Newsflash from Travelzoo.....

WASHINGTON, D.C.--AUGUST 24, 2009-- United announced new
service today for nonstop flights to Madrid from D.C. with
fares for just $199 each way. The airline will begin flying
this route on March 28 but tickets are bookable now.

This is a limited-time introductory fare that is over $300
OFF other airlines' prices per roundtrip ticket. To get the
$199 fare, tickets must be booked by Sept. 7, after that
date prices are expected to be significantly higher.

The sale is for travel March 28 - May 13, 2010. Fares are
valid for Monday-Thursday flights with a Saturday stay
required. United is the only domestic carrier with nonstop
flights on this route.

To book directly with United, click below. The total
roundtrip price with taxes and fees will be roughly $469.
http://www.travelzoo.com/Newsflash.ashx?640112-27126342

Wow, that's a great deal. I wish I could use it!

I don't understand that United is the only domestic carrier that flies this route-Delta flies out of JFK and ATL;Iberia flies nonstop out of ORD and I believe JFK;Continental too?

I think that statement refers to the IAD-MAD route, specifically.

Interestingly, United really won't really be operating this route; Aer Lingus will be.

That's an unexpected arrangement. I'd forgotten until just now that Aer Lingus had dropped out of OneWorld, when they started billing themselves as a budget airline. But still find it sort of surprising that they're getting routes (code shared?) flying DC to Madrid and more so that United would throw out the "only domestic carrier" thing in light of the fact that it's not a domestic carrier flying it. Very interesting. Still cheap though. Hope they've gotten better quality seats than one's I've been parked in to Ireland.

I've been eyeing a trip to Madrid for several years now, so I jumped on this offer. $469.20. It's only about an 8-hour, nonstop flight, so as long as I'm not on metal "bucket" seats like the ones I sometimes had to sit on when flying over 50 years ago, I'll be fine. Just as long as both airlines are still in business in April!

I fLew on Aer Lingus to Dublin from IAD a year ago and the plane was new and quite nice. Only complaint was that the arm rests did not come up. As it turned out on our flight, lots of empty seats, but u couldn't push up the armrests and stretch out across a couple seats. I noticed for this codeshare flight to Madrid they offer 2 rows of E+ which is nice.

Doesn't Jet Blue have an arrangement with Aer Lingus. Does anyone know what it consists of?

Yay, Paul! I'm so glad someone was able to take advantage of the ofer. We were in Madrid last April or I'd be jonesing to go myself. Enjoy a great trip!