1 Hr time between flights doable in Madrid?

[Meggie]

I have booked a flight to Madrid on Sept 13 from North Carolina. In the past, I've had no issues booking flights further north to start my camino. I'd like to stay in the T4 terminal. My flight is scheduled to land at 6:40 am. Iberia has a flight to Santander but it takes off at 7:40 am. Is this enough time for customs and getting to my flight? I really want this to work because this camino is more restricted time-wise than previous caminos.

 

[peregrina2000]

I have booked a flight to Madrid on Sept 13 from North Carolina. In the past, I've had no issues booking flights further north to start my camino. I'd like to stay in the T4 terminal. My flight is scheduled to land at 6:40 am. Iberia has a flight to Santander but it takes off at 7:40 am. Is this enough time for customs and getting to my flight? I really want this to work because this camino is more restricted time-wise than previous caminos.

Hi, @meggie, (and welcome to the forum btw!)

I have made connections that close, but just barely and with some good luck. Your domestic flight will probably depart from the main T4, but your international flight will come into T4S, the satellite. That means you have to clear immigration, take the train, go through security again, and find your gate. I don’t know about the QR code check, but that might be involved as well. I’m assuming you’re not checking luggage, but if it’s not one ticket you would also have to pick up checked luggage and recheck it. That would be impossible, IMO.

It doesn’t sound like you have booked this all on one ticket, and that’s the only way I would try this (are you flying direct Charlotte to Madrid?). If you can, you should check into booking the flight all the way through to Santander, which you can easily do because you must be flying on a One World partner or else you would not be landing in T4.

You may already know this, but if it’s not one ticket and you miss your flight, that’s you’re problem, but if you have a through ticket to Santander and you miss the connection, the airlines takes care of you. Not only does that mean you don’t lose any money, but it is also so much easier if the airline personnel are helping you rather than have to find a new flight on your own, etc.

And it may just be my bad luck, but every time I fly an American flight into Madrid, we land at the very end of T4S and have a long walk to immigration. Thankfully, immigration is in the middle, so it’s only half the terminal to cross!

Good luck with this, buen camino, Laurie

 

[Tom Cartwright]

I have booked a flight to Madrid on Sept 13 from North Carolina. In the past, I've had no issues booking flights further north to start my camino. I'd like to stay in the T4 terminal. My flight is scheduled to land at 6:40 am. Iberia has a flight to Santander but it takes off at 7:40 am. Is this enough time for customs and getting to my flight? I really want this to work because this camino is more restricted time-wise than previous caminos.

 

[Kitsambler]

You are assuming your international flight departs and arrives on time.

 

[BROWNCOUNTYBOB]

Maggie, my wife and I also fly out of the US on Sept 13 via American Airlines. We intentionally booked Indy to Charlotte to Madrid since we perceive Charlotte to be a smaller airport and not as large and hectic as Atlanta, Chicago, Newark, and therefore easier to make our connecting flight. A few months ago, I read that American Airlines were consolidating international flights to fewer hubs for efficiency and better pandemic safety. Sure enough, I received a message from American Airlines that our route was changed to fly through Dallas rather than Charlotte, then Dallas to Madrid. No change was initially made to our return flights. Well a week ago, our return was changed from Madrid to Charlotte to Indianapolis to Madrid to JFK to Indianapolis. The flight departure and layover times also changed and certainly less favorable than the flights we initially booked. So long way of saying you should double check your Charlotte to Madrid flight has not been changed by American Airlines. In the end as long as we make our connections and arrive in Madrid with our backpacks, we'll be relieved. Bob

 

[Tom Cartwright]

I have booked a flight to Madrid on Sept 13 from North Carolina. In the past, I've had no issues booking flights further north to start my camino. I'd like to stay in the T4 terminal. My flight is scheduled to land at 6:40 am. Iberia has a flight to Santander but it takes off at 7:40 am. Is this enough time for customs and getting to my flight? I really want this to work because this camino is more restricted time-wise than previous caminos.

