Finding affordable flights to Malta doesn’t have to be hard. With a bit of planning, you can save money and avoid the hassle of overpriced tickets. In this guide, I’ll show you how to get the best flight deals to Malta.
When to Book Your Flight to Malta
Timing is everything when it comes to booking flights. The sooner you start looking, the better. Flights to Malta are typically cheaper if you book at least 2-3 months in advance, especially for peak travel periods like summer. If you’re traveling in the offseason (November to March), you can sometimes find cheaper tickets even a couple of weeks before departure.
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The sweet spot for booking flights is usually around 6-8 weeks before your trip. Prices tend to spike as you get closer to your travel date, so don’t wait too long once you’ve decided to go. Tuesdays and Wednesdays often see the lowest prices, so try checking fares then.
Use Flight Comparison Tools
One of the easiest ways to find great deals is by using flight comparison sites. Options like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak let you compare prices across airlines. They also allow you to filter flights by specific dates, durations, and stopovers.
These tools also help you track price changes. For example, Google Flights and Skyscanner have alerts you can set up. You’ll get an email when the price to Malta drops or increases, so you can book when the fare is right for you.
Flexibility Pays Off
If you can be flexible with your travel dates, you’ll have a better chance of finding cheap flights. Flying mid-week, on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, can be significantly cheaper than weekends. If you don’t have to travel on a specific day, use the “flexible dates” search option on flight comparison sites to see if a small date change lowers the price.
Consider flying into Malta a few days before or after your ideal travel date. Even changing your departure by one day can sometimes make a huge difference in cost.
Watch Out for Holiday Rush
Maltese holidays and European long weekends tend to result in higher flight prices. Be cautious around Easter, Christmas, and August—which is a peak vacation month in Europe. If you do plan to travel during these times, book your flight well in advance for the best price.
Regional Flights to Malta
Malta is well-connected to many European cities with budget airlines, making it easy to find deals if you’re flying from anywhere in Europe. Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Air Malta offer plenty of low-cost flights, especially from countries like Italy, the UK, Germany, and Spain.
If you’re flying from outside Europe, consider booking a cheap European flight to one of Malta’s main hubs (Rome, Frankfurt, or London), then grabbing a budget flight onward to Malta. You might break up your trip with a short layover, but the savings can be worth it. Just make sure you leave enough time between connections, especially if you have separate bookings.
Local Airlines
Air Malta is the country’s national carrier and offers direct flights from several European cities. While their tickets might sometimes be more expensive compared to budget airlines, you get added benefits like free checked luggage and onboard meals, which you need to pay extra for with low-cost airlines.
Use Airline Miles or Points
If you’re part of a frequent flyer program, see if you can use miles or points to pay for your flight to Malta. Many major airlines like Lufthansa, British Airways, and Alitalia fly into Malta, so redeeming points for a free or discounted ticket might be an option.
If you don’t have enough points for a free flight, consider using them to upgrade your flight class or pay for some of the ticket. It’s usually better to redeem miles for international flights like this, as they offer better value compared to short domestic flights.
Use Credit Cards That Earn Miles
If you’re not part of a frequent flyer program yet, using a credit card that earns miles can be a great way to get started. This is especially useful if your card offers a sign-up bonus. Some cards give enough points with their welcome bonuses to cover a flight to Europe or part of your travel expenses.
Avoid Hidden Fees
Budget airlines can offer attractive ticket prices, but they often make money off hidden fees. Airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air may charge for things like seat selection, baggage, and even printing your boarding pass at the airport. Before booking a flight, make sure to factor in these extra costs.
If you’re traveling light, look for airlines that allow you to take free carry-on luggage. Budget flights can be a great deal, but be sure to avoid surprises at the airport by reading through the terms and conditions carefully when booking.
Consider Longer Layovers
Laying over in another city might not be ideal if you’re looking for an easy trip, but it can save you money. Flights with longer layovers often come with cheaper prices. As long as you don’t mind spending a few hours or an extra night in another city, this can be a good way to cut your costs.
If the layover city is somewhere you’ve never been, you could even turn it into a mini-trip. Just make sure you have enough time to transfer between your flights. Minimum layover times vary depending on the airport, so two to three hours is usually safe if connecting through a major airport.
Overnight Layovers
Sometimes, the cheapest flights have overnight layovers, where you’ll need to stay in the transit city. Double-check whether you’ll need a visa to enter the layover country or if you will be sleeping in the airport. Most major airports have hotels in or near them where you can rest before catching your next flight. Be sure to factor these additional costs in when comparing ticket prices.
Check Nearby Airports
Depending on where you’re flying from, it can sometimes be cheaper to fly out of a smaller airport nearby instead of a major international one. Check for flights departing from alternate airports near your home city. Sometimes the savings are worth the extra travel time to the smaller airport.
Likewise, if you’re already traveling around Europe, consider checking flights not just from the biggest city but from smaller regional destinations. Sometimes budget airlines fly out of these airports for less. This is especially true in Italy, where low-cost airlines depart for Malta from cities like Milan or Catania.
Consider Booking One-Way Tickets
Sometimes booking two one-way tickets can be cheaper than a round-trip fare. You might fly into Malta with one airline and return with another. This also lets you be more flexible with your return date or route in case your plans change after arriving in Malta.
Check for promotions on both one-way and round-trip tickets, and don’t assume that a round-trip fare will always be the better deal. This is especially true if you’re using budget airlines for one leg of your journey.
Travel During Off-Peak Seasons
If you want to save money and skip the crowds at the same time, consider visiting Malta during the off-peak season. Flights tend to be cheaper from November to mid-March when fewer tourists are heading to the islands. Plus, you’ll save on accommodation and avoid long lines at popular sites.
The weather is still mild, and while it won’t be hot enough for swimming, activities like hiking, sightseeing, and exploring the historical sites will be much more comfortable without the heat or the crowds of summer tourists.
Final Thoughts
Finding a flight deal to Malta isn’t impossible, but a bit of flexibility and smart planning go a long way. Start your search early, use flight comparison tools to track prices, and consider alternative options like budget airlines or longer layovers. With the right strategy, you’ll be booking a discount flight to this beautiful island in no time.
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