Monarch: Birmingham to Fuerteventura

The carrier: Monarch

About

Monarch is expressly designed to get tourists from the UK to sunny territory. It flies from London, Aberdeen, Birmingham and Manchester to destinations in Spain (including the Canary Islands) and Portugal, as well as Gibraltar and Larnaca.

Primarily a holiday airline, Monarch is also referred to as "Monarch Scheduled" to differentiate its scheduled services from its charter capacity. "Scheduled" flights currently account for over half of Monarch's flights.

Upside

Great route strength from the UK to the Mediterranean.

Downside

Airline does not serve city break destinations.

Baggage

* Carry-on: One item of hand luggage not exceeding 5 kg is permitted, free of charge. (Note: Passengers are not able to combine weight of carry-on and check-in baggage)
* Checked: Up to five separate bags, not to exceed 20 kg (€7.50 will be charged for every kg over.). You will be charged for each checked bag (€12.50 per bag online, €23 per bag at airport and through the call center).

* Please visit Monarch’s website for more information on its baggage policy.

Seating

You may pre-reserve seats for a fee of €9 at the time of booking or at check-in. Seats with extended leg room are €24 per person for short haul flights, more for long hauls. (With a name like Monarch, let's hope those seats are fit for a king!)

Check-in and Ticketing

Online check-in is available from 7 days until 4.5 hours before departure.  If you book your hold and checked bags online, you can save 40% off the airport price!  Note that online checking is only available for bookings made directly through Monarch, not a travel agent or tour guide.

Tip

Book your baggage on-line, where the cost is at less for checked bags in-person or over the phone. Save your money and don't book premium (unless you absolutely need the extra leg room).

Departure: Birmingham, United Kingdom - Birmingham Intl (BHX)

Birmingham International Airport is one of the UK's busiest hubs. Well serviced by flag carrier and low-cost airlines alike, Birmingham is a major launch pad for bmibaby, flybe, and Thomsonfly. In 2007, the airport won the Airports Council International's award for Best Airport in Europe in its traffic category. Location: Birmingham International Airport 10 km (six miles) southeast of central Birmingham in the borough of Solihull, West Midlands, England. Transport: - Rail: The Air-Rail shuttle service is free and links the airport to the Birmingham International Train Station in a few minutes. Train operators include CrossCountry and Virgin Trains, which offer service between London and Glasgow via Birmingham. For more information consult the railway's Official Website. - Bus: Two bus lines transport passengers between the airport and central Birmingham. Both run an average of once every half-hour and take about 20 minutes. - Taxi: Black cabs are able to carry up to five people with luggage. They can be found at the taxi stand outside the terminals. Service: The airport contains information desks as well as the Visitor Center in terminal 1 for travel information. There are ATMs and currency exchange kiosks in both terminals. Aside from an extensive range of restaurants and shops, there are also postal facilities, 24-hour medical centers, and a prayer room.

Arrival: Fuerteventura, Spain (FUE)

Fuerteventura Airport serves the Spanish island of Fuerteventura and plays a key role in tourism development on the island. Aside from multiple EU and international destinations, the airport also currently links with other Spanish destinations, such as Barcelona, Bilbao, Girona and Seville. The Fuerteventura Airport is known for its month-long art exhibitions located in the check-in area on the lower floor of the terminal building. Since the commencement of the exhibitions, more than 30 artists have been able to showcase their art and work making the journey from the check-in area to the boarding lounge much more interesting and appealing to travelers. Location: Fuerteventura Airport is located in El Matorral, five km from the island capital of Puerto del Rosario. Transport: - Bus: Outside of the arrivals hall, the bus stop is to the left of the building. There are two main bus routes: the number three runs ever half hour and the number ten runs every two hours. Both routes originate in Puerto del Rosario and travel to and from Caleta de Fuste via the Fuerteventura Airport. There is also a route between Puerto del Rosario and Morro Jable. These routes are operated by the local bus company Tiadhe. For specific information on schedules and fares visit their Official Website. - Taxi: Taxis are available in front of the Arrivals Hall. It is possible to book a taxi in advance. Keep in mind that an Airport supplement must be paid in addition to the fare. Service: There are two information desks located in the terminal and a tourist office in the arrivals area. There are several airport shops and cafes on the first floor with a wide variety of goods. A main cafeteria area is also located on the first floor. In the terminal building there is a bank and ATMs. Other airport facilities include a children’s play area and first-aid. more...