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Madrid Barajas Airport review by Steve Vesty
10 October 2006
Experienced the new Barajas airport during an LHR-MAD-JNB & return trip
during September 2006. Totally agree with the previous comments of Mike
Smaile. The airport is futuristic with good eating / shopping if you
have the time for connections etc. We were through-checked from both
LHR and JNB on each leg, so didn't have the pain of checking in again or
collecting baggage. The airport is vast, but the easy-to-understand
coded signs make transiting between the two main terminals (including
the train) easy. The overhead signs publish how many minutes you are
from your destination within the terminal - they are usually generous
and you can make them in a shorter time than published. Transit times
: the outward leg passage into T4 (from another EU country) was
seamless. But, if you enter Spain through T4S (intercontinental) you
stand in a long, long, line with everyone else waiting to clear
Immigration - there is no distinction between EU passport holders and
third country residents. A tip is to pick a line with a lot of Spanish
nationals - they do tend to congregate together (even letting one
another in!), but they are cleared in seconds and their line goes a lot
faster than others containing travellers from a non-EU country. Peak
times can easily result in 30-60 minutes just to pass through passport
control - they are way understaffed, bordering on overwhelmed at their
peak. Definitely allow at least 2 - 2.5 hours for your flight
conections, whilst the authorities catch on to the benefits of an EU
passport holders clearance facility at T4S.
Madrid Barajas Airport review by Mike Smaile
22 September 2006
Everything you've read about Terminal 4 and Terminal 4S are true. Both
are new, nice, huge and a pain to navigate! Both terminals are designed
as huge hallways (ala DTW's World Gateway), but all the shops and
restrooms are in the center of the hallway, making it difficult to see
all the signs. I passed through Barajas from LHR-MAD-OPO and OPO-MAD-
LHR, and due to code shares I had to pick up the MAD-OPO and MAD-LHR
boarding pass at Barajas airport. On the first flight, we arrived in
T4S one hour late (thanks Heathrow!) and after waiting 45 minutes to
clear Passport control, I thought I had no chance of making my
connection. After taking the underground train to T4, I then had to
exit the baggage claim area, go upstairs to the ticket desk and check
in, clear security, and sprint to the far end of T4 where I barely made
my flight. Coming back was a little easier as I knew the layout of the
airport. Allow two and a half hours between flights to be comfortable;
add more time if you need to recheck a bag or pick up a boarding pass.
Madrid Barajas Airport review by Mark Simons
16 September 2006
Would endorse the comments made re transfer between T4 and T4S. Up and
down seemingly endless escalators with poor and confusing signage -
sparkling facilities but few staff to assist. On way back LHR passengers
attempting to determine the departure gate were joined by the pilot and
co-pilot of the flight complaining to the lady at the info desk that
there was no information on the screen and that passengers would
therefore be in the wrong place to allow the boarding process to be
managed efficiently!! The information assistant then told the pilot that
it didn't matter that much as the flight was now delayed by half an
hour. Despite the pilot requesting that there was a delay to be put on
to the monitors nothing was done! Seems a huge amount of money spent on
the gleaming shops rather than on creating an effective building for air
passengers.
Madrid Barajas Airport review by Martin Cartwright
22 August 2006
LGW to MAD Terminal 1, with an IB flight onwards to LPA from the new T4.
In my naivety I thought that four and a half hours between arrival and
departure would be sufficient time to collect luggage, get to T4, check
in again and go to the gate. Thanks to a 90 minute delay on the IB
flight, I caught it. I must admit that I find it strange that MAD-LPA
domestic flights depart from T4S, a 15 minute train journey fom the main
terminal, which makes Spanair or Air Europa connections in MAD a far
more attractive option as they arrive and depart from the same terminal.
The policy of AENA at Madrid seems to favour the use of T4 because after
the shabbiness and dirt of Terminals 1 and 2, the sparkling T4 would
appear fantastic if not for the inefficient staff, lack of signposting
and vast distance between check-in and departure gate. The 15-minute
journey between T1 and T4 on an overcrowded, dirty bus with no air-
conditioning only added to the unpleasant overall experience of Madrid
Airport. Truly an airport to be avoided if possible.
Madrid Barajas Airport review by Geoff Lawrence
3 August 2006
New T4 is excellent. Very impressive & spacious. Great shopping
facilities, we did not experience any delays getting to or from our
gate. Only criticism is that T4 is not linked to Madrid's metro system
so you have to catch a courtesy bus to T123 and catch it from there.
Madrid Barajas Airport review by Chris Seal
1 July 2006
The new terminal 4 is indeed colossal. If going by Taxi make sure the
driver knows which terminal you want - it's nowhere near the old ones.
Once there checkin and security were relatively painless but then you
need to head straight for your gate as it takes an eternity. The shuttle
appears to be in the bowels of the earth - take the lift if the queues
aren't too bad as there are severals levels to descend. Even on a Sunday
lunchtime there was a scramble to get on the shuttle and then the queues
for passport control were horrendous and they didn't differentiate
between EU and non-EU. BA use Iberia's lounge and although it is
spacious it was busy even on a Sunday. I wouldn't fancy flying from
there in peak times.
Madrid Barajas Airport review by Rob Gardiner
21 June 2006
Upon entering the airport you are blown away by the sheer size of the
building. However, once you have checked in and read the signs of how
long it takes to get to your departure gate you are blown away yet
again. Although much smarter, cleaner and more spacious than T1 at LHR
the architects clearly were briefed to make the shopping centre so big
that culminated in the ridiculous journey time to the gates. Toilets
were unfinished and dirty and the colour coded signs were useless.
