Upgrade sweet spots – London Heathrow to Malta

Air Malta’s Flypass frequent flyer programme may not be the most popular or generous one out there. However, use it properly and there is value to be found: never more so than by upgrading your flight from London Heathrow.

For 10,000 KMiles (Flypass miles), you can switch your Heathrow-Malta flight from economy to business class. “But why would I use 10,000 miles to simply get the same seat further forward, and moderately improved in-flight food?” I hear you ask.

The answer is very simple: the Etihad lounge.

I’m not quite sure how, but Air Malta has managed to negotiate Etihad lounge access at Heathrow for its business class passengers. For those of you that have never been to an Etihad lounge, I can assure you they are fantastic. In fact, as airline lounges go, they are up there with the very best.

When you’re tired of your three course gourmet meal (see picture), there’s always the beautifully laid out bar (where there will be no paying for drinks), or you can go for a relaxing massage in the free spa.

A lavish buffet is always laid out, and you’ll regularly have attentive staff members asking you if you need anything.

But don’t just take our word for it: Business Traveller magazine was similarly impressed.

Even taking account of Air Malta’s current half price offer on redemption flights, we really do think you will struggle to find a better use of 10,000 KMiles. Just make sure you check in for your flight a good couple of hours early, to take full advantage of the hospitality.