Air Malta review by S Butler

15 April 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

LHR-Malta-LHR. Clean A320, hot meal service and a film shown during the 3hr flight. Free wine, beer, juices etc are offered with the meal, and other drinks available for purchase during the flight. The only minus is probably the legroom in both economy and club class.

Air Malta review by O Magri

13 March 2008  Customer Trip Rating : n/a

Extra Legroom seats are to be found only in Row 1 and the emergency exit rows. Row 1 might not be available if the flight is scheduled and not chartered since this Row is used for the Business class configuration. Overwing exit rows will not be assigned beforehand. Seats in these rows will only be allocated at the airport once the check-in staff verify that the passenger is not physically challenged, obese or under the age of 16. Hope this helps

Air Malta review by Karen Turley

12 March 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

Flying with Air Malta in June and I've tried to book extra leg room on numerous occasions - but so far haven't been able to make contact. I've tried phoning as advised between the hours of 9am-1pm but nobody answers the phone, I've emailed but had no reply. Can anybody advise how to contact them. Surely they have a procedure of complaint, like a manager or supervisor.

Air Malta review by Ken Monk

19 February 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

I feel that Air Malta, whilst not perfect, is better than the other airlines (London-Luqa) for leg room, cabin staff, free wine and acceptable food. Also, one could often get cheap flights.

Air Malta review by D Williams

5 October 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

MLA-LHR in economy. As a one-off traveller it was nice to be able to choose your seat in advance. A320 was clean, seats acceptable, in-flight film old but quite decipherable using free headsets. Food very average - edible but totally uninspiring. However, in-flight service appalling : nobody could be bothered to do anything but the minimum. The cabin crew were the only Maltese we have ever met who couldn't be bothered to say "hello", couldn't be bothered to smile, couldn't bothered to say "goodbye". Neither the Captain nor Co pilot could be bothered to tell us when we would arrive, why we had two ten-minute delays on the taxiway at LHR , say "goodbye" or to speak to us at all. I am delighted I had managed to buy very cheap tickets, because I now really don't feel that I want to bother with Air Malta again.

Air Malta review by Sean Kyte

27 September 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

FRA-MLA and back MLA-FRA. No major problems, except meals where disappointing. On the outbound the meal was a cold piece of chicken with shredded salad, a type of salad i have seen or tasted before. On return main meal was 2 pieces of ham with a triangle of cheese. While i can understand cooked meals are not offered on flights under 3 hours, surely a bit more imagination could be used? Also you are allowed one free alcoholic drink, yet one flight attendant was giving them away, others where charging, so consistancy would be good. Overall still a good airline, just improvements to food and inflight services needed.

Air Malta review by Paula Holmes

21 September 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

Heathrow-Malta return - Business Class. Definitely the most revolting food I have ever experienced. Didn't eat any of it and asked for the tray to be removed. However, all flight attendants and crew were the nicest of all airlines I have ever travelled on. So come on Air Malta - you have a good product and great staff - get better cooks!

Air Malta review by J Abela

18 September 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

MLA-BHX-MLA. Poor airline food, scruffy cabin staff, noisy passengers. Flight delayed from BHX. Poor experience. Otherwise fine.

Air Malta review by M Camilleri

9 August 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

MLA to AMS (coach) B737-300. The cabin was showing its age. Seats comfortable and legroom was reasonable. Meal served was small but good. No IFE made the trip long.

Air Malta review by Russ Mizon

30 June 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

Return travel to Crete. A320 Airbus, bit old but OK. Aircraft as clean as most I have used. Seats leather, personal choice but I find them a bit hot. Pleasant and attentive cabin staff. Food typical airline type, to be fair it was more of a distraction than a meal, but was nothing much less that TUI and Firstchoice, if you feel the need, just pack your own food. In flight movie was so boring it had the effect of sending you off to sleep (not a bad thing on a 4hr flight). Headphones £2.50 (take your old ones, you need a twin mini jacks). Overall (and bearing in mind the price), if you just want to get to your destination with no frills, excellent. We have booked again for September!

Air Malta review by A Macdonald

25 June 2007  Customer Trip Rating : n/a

Have flown with Air Malta three times in general found airline reliable, punctual and cabin crew courteous. Beware flying from Newcastle however - time of departure has got progressively worse (now leaves in the middle of the night) and last time I flew with them, we had an hour's stopover at East Midlands. We were only advised of this 3 weeks before departure, too late to change plans. Am considering other airlines now.

