Monarch - www.monarch.co.uk Reviews
Latest Reviews
★★★★★
“Great Flights”
Written on: 18/05/2013 by zigdog (1 review written)
Travelled with Monarch from Birmingham to Arrecife and return on 4/11.05.2013.Aircraft used was and Airbus A321 and both flights were first class. Admittedly we booked extra legroom seats which were great. Crews in both directions were excellent and both flights arrived early.Would definitely use Monarch again as long as extra legroom seats available - I am 6ft 3ins and struggle in economy to get comfortable. (read more)
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★★★★☆
“We like them”
Written on: 10/05/2013 by clare128 (3 reviews written)
Monarch have always provided us with good service and any problems we have had are generally not within their control...usually weather related. We find their staff friendly and helpful and their extra legroom seats are comfortable and well worth the money on longer journeys. Much better that either Thomas Cook or Thomson who treat you like cattle in our experience. (read more)
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★★★★☆
“We like them”
Written on: 10/05/2013 by clare128 (3 reviews written)
Monarch have always provided us with good service and any problems we have had are generally not within their control...usually weather related. We find their staff friendly and helpful and their extra legroom seats are comfortable and well worth the money on longer journeys. Much better that either Thomas Cook or Thomson who treat you like cattle in our experience. (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Worst Flight of My Life!!”
Written on: 01/05/2013
I booked a Monarch flight from Tenerife to Gatwick several months in advance. Having looked at the seating plan, I reserved a seat which didn´t have a seat in front of it, so I had plenty of room for my long legs. A couple of weeks later, the seat reservation was cancelled by Monarch owing to a change of plane. The flight time was also postponed, meaning that we would now misss the last train, so we had to overnight in a hotel. I flew last Friday - the plane was a very old Airbus A300.... (read more)
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★★★★★
“MONARCH Great crew ”
Written on: 30/04/2013
Travelled London Gatwick to Montego Bay (MON9095) 09-04-2013 an 11+ hours with some advance worries.... but great flight good leg room and lovely cabin crew Gatwick check in well organised too ! ... (read more)
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★★☆☆☆
“Forced to pay for an allocated seat! Disgusting.”
Written on: 23/04/2013
I still have not flown with Monarch yet, so I will post a review then. However, I found horrible the fact that at check in time, the force you to choose a seat which you have to pay for! When comparing flights & companies, you include al costs, then you choose a company but not, 2 weeks before your trip, they ask you for extra money! Won't Monarch again and I would not recommend it to friends or family. On the contrary, I will tell them how cheeky I found that! (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Cancelled UK-Munich Routes from May 2013”
Written on: 19/04/2013 by Flying_Bear (1 review written)
For your information, according to EC regulations, Monarch are obliged to re-route you on other airlines even when they cancel more than 2 weeks in advance. The CAA hotline has just confirmed this to me. Monarch are refusing to rebook the cancelled UK-Munich flights on e.g. BA or LH so the only recourse is to book new flights and then to claim the cost of the replacement flights through the small claims court from Monarch. DO NOT ACCEPT THE OFFER OF MONARCH TO REFUND YOUR TICKET PRICE or you... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“flight zb 915 heraklion to birmingham”
Written on: 18/04/2013
IF ANYONE WAS ON FIGHT ZB915 HERAKLION TO BIRMINGHAM ON 22 AUG 2012 AT 00.30 PLEASE CONTACT ME AT extru2003@yahoo.co.uk AS I AM GOING TO ATEMPT TO START A CLASS ACTION FOR DELAY COMPENSATION AGAINST MONARCH I HAVE ALREADY REFERED THIS TO CAA.GR PLEASE JOIN IN YOU DESERVE COMPENSATION AND THEY DONT DESERVE TO GET AWAY WITH . (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Monarch leaves school groups without flights”
Written on: 17/04/2013
I couldn't agree more with the negative reviews posted on here regarding Monarch's sudden cancellation of routes between the UK and Munich. I had three school groups booked with them flying Munich-Leeds-Munich, a total of 126 seats. After re-booking just ONE of these groups with alternative airlines I have lost just under £10,000. God only knows why I was so stupid as to book with with such a blase and uncaring airline - never again. Finally a big thank you to the genius accountant who... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“HONEYMOON NEARLY RUINED ”
Written on: 15/04/2013
I just want to tell everyone about my experience that I had Flying with Monarch. We had a 3 week dream trip planned 1 week in Bermuda and 2 weeks in the Maldives the reason we went to Bermuda was for my Sisters wedding then after the 1st week fly back to Gatwick and catch our connecting flight for our honeymoon to the Maldives. However in Bermuda on the last 2 days there we encountered a tropical storm all flights were ground as the winds were to strong for planes to take off. Obviously... (read more)
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Showing 1 - 10 of 340 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“Thanks for nothing, Monarch.”
