Hi! We will be flying into Madrid in March with a 9:25am arrival. I would like to book a flight from Madrid to Barcelona later that day, sooner than later! There is a flight a 11:30am, 1:15pm or 2:55pm. Based on my research it looks like we would need to deplane, go through customs, then back through security...along with general restroom break, etc. We will not be checking bags. I'm thinking the 11:30am would be too soon....but do you think the 1:15pm would be doable? That would put us into Barcelona that day at 2:30pm (instead of the later 4pm). Thanks for your insight!
Posted by
OP
11 posts
Thanks - we will be flying in from Dallas/United States!
Posted by
Northwest Arkansas
676 posts
If you can, book your flights all the way to Barcelona on one ticket. Avoid doing two tickets. The airlines will give you guidance regarding connection time. They don't want you to miss your connection.
I have never connected through Madrid so I don't know if there is an airside (inside security) connection to the other terminals after you have cleared immigration and customs.
No interest in the train? You could propbably beat the 1:15 plane to Barcelona. And depending upon where you are staying, be closer to your hotel.
Posted by
Irving
3230 posts
I flew from DFW to Madrid where I connected to get to Santorini two years ago. Customs was not a big deal but trying to get from one terminal to the other took a long time. Madrid’s airport is gigantic. You have time to make the 1:15 flight which I recommend instead of taking the train.
If there was a direct train from the airport to Barcelona that would be different but there isn’t. Changing trains is a hassle when hauling luggage even when you pack light.
Posted by
OP
11 posts
Thank you! This is helpful...I will book the 1:15pm.
I did originally look for a Dallas to Barcelona & then Madrid to Dallas flight combo, but the timing of the flights weren't good & made us stop in Miami or London (neither good direct options!). Flying direct to Madrid both ways was optimal. I was open to the train, but (as mentioned in someone's comment) the inefficiency of having to get to the train station in Madrid just added more hopping around! We will be doing train later in the trip, for sure!
Posted by
53 posts
Recently did a similar thing.
Flight scheduled to arrive in Madrid at ~9:15am, arrived at 8:45am, I was in the terminal at 9am. Passport control had no line, I didn't wait for one minute. Security for a connecting flight (not on the same ticket, risky I know) at Terminal 4 was quick, literally zero people in line. My connecting flight was scheduled for 11:35am and I was waiting for 20 minutes or so because they hadn't assigned the gate yet.
What I would keep in mind is that you're not using the main Barajas T4 security line or main T4 departures passport control. There aren't a ton of flights arriving earlier than 9:25am so it will be pretty empty. The main risk is your flight to Madrid being delayed which can always happen.
Posted by
OP
11 posts
Thanks so much! I did call American Airlines today (no person to talk to - ha!) & spoke with a rep on the chat for a while. I asked if there was any way to connect the flights, since they are all part of oneworld & have some reciprocity (I think??), but she said I would have to completely rebook our Dallas departure. I asked for options, but the times she gave me meant a 36 minute transfer in Philadelphia (set up to fail!), an additional layover, less flight time in our upgraded seats & a $429 increase on our cost. I said I would take the risk & book the separate flight for $60 total. Thanks for all your help & insight!!