Air Malta review by C Hasell

24 March 2007  Customer Trip Rating : n/a

Bristol - Gerona return March 07. Seats comfortable but inflight meal abismal. No alternative complimentary drink other than tea or coffee (nothing for the children other than to buy something). Only food option (both journeys) had cheese in (who wants to eat cheese and tomato pizza at 10am?) , also not good for those who can't eat cheese. Again, if you wanted an alternative you had to buy something. Cabin crew not helpful in this respect and were not flexible.

Air Malta review by Sean Kyte

16 September 2006

Heathrow-Malta-Heathrow. Both flights offer complimentary meal, which for airline food was quite acceptable. One free alcoholic drink is provided with meals and others can be purchased afterwards, a bottle of wine is only £1. Juices free. Free Maltese news papers provided and Air Malta have introduced inflight entertainment in the form of movies or tv programes shown on the overhead monitors with free head phones provided. On UK flights a movie is shown. Aircraft only a few months old so clean and tidy. Overall Air Malts service was excellant and the only thing Air Malta need to do now is introduce online check in. I hope the service does not service as a result of Ryanairs new flights to Malta.

Air Malta review by R Ellison

6 September 2006

Birmingham to Malta in August. Very comfortable flight with good leg room. Pleasant staff. Food not great but adequate considering short duration. Entertainment likewise. No frills maybe but very satisfactory.

Air Malta review by Filipe Lima

28 August 2006

LIS-MLA return. First time I flew with Air Malta and have to say that I'm disappointed. The airplane seemed so dirty and claustrophobic and poor legroom! Cabin crew was friendly when requested, but didn't care about the blankets supplies neither the pilows. The food was awful, and no one could guess what we were eating.

Air Malta review by Elizabeth Aquilina

15 August 2006

The seat pitch for short-haul journeys, which make up most of Air Malta's flights is acceptable. Onboard service could be improved. I normally take evening flights and have lost count of the baked chicken and greens I've been presented with. From what I observe, dessert is usually left alone by most passengers (barring the ravenous ones). A bit more imagination with food and presentation would do no harm! I never found crew to be anything less than very helpful. Air Malta cannot be classified as giving a 5-star service, but I hope it is aspiring towards that goal.

Air Malta review by Michael Sculthorp-Wright

1 June 2006

Bristol to Heraklion. Charter flight for Kosmar Holidays. Being handicapped and needing my electric buggy for this holiday, nothing was too much for Air Malta. Pre-boarding, carrying my buggy free and looking after me and my family. A new Airbus, leg room better than any I have experienced before. Food good. Cabin crew very good. Aircraft clean and fresh. Flight deck Crew and 2nd Officer brilliant and thanks to the airline's Chief Pilot (Airbus) a very special treat for my young son. I can't thank them enough.

Air Malta review by John Montgomery

6 May 2006

LGW / Gerona. Cabin crew were fine, a mixture of Brits and Maltese. Food (breakfast) very good! Nice comfortable leather seats ,OK legroom and we were allocated a seat for our infant. Considering it was a charter (for MyTravel) cant complain at all apart from the early morning slots.

Air Malta review by Lianne Webber

20 November 2005

Bristol-Sharm el Sheikh. 5.5 hours of boredom. Uncomfortable, not much space, and cramped, and no inflight entertainment. Food okay, service average. 3 hour delay on the return, as there was a mix up with the paperwork to enter Egypt. Something you think would have been sorted out prior. I have to say, I will not travel with Air Malta again.

Air Malta review by D Schlösser

24 October 2005

Frankfurt-Malta return. Never again. No legroom for a schedule flight, (less than Condor) disgusting food both ways and unfriendly crew. They looked like they hate their job and on the outbound flight I thought that there was a fight going to break out between a female crew member and a passenger. Air Malta ruined a good holiday on the island. Next time I will pay more and fly Lufthansa.

Air Malta review by P Garay

8 August 2005

FCO-MLA. Service was generally good. For a short flight that was a little over an hour, the snack and beverage service was good quality. On the return however, there were only two people checking in people at the Luqa Airport counter, and they were checking in passengers for another Air Malta flight as well, so the lines were long and moved a bit slow. I don't like the fact that the Air Malta agent allowed this aggressive tourist jump in front of me, without addressing it - I did, however. Nonetheless the agent continued checking in the person who had cut in front of me, instead of taking me first.