Written on: 14/04/2013 by MunichNeil
End of May Munich flights booked, hotels booked, car hire booked, events booked. Meeting friends there. Three weeks before and Monarch cancels "scheduled" flights. Thanks for nothing, Monarch. This is one customer you've lost. (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Cancelled Flight Leeds - Munich”
Written on: 14/04/2013 by missylyn
3 weeks to go, having booked and paid for our hotel and transfers you firstly amend our flight time, not a problem but then a week later you decide to cancel with no explanation leaving us with no option but to find alternative flights at highly inflated prices. Also we have to travel to another airport which means taking an extra day off work and the extra cost to travel. If we had cancelled at such short notice we would have forfeited the fares? Subsequently we have discovered that all... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Route cancelled on very short notice”
Written on: 13/04/2013
I do not want to fly with them again. Got a cheap flight with Monarch well in advance plus a car rental and 3 weeks before the bank holiday weekend they notify me that the whole route to Munich is now cancelled. Now I need to find flight and car rental again, when of course it is much more expensive at such short notice. I wouldn't mind if they were to change their flight schedules 6 months in advance, that is part of a business being successful, but to let me know 3 weeks before a bank... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Long Haul.......Never Again”
Written on: 28/03/2013
Travelled from gatwick to sanford august,2012.I chose them because the holiday was £1000 cheaper than who i normally travel with to florida....virgin atlantic. I wish i hadn,t bothered it was not money worth saving. I have never felt so cramped and confined and i have flown economy a number of times. On the way out i had to go to the bulk head and sit on the floor as i felt faint due to the conditions. On the way back i had a lump of a man squeeze himself into his chair and encroach on what... (read more)
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★★★★☆
“i think that monarch is still the best”
Written on: 27/03/2013
i am disabled and i like to fly with monarch, it is a very good air line plenty of space toilets clean, service is good and thay allways take care of me only 1 problem i had to wait for assistance a long time thay was very busy every thing was arranged before hand for my tickets but i still will fly with them (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“rubbish customer service”
Written on: 22/03/2013
Just flew back from Sharm El Sheikh to Gatwick with Monarch, a 5 and a half hour flight, were sitting in row 29, the flight was from 17.25 Egyptian time and so we were going to order in-flight food for dinner, however, the three trolleys served the whole of the plane except our row and the rows just before and after ours, it took over two hours, and by the time they reached us there was hardly any food left to order so we ended up with cup-a-soups. We have always flown no-frills with other... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Routine extraordinary circumstances- 50% of my flights...”
Written on: 11/03/2013
In two trips with Monarch this year with eight flights legs only four were on time. The others were subject to three five hour delays and an eleven hour delay. Monarch did not offer any 'phone calls. In the case of the five hour delay we were simply told to go to a local taverna and wait. Amazingly this 50% miss rate is suggested by Monarch to be "extraordinary circumstances" (technical problems and an inability to source a replacement). All flights took place in the shoulder months when... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“The worst airline I have ever used.”
Written on: 01/03/2013
Flight from Venice to Manchester over 6 hour delay!!!! No advice, no Monarch stay around and no reason given for such a long delay. I have had to buy food and drink at the airport which is very expensive. I am truly shocked at the lack of customer care and support and judging by other reviewers I am not alone. I will be taking this further Monarch! (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Alicante to Manchester ZB679”
Written on: 27/02/2013 by JulieFitz (1 review written)
On 13th August 2012 I arrived at Alicante Airport at a little after 1.00am for a 3.20am flight. The journey to get to the airport took. With me I had my three little boys aged 8, 6 and 3. Upon arrival at the airport I quickly realised that there was something amiss! We went to check in and was informed that the flight was delayed and was not due to take off until "who knows when". We were furnished with some food/drink vouchers, very kind I thought until it became apparent that there was... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“FACTS ABOUT MONARCH TO CONSIDER BEFORE FLYING.”
