arriving from Venice to Milan by train at 3:15 will need to be at airport for 7:10 flight to Madrid

Which airport in Milan, Linate or Malpensa? I guess the latter.
When you say "trains are not always exact", they are a lot more exact than planes. Most are on time, over 20 minutes late would be unusual.
Trains from Milano Centrale to Malpensa run every 30 minutes, and take 57 minutes (see http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en ). You will also need to buy tickets at Milano Centrale, cost €13 per person. This will be quickest from a ticket machine.

What is the minimum check-in time for our flight to Milan? The airline should be telling you this.
This sounds doable to me.

Just checked my departure again and it was changed to 6:55 pm and from Malpesa.Interestingly checked arrival again and it is Milan Linate airport.We are staying near central station when we arrive is it further than Malpesa if you know? I will call Iberia tomorrow and check their requirement for how long in advance you need to check in for the departue.Also realised we land in Madrid at 9 and next flight is 12.20 am thought we had till 12:20 pm and was going to get a hotel so happy that we will save a nights hotel and transport back and forth.But leaves me less time if we were to miss the flight out of Madrid.Thanks for your input.

What's your tolerance for risk? Is an extra hour in Venice going to give you significant benefit? Have you worked out how long it will take you to get to the train station in Venice from wherever you are leaving your luggage in the morning?

Quite frankly (and I'm trying hard not to be snarky), why ask us now?

Linate might actually be better for you. Take taxis from the train station - google.maps shows about 8 km and maybe 30 minutes driving time, depending on traffic. 3 hours is probably enough time at MAD to collect your luggage from the first flight and then check in for your Iberia flight, but again - What's your tolerance for risk? If on-line check in for Iberia is available, that may save you a little time at MAD.

You write We are staying near central station when we arrive I don't understand your question.

Chani I'm asking because as I have said wondering if I should change train from venice to Madrid.Tickets already bought but would re buy a different train ticket if my original purchase is to close.Not worth missing flight because obviously that would cost way more.In Milan when we arrive we are staying near Milan Central train station so was wondering how long to get there from Linate.

Chani also not worried after we get on flight from Milan to Madrid because Madrid to California is on the same airline.So if they run late for the connection they would have to get me on another flight home.

Sorry to butt in, but can you give us exact dates, airline, flight numbers and destination? I see there is a nonstop Iberia from Madrid to LAX at 12:20 pm arriving at 3:55 pm.

It would be very unusual to have any flight departing Madrid as late as 00:20, which is what you are saying by 12:20 am.

Also I am not seeing a flight from Milan Linate to Madrid at 7:10 pm, but I am seeing one from Malpensa at 18:55, aka 6:55 pm arriving at 21:15, aka 9:15 pm. I do see a flight from Linate at 7:10 am, arriving at 9:30 am.

Better give us all the details. There seems to be some confusion here.

Greenbay
I'm so confused just spent time on the phone with Iberia.It does indeed say 12:20AM but they say departs 20 minutes after 12:00 noon so my original though that we had like 15 hours in Madrid was correct.They had changed the flight time so they would allow me to switch our return flights and go 8:10 am the day after and take British Air Milan to London then London to Los Angeles with an hour layover both flights British Air.Similar flight travel in air times and this would ensure we would make it back in time from Venice but would worry about shortness of stopover in London. Since both flights British Air assume we would be covered and they would have to get us home.

oops sorry last post meant for Sam and yes we are schedules for that Iberia flight landing Los Angeles 3:55pm

Again, what are the dates?

Sam original leaving Milan to Madrid july 3 Madrid then arrive Los Angeles July 4

Sam leaving from Malpesa .Our arrival flight is to Linate when we first start our trip.

Sam,
Departure Malpesa July 3rd 6:55 pm to Madrid. arrive Madrid 9:15

See if I got this right.
July 3, Iberia 3255 from MXP dep 18:55 to MAD arr 21:15
July 4, Iberia 6171 from MAD dep 12:20 to LAX arr 16:05

Then when you arrive at Milano Centrale at 15:15 , you could get the 15:25 to Malpensa and arrive at 16:22. Even if you missed that one, the next train is at 15:55 and would get you there at 16:52, still plenty of time for a "domestic" flight to Madrid.

To save some time, you could buy the tickets at Venice train station before you go. 13 EUR each and make sure they are for the right date, July 3. You must validate these tickets in the stamping machine on the platform at Milano Centrale before boarding the Malpensa Express train.

Keep your ears open to news about strikes. You may have to change plans accordingly. Back up at Milano Centrale is to take the bus outside the station to the airport. Also be prepared to take an earlier train from Venice. Strikes are always announced in advance, so you have time to alter plans.

Sam,
Yes you have it right.Thanks for the help.I think I will pre buy the tickets for the airport train in Venice if that is possible.I just had gotten confused about the Madrid to Lax flight because of how Iberia listed it.I have just spent time researching the what if's if I do take the British Airways flight they offered for the 4th since they would allow free change since they changed the schedule. It would be less stressful because I woudn't have to rush when coming from Venice to Milan but then would need hotel by Malpesa airport due to early departure.Just wonder if the long flight from London to Lax on British Air to LAX vs Iberia Madrid to Lax would be a better flight.We are in economy and trying to figure which would be more comfortable.I'm planning this trip for myself 2 other Mom's and 6 teenagers so I'm overwhelmed.the positive is besides that we get to go to Italy we only paid $464 per person round trip/

In Milan when we arrive we are staying near Milan Central train station so was wondering how long to get there from Linate.

I thought you were taking the train from Venice to Milan Centrale and then directly to the airport from the train station. That's what the title of your post indicates.

Chani,
Don't understand the negativity. Post started out with one question but then broadens as many do because other issues brought up.Read through all the posts if you don't understand.

Problem solved! Able to switch flights till next morning. Will be more relaxing without strict time constraints.