You now have tye added complication of the Health Form check that you must present after clearing Passport control. 3 weeks ago it was fairly smooth, but be sure you have the QR code and paperwork ready. It is still a close call. And if you carry sticks you will most likely have to check them dor the flight out of Madrid. I rented a car to drive to Bilbao and it was not much different than a flight and far more flexible. But I am experiences with driving in other countries.

 

[peregrina2000]

Sure enough, I received a message from American Airlines that our route was changed to fly through Dallas rather than Charlotte, then Dallas to Madrid. No change was initially made to our return flights.

Now I’m building inference upon inference, but if in fact Meggie’s flight from Charlotte has been cancelled, and if in fact she had originally only booked through to Madrid rather than to Santander, this may be a stroke of luck in disguise. If they have cancelled your flight into Spain, you can probably convince them to re-book you to Santander on the outward flight (and I would look into coming home direct from Santiago - Madrid- US since you say you are short of time — you can leave Santiago in early morning and arrive home the same day).

Good luck with this @Meggie.

 

[t2andreo]

As a rule, I always plan AT LEAST two-hours between connecting flights at Madrid. Terminal 4 - 4S is HUGE and spread out.

Arriving at the satellite (T4S), then going through passport control and security re-inspection for your connecting flight, then catching the train to the main terminal (T4) easily consumes an hour.

You would have to be extremely lucky to make a one-hour connection, even with only carry-on luggage. I recommend you follow @peregrina2000's advice - above.

I hope this helps.

Tom

 

[Meggie]

Thanks everybody. Lesson learned book thru to destination. I have no checked luggage but thought 1 hour was too close. There is another Iberia flight that leaves at 4pm. Need to get to Comillas to complete the Norte. Was hoping to get some walking in on Tuesday.

 

[peregrina2000]

Thanks everybody. Lesson learned book thru to destination. I have no checked luggage but thought 1 hour was too close. There is another Iberia flight that leaves at 4pm. Need to get to Comillas to complete the Norte. Was hoping to get some walking in on Tuesday.

Well, since it looks like the CLT to MAD flight is cancelled on the 13th, if in fact that’s the flight you were on, you may have a chance to start all over and get a better booking!

Good luck and buen camino, Laurie

 

[C.C.]

I've been thru the Madrid airport 3 times and don't think one hour between connecting flights is really doable. Large airport, varied terminals, immigration ... you'd be really lucky to make that connection.

 

[Smallest_Sparrow]

I haven’t travelled in Spain in a few years but when I did I found the trains or busses could get me most places relatively quickly (esp factoring in airport security delays)—would that be an option to get you to Santander?
Enjoy the Norte!

 

[RJM]

One hour? I say no, not enough time. I had a similar itinerary once at the Madrid airport with a two hour time gap. I barely made it on my flight. I personally would not do it.

 

[Meggie]

Well, since it looks like the CLT to MAD flight is cancelled on the 13th, if in fact that’s the flight you were on, you may have a chance to start all over and get a better booking!

Good luck and buen camino, Laurie

There were no direct flights from CLT to MAD this time. My ticket has me going to JFK then to MAD. Think I'll leave well enough alone and take the 4pm to Santander then taxi to Comillas. Stay in albergue there and start next morning and be happy to be there. Thanks again. I'll make sure to book straight through on the next camino!

 

[peregrina2000]

I haven’t travelled in Spain in a few years but when I did I found the trains or busses could get me most places relatively quickly (esp factoring in airport security delays)—would that be an option to get you to Santander?
Enjoy the Norte!

I was thinking the same thing @smallestsparrow, but I’ve checked Renfe and Alsa.

Alsa has a bus that leaves from the airport and takes you to San Vicente de la Barquera (very close to Comillas). Leaves 10:45 arrives at 6:30 pm.

For a train, I think Santander is the best bet. And the only option there leaves Madrid at 7 in the evening.

So for @Meggie, I think the flight to Santander is the best option.

 

[Meggie]

Hi, @meggie, (and welcome to the forum btw!)

