Flying with Monarch was an absolutely horrible experience.

There was no legroom and the seats were much smaller than I am used to (unless my rear has suddenly grown!!). On the outward flight I was blessed with an aisle seat, which provided slightly more room, although I was constantly bashed on the shoulder/arm by people moving around and by the staff due to the cramped conditions.

On the return flight, my partner and I were delighted to be able to sit together, but soon regretted this, as we had the window and middle seats. Correction, there was no window where other passengers had windows - instead I had a sloping wall which pressed against my shoulder, making me lean on one side. If I sat up straight or turned too quickly, I banged my head on the wall, too. Leg room was non-existant, and it's a good job that I like my partner, because our shoulders, arms and legs were pressed against each other throughout the flight.

Due to the aeroplane layout (3 rows of 3 seats), many couples were split up. On the return flights the check-in staff in Cuba were (allegedly) taking bribes to sit couples together. This caused a big delay, and angry cabin crew and customers alike!

I even heard the cabin crew complaining that this is the worst plane/flight because of the lack of room in both the cabin and galley.

The (2) meals were the worst I have had on a flight in a long, long time, and it was very difficult to eat due to the cramped conditions. I was hungry for nearly the full 9 hours each way!! Even the tiny and slender couple near me asked when the next meal was, and if they could buy snacks to tide them over!

Which leads me to my next complaint... From start to finish there was a distinct feeling that the cabin crews primary job was to take our money from us! Extremely overpriced alcohol, soft drinks, water, chocolate, pringles, and gifts were shuffling up and down as much as possible!

I realise that there is a difference between chartered and scheduled flights, but I have flown on both types, long and short haul, far too many times to remember. This is the worst. The service may be tolerable for a short flight in Europe, but not for a 9 hour flight to a Carribean holiday.