prnav1, Be careful reading comments on this forum, many who contribute are the ones who are ignored in the crew room due to their constant whingeing.
Many new joiners from other companies have a more balanced view of Monarch as they can compare to previous experiences however some, not all, of the straight through rookies have yet to face a dose of reality.
If you are talking about pay of the different airlines it is pretty easy to compare. Terms and conditions too will vary but wherever you go there are sure to be others within the airline on a better deal, thats the way the business has changed.
Wherever you go you are going to work your butt off, you may be lucky and join an airline that gives opportunity to gain experince on various types of aircraft and one that will in the next five or six years be re-equipping with new aircraft like First Choice and Monarch (to be announced in the next few months).
If its staff travel you are after then short haul to to Spain is excellent with the family "credit card" that can be used as often as you like...... some part time cabin crew commute to Spain for their 2 weeks off.
Other staff travel is pretty much minimal due to the fact that Monarch do not own the seats so you are limited to Cosmos and associated companies.
Whilst the recent pension confrontation will not effect you the main focus for the future is going to be roster stability. Most fleets have a problem but the FBW fleet in Man are the ones who tend to suffer the most due to pilots hitting their 90 hours per month and then everyone having to shuffle sideways to accomodate any changes.
I joined Monarch probably before you were born and I can assure you our present T&C's were achieved after many hours of patient negotiating by our PLC then CC. There has been an erosion mainly on the final salary pension and the Company Council have finally reached a compromise which doesn't please all. Hopefully some of the new entry FO's will soon be elected onto BALPA CC to carry on the thankless task of fighting for better conditions in the new contract
If you join Monarch you will work with a great bunch of pilots and cabin crew ( yes we all whinge occasionally!! ) and I believe have the opportunity of joining a comany that is gearing up for the future challenges with new aircraft and ample opportunity for a command within 5 to 6 years.
Its your call but do some more thorough research elsewhere before making your mind up.
Good luck with your career you have some difficult choices to make.
B&C