VIP

We paid half of what we were going to – and it was a nice way to end the holiday

Screaming kids and a four-hour delay. That’s what my boyfriend and I were faced with when we set foot in the airport last week – and after we decided to escape to the airport lounge no matter the cost, we were shocked that we were entitled to a discount, cutting the price in half.

Flying from Tenerife, we were due to land back home in Scotland at 11pm and instead arrived home at 4am – so it’s safe to say it was a heck of a delay. Thankfully, though, as my partner is a member of Monzo Premium, he got us a discount, and we had no idea it was a perk he was entitled to.

We were told the Montaña Roja VIP Lounge was €44 each, and whilst paying €88 seemed a lot, it was worth it. The last thing we needed was to end our holiday with parents ignoring their screaming kids, letting them run wild and screaming in people’s faces (I wish I was making that part up).

On top of that, airport chairs are not comfy enough for a three-hour wait – and that doesn’t even include waiting to board once we’re called to our gate. So how do you get the discount and how much did we end up paying?

How to get an airport lounge discount worldwide

We ended up paying a total of around £48, which brought it down to £24 each. Saving us half the price, we were delighted. We were given free WI-FI, access to showers (towels provided) as well as all-you-can-eat food and drink – including alcohol.

Explained on the Monzo Help page, the online-based bank revealed they have teamed up with LoungeKey to give anyone with Monzo Premium or Monzo Max discounted access to airport lounges worldwide.

It explained: “You and guests can access 1,100 airport lounges around the world for a flat fee of £24 per person, per visit. This rate includes Max Family, and you will need to pay per person, per visit.

“You are required to complete strong customer authentication (SCA) before visiting a lounge for the first time. You will only need to go through this process once, as subsequent transactions will be processed from your stored card on file.

“If you replace your card you will need to re-register the payment method and complete SCA again, this includes physically presenting your new card at the lounge the first time you intend to use it.”

Do you have to pre-book?

We didn’t book and instead just turned up, as it was never our plan to go to the lounge until we were faced with loud kids and a massive wait. Monzo explained that some lounges will allow you to pre-book before your visit.

Howeve,r if you go for this option, you will be charged at least £6 on top of your discounted price. It states this price is determined by the airport lounge and has nothing to do with Monzo.

It added: “If you visit on the day without pre-booking, you will just pay the discounted price of £24 per person, but this is dependent on whether the lounge has space.”

It is worth noting that Monzo says that customers will need to have their physical Monzo card with them for their first visit. We had ours with us, but were also able to give the staff the number on our card to get the benefit too.

So where are you planning on holidaying next – and will you be getting comfy in an airport lounge? Let us know in the comments.

It was an experience that will long live with me for a number of reasons, as I broke my Ibiza virginity in style at the iconic Pacha nightclub, writes Jamie Roberts

The brand Pacha is a globally recognised name and rightly so. It is widely known as being the iconic, glamorous, and historic nightclub that helped create the legendary dance culture on Ibiza 52 years ago.

So when the opportunity to party VIP at the height of summer arose, I knew I had to take it. As a White Island virgin at the ripe age of 38, I wondered if my more “chilled” outlook on nights out these days would see me last the distance until the 6am curfew. Let’s face it, in recent years, that time of day for me is more likely to be the start of the working day rather than still sipping tequila alongside thousands of revellers.

But, I knew I had to throw myself into the legend that is Pacha in full force as Dutch DJ Mau P headlined his fantastic Baddest Behaviour residency. Unlike some of the party island veterans, this may well have turned out to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me. And it’s safe to say that from the outset, the labyrinth that is Pacha Ibiza dragged me fully into its core.

READ MORE: Pacha Ibiza’s newest resident Mau P on ‘iconic’ moment with huge DJREAD MORE: Andy Carroll and Lou Teasdale’s romantic ‘make or break’ holiday after split

In the beginning, it was clear that the iconic spot isn’t just resting on its name and hoping legends of the past keep it afloat. In fact, as I was shown around at the start of the night, one passionate worker – who proudly shared he had been with the company for over 40 years – admitted his old office space is now an outdoor toilet as the space continues to evolve with the changes of society.

Explaining how Pacha is determined to keep moving with the times and add to the experience, he revealed that the smoking ban and the Covid pandemic made it a necessity to expand. This left the venue deciding to create further high-end boutique spots for its expectant revellers. But even as it grows, the space still gives off its unique vibes at every turn.

A special shout-out has to go out to the Paradiso rooftop bar. While anyone with a Pacha ticket can enter this area before midnight, it’s a welcome addition for those looking for a secluded pre-drink before hitting the dance floor until the early hours.

From walking through the Pacha Family outside spot, and also the Paradiso bar, it was noticeable that the venue was focusing on enhanced comfort with its open-top forest-like feel.

But once inside the venue, there were twists and turns that opened up new worlds thanks to an electronically tagged wristband. From the exclusive Ricardo’s room, to the special section floating above and behind the DJ booth to party the night away, the freedom to roam offered a lot more space. For those wanting to immerse themselves truly into the Pacha feel, you could also take to the main floor and embrace the busier vibe under the strobe lights and smoke cannons.