Written on: 24/02/2013 by Delayed (3 reviews written)
This review is factual, to the point and should be read before you consider booking with Monarch Airlines or indeed EasyJet and Ryanair. Over the past year or so (this review is written early 2013) there has been a flood of complaints regarding the Monarch service (either schedule [ZB prefix] or chartered [MON prefix]) flights. We wanted to see why this was so and decided over a 2 month period to carry out our own research into Monarch and their immediate competitors as one of our employees... (read more)
Visit monarch.co.ukStatictom's Response to Delayed's Review
Written on: 10/05/2013
Good facts. Monarch are not buying any new planes. They recently sold 3 planes and then leased them back again. In the past month they have had to sub charter flights from Pullmantur, Titan, Air Italy, NEOS and Niki Air. The age of the monarch planes corresponds directly to reliability/delays.
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Showing 11 - 20 of 340 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“Delayed 4 hours :(”
Written on: 23/02/2013 by LisaSF
Delayed 4 hrs on ZB970 on 22/8/12 , no food or drink provided by Monarch, passengers had to purchase food & drink when the flight eventually took off. The pilot stated the delay was due to loading problems. It took Monarch 17 weeks to refuse my compensation claim, stating extraordinary circumstances for a technical fault ( this is not an extraordinary circumstance according to the CAA). DO NOT use this airline, they do not meet their legal obligations and appear to be using a substandard... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“No basic Customer SErvice skills”
Written on: 17/02/2013
Delayed 7 hours on a flight to Rome last year...Monarch claiming Extraordinary Circumstances on the previous flight and declined claim...They clearly do not know the law and when you ask for which sections the judgment they are applying, they ignore you... Waited 16 weeks for them to respond...lol....Avoid at all costs....if you are delayed and are disabled like we are, you have no chance....Saw staff at check in then conspicuous by absence until boarding of delayed flight... Cant thank... (read more)
Visit monarch.co.ukDelayed's Comment
Written on: 17/02/2013
Typical Monarch - oldest fleet - worst record for delays - financial losses - unfortunately reflected in their desire not to pay legitimate claims. Only way therefore is to resort to UK judicial system ~ if you don't mind doing this when you fly Monarch then ok but most of us just want a comfortable on time flight in which case statistics say AVOID MONARCH.
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★☆☆☆☆
“Do not book with them”
Written on: 09/02/2013 by DislikeMonarchAirlines
Do not book with them.....booked to go on a cruise from Venice, they changed the return flight by about 10 hours so could not use the return flight. All other flights with reputable airlines have gone sky high in price. Do NOT trust them (read more)
Visit monarch.co.ukDelayed's Response to DislikeMonarchAirlines's Review
Written on: 10/02/2013
Unfortunately Monarch's reputation is diminishing hour by hour. Your problem is one of many the airline are experiencing and many have doubts they will survive. With an old fleet (average age 14.5 years with some planes 25 years old+) and a terrible record for delays they are under pressure to 'sort things out' - whether they manage to do so is anybody's guess.
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★☆☆☆☆
“What a way to treat someone”
Written on: 16/01/2013
My wife and I were interested in a package holiday which included a flight with Monarch. I am six foot three and I was recovering from an accident and was not able to bend my right knee very much. We contacted Monarch who said it would not be a problem. So we went ahead and booked. We just had to report three hours before the flight time. This we did but nothing happened until shortly before the normal check in time when someone came along and said that we would be alright in the... (read more)
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★★★☆☆
“Not bad overall but better if only 5 feet tall!”
Written on: 15/01/2013 by Bosxi (1 review written)
We flew with Monarch from Manchester Airport to Hurghada in Egypt. Monarchs check in desks at Manchester were easy to find and took no time checking in. The aircraft was An Airbus A321, these are a single isle aircraft with 3 seats on each side. 4 of us travelled so we ended with one person sitting across from us, can't be helped as most aircraft have a similar lay out. Now boarding was straight forward enough and once on board finding the seats no trouble. Once seated i had the... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“terrible”
Written on: 15/01/2013 by skbz (1 review written)
we suffered a 16 hour delay from portugal. At first the arrangements were suitable, and we were ferried to a hotel overnight. In the morning though things took a turn for the worse. we were hurried out of the hotel at half 5 in the morning and given a brown bag for breakfast which contained a ham roll, one fruit, a small drink and a bag of crisps. Once at the airport, the flight was not on any of the boards and we were eventually shown to two different check ins before finding the one they... (read more)
Visit monarch.co.ukDelayed's Response to skbz's Review
Written on: 18/01/2013
Yes you are entitled to compensation - the amount depends upon which UK airport you were flying into. Monarch are stalling on every claim at the moment hoping that people will not have the tenacity to see any claim through to the bitter end. There is no point in seeking/paying for legal advise as this will just reduce the amount of your compensation.
