Monarch or Emirates to Maldives?

[AlphaWhiskyRomeo]

Just researching on behalf of a family member ahead of an upcoming trip to the Maldives at the start of December and wondered if there might be any advice as to which carrier would be preferable.

Route is MAN-MLE.

Option 1 is a shuttle to LGW (not through ticket), before taking a Monarch flight to MLE.
Which aircraft type is commonly used on the route? The A330? If so, I presume it is non-stop? Is legroom/premium economy available on the route? What sort of charge might there be for this and is it worth it?

Option 2 is Emirates via DXB. I know the aircraft will be 777s, and the approx sector and connection times involved. Just wondering if the seating and service (plus the "hassle" of a 2-3h connection) would be preferable over option 1?

The DXB stop breaks the flight up quite nicely, but it's quite a long time on the ground there.
The LGW option means it is a risk to take the nearest shuttle to the LGW-MLE departure in case of delay, so maybe an earlier shuttle is required. Plus, there is only 90 minutes after landing back at LGW (I believe) to catch the last LGW-MAN flight of the day.

Opinions in the next 24 hours would be gratefully received.

[timmyneedham]

i made this journey a few years ago and although it was with one of the other charters, I think they all stop at BAH to refuel, so you will probably get a stop whichever way you do it. My preference would definitely be for EK.

TN

[gdiphil]

My brother and Mrs did this route for a holiday in the Maldives a couple of years ago and vowed never to go Monarch again. The seating was too tight. He has used EK and thinks they were ok in Y.

[joniveson]

I've flown long haul with Monarch a few times and every time I vowed never again! A few years ago I was working for one of the big UK tour operators in Goa and our flights were all Monarch. It was generally the only aspect of the holiday people complained about - they are very, very cramped.

[Glamgirl]

BA will start Male flights from LGW in the winter schedule, so if you're flying in December, you could check on the web site whether this routing fits in with you. It means you can check your bags through to Male from Manchester, even though you'll still have to change aircraft in LGW. You'll then also be more protected in case of delays (although I would recommend having more than just the minimum connection time).

The route is on a B777, 3 class. Might see you on board

Gg

[Musket90]

Bear in mind when connecting at LGW I believe Monarch operate from South Terminal and BA from North so if not a through ticket 90 mins connection time on the return could be tight.

Monarch operate A330 non-stop LGW to MLE on Sunday evenings. As already mentioned BA will do the same on Tues/Fri/Sun with B777 starting this winter. Thomson also fly non-stop on Fri and Sun evenings this winter with B767-300.

Emirates from MAN via DXB may be just as easy but check the return departure time from MLE as sometimes it is early morning (0200ish) which could result in having to book hotel room at MLE at extra expense.

Monarch web site gives details of the premium cabin product. Not sure of exact cost of upgrade but around £200-£250 pp may apply.

[Final 3 Greens]

Of the two options, I'd take EK.. as you will be on one ticket all the way through.

Note the EK Y legroom appears (I have never travelled this class, but observed it from J many times) to be a couple of inches more than most, but EK fit in an extra seat across and their seats are said to be a littel narrower - will this be a problem for you?

Entertainment is very good on EK and the stop at DXB will give you the chance to stretch your legs and look in the shops, if you wish to.

BTW, it is sometimes possible to get a free nightstop at DXB (even in economy), depending on the schedule timings. The hotel isn't the Ritz apparently, but peeps I know who stayed their say its survivable and breaks the journey.

[Jarvy]

We flew with Qatar a few years ago, very good service but go via Doha.
Also have flown with a charter company, never again.
We are looking at using BA in the future as unlike most people here we like BA.
Jarvy

[dubh12000]

SWISS should be an option open to you also. MAN - ZRH - MLE

[the flying scot]

Qatar offer the best connection from MAN depending on the day of the week. 45min connection in DOH sounds good to me. Why just the 2 airlines, there are several more as the posts above suggest... and mine ????

[partyboy_uk]

Monarch do also offer an extra legroom option only which is £35 each way. You should check this is available before you book to guarantee you can get this. With the extra legroom option, you may find the flight is still cheaper than EK and BA but have that extra bit of comfort. I should point out though that IFE on this flight is via overhead screens and not in the seatback in the standard cabin. There is seatback TV in Premium however.

[Waldo]

My choice would be Monarch. The flight is direct on the A330 and legroom in Premium cabin is more than adequate.

[FL370 Officeboy]

I believe Monarch have now increased the legroom across their fleet so not as cramped as some would have experienced in the past.

Just out of interest, why no flight from MAN direct? Thomson, Thomas Cook and Monarch all operate the route non-stop, TOM and TCX have 33" pitch as a minimum and as I said I believe Monarch have now improved. Is it just that they are all full?

I would personally always pick a non-stop flight over a connecting flight, regardless of carrier or aircraft type. MAN-MLE would be in the region of 11-12 hours I would guess? That is a long trip as it is - add a connection in and this suddenly gets VERY long.

However, if they cannot achieve a non-stop flight from MAN-MLE then I would go for the EK route via DXB

[Musket90]

FL370 - Thomson are operating from MAN non-stop on Tuesdays this winter. Not aware Thomas Cook Airlines operate anything to MLE, I think Thomas Cook Holidays use other operators already mentioned. MAN-MLE non-stop flight time is about 15 to 30mins longer than LGW, depending on winds.

[Da Do Ron Ron]

Waldo: My choice would be Monarch. The flight is direct on the A330 and legroom in Premium cabin is more than adequate.

MAN/LGW/MLE is a one stop as is MAN/DXB/MLE.

I'd much rather spend my connecting time in Emirates T3 in DXB than LGW. Connecting time spent in DXB is minimal.

The EK service is far superior over Monarch

[AlphaWhiskyRomeo]

Thanks so much for everyone's opinions. They've been a great help.

Basically, the holiday is already booked (dates are fixed) and flights are fixed with Monarch. However, they have the option of changing the flights if they wish.

Various factors such as price mean that a premium cabin won't be an option, and carriers such as Swiss, Singapore and Qatar don't offer particularly helpful connections on the travel dates... from what I can see.

Armed with your information, I've suggested they look into EK and BA with the agent to see how much extra they'll be as the possible LGW connection issues with Monarch and BA are potentially a problem. Have also suggested they check out the legroom upgrade on Monarch if a change to E/BA doesn't happen.

Thanks again.

[Glamgirl]

Alpha,

You need to tell them that if they're looking at changing airlines in LGW (between BA shuttle and Monarch), they need to change terminals and the little mono-rail that connects North and South is out of action from October (IIRC) until well into 2010. There will be busses, but people are advised that this can take 20 minutes between terminals. So add that to their connection (as well as picking up luggage and checking in again for Monarch - unless they can do that in MAN)

Gg

[FL370 Officeboy]

Musket90

Cheers for the correction, I presumed TCX would use their own airline but of course this isn't always the case.