East coast itinerary to the Maldives?

**Lulubelle** · 03-09-2011, 13:38

Hi all,

I'm booked for a liveaboard in the Maldives this fall. I am working on airfare options from the East Coast. The best one, a direct flight from Atlanta to Dubai then on to Male, is really expensive.

Anyone have ideas of alternative routings? I am going to TRY to burn some airline miles for this trip and need to know what routings are viable before I let one of the airlines take me around my elbow to get to my thumb.

Thanks!

**chinacat46** · 03-09-2011, 13:41

When I went to the Maldives I went thru Singapore. Probably not the most direct route for you.

**Lulubelle** · 03-09-2011, 15:49

Originally Posted by chinacat46

Went I went to the Maldives I went thru Singapore. Probably not the most direct route for you.

No, but if I can get to Singapore on FF miles, it might be direct enough. Thanks for the tip.

**dawnvip** · 03-09-2011, 17:29

Try the ITA website: Matrix - ITA Software
It is the most unbiased and thorough site I have been able to find for routing. (free to use too!) You can sort based on duration, layovers, connections, basically everything that could possible matter when flying...

**Lulubelle** · 03-09-2011, 19:48

Originally Posted by dawnvip

Try the ITA website: Matrix - ITA Software
It is the most unbiased and thorough site I have been able to find for routing. (free to use too!) You can sort based on duration, layovers, connections, basically everything that could possible matter when flying...

Thanks Dawn!

**chinacat46** · 03-09-2011, 21:02

I'll second the thanks Dawn. Looks like a good site.

**dawnvip** · 03-10-2011, 09:11

No prob!

I love the site and use it a lot, even if I'm cashing in some airmiles for part of the trip like Lulu.

Click on the route map view for a bit of wow!

**Lulubelle** · 03-10-2011, 09:45

Originally Posted by dawnvip

No prob!

I love the site and use it a lot, even if I'm cashing in some airmiles for part of the trip like Lulu.

Click on the route map view for a bit of wow!

The airfares I checked were high compared to other sites, but it is still a cool site and an awesome way to map out what the options are for getting somewhere. Thanks. I'm getting to Dubai on miles it appears.

**Toonces** · 03-10-2011, 14:41

There is a direct flight from London on British Airways. (London Gatwick) It is not everyday, but often enough I think.

**Lulubelle** · 03-10-2011, 16:26

Originally Posted by Toonces

There is a direct flight from London on British Airways. (London Gatwick) It is not everyday, but often enough I think.

Thanks for mentioning that. The ONLY international gateway flight from my home airport is to Heathrow. But changing airports wouldn't be a big deal. Can't imagine getting there on one connection!! I bet it will be pricey, but I'm going to take a look.

Thanks!~