Flying to Malaga in times of Covid

Last week I flew to Malaga from Munich on my way back after 2 weeks in Germany. I share with you everything you need to know to fly to Malaga in times of Covid in a relaxed and fearless way.

Yes, it is true, flying to Malaga in times of Covid requires a certain amount of mental determination. Because in addition to organise the usual things like booking a rental car in Malaga, the hotel and the flight, we now also have to prepare an additional set of forms for both the outward and return journeys.

In my own recent experience, I have seen first-hand how it works and what it takes. I can assure you that if you take the time beforehand to organise all the paperwork required, the trip is as easy and enjoyable as ever – if not more so!

But also directly a clear warning: Don’t take it lightly.

The entry requirements for each country are very strict and the airlines are obliged to comply with them to the letter. I flew with Lufthansa and they turned away about 7 passengers for not meeting the requirements.

Essential requirements to fly to Malaga

Negative PCR test

You need a negative PCR test done within 72 hours prior to your arrival in Spain. This is very important. Already waiting in the boarding area, there was a second check and they found a passenger whose test result would have been expired for only 2 hours before arrival in Spain. So, they removed his luggage and denied him access to the plane.

This negative PCR test can be written in Spanish, English, French or German and can be submitted in paper or electronic format and must contain the following data:

Name of the traveller, passport or ID card number, date and hour the test was performed, identification and contact details of the centre performing the analysis, technique used and negative test result. The personal identification number (passport/ID) used to perform the QR must be the same as the one on the negative PCR certificate.

Health Check Form

It is compulsory to fill in a Health Check Form. This form is available in Spanish, English, French and German on the website www.spth.gob.es where you can also download the app directly to your mobile phone.

It is a simple form that asks for our personal details, contact details and useful information such as flight number and seat on the plane.

This form must be filled in no earlier than 48 hours before flying to Malaga. It must be shown both at check-in at the airport of origin and on arrival in Malaga.
The Health Control at Malaga airport is located after leaving the hall and before baggage reclaim.

Important to bear in mind

Arrive at the airport in good time

Although this is a common piece of advice, it applies now more than ever. I had the same experience at both Malaga and Munich airports: although I only had about 10 passengers in front of me in the check-in queue, in Malaga it took me almost 40 minutes to wait for my turn.

When I finally got my turn, I checked in within a couple of minutes. So, I can’t stress enough how important it is to make sure you have all the forms in order, both on your incoming and outgoing flights. Waiting times at check-in points are considerable, due to the fact that a large number of travellers are poorly informed.

I repeat that airlines are obliged to apply the entry requirements of each country and do not allow passengers who do not comply with them to board the plane.

Test PCR to return to your home country

Most countries now also require a negative PCR test to return after your holiday in Malaga, as well as a health control form similar to the Spanish version.

It is extremely important that you inform yourself well before your trip to Malaga about the entry requirements of your home country. For Germany, for example, the maximum negative test times are only 48 hours before arrival in the country.

It is also important to know in which languages your home country accepts the PCR test.

I’m flying on a weekend, where do I take the PCR test?

This was a real headache for me as I arrived in Munich on a Sunday at 7 pm. After a lot of searching, I found this laboratory that also does PCR tests on weekends, in record time (less than 24 hours) and sends the result directly to my email in English and Spanish. The attention both on the phone and in person was excellent, very friendly and professional. 100% recommended, don’t look any further for a test.

Website: www.intermedicalss.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intermedicalss/
Mobile: +34 684 08 75 52
Phone: (+34) 951 940 049
Email: info@intermedicalss.com

They have offices in:
Fuengirola:
Calle Santa Rosa N.º 20, 29640 Fuengirola, Málaga
Nerja:
Avenida Mediterráneo N.º 4, 29780 Nerja, Málaga.
Benalmádena:
Avenida del Puerto Deportivo S/N, 29630 Benalmádena-Costa, Málaga.
Almuñécar:
Avenida del Mediterráneo N.º 51, 18690 Almuñécar, Granada.

The flying experience in times of Covid

Due to fewer flights, also many shops at Malaga airport are currently closed. However, a Duty-Free shop is open and there are also a restaurants, coffee and snack shops open.


There are many contactless hand sanitising points and there is good signage in several languages regarding social distancing and other measures to be taken.

In general, the atmosphere is quite relaxed, also among travellers.

My flight on Lufthansa was very pleasant and as far as possible, a seat distance between passengers is also kept and a number of very useful measures are in place for both boarding and disembarking the aircraft.

The sanitary checkpoint at Malaga airport is located after the one-way glass doors before the baggage claim area.

When you arrive at the arrivals hall, don’t be surprised if it is completely empty and you don’t see your Malagacar.com representative. For obvious reasons, all representatives of car rental and travel companies etc. are waiting in the large Plaza directly in front of the arrival hall in T3.

In short, if you take the time to follow these useful tips, your holiday starts at your home airport, with all the forms filled in, and the return trip will be just as pleasant – this has been my experience.

My well-deserved beer in the Boarding area

Happy flight and see you soon!

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