Monarch: London 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: London, United Kingdom - Gatwick (LGW)

Gatwick is London's (and the UK's) second-busiest airport and Europe's sixth-busiest. Gatwick is a major hub that sits roughly between London and Brighton, about 50 miles (30 km) south of London. Low-cost leader easyJet rules Gatwick along with British Airways. Many other budget and charter airlines fly into Gatwick, including Monarch and Thomsonfly. Location: Gatwick Airport is located 45 km (28 miles) south of London. Transport: - Rail: A free transit train connects Gatwick’s North and South terminals to the main rail station nearby. In the arrivals hall of both terminals there's a rail info desk where you can purchase tickets and obtain rail schedules. The Gatwick Express offers high-speed train shuttle service between Gatwick Airport and downtown London. The journey only takes half an hour. For more information, including time tables and cost, check out the Gatwick Express's Official Website. Express trains between Gatwick and Heathrow as well as Gatwick and Stansted are also available every 15 minutes. - Bus: The local bus service runs to and from both Gatwick terminals to various destinations including Crawley, Horley, Redhill and Horsham, as well as other local stops. The bus lines include: 'Fastway 10' every eight minutes with 24-hour service, 'Fastway 20' every 20 minutes, Route 100 every 20 minutes, and Gatwick Direct 200 every 30 minutes. There is also an express coach available between the airport and the London Victoria Coach station. For more information on the express coach consult the Official Website. Every 30 minutes, bus lines run between Gatwick and Heathrow and Gatwick and Stansted airports as well. - Taxi: Checker Cars is the taxi company that serves Gatwick Airport. They operate on a quoted fare system but cars may also be pre-booked with fares paid either in advance or after the journey. The Checker Cars booking office is located in the North Terminal Arrivals Hall. A taxi into the city will take approximately 65 minutes. Service:There are information desks in each airport terminal that are open 24-hours with multi-lingual staff available. Both terminals have a currency exchange as well as ATMs. In the South Terminal there is a 24-hour internet cafe and a post office. The airport also has wireless internet available, numerous bars, restaurants, and cafes as well as shops and duty-free outlets. Other facilities include baby changing rooms and showers, a children's play area, and a medical center that offers vaccinations.

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.