My son has just been hired by a major airline. The parent (me) get flight privileges. I like exploring unique places ....have been to rome, florence, venice and amalfi 2x and athens. Also parts of Turkey.

Question: Lisbon or Barcelona first?

Not even close-Barcelona.

Barcelona, hands down.

I've been to both, and loved both, and wouldn't put one in front of the other. I think they're both fabulous cities.

Whichever flight has room for you.

I agree with rkkwan - whichever flight has room. The key is to be flexible.

My general understanding of non rev flying privileges (my mother was an airline employee) is that it generally more difficult now to fly standby than in previous years - planes are flying closer to capacity and the seats that are available for non revs are subject to seniority.

ha, yeah. i concur with rkkwan.
of course, if you were to take your chances...barcelona. as former airline employee, do use the benefits as much as humanly possible. the airline industry is a volitile one, and your son may not work there forever. go! go! go! i took alot of trips when i worked for the airlines, and i wish i used more. (my parents too)

Been to both and liked both, but prefer Barcelona out of the two...