Have a look at Jet 2 who have just recently started flying from Stanstead and have flights for 2018 listed now.
Hi
Have never gone independent, and am always amazed at some of the cheap prices people find for flights.
Each year I check, its cheaper by package. Just looked at Jet 2 for September 2018, added the cost of the airport t/f and the cost of our apartment.
I booked Sept 2018 with Thomson, in May , and with early morning flights from Gatwick and departing at lunch time , (Jet 2 was from Stansted and the flights were leaving in the afternoon and a late departure) it was still £150 cheaper than independent.
If you choose a later departure flight from Gatwick, with Thomson, its cheaper still.
When I am forced to go independent I will have to ask the forum for guidance
Geoff