MON2438 LGW-LXR A330-200.

Third time to fly this route with Monarch and it only gets better. My previous flight was in May 2002 and I have to say its much better now.

We checked in for the 9:20am flight without a problem with the check-in staff giving us 6 seats together for me and the family. The seats were comfortable (I'm not that tall) but legroom can definitely be improved. Soon after everybody boarded we were taxing to the runway. Due to congestion at the airport we were forced to wait at the edge of the runway for 15 minutes.

After take off, the cabin staff came around giving out 'goody bags' to the kids and headphones (which you have to pay for). The inflight movie started soon showing Shark Tales.

After 2 hours our meals were served (we had already paid for them when we booked the tickets). We had pre-ordered a vegetarian meal for my 21 year old soon and the rest of us had steak and potatoes. The portions were reasonable, but the quality was excellent.

The rest of the flight was uneventful and we managed to smoothly land at Luxor Airport 25 minutes early, but again due to congestion we had to wait till 2 Egyptian Airline planes moved.

After the engines were switched off we all stammered to the doors. As we stepped down the stairs we felt a 'heatwave' hit us, as the temperature outside was 30 degrees+ (a bid difference from the UK). We were bussed to the terminal which is old, but basic. Our bags arrived within 15 minutes and then I went to get the hired car to start our week long break in Egypt.