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111Ka's Response to skbz's Review
Written on: 19/01/2013
Worth posting your Monarch 'experience' on the Guardian article of 19.01.13
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★★★☆☆
“Advice please!!”
Written on: 14/01/2013 by morgans63
Sorry this isn't a review but after reading many extremely poor reviews I am very concerned. We have booked flights from Birmingham to Lanzarote for June 2013 and I'm now concerned that we won't have a Monarch plane and maybe faced with long delays. We booked this as it was a fair bit cheaper than Thomson. Has anyone had experience of flying from Birmingham to Lanzarote- how was it? Was it a Monarch plane? Thanks, (read more)
Visit monarch.co.ukTravellerplus's Response to morgans63's Review
Written on: 14/01/2013
hi morgan64
no need to worry monarch are flying a full programme on there own planes and have been since end of september 2012
have great holiday
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111Ka's Response to morgans63's Review
Written on: 18/01/2013
Monarch are (generally) a decent airline. The problem they have (compared say with Ryanair and EasyJet) is they are only a small operator and so back up is minimal if they hit problems with one of their aircraft. If a delay does occur therefore due say to a technical problem the liklihood is you will have to wait until the aircraft is repaired whereas one of the larger operators will often fly a replacement plane in. Monarch are also building up a reputation for not paying due compensation if there is a delay - this could be a result of their financial losses/problems. So in a nutshell if there is not a delay they are good but if there is a delay they are useless.
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Delayed's Response to morgans63's Review
Written on: 04/02/2013
Unsure if you have booked Monarch Schedule (ZB) or Monarch Charter (MON) however, unfortunately Monarch have the worst record of any of the UK based airlines for delays. If charter (which I expect your flight may be) the figures just released for 2012 indicate "The summer 2012 season saw Monarch charter flights at the bottom of the UK charter airline league table with an average delay of 28 minutes and only 65% on-time performance achieved." ~ this was from BHX in fact other airports are worse! If a schedule flight then post here and I will provide figures. Fingers crossed ~ they are a good/safe airline however punctuality is definitely not their strong point.
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★☆☆☆☆
“Probably the worst airline in the world!!”
Written on: 08/01/2013 by Pember (2 reviews written)
Book Monarch if you want to travel on a out sourced plane from a 3rd party provider who you would probably not travel with out of choice due to the age of the aircraft!! The staff were rude, the plane was delayed for hours, Monarch did not communicate to anyone and depite 3 letters of complaint being sent no reply. The fare will be cheap BUT you take your life in your hands and you get what you pay for or in this case much less then you pay for. To sum it up a fellow traveller hit it on... (read more)
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★★★★★
“Fantastic airline and Cabin Crew on outbound/inbound...”
