Air Malta

Manchester to Malta return. Outbound flight delayed by approximately one hour as was the inbound flight. The organisation at the departure gate in Malta was chaotic. Onboard cabin crew were unhelpful and offered no assistance to passengers. The safety briefing was all electronic and cabin crew took no part. Apart from the meal service cabin crew were hardly in the cabin. They appeared surly in manner and did not check passengers seatbelts before take off or landing.

FRA-MLA. Normally would use LCC. 20 minute delay in leaving held on a bus for the whole time. Cabin crew friendly with the exception of one uniforms dull and tired. Aircraft seats looked very worn considering the aircraft are relatively new. Food onboard good and free soft drinks and alcohol offered. Overall very pleasant but I can understand why people are switching to budget airlines.

Malta to AMS. Flight departed on time. FA served omelette and beverage. Staffs were friendly and helpful. The cabin was very clean.

Just arrived back to Heathrow from Malta. Everything went like clockwork very attentive friendly cabin crew great in flight food free newspaper. Recommend flying with Air Malta every time beats the competition.

Gatwick to Malta return Club Class. Both flights on time and inflight food and drinks service very good. Few business class passengers on both flights though. Servisair lounge at Gatwick was disappointing however La Valette Club ay Malta airport was modern with excellent selection of drinks.

We were disappointed at the decline in standards. Since our last flight the standard and quantity of food has reduced. On both outward and inbound flights the main meal was chicken on the return chicken in curry sauce with dried up rice. Previously free wine and beer was available this is now a thing of the past and we were only offered soft drinks. On the outward journey the cabin crew seemed disinterested the crew on the return were more customer friendly but were speaking to each other over the voice of the captain giving messages. Cabin crew uniforms are dull and appear old fashioned. Regretfully the whole experience was disappointing and not what we expected of a schedule airline.

Rome to Malta. I've flown Air Malta many times in the past but haven't for quite a while and was surprised to discover it still provided meals and drinks for such a short flight unlike most carriers. The flight attendants were friendly and attentive. The flight departed and arrived on time. There was a hitch at the airport with the departure gate changing and passengers not told - I think this may have been the fault of the airport not the airline. I have flown other airlines in and out of Malta before and have had problems but have always found Air Malta to be the most reliable.

LHR-MLA return in A320s. Air Malta still seems to provide a very "old-school" air service in that you still get a hot meal on short haul flights (over 3 hrs) for a reasonably competitive price. It was all very civilised. The cabin crew was pleasant professional and frequently smiled. The service comprised a meal then drinks round about 40 mins into the flight (alcoholic beverages and certain soft drinks are charged for) followed by a tea/coffee round. If you wanted any more drinks later you could ask the flight attendants who were visible throughout the flights. The niggles for this trip were not being able to check in online for flights from Heathrow whereas you could do so for most other origins and their 20 kg checked baggage allowance when most comparable airlines allow 23 kg. Nevertheless I would definitely use them again.

Malta-Gatwick Club Class. On arrival at the airport prior to the return to the UK we saw an offer regarding Club Class upgrades for €99 each on selected flights. We were delighted to discover this would be available on our particular flight KM0118 as it was in fact our wedding anniversary that day. We paid at the information desk and obtained the necessary receipts which we exchanged for Club Class boarding passes. Once on board the service did not appear as attentive as previously experienced and it became apparent when the food was served. When we queried why we had been given an Economy meal on a the mini tray whilst those around us had an overflowing tray of starters mains desserts plus cheese and biscuits etc. The Steward immediately produced the passenger manifest which described us as ‘involuntary upgrades’. As far as he was concerned we had obtained the upgrade for free and that there were only enough Club Class meals for the ‘paying customers’ so tough luck. The conversation with the Steward was very embarrassing and distressing for us in front of the other 4 passengers in the Club Class cabin who were acutely aware of what was going on.

Since my sister moved to live in Malta over 14 yrs ago my family and I have enjoyed twice yearly trips to Malta from Birmingham Airport. Having always flown with Air Malta all this time and enjoyed the experience apart from the odd delay on departure I was shocked to find out that Air Malta no longer fly from or to Birmingham Airport. Why is this? Now we have to make alternative arrangements to travel elsewhere (other destinations other than Malta) as we were spoilt by Air Malta and their professionalism care and attention to their passengers young and old.