Air Malta review by Roy Driver

8 August 2005

I was a little apprehensive about my first flights with Air Malta. However, flew to Malta from Manchester on 23rd July, returned on 6th August and both flights were fine. Polite, quietly efficient staff and nothing wrong with the food, as airline food goes. My daughter has had a knee problem and the Air Malta staff were very helpful in making her journey as comfortable as possible. Would fly again with Air Malta without any worries.

Air Malta review by B Griffiths

3 August 2005

"Who says we don't have low fares?" Air Malta, large ad in the Times of Malta 2 August, 05. I say they don't!! Tried to book 2 tickets return to either Heathrow or Birmingham, mid October, same day as ad, several day options. Full price with all charges and taxes, LM145.00. LM100.00 more than the advertisement. What a joke. Is this legal?? 

Air Malta review by William Agius

22 July 2005

Zurich to Malta and back in economy class. Both the flights were only half full so loads of space between the two of us. Also, we asked for seats on the emergency row which we were give without any ado. Food was not spectacular but I thought it was nice that at least you have the choice between a vegetarian and a non-vegetarian option. Beverages were great as well, Alcoholic drinks are for free and they also serve Kinnie, a Maltese non-alcoholic drink. Crew was friendly and we were given regualr updates on the flights progress from the flight deck even though the info is also displayed in the video screens. The airfraft on both flights was an A. 319 and both looked as though they'd only been delivered the day before! Nice, comfy leather seats. Check-in both in Zurich and Malta was swift although it is a bit of a nuisance that you can only check-in for the flight two hours before departure in Malta and only have two desks available per flight. All in all though, I think they do a great job, especially seeing as they're such a small company!

Air Malta review by Ann Sciberras

5 July 2005

We have travelled to Malta for the past 30 years visiting family and holidays. As we live very close to Heathrow we book the evening flight KM103 and return KM102. Over the years the inflight service has declined which I believe is mainly to do with shortage of staff. We have encountered a very rude stewardess about a year ago. She was shouting that my husband was causing her stress while she was forcing all the hand luggage in the hold. He had asked her politely not to push as many bags as possible as he had his suit to attend a family wedding. With that he got more abuse. I think a minority of the staff need to go on a customer care course, but on average the staff seem quite pleasant. We also had a young steward on a flight returning to Heathrow who had the habit of pointing his finger in passengers faces. This was reported to the head steward, who apologized and informed us that he was agency staff. All in all our flights have been quite pleasant, food not too bad for a short haul flight, and plenty of leg room on the Airbus.

Air Malta review by H Stacey

29 June 2005

Flew to Corfu by Air Malta on 16th May 2005, returned on 30th May 2005. The seating was very uncomfortable, insufficient legroom to even wriggle. Worst of all, on the flight out we were supplied with a meal, as per our holiday confirmation but on the return, shortly after take-off the captain announced that we were not having a meal supplied! Several people had already complained to the cabin staff. On complaining, particularly due to the fact that we had specifically confirmed that meals were included since my companion is diabetic, we were informed that they had stopped doing meals mid-way through our holiday!! (they eventually 'gave' her two very small packets of miniature biscuits!) On returning home and checking with the travel agents and holiday company, it transpired that they had apparently not told them about stopping in-flight meals! Would not fly with them again.

Air Malta review by Mark West

15 June 2005

Business Class LHR-MLA-CAI rtn 8/13 June. Service on all flights was efficient though not at all special. Cabin checks prior to take off and landing on various flights were not thorough (Passengers remained asleep in fully reclined seat for take-off and landing/ curtain divide between Economy and Business remained closed during landing/glasses from pre-flight drinks not always cleared away) and during the flight, economy passengers were constantly in Business Class cabin to use toilets etc so there was no extra privacy. Meals were sufficient, tasty and varied although wine and champagne were limited in supply and not chilled on any of the four flights. Lounge at Valetta quite nice with sufficient nooks and crannies to get some rest. The massage chair in the quiet room is a bonus! Nice selection of breads, cheeses and other edibles to pass the time, although the lounge had run out of wine. Internet access and fax available. Ground staff in MLA generally quite surly and uninformative. There was a delay to the departing aircraft on the outbound flight MLA-CAI. No details given by ground-staff who were huddled in groups chatting and laughing at the gate, but ignoring passenger's requests for information. Even the lounge staff were just told to 'wait five minutes' when they tried to find out information for passengers. This turned into an hour's delay.