I have made connections that close, but just barely and with some good luck. Your domestic flight will probably depart from the main T4, but your international flight will come into T4S, the satellite. That means you have to clear immigration, take the train, go through security again, and find your gate. I don’t know about the QR code check, but that might be involved as well. I’m assuming you’re not checking luggage, but if it’s not one ticket you would also have to pick up checked luggage and recheck it. That would be impossible, IMO.

It doesn’t sound like you have booked this all on one ticket, and that’s the only way I would try this (are you flying direct Charlotte to Madrid?). If you can, you should check into booking the flight all the way through to Santander, which you can easily do because you must be flying on a One World partner or else you would not be landing in T4.

You may already know this, but if it’s not one ticket and you miss your flight, that’s you’re problem, but if you have a through ticket to Santander and you miss the connection, the airlines takes care of you. Not only does that mean you don’t lose any money, but it is also so much easier if the airline personnel are helping you rather than have to find a new flight on your own, etc.

And it may just be my bad luck, but every time I fly an American flight into Madrid, we land at the very end of T4S and have a long walk to immigration. Thankfully, immigration is in the middle, so it’s only half the terminal to cross!

Good luck with this, buen camino, Laurie

Maggie, my wife and I also fly out of the US on Sept 13 via American Airlines. We intentionally booked Indy to Charlotte to Madrid since we perceive Charlotte to be a smaller airport and not as large and hectic as Atlanta, Chicago, Newark, and therefore easier to make our connecting flight. A few months ago, I read that American Airlines were consolidating international flights to fewer hubs for efficiency and better pandemic safety. Sure enough, I received a message from American Airlines that our route was changed to fly through Dallas rather than Charlotte, then Dallas to Madrid. No change was initially made to our return flights. Well a week ago, our return was changed from Madrid to Charlotte to Indianapolis to Madrid to JFK to Indianapolis. The flight departure and layover times also changed and certainly less favorable than the flights we initially booked. So long way of saying you should double check your Charlotte to Madrid flight has not been changed by American Airlines. In the end as long as we make our connections and arrive in Madrid with our backpacks, we'll be relieved. Bob

Thanks Bob. Which route are you guys walking?

 

[El Cascayal]

Another reason to book connecting flights through same airline is that if you check luggage ie poles, you pick them up at your ultimate destination in Spain, saving crucial time in Madrid airport. PS: I have nearly always had to sprint through T4 and the satellite.

 

[gloria lowe]

My American flight, which I made 9 months ago has been changed numerous times American told be they have tried to consolidate their international flights to larger airports and Charlette wasn't one of them. I had used frequent flyer miles so it was easy to rebook and actually got business class for the same miles out as they flight they changed which was coach.

 

[trecile]

The other issue when you are on separate tickets is schedule changes - which are happening more frequently now because of the pandemic. If your first flight is rescheduled to a later time and/or your second flight is scheduled to an earlier time you are out of luck.

 

[Dawsie]

In 2019 I was able to get through Madrid airport with a flight from Heathrow followed by a connecting flight to Asturias airport (midway on the Camino de Norte) with just 45 minutes between flights.
It was a bit of a rush then and this was before Covid health checks and while the UK was still a member of EU. I hadn't realised that the passport check would be in Madrid Airport and that the Madrid transfer not at the end of the journey and tried unsuccessfully to avoid long queues.

However, it was an important part of my planning that this was a single ticket through to the end destination. I also put my bag into the hold. I knew that as a though ticket it was the airline's responsibility to make the connection, and to move my luggage. I was prepared to pay a little more for the flight to hand that responsibility over and booked with Iberia.

I always want to minimise my hand luggage on flights, and had walking poles anyway. I made a large sack for my rucksack in transit which also doubled as a water proof dry-ish bag when walking.

I would definitely adopt a similar strategy in the future.

 

[henrythedog]

Happily I’m no longer time-pressured and so always overnight in Madrid before setting off to my start-point. It frustrates Mrs Henrythedog tremendously but I’ll never accept a connection with less than two hours gap. I’ve taken hundreds of flights into European airports and spent longer in the immigration queue than I did on the ‘plane. If we’re flying to a Euro hub - typically Schipol or Frankfurt and taking a long haul from there on a different airline I always overnight.

