Flight : MON1589 - AGP to LGW

Aircraft : Airbus A300-605R G-OJMR

Flight Time : 2 Hours 35 Minutes.

We checked it at Malaga slightly late due to a problem at the hotel regarding the coach. The coach had an engine problem - so we had to wait for a replacement to take us to the airport.

Check in was very good - very friendly and efficient staff.

Fairly nice airport as well - just adequate for the time we spent prior to boarding.

We made our way to the seats - as we were late checking in we had seats 28 D E F and G. I ended up right in the middle lot of seats in seat E.

Staff did the safety briefing whilst it was also shown on the TV just in front of us. Were able to view it well - as occasionally when I have flown before I have not been able to see the briefing properly either on the TV or physically by the staff due to positioning.

We left Malaga airport on time. Were informed that we 'may' have a bumpy arrival into London due to very strong winds.

The flight was smooth so far and a very pleasant service was provided.

Once we came over the coast into England it started to get a bit bumpy and the seat belt sign came on.

We descended and I could just see the view out of a window to my left - it was thick fog so nothing much could be seen.

It became bumpier and the turbulence became worse as we descended further. The captain then said over the speaker that it may be a bit of a bumpy landing due to very strong winds.

As we were on our final approach it was absolutely awful. The aircraft was rocking from side to side and nose diving a bit then picking back up again. We could hear the engines spooling up then down constantly.

I also had someone screaming right behind me so that did not make matters any better!

I could just see out of the window and the airport was in view and suddenly there was around 3 or 4 shudders of the undercarriage touching the runway before it stabled and the aircraft rapidly slowed down using full reverse thrust on the soaking wet runway.

The aircraft then taxied to the terminal where we made our way off - and were greeted by the staff there - who again seemed very nice indeed.

Overall it was not a very good flight towards the latter, but to no fault of Monarch Airlines or the aircraft itself. I have flown with Monarch many a time before - always on the A300 - never seemed to be the A320/A321 or B757 and have always had an enjoyable flight with them.

This time the weather got the better of the aircraft. I was informed that this weekend (26th/27th October 2002) was one of the windiest ever. We were told the winds were gusting up to 60 mph on our approach!

I definitely recommend Monarch Airlines - as their service is very good indeed. I have also flown with another charter airline from the UK before and the service was no way as pleasant as the one provided by Monarch.