Air Malta review by Jeff Shrimpton

4 June 2005

Air Malta Flight KM 4306 (25 May 2005) BHX - Rhodes - major problem - no inflight meals available on either outbound to Rhodes or home bound 1 week later (01 June 2005) to Birmingham (KM 4306 ) Passengers were very agitated and had to be calmed by crew. Would I recommend Air Malta ? Not on this perfomance !

Air Malta review by Scott Silbereis

8 April 2005

Business Class) from LHR to Malta on 2 April, returning on 5 April, flights 101 and 102. The planes were two different Airbus 319s, looking clean and well presented. The seating is 3-aisle-3 in all rows, but the middle seat in Club Class is converted to a table. The partition between Club and Economy class is movable, so there were 4 rows en route to Malta, but only 3 on the way to London. The seat pitch is slightly larger in the front few rows as well, but I do not know the details. The food was adequate. It would have been good in Economy, but was not quite worthy of the higher class. The largest problem was that the exact same meals were offered on both flights (Fish, or Pork with rice), and with only the cheese selection and salad varied. The baggage handling was not a high point. Club Class passengers bags are "Priority" tagged, but this made no difference in either direction, as our bags were unloaded in the middle of everyone's. On arrival in Malta, the entire flight was waiting at one conveyer belt, packed 3 deep waiting for the bags before they arrived. Then, the bags started showing up on another conveyor!! No warning, no sign, no announcement--the original point still showed our flight. The Malta-London flight ran a few minutes late, but not worth mentioning really. We had use of the La Valette lounge, which was nice for the size of the airport. The snacks were replenished soon after we arrived, and was quite relaxing for the most part. They really need to turn down the volume of the PA announcements in there, as they shattered the mood of the executive lounge. The London-to-Malta flight was another story. We were enjoying the Holideck at Heathrow (free entry for Club Class passengers, and the highlight of the Air Malta experience), and noted the display board said the flight was on-time and departing from Gate 20. So with 25 minutes until departure, we left the serene lounge and went to Gate 20. No staff. Sign said departing on time. After waiting a while in the loud and un-cozy terminal, I noticed the departure board now showed it as Gate 15. No announcement. No warning. No notice. So we went to Gate 15. And what do we find? No staff. No notice. Nothing. So now at 10.50am, passengers for the 10.55am flight are queuing at a gate with no staff, no notice, no announcements, and the departure board still saying it is departing on-time in 5 minutes. All of a sudden, 3 or 4 KLM agents show up and instead of updating us, or apologising for the delay, they just made a cattle-call: "All aboard!!" No order, no "rows 20 and higher," no "special needs and Club Class first," just a mad scramble to get on before the plane left without you!! So they had everyone on the plane fairly quickly, shut the door. Served orange juice in Club Class. Then the pilot announced that since we had missed our slot, they had to apply for another one. And we waited, and waited. Finally, again with no announcement, we started moving, and took off an hour and five minutes later than scheduled. Service on the flight, in Club Class was fine on the outbound trip. She was very attentive and efficient, offering drinks at least 3 or 4 times through the flight, including coffee or a liquer as each passenger finished their meal. On the return flight, it was adequate, with coffee being available after the meal, but we had to beg to get one bottle of Tia Maria when we wanted 2 bottles of Baileys (so much for Open Bar). She then spent most of the flight in the galley, chatting with one passenger. Not rude, but certainly not offering great service. Overall, because I was in Club Class, I was satisfied. If I had been in Economy (or if I had paid for the ticket myself) I would have been extremely upset by the poor service and utter lack of communication. The upgrade to Club Class made the trip acceptable, but the rest of the airline was seriously disappointing.

Air Malta review by Tony Roberts

28 November 2004

Air Malta on 15th September 2004 from Birmingham BHX to Rhodes RHO return. The food was not the best but was palatable for aircraft food. The cabin staff were friendly and efficient. For a budget airline I could not fault them.