 

[Connie Ramage]

Maggie, my wife and I also fly out of the US on Sept 13 via American Airlines. We intentionally booked Indy to Charlotte to Madrid since we perceive Charlotte to be a smaller airport and not as large and hectic as Atlanta, Chicago, Newark, and therefore easier to make our connecting flight. A few months ago, I read that American Airlines were consolidating international flights to fewer hubs for efficiency and better pandemic safety. Sure enough, I received a message from American Airlines that our route was changed to fly through Dallas rather than Charlotte, then Dallas to Madrid. No change was initially made to our return flights. Well a week ago, our return was changed from Madrid to Charlotte to Indianapolis to Madrid to JFK to Indianapolis. The flight departure and layover times also changed and certainly less favorable than the flights we initially booked. So long way of saying you should double check your Charlotte to Madrid flight has not been changed by American Airlines. In the end as long as we make our connections and arrive in Madrid with our backpacks, we'll be relieved. Bob

American did the same to me. I booked Dayton-CLT-MAD RT, with 3 hour layovers. In May AA rerouted me DAY-DFW-MAD, with a 9 hr layover going and 5 hr on return. I spent 2 hrs on hold to protest and was pretty much told too bad and nope-no food vouchers either. I will be tired when I reach SJPP, but relieved and excited. Buen Camino! Connie

 

[Marbe2]

The other issue when you are on separate tickets is schedule changes - which are happening more frequently now because of the pandemic. If your first flight is rescheduled to a later time and/or your second flight is scheduled to an earlier time you are out of luck.

Agree….this is not a good time for separate tickets, aka hack fares.

Almost always book the flights together, in one ticket, so you have no worry about canceled flights….unless the connecting flight is so exorbitant, that it really pays to book seperately…and I’m am not talking about a $100 savings either.

Sometimes, when I see dirt cheap fares, and the hack fare is really worth my while and after the international portion of the flight, I might buy two flights, one, for a two hour connection, and one for a 3-5 hour connection. But returning home, I always leave a full day, when using a hack fare, so I do not miss the international flight home. There have been times when I have saved $1000 doing so.

Have you thought about taking flight from MADRID to Bilbao and perhaps then bus to Santander. If you could get morning Flight and make good connections you might have a few hours to walk?

 

[trecile]

I've been thru the Madrid airport 3 times and don't think one hour between connecting flights is really doable.

That's fine on truly connecting flights, but the OP is talking about separate tickets which offer no protection in case of delays.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

All of these many replies regarding numerous flight cancellations, schedule changes and airport re-outing have my head spinning. I prefer not to deal with these many headaches; one more reason why I prefer to wait until the spring of 2022.

 

[Marbe2]

All of these many replies regarding numerous flight cancellations, schedule changes and airport re-outing have my head spinning. I prefer not to deal with these many headaches; one more reason why I prefer to wait until the spring of 2022.

Unfortunately, CC, I am convinced this situation will be with us for quite a while as only about 3 percent of the world has been vaccinated, these variants will continue to spread! I have stayed at home…but no more! We are skilled travelers, who can, navigate travel changes, and a safe camino.

 

[JLV]

I have booked a flight to Madrid on Sept 13 from North Carolina. In the past, I've had no issues booking flights further north to start my camino. I'd like to stay in the T4 terminal. My flight is scheduled to land at 6:40 am. Iberia has a flight to Santander but it takes off at 7:40 am. Is this enough time for customs and getting to my flight? I really want this to work because this camino is more restricted time-wise than previous caminos.

I was watching a vlog of a pilgrim. He landed in Madrid and was also going to Santander. He had 2 hours between flights and he barely made it. You might want to change your flight if possible.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Unfortunately, CC, I am convinced this situation will be with us for quite a while as only about 3 percent of the world has been vaccinated, these variants will continue to spread! I have stayed at home…but no more! We are skilled travelers, who can, navigate travel changes, and a safe camino.

