Customers still jetting off despite credit crunch says Monarch

Responses to a recent online poll conducted by award winning low fares airline Monarch indicate that the British public are bucking the current credit crunch trend and are determined to continue to jet off and enjoy the warmer climes of the Mediterranean.

In a recent poll run on monarch.co.uk, customers to the site were asked if the credit crunch was affecting their flying habits. Of the 1104 responders, 36% stated that the credit crunch was having no affect on their flying habits, whilst a further 41% stated that they were still flying the same, but looking to spend less. This means a staggering 77% of all responders are determined to not to reduce the number of times they fly as a result of the credit crunch.

Commenting on the findings, managing director of Monarch’s scheduled service division, Liz Savage said, “The results of our recent online survey are contradictory to the current situation in the economy, however not really surprising when looking at the recent bookings patterns for Monarch’s scheduled flights.

“Year-on-year comparisons show that bookings for Summer are currently 43% higher than they were last November, which indicates that people are being more organised this year and booking their summer holidays much earlier than they have previously to take advantage of the low fares currently available in the market.

“Destinations that are particularly buoyant for next summer are the Canary Islands, Cyprus and Malaga, all of which are popular second home markets with owners undoubtedly utilising their own properties rather than looking to spend money on holidays elsewhere.”

Monarch operates scheduled flights to Spain, Gibraltar, Portugal and Cyprus from Birmingham, London Gatwick, London Luton and Manchester airports. In addition to year-round low fares, Monarch also offers a unique range of tasty hot and cold meals onboard with prices from £3.00. Seats can be pre-booked at £6 per one-way flight to avoid the last minute free-for-all experienced on some other airlines, or from only £15, extra-legroom seats are available, which offer up to six inches of extra space. Regular travellers are rewarded too, with a range of benefits through the airline’s loyalty scheme, Vantage Club.

Passengers travelling on scheduled flights can also avoid the queues at the airport and take advantage of online check-in which is available between seven days and 4.5 hours prior to departure.

There are still some great fares available for Winter 08/09 and Summer 2009. For more information or to book visit monarch.co.uk.