Air Malta review by Pat Bennett

18 November 2004

Birmingham to Malta for a two-week holiday, returning Monday 15th November 2004. Cannot speak too highly of Air Malta. A spotless aircraft, lots of leg room and both flights arriving on time. The staff on board were quietly efficient and the meal was excellent, including a complementary bottle of wine. After reading some of the comments we were apprehensive about Air Malta but cannot praise them too highly.

Air Malta review by Lynne Blackburn

10 August 2004

After reading other peoples comments I was a bit apprehensive about flying with Air Malta (We flew MAN/MLA KM138 16th July & KM139 MLA/MAN 30th July). The flight times were very good as in previous years we have always had evening flights it was good to get to our resort during the day. I found only one fault with them and that was at the check-in desk it only opened half an hour before it was due to close, my sister and her family and my husband and myself all got seats near one another even though we had booked as 3 separate parties. The staff on the out bound flight were a little miserable. The seats and legroom were a lot better than the seats we had sat in on other airlines. We left Manchester 15 mins late but got to Malta on time I don't eat the food on board but my husband said it was better than what we had on other airlines. Having been picked up late at our hotel was surprised to see that the check-in desk was not closed even though it had gone past the latest check-in time. The return journey was by far the best, myself and my husband asked for a window seat and not only did we get the window seat we sat in CLUB CLASS and there was no-one sitting next to us so had 3 seats between 2 of us that gave us a chance to have a stretch out, flight attendants we brilliant I could not fault them the food was not as good as the outbound flight but landed early. This was our first flight with Air Malta and I would without a doubt fly with them again.

Air Malta review by G Andrassi

30 July 2004

Not lucky like L Pyett on his trip. Delayed by 2 hours, and a very dirty aircraft. This will be okay if the service on board the trip was good, but it is very poor. FA's were unhappy and took most of the flight in the kitchen talking ... and talking! This was poor advertisement for the island of Malta - making me think the staff are not from Malta because they are so miserable? And I do not agree that the seats are reasonable - they are like charter airline size, and a number were broken!

Air Malta review by Lawrence Pyett

29 July 2004

Manchester to Malta return. Flight out on a very clean A319 with a good crew and average food for a European short haul journey. Returned on an A320 which was of the same standard - both flights on time or early on arrival. Air Malta seating is reasonable with a pitch of 31 to 32 inch. Having travelled for 35 years with as many as 8 flights a week at certain times I would put Air Malta up in the top quarter of airlines. Certainly better than US airlines flying domestic routes. I wish that some of the moaners were given the opportunity to travel on some of the airlines I had to put up with and the food I was sometimes presented with. Even the best airlines in the world have their problems and problem staff and I have been known to complain bitterly when I considered it justifiable.

Air Malta review by Violet Stanley

27 July 2004

KM108 (24JUL) - we have been using Air Malta for the past thirty years, traveling to and from at least twice a year - but this trip was the worst ever. Cabin crew were rude and one of the crew looked as if she wanted to be somewhere else (maybe charm school!?). Her attitude was the worst I ever come across. We had no wine with our meal (had to ask for it) and no gallett - that is the best part of the meal.

Air Malta review by Mark C Markham

24 July 2004

I have travelled Air Malta several times, and each flight was different. I met cabin crew who were friendly, those arrogant and others who do not seem to like their job. Some pursers are also arrogant at times. The food is not that bad, but you're not going on a flight to eat, you go to go from A to B safely!

Air Malta review by Ken Hayward

6 May 2004

My wife and I travelled from LGW/MLA on 05/04/2004 on KM117 returning on 15/04/2004 on KM116. The outbound flight was OK, A320 and quite clean, cabin staff were OK although there was nobody to welcome passengers on board, we just wandered on to the aircraft and found our seats, the cabin staff were chatting amongst themselves in the galley area. The return flight was on an older A320 - well that is how were perceived the plane, worn seat facings and very poor saggy seating. Some members of the cabin staff looked cheerless and unhappy, whilst some were quite the reverse and actually smiled at us! I wonder if the airline is just a reflection of Malta itself at present, we have been to the island for three successive years now and have seen the place slowly going downhill in attitudes to visitors in general, we can't put our finger on it, but whatever it is, it is reflected in Air Malta.