I hear you, Marbe, and wish you the best! I am a skilled traveler as well, with numerous flights at home and abroad...we are all different. I am now vacationing in Door County, Wisconsin for a week, and in early August I fly to Sedona, Arizona with a girlfriend to do some hiking. I've decided to change my focus while I wait to cross the Atlantic.

 

[mcerda]

I have booked a flight to Madrid on Sept 13 from North Carolina. In the past, I've had no issues booking flights further north to start my camino. I'd like to stay in the T4 terminal. My flight is scheduled to land at 6:40 am. Iberia has a flight to Santander but it takes off at 7:40 am. Is this enough time for customs and getting to my flight? I really want this to work because this camino is more restricted time-wise than previous caminos.

It might be less stressful to take a train/metro from T4 to the Chamartin Station (20-30 mins.) then grab a high speed Alvia train to Santander (approximately 4hrs). There usually three trains a day: 07.45, 14.10, and 19.05. I agree that if it's possible to book all the way through to Santander, the airline has a duty to get you to your destination. But as I am mildly cautious, any small delay could throw your schedule off. Just something to consider.

 

[Marbe2]

It might be less stressful to take a train/metro from T4 to the Chamartin Station (20-30 mins.) then grab a high speed Alvia train to Santander (approximately 4hrs). There usually three trains a day: 07.45, 14.10, and 19.05. I agree that if it's possible to book all the way through to Santander, the airline has a duty to get you to your destination. But as I am mildly cautious, any small delay could throw your schedule off. Just something to consider.

The airline has no obligation or duty to a passenger…when two separate tickets were booked…..even if it is the same airline. It must be one booking.

 

[Marbe2]

I hear you, Marbe, and wish you the best! I am a skilled traveler as well, with numerous flights at home and abroad...we are all different. I am now vacationing in Door County, Wisconsin for a week, and in early August I fly to Sedona, Arizona with a girlfriend to do some hiking. I've decided to change my focus while I wait to cross the Atlantic.

I know you are a skilled traveler, CC, hence”we”! Enjoy the hikes in Arizona. Hope it’s not too hot!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I know you are a skilled traveler, CC, hence”we”! Enjoy the hikes in Arizona. Hope it’s not too hot!

I assumed you were speaking of a hubby or whomever you usually travel with.

 

[Peggy and David]

I have booked a flight to Madrid on Sept 13 from North Carolina. In the past, I've had no issues booking flights further north to start my camino. I'd like to stay in the T4 terminal. My flight is scheduled to land at 6:40 am. Iberia has a flight to Santander but it takes off at 7:40 am. Is this enough time for customs and getting to my flight? I really want this to work because this camino is more restricted time-wise than previous caminos.

Quick answer....no.

 

[lt56ny]

I have booked a flight to Madrid on Sept 13 from North Carolina. In the past, I've had no issues booking flights further north to start my camino. I'd like to stay in the T4 terminal. My flight is scheduled to land at 6:40 am. Iberia has a flight to Santander but it takes off at 7:40 am. Is this enough time for customs and getting to my flight? I really want this to work because this camino is more restricted time-wise than previous caminoI

I always fly Iberia and the connection from Madrid to anywhere in Spain will be on Vueling. (at least it always has been for me). As peregrina 2000 said:

I have made connections that close, but just barely and with some good luck. Your domestic flight will probably depart from the main T4, but your international flight will come into T4S, the satellite. That means you have to clear immigration, take the train, go through security again, and find your gate. I don’t know about the QR code check, but that might be involved as well. I’m assuming you’re not checking luggage, but if it’s not one ticket you would also have to pick up checked luggage and recheck it. That would be impossible, IMO.

I too have just barely made those connections. In 2017 when I did the Norte my flight from Madrid to San Sebastian arrived on time. I had a little over an hour to get to my connecting flight on Vueling. There was a customer service person asking if and when you had a connecting flight as you got off the plane. They gave me an Iberia pass that they said to present when you went through the security and customs. The line for security was unbelievable but with the pass I was able to get through in just 3 or 4 minutes instead of what looked like at least 30-45. I took the train and then I had to walk from one end of T4 to the other as that is where the Vueling gates are. I ran almost all the way and got to the plane about 5 minutes before they closed the flight. The connection through Madrid is always stressful if you have a tight connection.