Written on: 07/01/2013 by Lizfromsussex (4 reviews written)
Check in at Gatwick for Flight No: ZB746 to Funchal Madeira very quick and staff at desk very polite and efficient. On boarding the aircraft on our outbound journey, as usual we were greeted by the cabin crew and for once, it was a genuine greeting, which ended up our having a brief conversation (luckily there was nobody behind us! Our inbound flight was equally as nice and the crew were very mature/genuine in their attitude. Aircraft for both journeys was an Airbus, which was really... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Avoid”
Written on: 06/01/2013 by Liam7
Flight: Manchester - Venice. Delays both ways, we haven't boarded yet for the return flight, there will be a minimum of 6h delay. Hope I can make it to Manchester, I need to be in my office by 9am tomorrow morning, I guess I won't be able to make it. After reading so many similar stories I would definitely NOT recommend flying with them. Next time I'll go with Ryanair, as much as I hate them they surely are way more reliable. (read more)
Visit monarch.co.ukDelayed's Response to Liam7's Review
Written on: 07/01/2013
Assume they will quote extraordinary circumstances which they tell everyone means you will not get any compensation. Do not believe them > extraordinary circumstances generally refers to volcanic ash, fog etc not a mechanical/technical problem with your plane. It sounds like you should be entitled to compensation as your delay was in excess of 3 hours. HTH
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Showing 21 - 30 of 340 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“Delay delay delay”
Written on: 06/01/2013 by margesimpson
Haven't even boarded the flight yet but.... Only through checking the airports live departures did I discover that my flight was delayed by 3 hours, then later 4, and currently it is 5 hrs 30 mins late!!!! I realise this happens but after reading countless other reviews during my loonnngg wait and noting that all monarch flights coming and going on this same day are delayed, it seems that this is a regular occurrence. So save yourself the hassle and travel with another more reliable budget... (read more)
Visit monarch.co.ukDelayed's Response to margesimpson's Review
Written on: 07/01/2013
Monarch will claim there were extraordinary circumstances for the delay .... load of rubbish unless there was snow/volcanic ash or the like. More likely there was a technical problem with the plane and as your delay was over 3 hours you are entitled to compensation over and above the odd food/drink voucher etc. There may be more reliable airlines and some less so but they all hit problems however some pay out and others put up a fight. In Monarch's case they are getting a very bad name for not doing what they should ie pay out.
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★★★☆☆
“great if you book extra leg room”
Written on: 26/12/2012 by holidayally (2 reviews written)
comfort: we booked a flight to sharm el sheikh and asked if there were rows with just 2 seats at check in. we were told no problem but charged £25/person. we were very lucky to be given row 10 - exit row with masses of space however because my other half needed extension belt, we were told we couldn't sit there, for health and safety reasons, so had to move. No offer of refund. we were placed between a couple and their children (for some reason they were not allowed to sit together... (read more)
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★★★★★
“Give it a try!”
Written on: 18/12/2012
We booked with Monarch from Manchester to Palma on the recommendation of friends and family, then began to regret it as tales of delays, indifferent staff service and poor quality planes bombarded the Internet and press. We had previously travelled with British Midland, and subsequently BMIBaby, from EMI to Palma for over 20 years, with minimal problems. However, our experience of travelling with Monarch was excellent - only a slight delay, very good cabin service and plenty of legroom on... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Worst Flight and Last ever with Monarch!”
Written on: 09/11/2012 by JiGi
Checked the flight times for depature at UK airport to Sharm El Sheihk, everything OK. Arrived at Manchester to be told on booking in that it was 5 hrs late, but given food vouchers. However, after 5hrs delay & the other flights including another Monarch flight to Sharm leaving on time to find a further delay. Arrived in Sharm at 00:30 hrs with the coach to the hotel leaving us shattered. On departure from Sharm we again were the only flight delayed again by 3 hrs, apparently a flight... (read more)
Visit monarch.co.ukDelayed's Response to JiGi's Review
Written on: 10/11/2012
Sounds like you are entitled to compensation from Monarch - whether you decide to pursue is your decision (as it will require tenacity and patience) - your action in seeking compensation will, hopefully, force this and other airlines to 'get their act together' so even if you do not intend to fly Monarch in the future it may help others and increase your bank balance!
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★☆☆☆☆
“Worst”
Written on: 07/11/2012
Two Monarch flights incurred over 6 hour delays due to technical faults from Tenerife to Gatwick 2nd Nov 2012. We were originally booked on the 3.30pm flight from Tenerife to Gatwick and when arriving at Tenerife airport was showing as “delayed”. After seeing this we moved our seats to an earlier flight which fortunately for us was also delayed. This flight was due to take off at 11.25am but at 2pm had only just been confirmed as arriving at Tenerife at 4.30pm. The flight we made it onto... (read more)
Visit monarch.co.ukDelayed's Comment
Written on: 07/11/2012
If your delay was over 3 hours and due to technical problems with the aircraft Monarch are liable to pay you compensation. In this case probably 400€ per person. Whether you decide to pursue this depends upon your tenacity to seek as Monarch will deny any responsibility and seek not to pay you.