Air Malta review by Godfrey Grima

6 May 2004

Seating seems to be the biggest bone of contention where Maltese passengers are concerned. I don't know what some people expect on a three hour journey. Air Malta seating is better than charter and low cost airlines. It's true that Row 1 is almost always occupied by Maltese business people and Air Malta officials. Air Malta catering is no less inferior (or better) than other airlines. Air Malta even offers a choice of meals, and it is not true Air Malta runs out of meals for the last 3 rows. Runs out of choice yes - but not meals. If you are lucky, you might even get a Business class meal when seated in the last rows! It is the crew that make or break your flight - most Air Malta crews are efficient and friendly, but there are a few who are simply not fit for the aircraft cabin. Air Malta cabin cleanliness leaves much to be desired - try peeling your seat cushion. You might find some surprises on the seat pan!

Air Malta review by Lucas Rothamel

4 May 2004

I travelled with Air Malta several times. I think service depends on flight crew, as they are mostly Maltese, it depends on their mood if they take their job seriously.

Air Malta review by Rod James

15 April 2004

LGW-MLA, several times! For the cost involved this operator is in my opinion, very poor. Business class seating is the same as economy, except for the addition of a cheap paper napkin. Seats throughout look like something for the 1960's. Poor service from the cabin crew, who couldn't seem to care less about customers. I can recall on previous flights them running out of wine, and or meals, for the last 3 or so seat rows! If possible choose another operator, especially if you are travelling on a scheduled fare.

Air Malta review by Jenni Wohlman

13 April 2004

Our family, five adults, plus elderly mother in a wheelchair, travelled out from Manchester to Luqa on 27th March 2004 returning on 3rd April. We were impressed by the courtesy of the staff, the relative comfort of the seats, the standard of the food and the general atmosphere on board. This was our first experience of Air Malta and we would not hesitate to use the airline again.

Air Malta review by Ian Wenman

5 April 2004

I have travelled with Air Malta three times and have no problems. On all three flights the food was very good. I am 6ft 2ins and  had no problem with the seat pitch, seats were comfortable to. Cabin Crew were friendly. I would recomend Air Malta to friends, and  will travel with them again.

Air Malta review by Tony Azzopardi

4 April 2004

Having travelled with air Malta from Gatwick returning to Heathrow in March 2004, I was very disappointed with the seating pitch, and the food served, at the least I would have expected some type of Maltese food on the return from if not to Malta. The food was more reminiscent of low cost charter flights. I am only 5'8 - the seat pitch was uncomfortable and more like a charter flight , certainly worse than the pitch of at least 3 low cost airlines - when I pay schedule fares I expect schedule seating and service - otherwise why bother with the extra cost. This was the worst air travel I have had in the last 6 years and I fly at least 4 times a year.

Air Malta review by Brian James

20 February 2004

After reading the adverse criticism of Air Malta, my wife and I were apprehensive of taking our first flight with Air Malta. In the event, we found all aspects of the operation of the airline acceptable when flying to and from Malta 7th & 17th February and would not hesitate at using them again.

Air Malta review by Andrew Franklin

17 February 2004

In response to Mark Pace's observations about Air Malta's non monopoly I would refer him to the words 'some routes' in my remarks and then refer him to more current comments by Nada Salisbury - on most of its routes Air Malta operates a complete monopoly and provides one of the worst value for money experiences in the sky. What I expect from Air Malta supported by inhabitants of the archipelago of only 400,000 is european standards applied immediately on entry into the EU - not much to ask as the price on Air Malta is always high - this airline seems to have achieved a chronically awful standard of operation which means there is trouble afoot - flew to Gozo via Luqa only last month and the aircraft was dirty. Roll on competitive flying to and from Malta on all routes.

Air Malta review by Nada Salisbury

12 February 2004

I cannot believe that you give Air Malta 3 stars. Air Malta is the worst airline I have ever flown on in the world and I travel on many different airlines regularly for business and pleasure. Why do you continue to give it three stars?? As a family for the past 6 years we have travelled on Air Malta to Luqa and then to Gozo for a holiday every June. We travelled mostly in business class but because of the dreadful seats (3 economy seats in a row my tall husband could not get his legs in front of him) we decided to try economy 2 years ago to get exit seats. Only to find that the extra leg seats and the two next were taken by a young woman who had a 'friend on Air Malta'. Unbelievable.! When we travel Business Class the food we get is appalling and we regularly see Maltese 'officials' getting separate and better food. It is a proverbial cheek. Air Malta has an excellent slot at Heathrow and fly at at convenient time. Why is allowed to happen? They simply don't deserve it. The staff are surly, rude and don't care a fig about you. The aircraft are shabby and the telesales staff and the Customer services staff are unbelievably unhelpful i.e. when you would like to book a certain seat in business class you cannot be guaranteed it in case some Maltese official wants your seat or in the case of Customer Services complaints are not answered satisfactorily and in cases take months for a reply.

