Layover times for connecting flights in Europe

Two is plenty for Madrid. You'll go through immigration there. You'll also go through security again. Customs will come at the final destination when you get your stuff. The above assumes it's a single airline/code share with you bags checked through. If it's something you've put together yourself, you'll also go through customs in Madrid.

It is actually a separate carrier for the second half (ryanair). So you think it can be done in less than an hour? We will not be checking luggage, only carry on. Thanks

I've got to pass on Ryan. I haven't flown them since they got real picky with check-in times, pre-printed boarding passes, and all that stuff. I think they're in T1 along with Delta and US Air. If you're coming in on something else, there might be a terminal change. Off the top of my head, one hour is tight, but somebody else will have a better idea.

Thanks. My other concern is when flying ryan air or easy jet, can we bring a backpack in additon to a small suitcase( fits thier handheld dimension rules). I am assuming not.

Personally and from past experiences, I wouldn't consider having less than 3 hours connection time.

Thanks for the feedback!

Erin, that one word "Ryanair" changes EVERYTHING. If you were flying Iberia, all on one ticket, with a change in Madrid, you can do this in 90 minutes (maybe even less). That's because terminal 4 and 4S are linked, your bags will be checked through, and if you miss your connection, Iberia will put you on the next flight at no charge. But Ryanair doesn't have interline agreements with other airlines, and they have very strict rules about everything. They make money by charging for every time you "break" the rules or want to do anything different from their "preferred" method. So, you will have to print out your boarding pass before leaving the US, or pay extra. You will have to have carry on only (meeting their size and weight limits), or pay to check a bag (and the fee is even higher if you pay at the airport instead of in advance on-line). Most important of all, Ryanair has very strict check-in time limits. If you're not checked in before the cutoff (not just standing in the check-in line, but actually checked in), you will not be allowed on that flight, and have to buy a new ticket at the last minute price. The biggest problem of all: Ryanair leaves from Terminal 1. If you're arriving in Terminal 2 or 3, they are connected. But if you're arriving on Iberia, that's Terminal 4 and 4S; these are not connected to 1-2-3. You will have to take a bus, and allow time for waiting for the bus as well as the transit itself, then find the Ryanair check-in and not miss your deadline. And, you will have to go through immigration, pick up your bags and to through customs before you can even think about getting to the Ryanair desk. I'd allow 3-4 hours, or else pick a different method.

Wow Harold, that is good information, thanks! It looks like our flight will be on EasyJet, does that make a difference? Also, you mention a bus, is that just an aireport terminal bus? And we are flying Iberia from NYC. Thanks

EasyJet is also from Terminal 1, and has all the same issues. Check their website CAREFULLY for all the rules, and realize that there will be no exceptions; again, that's how they make money. For a humorous look at cheap flights, have a look at this song by the group Fascinating Aida (not safe for work - contains profanity): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAg0lUYHHFc Yes, it's an airport bus connecting the terminals. But, as I said, you have many steps: 1. Landing at T4 (or T4S, I forget which one is international Iberia arrivals). 2. Immigration (passport control); when I landed, it was a 10 minute walk from our gate to immigration, in a Habitrail-like series of pathways and tubes. 3. Baggage claim, and waiting for the baggage (tremendously variable as to how long this takes). 4. Getting to the bus, waiting for the bus, and going to terminal 1.
5. Getting from the bus to the Easyjet counter, and making sure you are checked in before the cut off time. You now see why you will need a lot of time.