It’s clear the club takes pride in creating a buzz with its bolder than ever lighting displays and 360-degree immersive visuals. But despite all of the luxuries of the Pacha club and its impressive VIP, there was one thing throughout that surprised me – the apparent openness of smoking. As a non-smoker, this threw me back to my heavier partying days circa 2005 – just before the smoking ban came into play.

And while the smoking ban has created bougie outdoor elements, it seemed as though there may have been a much more relaxed take in certain private areas.

But is Pacha Ibiza VIP worth it? For this ageing dad-of-one, I’d definitely say yes – and I’m sure after taking it all in, it’s a benefit for those of all ages to fully experience one of the most iconic spots in the dance world.

As for the Ibiza Final Boss, long may he enjoy his newfound fame and VIP treatment. He is lucky enough to be living his best life this summer – something I would also certainly do if anyone was to film this ginger Mr Muscle character-of-old lookalike!

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We’ve got a prize package that will transport you back to the 80s, 90s or Y2K with a stay at Butlin’s for one of its legendary Big Weekenders

You can enjoy the ultimate throwback weekend with our competition to win a VIP break for four adults to a Butlin’s Big Weekender!

The lucky winner will get a three night stay from Friday to Monday, on selected dates in October, to Butlin’s ‘Halloweekender’ breaks, which include 80s, 90s and Y2K-themed vibes! Running from October 3 to 31, the Halloweekenders see Butlin’s decade-themed parties given a spooky makeover.

Options include Ultimate 80s Thriller, 90s Reloaded Fright Nights, Back To The 2000s Y2K Scares, and a mash-up Replay Time Warp Terror. Acts confirmed so far include Chesney Hawkes, Claire Richards and A1.

The prize includes VIP passes, premium dining and one Bottomless Brunch session for the duration of your stay – subject to availability. The winner will stay in a gold apartment, or a hotel if staying at Bognor Regis resort – subject to availability. Additional guests can be added to the booking, subject to availability at the time of booking. The costs for any additional guests must be fully covered by the winner.

The break will be for a 3-night (Fri-Mon) Halloweekender break only including:

• Back To The 2000s Y2K Scares – 3 October (Bognor Regis)

• Back To The 2000s Y2K Scares – 3 October (Minehead)

• Replay Time Warp Terror – 10 October (Bognor Regis)

• Ultimate 80s Thriller – 17 October (Minehead)

• Ultimate 80s Thriller – 31 October (Bognor Regis)

• 90s Reloaded Fright Nights – 31 October (Minehead)

• Back To The 2000s Y2K Scares – 31 October (Skegness)

The prize must be taken by 31 October, 2025. Enter the competition by filling out the form below and if you can’t see it, click HERE:

What to expect at the Butlin’s Big Weekender:

Ultimate 80s Thriller

Love the 80s? Then get ready for a Thriller night throwback this Halloween! Butlins will be digging up the decade of big hair, and even bigger tunes. Expect hauntingly good headline acts, DJ sets and live bands with an 80s Halloween twist (Ghostbusters anyone?) plus endless daytime activities. There’s so much to do, you can’t fail to have frighteningly good fun!

This break is fancy dress-friendly (in fact, it’s almost compulsory) so get your ghoul on – quite literally– and start planning your perfect 80s ‘Thriller’ look.

90s Reloaded Fright Nights

Gather your F.R.I.E.N.D.S, your glow sticks, and get ready to take the plunge with the grunge, because it’s time to bring the 90s back from the dead, with Butlin’s 90s Reloaded weekender! This Halloween, relive the decade of BritPop, house music and indie bands, with live performances from music legends of the era and endless entertainment. Fancy dress? You bet. From Scream to Freddie Kruger, which 90s nightmare look will you and your mates unearth?

Back To The 2000s Y2K Scares

It’ll be murder on the dancefloor at Butlin’s 2000s Halloween bash. The noughties are being resurrected with the best pop, dance and garage music given a frightful twist! For three days, expect high-energy party vibes, plenty of hands-in-the-air moments and a ghoulishly good dose of noughties nostalgia with the best live performances and music from the decade. Fancy-dress is actively encouraged, so get ready to rock those terrifying noughties outfits!

Replay Time Warp Terror

There’s no need to compromise on your music taste this Halloween when you hit Butlin’s REPLAY Weekender. A monster mash-up of decades, REPLAY celebrates the best music of the 80s, 90s and beyond, with different stages dedicated to each. You’ll be partying to nostalgic throwbacks one minute, and chart-topping floor fillers the next. Start planning your horrifying Halloween outfit now! So many decades to choose from!

SIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…

December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old Trafford

January 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington 

January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO 

February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed 

February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin added

March 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre move

March 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s football

March 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old Trafford

March 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in December

April 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled 

April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director 

April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton 

May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanliness

May 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roof

May 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish 

May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy 

May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticket

May 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axed

May 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of result

June 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground 

June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into office

June 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s team

July 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensation

July 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026

July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.

July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment 

July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  

July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125

July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex Wylie

August 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window 

August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toilet

October 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex Ferguson

October 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled 

October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matches

October 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15m

November 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause 

November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim 

November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings 

November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters Association

December 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” 

December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66

December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting director

December 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucher

December 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth

December 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two stars

December 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charity