Air Malta review by Mark Pace

28 January 2004

In response to Mr Franklin's comments I fail to see his point with regard to Air Malta's monopoly. Just to let you know that Emirates, Alitalia, BA, Lufthansa, Condor, FTI, Tunisair, Libyan Arab Airlines, JAT and until their demise Swissair all fly to Malta in direct competition with Air Malta. One should also note that most of these airlines have tried many times to push Air Malta out of the market but so far have been unsuccessful so Air Malta must be doing something right to outclass such established carriers! I myself have travelled on Air Malta on countless occasions and I find the service to be great. It is certainly not the Orient Express but what do you honestly expect from an airline in a country of 400.000 people.

Air Malta review by George S Cameron

27 November 2003

Air Malta Heathrow to Luqa on the 16th November and return 23rd i economy. Check in at both ends was quick and efficient. We managed to get extra legroom on the outbound leg of the journey. Our request for extra baggage allowance for scuba kit was given and there were no problems, despite having 70 kilos between two of us. The aircraft were slightly tatty, but have flown worse with US carriers transatlantic. Leg room was adequate for a short flight in economy. Food was not the best by some way. The cabin crew in both directions were friendly and helpful, though better on the return journey. All in all not the best airline I've flown , though not as bad as recent comments had led me to expect.

Air Malta review by Andrew Franklin

2 November 2003

I have been forced to use the national carrier because of the governments policy of allowing Air Malta to operate a monopoly on some routes. From the moment you attempt to check in at Luqa you know its not going to be good news - frequently the check in opens less than 2 hours before the flight - check in staff are general rude and unpleasant unless you have a Maltese companion to help you! Should you ask for extra legroom in economy you will undoubtedly be placed in a no extra legroom non reclining seat for your cheek - I am aware as most frequent flyers are on this airline that extra legroom seats go to staff and friends of staff! The airline has one major advantage - flights usually leave on time and arrive early - I have put this down to a sort of pedal to the metal attitude combined with the desire of the entire crew to be rid of passenger nuisance as soon as possible. Flying through the night with heaps of noise from the crew and full lighting on in the cabin you become aware that this is not indolence or bad customer relations but a forthright and coherent attempt to be downright nasty - after an unpleasant meal, always consistently bad, and cursory service the crew retire to the galley to gossip and muck about - speaking a little Maltese you soon come to understand the thinking. Small seats, grubby aircraft no matter how new the aircraft the whole experience ends in frustration and the wish never to repeat the performance.

Air Malta review by Martin Searby

28 October 2003

Air Malta provides a dreadfully poor service, surly flight attendants, scruffy planes and inadequate check- in facilities. My wife and I booked club class return flights from Manchester to Luqa in October 2003. On the first leg there were only two rows of seats in Club with no extra comfort - certainly the worst standards we have encountered. On the return there was no dedicated check in and we were told that the flight was all economy. The Europa Lounge was as shoddy as the rest of the airline which takes advantage of its monopoly position. I shall never use such a rude, inhospitable and third rate service again and would not recommend anyone else to do so either. Perhaps the worst aspect is that they couldn't care less about such comments.

Editor Note: Your negative views of Air Malta are reflected by other recent comments received, although some could not be published due to language used!

Air Malta review by Paul Banton

3 May 2003

My family and I travelled to Malta in April 2003 and will never travel with them again. Check-in at LHR was too long, the plane was dirty. Cabin staff were unhelpful to say the least - we had two vegetarian meals booked which were not provided on either leg of the journey. The service to passengers at Luqa was very second rate.

Air Malta review by Ian Anderson

15 April 2003

My wife and I flew Air Malta 12.04.03 from Luca to Gatwick in an Airbus 320. By tourist standards there is plenty of legroom which is welcome, but seat cushions were worn out and very uncomfortable on the buttocks. Surely they could buy some new ones and engender some passenger satisfaction.