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★★★★★
“great first time experience”
Written on: 06/11/2012 by eloweeta
I really have to mention the staff on the return flight. She was excellent. Seeing me and my partner were exceptionally tall, she put us on the emergency exit aisle. I cannot believe the difference in leg room. I won't be able to fly any other way now. Very good. Thanks Loly in Barcelona. (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Dreadful”
Written on: 30/10/2012
Two hour delay going out Gatwick to Lanzarote, and the day before we flew home they changed the departure time from 18.00 to 19.55 without informing us. The flight actually took off at 20.20 getting us to Gatwick at 5 past midnight. Seats are tiny - I'm 6 foot so not unusually tall and it was impossible to get my knees in so they kept driving the trolley into my leg. The top of the seat was at the top of my shoulders. It was hot and the staff looked totally miserable. Dreadful experience (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“ worst seats ever - disgusting !”
Written on: 25/10/2012
First time i travelled with this airline, and will be the last !!! Seats could not be worst ! I have travelled with many airlines, but this one takes the biscuit ! Tight and uncomfortable seats as you can get ! Been in other budget airlines and they are so much better by far ! I say, shop around for a airline - make sure that you skip this one big time ! (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“GOT OFF PLANE ON RUNWAY !!!!!!!”
Written on: 23/10/2012
On 10 th july 2012 we were the first passengers to fly on the birmingham to teneriefe flight using the hired plane Aurlea. The same plane that skidded off the runway 4 weeks ago in birmingham. On boarding the plane very dirty no air con no english speaking staff. On taxiing down the runway the plane went into a big skid to the left hand side, the steps were brought to the plane where the captain got out to have a very quick look with the mechanics. The door closed and the same happened... (read more)
Visit monarch.co.ukLettie44's Comment
Written on: 11/12/2012
Myself and two friends had a similar experience with Monarch's practice of outsourcing aeroplanes to Eastern European companies. This time the company they used was called Small Planet. The whole experience was very scary and one that I wouldnt like to repeat. Their customer relations department is a joke. I pointed out that there had been a collective gasp from the passengers when we landed at East Midlands airport, as the aeroplane hit the ground with such a thud, we all thought that it wasn't going to stop. As you said, safety is not an issue with Monarch and they certainly neglected their duty of care in my opinion. I will never travel with Monarch again, as they are trading on the brand then disregrading safety. In comparison, Ryanair is safer to fly with than penny pinching Monarch.
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★☆☆☆☆
“Lost and Found”
Written on: 22/10/2012
This was the worst airline company I have travelled with. The customer service is very bad special in Italy. It is 35 days today since we lost our baby`s pram in Milan and the company can’t even give a written documentation to support our claim insurance. The lost (read more)
Visit monarch.co.ukTricia33's Comment
Written on: 17/11/2012
Lost baggage is covered by ground handling agents and not Monarch direct. This should have been reported once you had not received your luggage at Milan and then they give you a reference number so your baggage can be tracked through the system using the barcode that would have been attached to your boarding card.
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Showing 31 - 40 of 340 Reviews
★☆☆☆☆
“A300 a must to avoid”
Written on: 20/10/2012
Personnel good. Aircraft A300 absolutely appalling. Difficult to believe so many human beings can be crammed into the space available. No leg room, no body room. I have travelled on many different flights, this was the worst. Senior company officials should be made to travel in these conditions just to appreciate how bad it really is. Avoid at all costs (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“ZB979 Malaga to Birmingham 17/10/12 departure time 19.45”
Written on: 18/10/2012
This is the first time I have flown with Monarch having used BMI baby on all previous flights including my outward journey to Malaga in August. I was expecting the same level of comfort, cleanliness and service that I had been used to on my previous flights. This unfortunately was not the case. Firstly, the plane was not a Monarch plane and was manned by foreign cabin crew. This was not a situation I had come across in all my years of flying and I was astounded to hear that Monarch do this... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Terrible Experience with Air Explore”
Written on: 17/10/2012 by Thermal7575 (1 review written)
Flight ZB 5409 from Rome on 15th October 2012. 50 minutes late boarding the plane due to lack of bus transport to aircraft.Found out even though this was a scheduled flight the aircraft was Air Explore which is a Slovak company. After wating about 45 mins on aircraft announcement that bags from inward flight had not been offloaded and therefore no luggage on board. Then after another 20 mins announcement to say Captain had realised not enough fuel on board to get to Birmingham ( why did he... (read more)
Visit monarch.co.ukDelayed's Response to Thermal7575's Review
Written on: 19/10/2012
If delay over 3 hours due to technical aircraft problems you may be entitled to compensation dependant upon ECJ final ruling on 23/10/2012.
