Malta, a jewel in the Mediterranean, is a popular destination for tourists and a home base for many. If you’re planning your travels from this island nation, one of the first questions you might ask is: “Is It Cheap To Fly Out Of Malta?” The answer, like with most travel queries, isn’t a simple yes or no. However, understanding the factors influencing flight prices and knowing where to look can significantly reduce your travel expenses. Let’s explore what makes flights from Malta cost-effective (or not) and how to snag the best deals.
Factors Influencing Flight Costs from Malta
Several elements come into play when determining the price of flights departing from Malta International Airport (MLA). Being aware of these can empower you to make informed decisions and potentially save money.
Airline Choice: Budget vs. Full-Service
The airline you choose plays a significant role in the cost. Malta is served by a mix of budget carriers and full-service airlines.
-
Budget Airlines: Airlines like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Transavia frequently operate from Malta, focusing on point-to-point travel and offering significantly lower base fares. These airlines often cut costs by charging extra for services like baggage, seat selection, and onboard meals. If you are flexible and willing to forgo frills, budget airlines can be a very cheap option for flying out of Malta.
-
Full-Service Airlines: Airlines such as KLM, Air France, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines offer a more comprehensive service, typically including baggage allowance, seat selection, and sometimes meals in the ticket price. While their base fares might be higher, they can offer better value for longer journeys or when you require these included services. Reviews often highlight the varying experiences with these airlines, as seen in passenger feedback:
Good flight with KLM, friendly staff. Food was good, had much worse on other airlines. Selection of drinks also good enough for us. Entertainment was also good.
Much better than the major US Carriers especially in Biz Class.
However, experiences can be inconsistent:
Overall very poor. Flight was disorganised, staff were rude and this is my second experience with KLM that I’ve had baggage go missing. It feels like, if you are an economy customer, KLM staff do not show you any care. I shall never fly with KLM again. Worst airline in Europe
Choosing between budget and full-service depends on your priorities and travel style. For short hops within Europe, budget airlines from Malta can be incredibly economical. For longer or more complex itineraries, the bundled services of full-service carriers might be worth the extra cost.
Destination Matters: Short-Haul vs. Long-Haul
Where you’re flying to from Malta is a critical factor in price.
-
Short-Haul Flights (Europe and North Africa): Malta’s location makes it ideal for short flights to numerous European destinations and North Africa. Competition on these routes, particularly from budget airlines, often drives prices down. You can frequently find very cheap flights to popular European cities.
-
Long-Haul Flights (Intercontinental): Longer flights from Malta, especially intercontinental ones, will naturally be more expensive. Malta is not a major long-haul hub, so these flights often involve connections, potentially adding to the overall cost. A review highlights connection issues:
I did not get my baggage at my final destination..poor coordination with connecting flights with partner airlines (Saudi airways).
While direct long-haul flights from Malta might be limited and pricier, connecting flights through European hubs can sometimes offer competitive fares if booked strategically.
Seasonality and Time of Year
Like any travel destination, flight prices from Malta fluctuate with the seasons.
-
Peak Season (Summer and Holidays): Flights will be most expensive during the peak tourist season in summer (June-August) and around major holidays (Christmas, Easter, etc.). Demand is high, and airlines adjust prices accordingly.
-
Off-Peak Season (Shoulder Seasons and Winter): The shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) and winter months generally offer cheaper flights. Malta’s mild winter climate can make it an attractive year-round destination, and you can benefit from lower flight prices during these times.
Booking Time: Advance vs. Last Minute
The timing of your booking also impacts the price.
-
Advance Booking: Generally, booking flights well in advance (2-3 months for short-haul, 4-6 months for long-haul) can secure better deals. Airlines often release seats at lower prices initially to encourage early bookings.
-
Last-Minute Booking: While last-minute deals can sometimes appear, relying on them is risky, especially during peak season. Flights are more likely to be expensive closer to the departure date as availability decreases. However, for off-peak travel or less popular routes, you might occasionally find discounted last-minute fares.
Finding Cheap Flights Out of Malta: Practical Tips
So, is it possible to fly cheaply from Malta? Absolutely. Here are actionable tips to help you find affordable flights:
-
Be Flexible with Travel Dates: If your dates are flexible, use flight search engines to compare prices across a range of dates. Even shifting your travel by a day or two can sometimes result in significant savings.
-
Consider Shoulder Seasons: Traveling in the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) often provides a sweet spot of pleasant weather and lower flight prices compared to the summer peak.
-
Utilize Flight Comparison Websites: Websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, Kayak, and Momondo aggregate flight prices from multiple airlines and travel agents. Use these tools to compare prices and identify the cheapest options. Set up price alerts to track fare changes for your desired routes.
-
Embrace Budget Airlines (When Appropriate): For short European trips, seriously consider budget airlines operating from Malta. Be aware of extra fees for baggage and other services, and factor those into your overall cost comparison. Reviews sometimes mention budget airline experiences:
Transavia flight, was booked as KLM but i couldnt select seat or access boarding pass with KLM at all. Crammed seating and very no frills experience all around. First and last time.
Transavia flight. Couldn’t select seat or anything prior to flight. No connection with klm systems. Seats are very crammed. Extremely no frills.
If you’re prepared for a no-frills experience, the savings can be substantial.
-
Explore Alternative Airports (If Feasible): While Malta International Airport (MLA) is the primary airport, consider if flying from a nearby airport (though less likely for Malta due to its island location) and then taking a ferry or other transport is a viable option, although this is usually not practical for Malta.
-
Book in Advance (or Understand Last-Minute Risks): Plan ahead and book your flights in advance, especially for peak season travel. If you’re considering last-minute deals, be prepared for limited choices and potentially higher prices, especially for popular destinations.
-
Be Open to Connecting Flights: If you’re flying long-haul, consider connecting flights. While direct flights are convenient, they are often more expensive. Connecting through a major European hub might offer more competitive fares.
Conclusion: Flying Affordably from Malta is Achievable
Flying out of Malta can be cheap, especially if you’re traveling within Europe and are willing to utilize budget airlines and travel during off-peak seasons. By understanding the factors that influence flight prices and employing smart booking strategies, you can significantly reduce your travel costs and explore a wide range of destinations from this Mediterranean island. Start planning your trip, compare those fares, and get ready to take off from Malta without breaking the bank!
