lovely2c

If one arrives from the USA into Barajas T4S and then is connecting to a flight leaving from T4, I assume one goes through immigration at T4S. I've read about the problems (crowds, long waits, etc.) at Barajas immigration. My current itinerary gives me one hour and 45 minutes for the connection. I'd appreciate any comments from travelers who have done this connection. I'm concerned about the timing and, of course, there's always the problem of a late arrival from the USA.

BigRuss

We flew through Barajas immigration with no problem and we landed at T4. Arrival at 9:50, cab to Madrid by just after 11 and that's with two small children, collecting bags, waiting for a stroller off the plane and getting cash.

Didn't have a connection.

Robert2533

Are you flying on one ticket, which means you'll have your boarding pass in hand when you arrive at Barajas? If not, then making your connecting flight in T4 will be difficult. Customs isn't anything if coming from the States, but passport control can be a bear if there are any flights arriving from 3-world countries (visas problems) at the same time as your flight. It can get busy fast. Just stay away from lines with a large number of families, and if everything is backed up, head for the lines that are set aside for EU passport holders.

If you do have your boarding pass in hand, the once you clear passport control you head up to security and then find your connecting flight. If not, then you'll have to check in at the ticket counter to receive your boarding pass. This can easily consume 30 to 40 minutes on an average day.

lovely2c

Robert2533 - Thank you for your reply. I am flying on AA out of DFW and on to Lisbon with an AA partner (Iberia) so I will have the ongoing boardng pass. I am curious about your comment "head for the lines set aside for EU passport holders". I've never attempted to go through one of those lines. Are you saying that it is acceptable - that I would not be turned away?

Have you transferred from T4 to T4S? If so, could you describe the process and time frame?

lovely2c

Robert2533 - Got myself reversed. I meant - Have you transferred from T4S to T4?

ekscrunchy

I've made the transfer 5 or 6 times in recent years, in both directions. My flights usually have had under 2 hours between arrival/departure. I've always had the boarding pass in hand.

I've always been anxious and I have always made the connections. Be prepared to walk long distances and to hop the shuttle. Signage is excellent. Your trouble might arise with a late arrival of the inbound flight.

Gorgeous airport! Very interesting tip about the EU passport line. Have people done this successfully?

Robert2533

ekscrunchy is right in that you should be prepared to walk long distances once you reach T4. There's a game they play in not announcing the gate until about thirty minutes before departure, the same as they do at Heathrow, but at least at T4 they will give you the general departure area, unlike connecting through Heathrow.

If your flight is delayed for any reason, and your're flying on one ticket, AA/Iberia, and you miss your connection, then the airline is responsible for putting you on the next available flight. There is also the possibility of compensation should there be any major delays.

I've only had to use the EU passport line once when there were a couple of planeloads from South America that had landed at the same time, and the lines where long, papers in disarray, and we had a connection to make. The officers at passport control were uderstandable (unlike passport control in the States), speaking Spanish certainly helps, but having a US passport still makes a difference in most European countries.

lovely2c

Robert2533-Another question-In your January 18 posting, you mention heading "up to security" after passport control. Do you literally mean "up" as in going up to another level? Also, what do you mean by "security"? I watched the Barajas youtube film and I understood (correctly I hope) that if one were going to T4S after T4 passport control, one would go to level -2 to catch the train.

chapla

I agree -the gate distances are really loooong at Barajas and the signs to help make connecting flights are just about non existent you also go through security check twice!Once when you land and then when you get to designated area.The good news is -don't stree/worry! If indeed you can't make the connection,it is indeed the airlines responsibilty to get you on the next flight.I would think a carryon would be ideal in this situation.