My fiance and I have been researching the best way to get to Malta. We've found that airfare from major Europe hubs have been pricey for a short flight.

Our airfare from NYC to a major europe hub will be free (miles) We'd be curious to hear what other travelers have done to get to Malta (ferry routes, combined trips etc) We'd like to combine Malta with another destination spending a week in Malta and a week somewhere in route from a major hub. Any ideas? We will be traveling in late July.

Like you, I had difficulty trying to figure out the connections to Malta when combining it with an extended European trip. I finally booked a flight with Swiss Air (well, that's out now) which took us from Palermo to Malta, and then later from Malta to Zurich. There are ferries from Sicily, but we found them very difficult to meet up with, especially by any public transportation. Air Malta does specials from various European cities, especially for round trips. Have you looked at their website?

July is the height of the tourist season in Malta so you are unlikely to find many, if any, deals. I got an air/hotel package in February for less than the summertime cost of air alone.

You could try flying to London, and then taking Air Malta to Malta. (See airmalta.com). You may also be able to find a deal at:

http://www.cheap-malta-flights.co.uk/

Good luck!

You could check on charter airlines from Germany, like LTU, Condor, Hapag Lloyd. Sometimes they have last minute fares to fill the seats.

When I went to Malta last November I went fom NYC (newark ) to London Gatwick then took Air Malta . The major hubs to use would be London Heathrow or Gatwick, Rome ,Milan and Frankfurt . Malta is a big destination for the Brits and Germans . Air Malta ,British Airways. Alatalia all service Malta. i found good fare to Gatwick on Continental / Virgin out of (ewr) The Best thing about the conection at Gatwick was same terminal no switching . you could fly open jaw or do a lay over for a week . buying rt on air Malta was easy . book early so you will get short layovers when going or returning they can be very far apart .I could of had a cheaper deal with British Airways but I would have lost a whole day waiting in the airport for the conecting flight . I did a five day layover in London on that trip on my return form Malta

As far as I know, Malta's 2 major connections are the UK and Italy. The easiest way to travel would be from NYC to London Heathrow, or Rome Fiumicino and the further on. Otherwise, Malta is mainly a charter destination.

Thanks to all who responded. It looks like Air Malta out of Milan may be our best bet to combine with week in Lake Como.