Been over with Monarch 3 times now but this last time in March this year, they totally took the pi$$ as they changed planes for smaller ones that had a stopover in Bahrain. No extra drinks rounds for what became a 12 hour flight. Would I fly with them again.....only if the price was amazing!

But with the reduction on Qatar, I've booked with them. Never flown Qatar before but I'm told I will see a HUGE difference between the two. OK, we arrive at 3.20am, we're booking our room for that night enabling us to go straight to it and get a few hours kip prior to hitting the beach mid-morning.

We've never flown with Qatar either, seems like everyone thinks they are very good.
We've done the same, guesthouse booked so few hours kip then off to Aggies beach shack, assuming they're up by then.
Last time there, we were there for 4 weeks, shacks didn't go up till our 4th week, ruined the holiday.
Just been to The Gambia in March, was OK, similar in a lot of ways to Goa, but food was not a patch on Goa, I actually lost weight.

The great thing is Ian that ours is the only plane in at that time. Seriously speedy was in Taxi 20 mins after landing :)) Doha airport is modern and nice. The 2nd plane is smaller though. You do have to buzz for the free drinks or walk to the galley. Ive used them several times now and always been pleased. Also you can have your last night out and then leave for airport.

MazD, do you know if there are still taxis about at 3.20 am?
We've lost touch with our regular guy with not going for 3 years so can't get him to pick us up.
I can probably arrange something if need be.
Barry

Hi Barry there were taxi drivers there, and the booth that you pay at was open as well. It's Goa so I wouldnt worry about finding a taxi

As Maz says Barry, no probs with taxis and also you still have fun with the bag grabbers wanting the odd pound for moving your case 2 yards.
Worst thing was customs (thought it would be easier at that time..) too many people hadn't filled there forms in correctly or not even bothered, so a delay we didn't want.

Thanks Maz and Spike, sounds like usual fun and games then, even at that time.
Looking forward to it now, despite a lot I've been reading on here about rubbish etc.
Barry