This was our first and hopefully our last flight with Monarch; we have in the past avoided flying long haul to the Maldives with Monarch, mainly because of the many bad reviews we have seen. However this year the island we wanted to stay on was only offered via Cosmos and they used Monarch flights during the summer months. We were offered to upgrade to Premium service for a bargain price so we bit their hands off and booked the holiday.
We asked at the time of booking if we could book seats together, they explained that we would have to call Monarch direct 12 weeks before the departure date and request these. Which we did and the very nice Lady on the phone even asked us which seats we wanted, she put all these details on their system and explained that there would be no problem at check in.
CHECK IN We arrived at Manchester airport early and we were the first couple to check in at the Premium desk. Our cases were weighed, and we were about 5 kgs over. We explained to the check in man that we had contacted Monarch customer service regarding diving equipment allowances and they said to show our divers certificates and we would be allowed an extra 10kgs on our limit. Even though this was correct he made me feel embarrassed, I even said that we only had one hand bag that weighted virtually nothing…..errr why did I feel that I should be giving him reasons to compensate for the extra allowance. He did not smile and the only time he gave us eye contact was to check out our passport photos. The ‘have a good flight with Monarch’ sounded so depressing. Maybe that was the first sign???
We noticed the boarding card seat numbers: not only were we not seated together, but on different rows. Oppps. We tried to explain, but we were asked to visit the manager’s desk and wait. After a few minutes explaining, the lady knew that we were not going to leave the desk unhappy with the seating. She then went to her manager, who then came back with new boarding cards apologising for the error. I must say that they were very helpful, polite and professional.
So off we went with seats together, very happy bunnies.
We boarded on time, in an orderly fashion with priority to premium class passengers. We thought great, no delay on this flight… But then sat for 50 mins on the plane; the reason was we were waiting for air traffic control to give them a slot?
First impression of the plane (Boeing 767) Old and Tatty.
SEATING We were on row 5 A+B window seats. Seat configuration 2 .3. 2 in premium area.
Seats were dark purple leather, with lilac head covers that looked like something my granny had on her side board. Legroom was 34” (2 inches less than most premium seating) however adequate for most; my partner is 6’ 2” and was comfortable. The middle armrest did lift up, although not right the way back- to make it easier to move across the seat to the isle. Seats were firm and comfortable. Seat belts were a good length.
We had a soft blanket and a small pillow. Ear phones – the ones that clip over your ears. Not the noise reduction type of head phones. A broad sheet newspaper: This proved difficult to read in a confined space.
We were asked if we would like a Hello magazine, the lady in front of me said ‘yes please’, and then the stewardess asked for £2. A stern ‘no thank you’ was replied. (These were free on other premium services we have previously flown with.)
We were offered a pre flight drink- a small carton of orange juice or water. (Not the normal bucks fizz in glasses)
PREMIUM COMFORT PACK This was to be used for outbound and inbound flight. This was well presented in a purple soft feel folded wallet with magnetic fasteners. They contained: • Socks • Eye Mask • Toothpaste • Toothbrush • Ear plugs • Wipes • Tissues • Note pad and Pen • Moisture lotion
ENTERTAINMENT There was a hole in the back of the seat in front, not quite sure what this was for, then we heard the clatter of metal coming up the isle with the stewardess juggling metal contraptions in her arms, this was then placed in the hole and a ‘digitset’ slotted into it.
There was a selection of movies Cartoons TV programmes Music But No games
After 4 hours, some of the sets battery ran out, there was not enough to replace everyone’s. I gave mine to my partner when his ran out of life. Not good when the flight was 10.5 hours
BAR SERVICE We had a bar service after take off, serving the usual drinks (free) and snacks. Snacks had to be paid for. All drinks were served with a smile.
MEAL SERVICE Bowl of salad with dressing that was very fresh and crunchy. - Tasty Bowl with lettuce, slice of raw salmon, prawn with blob of sauce. - I did not eat this as raw fish is just too risky on a flight.
We had a choice of Chicken or Beef for the mains? I opted for the Chicken meal, consisting of small breast, 3 tiny potatoes, a boiled piece of what resembled broccoli and tiny carrots. - It looked awful, but tasted OK
My partner had the beef which looked slightly better.
