to sit and wait for Disney as I just could not live for the next 16 months wondering if the company I have booked with are going to "stand by" my booking.

Down to personal choice again I guess.

 

[neil2jo]

Thanks for the replies so far. I am a bit of a worrier and like everything to be just right so will hold on for now and keep checking in the hope for other good deals!!!

 

[kristieuk]

I haven't heard anything bad about Monarch, but think I am right in saying that if you book with a credit card and anything bad does happen, you do always have comeback against the cc company for a refund. I appreciate it won't help if you lose your holiday, but at least you know your money is safe and you could rebook elsewhere.

 

[kevin harrison]

Welcome Back

A company called Complete Orlando (who I have never heard of), are currently offering the deal that I am waiting for Disney to bring out been 42% off Saratoga Springs plus free dining. Its the same offer we book on through disney each year. Having never heard of this company I am taking the decision to sit and wait for Disney as I just could not live for the next 16 months wondering if the company I have booked with are going to "stand by" my booking.

Down to personal choice again I guess.

Complete Orlando are a thoroughly legit company. They are part of Attraction tickets direct. No one worries about getting tickets off them.

 

[fairytale]

Complete Orlando are a thoroughly legit company. They are part of Attraction tickets direct. No one worries about getting tickets off them.

I hear what your saying Kevin, but parting with £500 ish for tickets is a lot different to £5000.00 plus.

My jury is still out with Complete Orlando, I'm giving Disney till the 10th June to release the offer, after then I think I may just take the chance and book with CO

 

[Howellsy]

We flew from Cardiff with them in 2008, had a 26 hour delay and because of this I would really worry about booking with them again personally.

Not only did we have the long delay, but when they finally got a plane ready for us the next day, we had to land in Canada first to refuel. Furthermore they didn't load the food onto the plane so we were given small packets of Maltesers and peanuts on 13 hour flight. The plane they put us on also did not have a premium economy section as our original plane was supposed to, and if I'd paid extra for those seats I'd have been even more angry than I already was.

I know that that summer Monarch had a LOT of problems with delays and the availability of planes in Cardiff and Manchester.

 

[ohana7]

We flew Monarch and will never do so again. We had booked with Thomas Cook but ended on up on Monarch. Going out was okay we had upgraded to premium but they leg room was virgins economy. On the way back we had a 3 day delay! When the plane final left it was one used for short haul. No premium seating, no food had been loaded on the plane, and toilets out of action two hours in. It was the longest 9hrs of my life. We then had a six month battle to get a refund on the premium portion on the fare. Never again. Thats our opinion, but others may differ.

 

[janiebubble]

I flew with Monarch to Orlando in 1999 ... and said never again ... we travelled in their premium cabin, which was ok facilities wise, but had the worst cabin crew I've ever encountered ... one bloke in particular was downright rude ... it put me off travelling with them again ... plus the flight was delayed on the way out for about 4 hours!

However, that was 11 years ago so I'm not sure if I'm qualified to answer!

 

[Squidgyness]

Monarch:

NO just NO, no delays here, just shabby.

Plane: Economy is HIDEOUS. Upgrading to premium is a MUST, otherwise you will be miserable.

Premium is OK. Seats alright, entertainment iffy, but if you dont upgrade it is tv's in the aisle.

Crew are alright. Food was awful, though at least we got a meal.

2 flights myself with them.

06 - economy, AWFUL. Cattle cages have more room, though my knees would explode, massive toilet queues.

09 - Premium. OK. Backseat entertainment.

This time we are planning to use first choice (if they are still around and do the hotel by '12 of course.)

Fortunately they use thompson, their economy is the same as monarchs premium and their premium is CHEAP to upgrade, only 180. Of course, you want budget, but please dont fly monarch. Save up, sell a kidney, whatever just fly better. Your legs and bladder will thank you.

 

[neil2jo]

Many thanks again for all of the replies, they are really helpful. From what I have read on here and through other research I think I am going to give them a miss this time and keep searching

 

[Squidgyness]

Many thanks again for all of the replies, they are really helpful. From what I have read on here and through other research I think I am going to give them a miss this time and keep searching

It has become my crusade to warn anyone from flying with them

 

[casinocolin]

We have been with Monarch Several times. We have always had excellent service. Flights have always been on time. Cabin crew have always been excellent. We have always upgraded to Premier Cabin and although leg room is less then BA & Virgin the price is always cheaper and better value for money and we are going with Monarch again this year lets hope we have more of the same this year.