Tom Chesshyre
We've made some changes
to The Sunday Times
New party flights to Ibiza this summer will not be a licence for debauchery at 30,000ft.
Monarch, the budget airline, said its cabin crews will not tolerate drunkenness on its new “party plane”, which will begin flying on May 24 with bright colours and a nightclub theme.
“The standards on board will be the same as ever,” said a spokeswoman. “That includes the standards of behaviour of passengers and the service from cabin staff. If anyone turns up intoxicated they will be refused boarding.”
Monarch has teamed up with the popular nightclub operator Hed Kandi to offer clubbing packages that will include budget flights, hotel rooms and the chance to win free tickets to nights out at El Divino, a nightclub in Ibiza.
It will fly five times a week from Manchester, Birmingham, Gatwick and Luton using a Boeing 757. Prices start at £38.99 one-way. There will be a series of clubbing events this month to promote the flights.
But will there really be glittery disco balls in the cabin — as the airline has shown in its promotional advertising?
“Er, that’s just a bit of fun,” said the spokeswoman. “We are not releasing exactly what the inside will look like yet.” However, she added that the overall look would be “funky”, that dance music CDs would be available to buy on board, and that there will be a Ministry of Sound audio channel.
The airline says to expect “chic hedonism and stylish jet-setters” on board followed by a “sizzling summer of sensational parties” in Ibiza.
Could these be the funkiest flights ever? “It’s the first time a plane has ever adopted a music brand,” said the spokeswoman. “It’s going to be great.” Details: Monarch (0870 0405040, www.flykandi.com).
How the new breed of location based mobile services can find your nearest cashpoint, restaurant or wi-fi hotspot
Enjoy screenings of all the classic films you love, plus take advantage of two-for-one tickets
We explore leisure activities that are safe and suitable for all of the family
Times Online's new TV show helps you make the right decisions for your pet
Are you California dreaming? Explore the wonders of the Golden State. Also enter our fantastic competition
See the best entries in this year's competition
Your brain is capable of more than you might think...
An interactive preview of the brand new For Your Eyes Only exhibition
The latest travel news plus the best hotels and gadgets for business travellers