MAD-BCN route Iberia or Air Europa?
Jan 31, 2008, 12:18 am
#1
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Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: lax
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MAD-BCN route Iberia or Air Europa?
Which airline should i pick to fly these route? Pricing is pretty similar.
Never flown them before.
Thanks for your help
Never flown them before.
Thanks for your help
Feb 2, 2008, 3:15 am
#2
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: VLC
Programs: AAdvantage PLT; 1MM
Posts: 247
If pricing is roughly the same, and you don't have a preference for earning miles in Oneworld vs. Skyteam, then I would choose Iberia just for the frequency. Their schedule between MAD and BCN is almost hourly all day and evening so if your flight is late or cancelled, another one will get you there at almost the same time. It is such a short flight that on-board food, seat pitch or entertainment don't really matter.
Feb 2, 2008, 5:38 pm
#4
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: VLC
Programs: AAdvantage PLT; 1MM
Posts: 247
The Metro station in T-4 is now open I believe, so if coming from the city, it is just as convenient to reach as the other terminals. You can even check your luggage at Nuevo Ministerios station.
OTOH if the OP is connecting from a flight in T1/2/3, then definitely easier to stay within those terminals and go to BCN on Spanair or Air Europa.
OTOH if the OP is connecting from a flight in T1/2/3, then definitely easier to stay within those terminals and go to BCN on Spanair or Air Europa.
Feb 3, 2008, 1:30 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: lax
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The Metro station in T-4 is now open I believe, so if coming from the city, it is just as convenient to reach as the other terminals. You can even check your luggage at Nuevo Ministerios station.
OTOH if the OP is connecting from a flight in T1/2/3, then definitely easier to stay within those terminals and go to BCN on Spanair or Air Europa.
OTOH if the OP is connecting from a flight in T1/2/3, then definitely easier to stay within those terminals and go to BCN on Spanair or Air Europa.
Thanks!
Feb 29, 2008, 12:57 am
#7
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www.renfe.es
Feb 29, 2008, 3:16 am
#8
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: BCN
Programs: BA Gold VY apologist
Posts: 8,565
Hah. Twice now, in the last two weeks, it's been completely sold out when I wanted to buy a ticket one or two days in advance. 
IB is offering double points on the shuttle. I think the AVE is going to be a big success. Or already is.
In my case, I live equidistant between the Barcelona and Tarragona stations, so I can drive to Tarragona. The parking there is free, the tolls cost less, and there's never any worry about hitting traffic 2km before the airport exit. No security hassle. And in first class on the train, you have a much-more comfortable seat and cabin, food equivalent to what they feed you in business on the flight, and a working 3G connection the whole way. Then you arrive in the center of Madrid and don't have to take an 18€ taxi from the airport. Total trip time from my house to the center of Madrid is almost exactly the same, but the train is totally stress-free and you can spend the time working instead of standing in line after line. Oh, and it costs about 1/3 less than the JK "Y-UP" equivalent.
IB is offering double points on the shuttle. I think the AVE is going to be a big success. Or already is.
In my case, I live equidistant between the Barcelona and Tarragona stations, so I can drive to Tarragona. The parking there is free, the tolls cost less, and there's never any worry about hitting traffic 2km before the airport exit. No security hassle. And in first class on the train, you have a much-more comfortable seat and cabin, food equivalent to what they feed you in business on the flight, and a working 3G connection the whole way. Then you arrive in the center of Madrid and don't have to take an 18€ taxi from the airport. Total trip time from my house to the center of Madrid is almost exactly the same, but the train is totally stress-free and you can spend the time working instead of standing in line after line. Oh, and it costs about 1/3 less than the JK "Y-UP" equivalent.
Feb 29, 2008, 6:12 am
#9
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Hah. Twice now, in the last two weeks, it's been completely sold out when I wanted to buy a ticket one or two days in advance.
IB is offering double points on the shuttle. I think the AVE is going to be a big success. Or already is.
In my case, I live equidistant between the Barcelona and Tarragona stations, so I can drive to Tarragona. The parking there is free, the tolls cost less, and there's never any worry about hitting traffic 2km before the airport exit. No security hassle. And in first class on the train, you have a much-more comfortable seat and cabin, food equivalent to what they feed you in business on the flight, and a working 3G connection the whole way. Then you arrive in the center of Madrid and don't have to take an 18€ taxi from the airport. Total trip time from my house to the center of Madrid is almost exactly the same, but the train is totally stress-free and you can spend the time working instead of standing in line after line. Oh, and it costs about 1/3 less than the JK "Y-UP" equivalent.
IB is offering double points on the shuttle. I think the AVE is going to be a big success. Or already is.
In my case, I live equidistant between the Barcelona and Tarragona stations, so I can drive to Tarragona. The parking there is free, the tolls cost less, and there's never any worry about hitting traffic 2km before the airport exit. No security hassle. And in first class on the train, you have a much-more comfortable seat and cabin, food equivalent to what they feed you in business on the flight, and a working 3G connection the whole way. Then you arrive in the center of Madrid and don't have to take an 18€ taxi from the airport. Total trip time from my house to the center of Madrid is almost exactly the same, but the train is totally stress-free and you can spend the time working instead of standing in line after line. Oh, and it costs about 1/3 less than the JK "Y-UP" equivalent.
Hasn't AVE been running Tarragona - Madrid for a while? It was only the Barcelona - Tarragona leg that just opened, no? How many trains are non-stop Barcelona - Madrid and don't stop at Tarragona? Do you feel as if there are a lot less options for you? What is the time Tarragona - Madrid?
Sorry, lot's of questions, but I'm very curious about the new service.
EDIT TO ADD: Cool video about the new service located at http://www.renfe.es/video.html. Minimal text in Castilian only.
Last edited by BenjaminNYC; Feb 29, 2008 at 7:23 am
Feb 29, 2008, 2:52 pm
#10
Join Date: Dec 2007
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Posts: 1,427
Why not consider Spanair? (*A). Usually excellent fares & a nice change to the Iberia.
I would recommend Vueling however.
On a sector like this, I would just choose the cheapest fare since the service is pretty much identical. If your tied to any alliances then fly them...
I would recommend Vueling however.
On a sector like this, I would just choose the cheapest fare since the service is pretty much identical. If your tied to any alliances then fly them...
Feb 29, 2008, 8:29 pm
#11
Join Date: Mar 2007
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I'll recomend you UX if you're going to the city. T4 is not as convenient as the T2. Though Iberia has lots of frecuencies a day and UX just a few (5 I think)