 

[peregrina2000]

I always want to minimise my hand luggage on flights,

I agree with every word you say, except for this. I would never check my pack. It goes with me. Up till now, I’ve also always carried on my poles, folded up in my pack, but I am prepared to check them if I get to the airport and can’t take them on. I’m fine with the idea of buying new poles in Spain if they go missing (which I had to do once, which is why I started carrying them on years ago), but losing a backpack the day before I want to start to walk is not something I am willing to risk.

I know the odds are low, and that nearly all bags eventually arrive, but I have been in O’Hare’s room of lost luggage and it is ENORMOUS and overflowing with all kinds of luggage, packages, etc. Even with all the scanning, things get lost.

Just like the debate about women walking alone, it’s a matter of comfort level with risk. I am completely comfortable walking alone, but not checking my bag. Other people will reach different conclusions.

 

[peregrina2000]

I always fly Iberia and the connection from Madrid to anywhere in Spain will be on Vueling. (at least it always has been for me). As peregrina 2000 said:

Vueling is a subsidiary of Iberia and flies out of T4. I have never quite understood the difference between Vueling and Iberia Express, which is also a low cost subsidiary. I have had conversations with flight attendants who tried to explain how Iberia Express is a sleight of hand by Iberia to reduce wages and benefits. In their view, Iberia has used the corporate re-structuring to essentially force existing personnel to accept changed employment conditions that they could not have done under existing labot laws. I’m sure Iberia tells a different story.

In any event, both of those airlines fly out of T4, which is great for anyone flying into T4 from overseas who wants to continue on to another part of Spain.

 

[lt56ny]

Vueling is a subsidiary of Iberia and flies out of T4. I have never quite understood the difference between Vueling and Iberia Express, which is also a low cost subsidiary. I have had conversations with flight attendants who tried to explain how Iberia Express is a sleight of hand by Iberia to reduce wages and benefits. In their view, Iberia has used the corporate re-structuring to essentially force existing personnel to accept changed employment conditions that they could not have done under existing labot laws. I’m sure Iberia tells a different story.

In any event, both of those airlines fly out of T4, which is great for anyone flying into T4 from overseas who wants to continue on to another part of Spain.

I think you are correct in your assessment of Vueling. I used to fly Sky West often because I lived in a rural area of Oregon. They were a subsidiary of United. I would often see the same flight attendants and they were always friendly and warm people. (Often times the exact opposite of United attendants. The reasons you stated were exactly the same as what the Sky West attendants told me.
I thought about it and again peregrina2000 you are correct. That time I told you that I flew and took the tram was on American Airlines in 2017. In Madrid I did connect on Vueling and had to take the train. The only reason I remember this is because my wife remembered as when I called her she said I bitched about it on the phone for 5 minutes before I told her hello, how are you, I miss you, love you etc. etc. etc. Just goes to reinforce what most married men know as the gospel. Any small mistake, screw up or inconsiderate behavior that a man would probably never even realize or if he did would forget in about 20 seconds is remembered by their wives for eternity. It is of course brought up in any disagreement you have that leaves the man dazed and confused.

 

[howardd5]

There were no direct flights from CLT to MAD this time. My ticket has me going to JFK then to MAD. Think I'll leave well enough alone and take the 4pm to Santander then taxi to Comillas. Stay in albergue there and start next morning and be happy to be there. Thanks again. I'll make sure to book straight through on the next camino!

I live in Central NC and have flown out of Char & Raleigh to Spain ,I feel the chances of missing your connection over 50/50 , I personally like to fly to Dublin, spent the night to rid any jet lag then catch a Ryan aire flight to Spain. You can fly to Santander for the Norte.. Dublin is easy and convenient as there are a couple reasonable hotels at the airport . Also a 2 euro bus that goes downtown and back in about 30 min each way . I have used this for Biritaaz connection to SJPP and Oviedo for the Primitivo.