Air Malta’s decision to stop discounted child fares makes it less competitive, particularly among legacy airlines flying the same routes, an exercise conducted by Times of Malta shows.

As of April 1, without any public announcement, Air Malta started treating all passengers over two years old as adults and charging a full fare. Previously, as in all other major legacy airlines, families travelling with children aged between two and 12 used to be charged 75 per cent of the fare.

Other legacy carriers still offer low child fares, thus becoming more competitive than the Maltese national airline.

Through the Expedia flight booking search engine, Times of Malta compared the cost of flights for a family of four – two adults and two children under 12 – for a week’s summer holiday in Munich, Rome, Larnaca or London from July 5-12.

A family of four will save almost €300 if it flies to Munich on Lufthansa rather than Air Malta

On all these routes, Air Malta faces competition not only by low-cost airlines but also legacy carriers.

The exercise (see table) shows that the family of four will save almost €300 if they fly to Munich on Lufthansa rather than Air Malta. Savings can also be made if flying to Rome on Spanish airline Iberia.

A week in the sun in Cyprus will save the family almost €140 if it takes an Emirates flight to Larnaca instead of Air Malta.

On the other hand, despite offering reduced children air fares, British Airways would still be €247 costlier than Air Malta if the family travels to London’s Gatwick airport. If, however, the family opts to use low-cost carrier easyJet to Gatwick, it would be saving €472 when compared to Air Malta. However, the low-cost airline will charge at an extra €47 for an additional 20-kilo luggage.

An easyJet flight to Rome will cost the family €284 less than Air Malta.

In the case of London flights, easyJet, despite being a low-cost airline, also offers discounted fares for families with children.

Additionally, the company is advertising on its website a ‘Good news for families’, saying that, from this month, the UK air passenger duty (APD) is no longer payable for children under 12. This, according to easyJet, will save a family another €17 per child.

Air Malta defended its decision to stop discounted child fares by saying families can benefit from regular promotions at lower fares. “Competitors do not offer the same opportunity,” it said.

Flight dates: July 5 - July 12