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Before anyone can enjoy Maldives’ breath-taking beauty, they first have to fly miles over the ocean to reach this stunning archipelago.
Thousands of tourists visit the Maldives every month to enjoy the island nation’s many luxuries and natural sites. While some are lucky enough to be living relatively close to the Maldives, others must take long-haul flights from distant corners of the world.
It doesn’t matter whether your flight is a couple of hours long or considerably longer. When you fly to Maldives, following a few essential tips can help make the air transfer a smoother experience.
How to Book Cheap Flights to the Maldives
The past few years have seen the Maldives gain tremendous popularity in the travel world. To accommodate the growing demand from holiday-goers, several airlines have increased the number of flights to this tropical paradise.
As a result, prices for international flights to Maldives airports have come down significantly. Add to that deals offered by resorts, and one can have a luxury holiday at a much lower cost than before.
When planning to fly to Maldives, keep a watch on the airline tickets over a few weeks. Websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Kayak help you compare airline prices and offer the best ones available. It is important to remember that ticket prices do fluctuate. Often, going down closer to the flight date.
If you can be flexible with your holiday, it gives you a better chance of finding a cheap flight. The same also holds true about traveling to the Maldives during the off-season.
Booking an early vacation to the Maldives allows you to save money on great deals from hotels. However, last-minute booking, while unpredictable, can also lead to excellent discounts and cheaper air tickets.
How long is a flight to Maldives
Flight times to the Maldives range from 1 hour 30 minutes from Sri Lanka to over 24 hours when arriving from America.
Direct flights from Delhi and Dubai take around four hours. The ones from Singapore will be about five hours. When flying straight from London, be ready for an 11-hour nonstop journey.
Wondering how long is a flight to the Maldives from Australia? Well, it’ll take you a day at least, including a stopover somewhere in Asia. There might not always be a direct flight from Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, so plan your Asian transfers accordingly.
When you factor in airport changes, especially for tourists from America, Australia, and New Zealand, a Maldives’ flight does become tedious, especially for children.
Therefore, if you want to fly to Maldives, it helps to prepare yourself beforehand. This way, you can start enjoying all the island attractions as soon as you arrive in the Maldives.
Dress comfortably
The number one rule of taking a long-haul flight is to dress as comfortably as possible. Loose-fitted clothes with soft fabrics are preferable. You can even layer up a little if moving from a colder region to the Maldives’ tropical climate.
Hydrate!
With planes replacing cabin air every few minutes, it’s essential to keep drinking water to stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol or even sugary drinks. Instead, drink a glass of water every hour to keep your throat from going dry.
Eat moderately
Most people let go of their daily inhibitions as soon as they set out on holiday. A part of it is giving into culinary temptations.
On the islands, gastronomic delights are abundant and include must-eat Maldivian delicacies. To make your fly to Maldives experience better, avoid overeating during the transfer. Keep it light and limited, and indulge in food once you reach the resort.
Stay entertained
To keep your mind off the long flying times, carry a Kindle, an iPad loaded with movies, or music to stay engaged.
In fact, books about the Maldives make excellent reading companions for your journey to the archipelago. For children, bring card games or activity books they can enjoy on their own.
Move around
A holiday is all about lounging and doing nothing. But when you fly to Maldives via a long flight, move around to keep that blood flowing. Save the laziness for after you land.
Sleep
Again! We agree that a holiday in the Maldives is about physical and mental relaxation. Still, you don’t want to reach your island resort and end up sleeping to overcome jet lag. Rest during your flights to feel refreshed upon landing.
Pack a flight bag
When jotting down your packing list for the Maldives, add a flight bag to it. You can put a neck cushion, a blanket, a change of clothes, and toiletries in this carry-on.
Keeping in mind the present-day COVID situation, one should carry an extra mask and hand sanitizer with them at all times. These are little things that make your flights more comfortable and safer.
Packing essentials
There’s an entire list of things you should know about before you go to the Maldives. In terms of packing, keep it light, especially if you take a seaplane with a 20-25Kg baggage limit.
Other than that, bring along sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, cameras, lots of beachwear, and your spirit for adventure.
What not to pack for the Maldives
Rather than worrying about how long is a flight to the Maldives, tourists should focus on what not to carry for their holiday.
The Maldives is a conservative Muslim country, and thus alcohol, religious idols, pornography, drugs, and pork products are banned here.
On the lighter side, while shoes are very much allowed in the country, you needn’t bring anything more than beach slippers and a pair of dress shoes. After all, the Maldives is famous for its “no shoes, no news” atmosphere.
Use airline lounges
Somewhat of a luxury, lounges make it so much easier to spend time at airports. Whether stuck at a connecting airport or waiting to board a seaplane in the Maldives, go to a lounge, munch on complimentary snacks, take a shower, do some work, or else take a nap.
Book your transfers in advance
While booking a resort in the Maldives, they will ask you regarding transfers from the airport. It’s best to schedule your transportation in advance through the resort. This way, you simply go to the resort desk upon arrival, and they take care of everything.
The Maldives is also emerging as a budget travel destination. In case staying on an inhabited island, you can book a shared speedboat before arriving. If taking a ferry, check online for the latest ferry schedules before taking your flight.
Stay overnight in Malé
One reason to visit the Maldives is to learn about unique cultures and traditions. So, don’t be in a rush to reach your resort.
Upon arrival, spend a day in Malé first. Get to know the local lifestyle and visit the capital’s attractions. Then, you can go to a resort for a luxurious stay.
