Monarch Airlines: Cheap flights, Fares & Deals

Monarch Airlines

About Monarch Airlines

Better known simply as Monarch to its many passengers over the years, Monarch Airlines ceased operations in October 2017. The airline operated as a low-cost passenger service and employed in the region of 3,500 people when it was at its height. Both charter and scheduled services were run by the business which had its centre of operations at London Luton Airport. Other hubs for its UK flight operations were Leeds Bradford Airport, London Gatwick Airport, Birmingham International Airport and Manchester Airport. In its time, Monarch Airlines served many different destinations and during its 2017 schedule landed at no less than 43 destination airports across Europe. In 2015, which was a particularly successful year in terms of passenger numbers, the airline transported in excess of 5.7 million passengers. The airline mostly ran its services from a fleet of 35 Airbus A320 and A321 aeroplanes. It had been due to switch to Boeing 737 MAX-8s before it ceased commercial operations, however. The company was founded in 1967 under the directorship of Bill Hodgson and Don Peacock. Both had been directors of another British air operator, British Eagle. Even before the trend for low-cost air travel caught on, Hodgson and Peacock's vision was that European air travel should be affordable to the average British family. During its early days, the company mostly operated its flight services with turboprop aircraft. Its first jet aeroplanes entered service in 1971 when it began using three Boeing 720Bs. Much of the early commercial success of the Monarch Airlines model came about in the 1970s when the trend for British package holidays started to take off.

In the 1980s, Monarch Airlines continued to expand. In 1981, for example, it began to operate from new bases at Gatwick, Glasgow and Manchester. Another centre of operations began in the then divided city of Berlin. That year also saw another first for the up-and-coming British airline. It was the first charter operator anywhere in the world to order a 757-200 aircraft from Boeing. By the middle of the decade, Monarch Airlines was operating regular scheduled services to Málaga, Menorca and Tenerife. This meant that the business was now in direct competition with airline companies such as British Airways for the first time and not simply catering for the package tour operator market. From 1988, the airline began operating trans-Atlantic flights from Luton to Orlando. It was the first airline to do so with the Boeing 757-200, a twin-jetted aeroplane.

During the 1990s, Monarch Airlines progressed to using more Airbuses in its fleet. It continued to fly Boeing aircraft, too, including a number of 767-300ERs which it operated on behalf of Alitalia, the Italian national air operator, for a spell. As the vogue for low-cost airlines began to intensify, so Monarch's niche operations came under more competition. Nevertheless, the business continued to open up new routes, such as Luton to Gibraltar in May of 1997. By the time Monarch Airlines had ceased its flying operations, it had grown to become the fifth-largest UK-based air operator.

How to find Monarch Airlines cheap flights

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Benefits of flying with Monarch Airlines

When it comes to air travel, Monarch Airlines can offer you much more than just a flight. With cheap fares and excellent customer support, Monarch Airlines works to ensure your journey is as enjoyable as your destination.

Here are the 4 top reasons why Monarch Airlines (ZB) is a good choice:

Affordable fares without sacrificing on quality: get great value for your money while still enjoying a first-class service throughout your trip.
Wide destination network: with a wide range of destinations, Monarch Airlines takes you to both popular tourist spots and hidden gems across the world.
Great onboard experience: relax in spacious, comfortable seating and enjoy a variety of in-flight entertainment.
Outstanding customer service: the Monarch Airlines team is always available to assist with any queries, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Baggage policies on Monarch Airlines

Understanding Monarch Airlines’s baggage policy is essential to a smooth trip. Baggage allowances can vary by ticket type, so be sure to check the specific guidelines for your fare class, and if unsure, visit the airline’s website or contact them to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Cabin baggage

Monarch Airlines strives to ensure you can bring your essentials on board. Typically, Monarch Airlines allows one carry-on and one personal item, like a laptop bag or handbag, but this may vary by fare class.

Check-in baggage

Monarch Airlines also offers multiple checked baggage options depending on your service class. Economy passengers usually get one checked bag, while premium travellers often enjoy higher baggage allowances.

For a detailed overview of what you can bring on the plane, you can also check out the airline’s regulations in our airline baggage allowance guide.

How to book your Monarch Airlines flight with Opodo

Booking your Monarch Airlines flight with Opodo is quick and simple. Just enter your destination, travel dates, and passenger details into our search engine. You can then compare flights, pick the best deal, and complete your booking in a few easy steps. After that, you'll get a confirmation email with all your flight details.

Check-In Online with Monarch Airlines

Online check-in with Monarch Airlines usually opens 24–48 hours before departure, so be ready to skip the long airport lines. After booking with Opodo, we'll email you a week before your flight with check-in instructions.

Looking for a faster way to check in? Download the Opodo app to access our automatic check-in, receive your boarding pass, and get real-time flight status updates.

Safety and reputation

Monarch Airlines is renowned for its exceptional safety record and commitment to the highest safety standards. With a well-maintained fleet and experienced crew, passengers can rest assured that they are in good hands. Monarch Airlines also has a solid reputation for customer satisfaction and reliability.

Book your flight with Monarch Airlines today

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FAQs about Monarch Airlines

Why use Opodo to book Monarch Airlines flights?

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How can I check in for my Monarch Airlines with Opodo?

You can easily check in for your Monarch Airlines flight online or via app. Opodo will send you a check-in reminder a week before your flight, including step-by-step instructions.

How can I find the best Monarch Airlines deals?

To find the best Monarch Airlines deals, simply use Opodo’s search engine to compare flights. Enter your destination and travel dates, and Opodo will show you the most affordable options.

Monarch Airlines: Cheap flights, Fares & Deals - Book Now on Opodo