The Maldives has long been regarded as one of the must-see island locations due to its white sand beaches, brilliant blue waters, and opulent resorts.
Because flights from the United States are so expensive and time-consuming, the Maldives has historically been more of a European vacation destination.
But you might be motivated to travel to this isolated island group in the Indian Ocean by the latest Swiss Airlines offers from the United States.
From John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Velana International Airport (MLE) in the Maldives, Swiss Airlines is presently offering a limited number of round-trip flights starting at $642.
Prices along this route typically run double or triple this amount.
Currently, flights to the Maldives cost roughly $900 or less from other U.S. airports.
However, keep in mind that these reduced tickets may include layovers in Europe as some of the itineraries have lengthy or multiple stops on at least one direction of the trip.
If you can find an itinerary and timing that work for you on these Swiss Airlines flights, now might be a great time to book that long-dreamed trip to the Maldives.
Basics of deals
Airline: Swiss Airlines and associates.
Routes from New York City and Los Angeles to the Maldives.
Booking options include Google Flights, Swiss Airlines, or United.
Travel dates: Selected dates between October and January.
While tickets are still cheap.
Flight examples
Here are a few incredibly cheap flight choices using Swiss Airlines as the primary airline that will get you from the United States to the Maldives (and return) for less than $700.
Because some of the alternatives may require stopovers lasting longer than 18 hours, be sure to check layover and travel timings for these and other similar itineraries.
Keep the schedules in mind if the money reduction is compelling for you if you decide to choose the flight choice below because you might have enough time to get out and enjoy a day trip in Zurich while you're passing by.
These sample itineraries were located on Google Flights by utilizing the monthly flight grid search feature.
Enter your departure city to MLE (even if it's not JFK or LAX) and look through the options for a month or two to discover similar itineraries.
Try out several airports and different flight itineraries to see if you can find the right price and schedule for you.
This example Swiss Airlines flight in October costs only $675 from JFK airport in New York to the Maldives.
Typical rates for flights on this trip on other days range from $1,100 to $2,000 in December.
Zurich is the only stop along the route.
There are also no additional fees for checked or carry-on bags because they are included in the cost.
Remember that the itinerary for this travel, as well as other flights with comparable discounts, may include lengthy layovers.
A small red warning triangle will appear in the stopover field on Google Flights to indicate layovers that are longer than usual.
Google Flights has highlighted the return flight's nearly 15-hour layover in Zurich in the case above.
If you plan your vacation wisely and don't have to deal with carrying a lot of luggage, you can often make long layovers work nicely for your trip by adding some rest time in the airport or even a trip into town.
However, make sure to note if your lengthy layover is during the day or at night.
It won't be as fun to wander the streets of Zurich from 2 to 5 in the morning as it will be to go sightseeing during the day.
The layovers on example itineraries examined for this fare are frequently shorter on the outward leg (as little as 2 hours) and longer on the return leg (often more than 18 hours).
Avoid multi-stop trips since the likelihood of missed flights, cancellations, and lost luggage is significantly higher.
You might be able to discover one of these sharply discounted flights that fits your timing and schedule if you do a little research and are flexible with your travel dates.
Surprisingly, tickets on Swiss Airlines from Los Angeles to the Maldives via Europe are even less expensive than those from the East Coast.
On the outward flight of the $642 sample fare, there is a brief layover in Zurich, but the return flight features an onerous 18-hour delay.
You might be able to use the layover in Zurich to your advantage with a city tour, depending on the schedule as mentioned above.
The $642 cost is almost half off the average December fare from the West Coast to the Maldives, which is $2,000 round trip.
Swiss Airlines will run the sub-$700 or sub-$800 flights on a few occasions between October and January 2023.
United also offers direct booking options.
This rate gives a fantastic discount to travel to the Maldives from LA if you can find flying times that work for you (and can find reasonably priced accommodation in the Maldives).
Enhance your purchase
Use a credit card that offers bonus points when buying airline tickets as well as for paying for the frequently exorbitant resort prices after you get to the Maldives.
Up to $500,000 in purchases made with the Platinum Card® from American Express per calendar year receive 5 points for every dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel.
The American Express® Gold Card earns 3 points for every dollar spent on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel, compared to 2 points for every dollar spent on airfare with the Citi Premier® Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
For every dollar spent on travel, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card awards two points.
In conclusion
The Maldives has established itself as a must-visit location for everyone looking for the pinnacle of a tropical island paradise.
The cost and travel time have long presented problems for American tourists.
The less than $700 tickets are over half off the going rate for flights, making these discounted airfares from Swiss Airlines excellent bargains in terms of the pricing component of the equation.
Finding a specific route with suitable stopover times is still a difficulty for travelers looking for these flight deals in order to make the trip worthwhile.
This fantastic deal can be yours if you're prepared to be a little flexible on at least one of the flying legs.
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