Air France or KM Malta? Reviews?

Hi there,

I’d like to fly to Malta from Lyon. I’ve read a lot of negative reviews about KM MALTA, especially regarding baggage fees at the airport. Of course, I don’t want to book through third parties (like SkyScanner, Opodo…). AIR FRANCE offers tickets to MALTA in partnership, if I understood correctly. On AIR FRANCE, the tickets include everything (checked baggage, cabin bag, small personal item, seat), whereas with KM MALTA, everything is extra and the final price is almost double! In this case, is AIR FRANCE considered the same as sites like Opodo or others? Given the price difference, I’m hesitant… Have any of you booked with AIR FRANCE for this destination? How did it go? Thanks, HERVE

Hi there,

After checking on the official Air France website, it's a partnership with KM Malta. When booking through Air France, there's just an AF flight number (e.g., AF....) with a note saying "operated by KM Malta." It's a codeshare, which is pretty standard in the airline industry. So no need to worry. Just make sure you select exactly what you want. Also, double-check if you can pre-reserve seats if that matters to you, since it's not always possible with codeshares.

Hi, Thanks Jérôme for the reply. What surprises me is the final price being almost double for a flight on the same airline (KM). Also, check-in has to be done 24 hours before, but I’m not sure if it’s with Air France or KM. And about the seats, would I have trouble selecting them 24 hours before? Thanks, Hervé

When flights are sold under a codeshare agreement, each reselling airline has its own pricing policy with different "batches" at various fares. So you have to juggle dates, codeshares, and specific conditions, especially for baggage. It’s common to buy from an airline’s website that isn’t actually operating the flight. Air France does this with KLM, Delta, and others...

In KM Malta’s case, double-check the details, but so far, every ticket I’ve bought this way allowed me to check in online with the airline officially operating the flight. So it’s the same for seats.

Re Thanks for the quick reply and info. Last point: If I buy from AIR with tickets that include all baggage, I won’t risk being charged again for baggage by KM staff on the return trip, right? Especially since they offer it as a paid option on their site? Thanks Hervé

Once you select exactly what you want and pay for it, there’s no risk. As a precaution, take screenshots, double-check with someone else if needed before confirming, and carefully review EVERYTHING as soon as you receive the tickets. If there’s the slightest issue, call AF immediately. So, for safety, book during the reservation service’s opening hours (usually from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM).

Hi, Thanks for the advice. I’m going to book. Here’s the simulation on the AIR site with the same price and return conditions...

Everything is well signposted 👍

Hi, Thanks Jérôme, I’ll post the ticket if it’s possible. Have a good evening, Hervé

You're welcome, have a great evening!

Hi Jerome,

I booked my ticket but I don’t see the baggage info on the two-part e-ticket. I’ll put the second part in another post. When I check "my bookings" on the Air France site, the baggage info is there. I’m a bit worried about dealing with KM Airlines Malta staff. Hervé