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Anniecpott's Response to Thermal7575's Review
Written on: 02/01/2013
Hear hear! I agree with your comments about Rome airport and Monarch as we were there 2 weeks before you and had a very similar experience.
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★☆☆☆☆
“Discourteous service on Air Explore operating Monarch...”
Written on: 16/10/2012
5 hour delay on Flight from Malaga on 15.10.12 - never received such rude service fom arrogant flight attendants who thanked us for our understanding - I hadnt given them mine - gather from their Iberia handling agents that their service is now generally poor, which is bad enough when adults are flying but unbearable when you are travelling with young children. (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Monarch never again!”
Written on: 16/10/2012
Myself and two daughters were delayed ten hours no information and only five pound voucher for food, rude staff. After having food at 4:30 am flight left around 1pm no more food vouchers !! On plane no availability to purchase food! (read more)
Visit monarch.co.ukDelayed's Comment
Written on: 16/10/2012
You should find out the reason for your delay. If a technical problem with the aircraft you may be entitled to compensation. Email Monarch indicating you require the information (reasons plus delay period) for an insurance claim. Other 'duty of care' matters should have been provided by the airline. There is a liklihood you may well be offered money off vouchers ~ if you require a higher level of compensation you will need to push hard.
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★☆☆☆☆
“flight ZB 564 DEPARTING ON 11/09/12 frm Manchester”
Written on: 10/10/2012 by wilpshire (1 review written)
This flight was meant to leave Manchester on 11/09/12 but was delayed through technical problems .The flight did not leave until 00.05 ON 12/09/12.Monarch have not furnished me with there details which I need, to claim for a delayed flight from my insurance company.If any one can help I would be gratefull (read more)
Visit monarch.co.ukDelayed's Response to wilpshire's Review
Written on: 11/10/2012
The airline should have provided you with details regarding the delay. Email them saying that you require these details for your insurers. You do not state where you were flying to or the total period of delay - this has a distinct bearing as does any accommodation/food/drink afforded by Monarch during your delay. Seek the details I suggest from the airline and post the other required information on here and I will advise on how to proceed. Most insurance companies will only pay out if the delay is greater than 12 hours although the airline may well be required to compensate you.
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Fluffer's reply to Delayed's Comment
Written on: 19/10/2012
The flight was from Manchester on 11/09/12 due to depart at 06.55 to Tenerife.Since writing this review I have contacted the flight provider Avro,and they state the flght left at 23.11.According to my records the flight did not leave until after midnight.My insurance covers me for delays exceeding 12 hours but this is my personal benefit as I had the intelligence to take out insurance .Surely the airline should be resposible for the shortening of my holiday.The airline provided me with refreshments during the long delay
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111Ka's reply to Fluffer's Comment
Written on: 22/10/2012
Delayed is correct. Your contract was with Monarch not Avro. Your insurance will only pay a nominal amount whereas your operator is likely to be responsible for a compensation payment of 400€ payment per passenger. Delay should be in excess of 3 hours at your destination airport not departure delay. You will need Monarch to confirm total length of delay and reasons behind it. On 23/10/12 ECJ ruling should be released - ie confirmation of the foregoing. You should Google Sturgeon hearing. Airline will put every obstacle in your way so if you do require the compensation which it appears you may be entitled to you will need to be determined - failing this there are no win no fee firms but they will take up to 30% of your compensation.
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Wilpshire's reply to 111Ka's Comment
Written on: 08/01/2013
Ihave received a responsefrom Monarch.They have admitted that the delay was their fault but stae that it was not a extraordinary event covered by EU regulations.Have you heard of anyone receiving compensation
Regards
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Delayed's reply to Wilpshire's Comment
Written on: 09/01/2013
Typical response from Monarch. The airlines have two alternatives ie pay up or contest. The likes of BA and EasyJet are paying up and this is going to hit their bottom line. Monarch are contesting using the phrase EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES as they naively think this protects them. It does not but what it is doing is putting a lot of people off claiming.So you may need to go to Court to obtain your rightful compensation - again as BA and EasyJet Monarch are going to have to pay however by acting as bullies their bottom line will not be effected as much. It is about time the CAA and Courts put them in their place. As far as I am aware no one has received the full monetary compensation from Monarch for a delay in excess of 3 hours.
