As you say you are happy with the price now then I would book, as you many find the Monarch prices when released are higher, and risk the BMI flights increasing meantime. Of course it is a gamble and you may save some money by waiting but on the other hand, you have the comfort factor of knowing it is booked now.

All airlines can be subject to delays for whatever reason and nobody can change bad weather so I don't imagine there is much to choose between the two. If you decide to wait until Monarch release theirs, then I would compare not only the cost but the flight times (although they too can be subject to change) luggage allowance etc too and make a decision based on what suits you best. Have flown with both in the past and had no complaints, and it's a shorthaul flight to Menorca from UK so I'm sure either would be fine. Hope you get booked up soon

nicJW,

Bear in mind Bmi and Bmi Baby aren't the same airline; one is a full fare schedule carrier and the other a low cost. Bmi Baby are fine and get you to your destination cheaply without too much fuss. They aren't much different to Monarch schedule really (assume it's a schedule service you're looking at). Just go with the cheapest and the flight times that suit you best.

Darren

Flown several times with bmibaby and more than happy. Last time was 3 weeks ago and I think we were delayed about 20 mins, but they made the time up and we landed as scheduled. Seats are allocated at check-in, so you don't have the mad rush like you do with some airline carriers e.g. Ryanair or Easyjet.

Personally I prefer unallocated, as being a lone traveller I can usually find a window seat. So far, whenever I've flown with an airline that allocates the seats I've been stuck on the aisle side ! However, this will be better for you because of the children, you won't have the stress of wondering if you'll get seats together.

Regards
Louise
Ps The sooner you book it, the sooner you can start looking forward to it

I've used Baby and Monarch scheduled a few times and the only real difference is the colours!

My only concern would be booking this early might get a bargain but not a guarantee of schedule. If next April you get an email telling you it's been retimed by 4 hours will that wreck the plan? If timing is crucial check the T&Cs for how far they can alter it without letting you have a refund, it could be 12 hours.

I flew Bmibaby twice a week for over a year and found them to be very reliable, very few delays

Well thanks for all of your comments, really helpful in my decision making. I have gone ahead and booked the BMIbaby flights as I was happy with the price and your general thoughts. Steve - am not too worried about the flight times changing, as I have been subjected to that the last 2 years with Direct Holidays and have almost come to expect it. Have made provisional booking in a privately owned apartment so a change of a few hours wouldn't affect our plans. My main concern is the flight being cancelled at short notice - but I guess that's the risk you take whenever you book. Have paid on credit card so am covered moneywise.

Thanks again for all your help.