Monarch introduce another add-on charge.

111KAB

Monarch Airlines are gradually increasing the number of flights/destinations they service and consequently their passenger numbers. At times this means their fleet cannot cope so they are again turning to wet leasing. Another area that is struggling are their check in desks.


Monarch have a policy that you can check-in on line but only if you purchase an allocated seat. Many travellers are not bothered about this facility as all they require is a seat on the plane so this means a visit to the check in desk. Unfortunately this means the prospect of long queues as Monarch Airlines grow so they have now introduced a 'queue jumping' optional extra charge ....


"We want to improve the experience of all of our customers when you arrive at check-in. A new Priority Check-in lane will replace the existing Vantage Check-in lane and will be available at our busier airports, to keep your waiting times to a minimum. The new service is available to Gold & Silver Vantage Club members as part of their membership."


Costs £5 for non Vantage bookings but is obviously another way of getting money out of their customers. Presume MSE users will get there in adequate time so as not to have to fork out an extra fiver.

lea2012

If you fly from Manchester or Birmingham you can use the self service check in for Monarch Scheduled flights. Enter your booking ref, scan your passport, print your boarding card and then take your bags to the baggage drop desk and away you go. Took me all of two mins last time and no charge or queues.

NFH

111KAB wrote: »

The new service is available to Gold & Silver Vantage Club members as part of their membership."

Similar in a way to proper airlines like British Airways. As a OneWorld gold member, I use BA's business class check-in desks, even when I have the misfortune to fly economy.

111KAB

lea2012 wrote: »

If you fly from Manchester or Birmingham you can use the self service check in for Monarch Scheduled flights. Enter your booking ref, scan your passport, print your boarding card and then take your bags to the baggage drop desk and away you go. Took me all of two mins last time and no charge or queues.

lea2012 - looked into this (thanks for the heads up) but can find nothing on either the Birmingham Airport site or Monarch's web page. What I did find is an old link where it suggests the facility is only available up to 4.5 hours prior to departure. Do you have any link to shop where it is located etc please?


http://www.monarch.co.uk/news/flights/news-archive/flymonarchcom-launches-self-service-check-in-at-birmingham-airport

callum9999

111KAB wrote: »

lea2012 - looked into this (thanks for the heads up) but can find nothing on either the Birmingham Airport site or Monarch's web page. What I did find is an old link where it suggests the facility is only available up to 4.5 hours prior to departure. Do you have any link to shop where it is located etc please?


http://www.monarch.co.uk/news/flights/news-archive/flymonarchcom-launches-self-service-check-in-at-birmingham-airport

It suggests no such thing.

The machines exist - what more do you need to know about them? The check-in deadlines will be exactly the same as whatever the desk deadlines are.

111KAB

callum9999 wrote: »

The machines exist - what more do you need to know about them?

Exactly where they are please callum9999.

callum9999

111KAB wrote: »

Exactly where they are please callum9999.

Presumably near the check-in desks. They're designed to encourage people to check themselves in to save on paying staff to do it - they aren't going to be hidden away!

WPC123

callum9999 wrote: »

Presumably near the check-in desks. They're designed to encourage people to check themselves in to save on paying staff to do it - they aren't going to be hidden away!

I note callum9999 you are now using the word presumably whereas in a previous post you said categorically the "machines exist". I'm afraid they may well be hidden away as to the best of my knowledge BHX does not have express check in lanes.


Perhaps better to advise where they were when you used them.

ic

Wow, feel the love.

Every airport I've been to that has these machines normally has them located in clusters in front of the check-in desks - you'd normally have to fall over them to get to the desks. At Manchester they're bright green, and look like big cash machines. When I came through JFK recently American Airlines didn't even provide a traditional check in desk, you *had* to use the machines provided, and then see a member of staff to get your bags tagged before taking them to the bag drop.