4 crackers with a good selection of cheeses, brie, stilton, Cheshire, butter and grapes - Tasty Celery and carrot sticks - Tasty
Chocolate sponge/sauce - Tasty
Tea or coffee – A small amount, but tasty
Red or white wine if required. My partner had the white wine and said that it tasted very nice indeed.
Metal cutlery and heavy weight napkin. Hot towels were given out after the meals.
FLIGHT This was a night flight and most people wanted to sleep after their meal. The cabin lights remained on and very bright especially by the window seats. (Now I know why everyone seemed to be wearing the eye masks!!)
We watched a couple of films, read the duty free booklet then tried to get some sleep- (I never really manage to sleep, I go into that lovely feeling of just dropping off, then wake up again) I then spent the next few hours listened to Paul snoring away ( he can sleep on a line). Before we knew it Breakfast was served.
BREAKFAST A Sausage, nearly cooked scrambled egg, a very pale rasher of fatty bacon, a ‘mushed’ up hash brown, served with a tomato and onion sauce. I only eat the sausage and sauce. – Looked and tasted awful.
Bowl of 2 slices of orange and grapefruit. - Tasty A bread roll, butter and a pot of jam. – The bread was very dry and crumbly
Tea or coffee
Our trays were cleared away very quickly on both meal services. Unlike some airlines, where mould starts to grow before they collect the trays from you.
TOILETS There was only one toilet in Premium - unlike the normal 2 toilets. So most times you had to use the other toilets, either way you had to stand in line and wait. I used the toilet just after take off so there was no excuse for a GRUBBY toilet. The floor looked like it had not been cleaned, and there was no liquid soap in the pump dispenser. How bad is that? The toilets must not be checked as this was the same throughout the flight. I had anti bacterial hand wipes, which sufficed.
Duty free service was fast and efficient. (No alcohol can be taken into the Maldives any bought on the plane is confiscated at security control)
Even though we were late taking off, we had head winds and arrived on time.
The flight crew were all very polite and friendly at all times. In fact they were great.
THE RETURN FLIGHT FROM MALE There was no problem at check in this time; our seats were all sorted for the return journey.
We boarded on time, just as we taxed down the runway it started to rain, and the wind picked up. Then you guessed it.. We could not take off, we sat waiting on the runway 50 mins- then a plane was landing, so we had to taxi back in again and then refuel again. Waited another hour, then we were clear for take off. I have to say that Monarch must be very safety conscious. That is nice to know.
The comfort packs were to be used on the return flight, Oh dear, who forgot to put the packs in the hand luggage? However we were issued with ear phones again.
The food service was much the same- nothing special – in fact the snack we had was terrible, one sandwich with beef that was bleeding, one with raw salmon, and looked bad- (See photo below) a bunch of grapes that looked like they had been around for 2 months, with mouldy grapes. We just left the whole lot
After 5 hours, I asked for a bottle of water, the reply was that they had ran out, I than asked for a coffee, the same answer, my partner then asked for tea, the same answer again. I did say that for a premium service on a 10.5 hours flight that this was not good at all. The stewardess did apologise and say that we could write in and complain. She did admit that this was a regular thing of running out of supplies and that she was embarrassed. She later offered to make us a cup of tea from the pot; we said it was fine, and not her fault but Monarch’s fault as an airline which embarrassed their excellent staff, with having to apologise for insufficient supplies.
Questionnaires were handed out – the prize was to win Monarch flights- I can honestly say that this was the only competition I hoped I did not win!!!
SUMMARY The plane was tatty; the food was poor, entertainment inadequate, and supplies unavailable.
I have to give a GOLD * star to the flight crew; they were wonderful, friendly and polite at all times. Nothing was too much trouble for them. Well done Monarch Cabin Crew. Pity you have to work for such a poor airline company.
NEWS FLASH***** We have heard that Monarch will be purchasing the new DREAMLINE planes due in 2009 for long haul destinations. Maybe they have got the message now???!!!
very helpful
very helpful