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★☆☆☆☆
“Terrible”
Written on: 08/10/2012 by Sangenig
I write this from gatwick having waited 6.5 hours for my flight with 2 young children and will now arrive in lanzarote gone midnight. Staff in boots told me this happens every day with monarch. Be warned! (read more)
Visit monarch.co.ukDelayed's Response to Sangenig's Review
Written on: 09/10/2012
If your delay was as a result of a technical problem with the aircraft you may be entitled to 400€ compensation payment per traveller subject to the ECJ ruling on the Sturgeon matter on October 23rd. You should initially obtain written statement from Monarch as to why there was a delay.
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Tricia33's Response to Sangenig's Review
Written on: 17/11/2012
Bit of an exageration there. It does not happen every day!
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★★☆☆☆
“state and age of 757s, loose screws.”
Written on: 08/10/2012
flew back from skiathos yesterday on mon7027 a boeing 757-200 ( mon k).the same plane i flew out on the week before. the plane was old it looked tired with paint flaking around the wings and engine cowlings, touched up bits of yellow paint here and there. the seats were comfy enough and leg pitch adequate but again the inside was tired. detail rubbed out on fascia pannels from years of passenger wear. nothing seemed to fit snugly anymore. i sat in my seat for takeoff over the right wing. i... (read more)
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★☆☆☆☆
“Unbelievable!”
Written on: 06/10/2012
I read reviews before I booked with Monarch and I was very surprised at all the bad ones as I had used Monarch a few years ago and had no problems whatsoever. So much time was wasted on this trip to Rome from Luton return with departure times changing 2 or 3 times and then flying with some old plane a Spanish airline that I had never heard of. My travelling companion who was nearly 80 years old was worn out as there was nowhere to sit while we waited for our plane. The return journey was... (read more)
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★★★☆☆
“Seats too close together.”
Written on: 04/10/2012
I book 4 return trips from Manchester to Malaga for myself and my wife every year, sometimes more. This year on one occasion we used Jet 2. We found that there was a lot more leg room on Jet2 aircraft which was much better than on Monarch. I think the difference is not because the seats are further apart it is just that on Monarch planes the seats are made of material which allows the lower part of the seat and the seat pockets to reduce the leg room. Also, inconsiderate people recline their... (read more)
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Tricia33's Response to Delayed's Review
Written on: 01/03/2013
Clearly your knives are out for this airline. Maybe you should cover the whole spectrum to include safety records and how many flights are just cancelled, like Easijet are fond of doing. That is a good option for not paying compensation. At least Monarch get people to where they are going and for a smaller airline I think they do a pretty good job of doing so, as like you say they are UK based. Considering the financial problems travel companies are now facing it is a shame that this ruling was allowed to be backdated. Nobody likes to see companies fold and job losses, so this is an expense companies will now have to face. In your research what is the percentage of payout with the other companies? Probably about the same. It is called survival.
Delayed's reply to Tricia33's Comment
Written on: 04/03/2013
Our research indicated that EasyJet and BA were fairly good in recognising the law, Ryanair seemed to hide behind their Irish origins and make it difficult for claimants. Thomson, Jet2 and Thomas Cook were not good but in all honestly Monarch were the worst. Knives are not out for this airline but I think the problem is they have not made provision in their accounts and the more claims they deny the more widespread (internet for you!) the problem becomes hence more claimants jump on the bandwagon. Safety wise - all EU airlines are good (touch wood) and nothing to choose between them. Monarch tend not to cancel flights due to the stigma attached however cancelled or delayed the rules are really the same. We do not want to see any airline fold but there again think everyone deserves a punctual service - in effect BMibaby folded but Monarch were quick (in fact too quick!) to pick up their routes - suppose at the end of the day it is going to be survival of the fit ones - unfortunately it appears Monarch are not fit (at the moment) for purpose.
111Ka's reply to Tricia33's Comment
Written on: 04/03/2013
Ruling was not backdated - it was challenged by TUi (and others) - the ruling dates back to 2004 however it had been stayed in the EU courts due to the challenge. It is interesting that Monarch were not one of the airlines to challenge (assume they accepted) however they are now one of the airlines who are putting up most resistance. Unfortunately for Monarch their business model (planes located over 3 hours from problem if set up time incl.) does not suit this EU law however there are ways around this but Monarch appear reluctant to pursue this aspect and prefer to antagonise pax by turning down most (legitimate) claims.