We are traveling BOS - MAD- LHR on separate tickets next month. I have been checking flight information and it appears that we arrive at 4S and depart from 4S. We will have carry on baggage only and will be checked in on line. I want to confirm that we don't need to go through security and just need to change gates in 4S? We're allowing 2 1/2 hours for the connection. Thanks for your assistance.
Posted by
Queens, NYC
548 posts
You can't avoid a security re-screening at T4S, although you won't have to go through passport control as you are doing a non-Schengen to non-Schengen flight.
I've landed at T4S multiple times and when you land, you don't exit directly into the departure gate area, as departing and arriving passengers at T4S are segregated -- arriving passengers exit into a corridor that is suspended above the departure gates. To re-enter the departure area you need to go through a security check.
This video from Iberia (in Spanish) aimed for customers landing in T4S also confirms this -- the relevant part is from 0:30 to 0:45, where it says that "if your [departure] gate is in S, you will pass through the security screening and then descend to the departure area."
Posted by
California 🦋
5211 posts
We are traveling BOS - MAD- LHR on separate tickets
Does this connection involve 2 separate airlines?
It would help to know which airlines.
If, in fact your connecting flight departs from the same terminal, you will only need to go through immigration/passport control before going to your departing gate.
However, if you need to change terminals, you will need to go through security at MAD, prior to your boarding gate.
Here’s some helpful information: https://www.aeropuertomadrid-barajas.com/eng/flight-connections.htm
Posted by
OP
18 posts
Thanks. Both flights are on Iberia Airlines. So through security but no passport control. Just have to decide if we want to allow more time for the connection as I have not booked the MAD to London leg yet.
Posted by
Hudson Valley
2267 posts
Second that you'll be rescreened, but it's also a less thorough screening. I think they let me keep my water.
If you haven't already, it might be worth asking Iberia (or AA, if you booked the ticket with them) for the cost to change the original ticket. Most change fees have been eliminated and a modest fare increase could be worth it to be on one ticket.
Posted by
California 🦋
5211 posts
Both flights are on Iberia Airlines.
Great suggestion by Scudder to try to get your flights on one ticket.
By having both flights on one ticket, it’s the airline’s responsibility to get you to LHR if you miss your connection caused by a delayed first flight (to MAD)