I used Excel on my first trip and although the plane was old and the service was poor, it was great value for money - so couldn't resist rebooking when I picked up another great deal from them. I wish I hadn't!
I arrived in Gatwick for my 7 day holiday to be told due to a mechanical fault and lack of extra planes we were to be delayed 24hrs and were to spend a night at the Hilton hotel. With such a short stay it was incredibly disappointing and I only wished I'd paid the extra few pounds to travel Virgin! Talking to one of the staff at the hotel he was not at all surprised by the delay and said this is common practice with Excel and out of all the airlines they put up more Excel passengers then any others.
Once we finally boarded I soon realised nothing else had changed with Excel the plane had padding missing off my arm rest and the staff were as unprofessional as ever. Yes Excel fares are great and if you are going for a long stay a day’s delay won't impact you to much, but I will certainly not use them again.
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And a three hour delay on the way back with a crew change stop in Barbados on the way back. I would also think twice about booking again with excel.
Although i'd rather be delayed at LGW than Heathrow,god what a dump that place is! Hardly any shops and very few places to eat! 
