Monarch Airlines

[airforced]

Big decision, tapas bars of las palmas on my to do list, Monarch on my do not fly list, what gives.
Is it right as someone has told me that as a couple if one books hold luggage the other is forced too as well. Flying with Jet2 we just book one hold case as my stuff can go in my small cabin case.
Monday flight times look ideal for us.

Unless they have changed things Tarn Spotter you can book as many or as few bags as you want. That was certainly the case (forgive the pun) last year when we used them for Crete. I know you aren't keen on Monarch but they are worthy of another go from you I'm sure. Go for the tapas!

 

[imagineif]

Give them a try, on time performance from LBA is brilliant - well maintained aircraft & service always seems that notch above Jet2 & Ryanair.

Noticed quite a few swaps over the past week with Monarch seeming to rotate our usual Airbus A320's through Luton via swaps down route.

We have had G-ZBAP for a week, then today G-ZBAA returned and now our G-ZBAB has swapped in Palma.

Coming back from Dalaman this evening was Manchester regular G-MRJK - now Monarchs oldest 320 at about 15 years old.

They are taking active sectors from LTN but perhaps between missions they are having the new seats installed?

 

[a300boy]

The big thing for me is the two A320 aircraft can land Cat 3 here so getting back to Leeds without a diversion is much more likely than with Jet 2. So I will be giving them a try this winter.

 

[Aviador]

Totally agree with you there. Passengers will catch on to this eventually if jet2 or LBA don't pull their finger out.

 

[airforced]

The big thing for me is the two A320 aircraft can land Cat 3 here so getting back to Leeds without a diversion is much more likely than with Jet 2. So I will be giving them a try this winter.

You are quite right there A300boy. I'm glad I didn't say it though as I'd have had people jumping down my throat for having a go at Jet2!

 

[White Heather]

Don't forget that in winter the majority of Jet2 flights are 737-300's which can and do regularly land Cat 3 at LBA. Only the 757's are at risk, or 737-800's if we have any in winter. Considering the number of flights Jet2 operate into LBA compared with the rest, they don't do so bad. Depends on where you are flying to and the aircraft type whether the risk of a divert is any different with Monarch to Jet2.

 

[a300boy]

Agreed White Heather but we have already had a couple of foggy nights this spring and as the B737-800 is now operating as well as the B757-200 for Jet 2 it is just another operational problem for them. I do not blame anyone but wish we were at least planning to fix the problem. I guess Thomson would have a problem too. Does anyone know if Titan took a Cat 3 with B757 G-ZAPX the other night ?

 

[jason1-11]

Forgive if I'm wrong, but Thomas Cook only operated down to Cat 2 with their based 320's so what do Monarch know that TCX didin't.

By the way, flew with Monarch down to Barcelona from Leeds last year and would give them 9/10 - they were amazing and on par with BA who I fly with regularly.

 

[a300boy]

Could be many reasons for the difference between Monarch and Thomas Cook but its a fact that Monarch can Cat 3 and autoland at Lbia. It may be they have weight and runway condition restrictions in such a situation but as yet it has not stopped them using the facilities and landing in low visibility.

 

[lbaspotter]

I see that the airport has just issued a press release on its website regarding Monarch Airlines new Winter route to Gran Canaria and noting the early February start of flights to Barcelona.

Souce; http://www.leedsbradfordairport.co.uk/about-the-airport/news/2014-06-18-monarch-winter-routes

Monarch launches new winter routes from Leeds Bradford Airport

18 JUNE 2014

Monarch, the leading scheduled airline to leisure destinations, has announced a new route from Leeds Bradford Airport to Gran Canaria for winter 2014/15. The route will begin on 8th November 2014 operating on a Monday and a Saturday. Flights to Barcelona will also be added to the winter schedule. The flights to the Catalan capital will depart on a Monday and a Friday, starting on 13th February 2015. All flights are now on sale, to book visit http://www.monarch.co.uk

Gran Canaria is the third Canary Island that Monarch flies to from Leeds Bradford. This new winter addition accompanies Lanzarote and Tenerife and is a popular destination for winter sun. The ever popular Barcelona is rich in culture and tradition and is perfect for a city break but now, with its new winter flights from Leeds Bradford can also be a gateway to the slopes. With the resorts of Soldeu and Arinsal in Andorra just three hours away, it provides you with the perfect winter break.

Monarch Airlines’ Managing Director, Andrew Swaffield said: “We are delighted to expand our winter programme from Leeds Bradford airport with the new route to Gran Canaria, and additional flights to Barcelona. These destinations provide customers with even more variety from their local airport, as well as giving them the options of both sun and ski winter breaks. Once on board, customers will enjoy being looked after by our cabin crew who have recently received Olympics-inspired customer service training.”

Tony Hallwood, Aviation Development & Marketing Director at Leeds Bradford Airport, said: ‘’We welcome the introduction of two new winter 14/15 routes to complement Monarch’s existing schedule at Leeds Bradford. “With the addition of twice weekly services to both Gran Canaria and Barcelona, Monarch is now offering six routes from Yorkshire’s gateway airport this winter. So whether you are looking for some winter sun, treating yourself to a relaxing beach holiday or taking a well-deserved city break, Monarch now offer their widest ever choice of flights from Leeds Bradford, backed by their excellent onboard service.’’

To book visit http://www.monarch.co.uk

PS, I'm just hoping this wasn't the imminent announcement White Heather mentioned about an unnamed airline starting a new Winter route.

 

[White Heather]

It isn't. If you look at my post, they told us about Monarch and these two new routes and then said that in addition they were in discussions with an airline that would remain un-named about a new winter route. So if it happens it is in addition to these by Monarch.

 

[Sherburnflyer92]

Any news on Monarch's release of the SUmmer 2015 programme? I know they usually are the last out TOM/TCX/LS to release but well before EZY and FR. And will we see LPA as a route during Summer or not?

 

[lbaspotter]

Monarch Airlines and Cosmos Holidays have started to release there summer 2015 flights/Holiday options at long last, So far only flights from there London bases at Gatwick and Luton have been released.
Good news is that I understand (after checking there Facebook page) that all other bases summer 2015 flight programmes will be released for sale with-in the next week and a half, So we should know what Monarch will have on offer for Leeds/Bradford next summer 2015 very soon. So watch this space!

 

[Moo2009]

3 based aircraft next summer I was too yesterday

 

[a300boy]

Sorry Moo2009 are you saying we will have 3 Monarch aircraft based at Leeds next summer or you would like that to happen ?

 

[lbaspotter]

I think he means 3 based Monarch aircraft for next summer 2015. I have heard similar rumours as well.

 

[Moo2009]

Yes 3 based Aircraft, I was talking to someone who works for Monarch at LBA and they have been told it will be a 3 aircraft base subject to a few conditions, I guess one of the conditions will be not to park on the grass or taxiways

 

[Aviador]

I hope you are right Moo2009! :smile:

 

[Sherburnflyer92]

This would be fantastic news if this rumour is to be believed. 3 A320 would be great however with the 3rd based aircraft where will they operate to?

 

[SNOWMAN]

This would be fantastic news if this rumour is to be believed. 3 A320 would be great however with the 3rd based aircraft where will they operate to?

hi all
if we are lucky enough to get a 3rd based monarch,i wonder if it would be flying for
Thompson? they have flown the leeds flights before for them,time will tell.
regards
sm1