NickCopeland - 30/01/2012 20:31 GMT
These planes are old, tired and in need of replacement. A300-600 out and back to Malaga. Same aircraft on both legs. The A300-600 is an old plane - no individual passenger air vent and generally old interior. Seats were ok, but very cramped. This is high density seating, and the E seats are probably best avoided - right in the middle of this twin aisle plane. Punctuality poor - the plane required a 'maintenance procedure' before departing. Turning out to be a problem with the instruments (PFD and speed tape not working correctly on the captain's side). Monarch engineering fixed this, but with a 2 hour delay. Pretty standard for monarch these days (on these A300s at least). We were sat near the back and really bad smell of what must have been burning oil or Jet A1 coming through the aircon for 2-3 minutes after engine start on both legs of the journey. C.C said it was normal but lots of visibly anxious passengers. I think monarch just need to ditch these old planes and offer something that is reliable and more modern. I will fly with EZY in future on their brand new A319s