Overall, not impressed, too big for it's own good.
Madrid Barajas Airport review by Stephen Davis
29 May 2006
Terminal 4 at Madrid is spacious and spectacular. Shame that from
landing to receiving our luggage took 75 minutes and there no other
flights using the carousals in that section of the hall. It is also a
very long walk from passport control to gate R2 used by BA to LHR.
Allow forever to get their. Two hours gave us just over 5 minutes to
spare in the VIP lounge. Lucky we didn't need to do any duty free
shopping or we should have checked in 2 days early.
Madrid Barajas Airport review by Robert Munsche
22 April 2006
When travelling from Frankfurt to Sao Paulo I had the fortune to use the
new T4 and T4S terminal. What a big improvement to the old T123
buildings! As described in the other distributions the construction is
airy, light and colourful. And I had no problem finding my way from T4
to T4S. It's true that you might have to go long distances, but that is
true for almost every international airport these days. Going down to
the connecting train you might either use the elevators or the moving
stairs. The trains runs automatically, and there seems to be some
remaining problems with the control system. Overall rating is thus good
and I'm looking flying over Madrid again!
Madrid Barajas Airport review by Tom Neyrinck
7 April 2006
My first impression of the new T4 after leaving the plane was admiration for its ceiling
architecture, bright interior and sunny colors. And relief of course, because what a difference when
compared to the old smoky and noisy T123 terminals, in which I spent countless hours over the past
few years. I had been looking forward to T4. However, it didn't take long (5 minutes) before my "old" Barajas nervousness, exasperation and
displeasure resumed. Almost 30min waiting at the luggage belt while the airport was almost empty
with only a handful of planes at the gates. Bored, totally indifferent and glumly looking staff in
bright green jackets traipsing around, chatting in their mobiles, giving the impression that they'd
rather be anywhere else but there. Why do they pay these people and why do they need them? Filthy
sanitary facilities (don't want to imagine the place in July/August). Worst of all: no metro stop at
T4, a cab ride to down Madrid now more expensive than from the old terminals.
Barajas T4 could definitely be the most beautiful and most pleasant airport in Europe, but for that
please educate staff, fix the luggage system, and keep it tidy. What a shame for the gateway to
Spain and Madrid, such great country and city!
Madrid Barajas Airport review by Robert Dunford
9 March 2006
The description below of this airport as shambolic is far too kind. For
a highly expensive new terminal, it's embarrasing for the city of
Madrid. Firstly, when you arrive at the new T4 terminal, you have no
idea where the metro station is. There are no obvious signs to it,
certainly. When asking for help, you're told to take the bus to the
older T2 (god help you if you've got heavy luggage) to walk the half
mile to the metro. What you're not told is that there is a quicker bus
to Barajas metro stop from T4 (though you have to pay for it). Secondly,
when leaving from T4, you literally take no less than five escalators of
varying directions if you're going to gates M, R, S and U. And that's
not including the train ride or passport control. Then, having worn out
your feet getting to the right area, you then have to do more searching
to find the right gate. Which if you're running slightly late can cause
you to easily msis your flight. The place could be a nightmare in the
height of summer with a crowd of people, all confused as to where
they're going. I'm not sure how many Euros were spent in constructing
this maze, but clearly very little was spent on the actual planning.
Shame, as it had the potential to be really special.
Madrid Barajas Airport review by Gillian Hamper
28 February 2006
Have travelled to Madrid with BA this month (February 2006) and had the
misfortune to land at the new international terminal. It is vast, badly
signposted, not user friendly, with glass lifts or vertiginous
escalators to take you to a shuttle train, (which broke down and we were
stuck going backwards and forwards in a tunnel for 30 minutes ) just to
get to baggage reclaim. On the return journey to London it took 50
minutes to get from the BA check in desk to departure gate - just moving
the whole time via escalators and shuttle train and further escalators
to the gates. Even though they have specific staff to direct you it is
totally confusing and difficult for elderly people and those with any
mobility problems. Be warned and check in with plenty of time to spare
before your flight !
Madrid Barajas Airport review by Nick Garrett
30 November 2005
I have been to Madrid 4 times this year and on each occasion, I have
found Barajas to be nothing more than shambolic. More often than not,
your aircraft is parked on a remote stand which requires a lengthy bus
ride to the passport control and baggage claim area. If you're flying
Easyjet, they are always parked up at the remotest stand and the
aforementioned bus ride can take anywhere between 5-10 minutes. But the
main problem are the departures - which more often than not are delayed
for no apparent reason. On a recent British Airways flight back to
London Heathrow, our gate was changed no less than 3 times!! It was at
this stage that I was wondering how any aircraft operated by any carrier
ever manages to get away from Barajas at all. The airport itself is
okay, but as someone has already pointed out, the catering needs to be
looked at as it's pre-historic.
Madrid Barajas Airport review by Gareth Bronkhorst
16 November 2005
The airport itself is fine, just very long walk to get to the Metro
Station. The only major complaint I have is the airport staff. The
most miserable bunch of people I have ever encountered.
Madrid Barajas Airport review by Jorg Ludewig
6 November 2005
Haven't been to Madrid airport since 1997 until October 20 this year.
Lots of new terminals and constructions. You need some time to walk from
C to E gates. Excellent Priority Pass lounge near gate C44, but since my
flight left E79 I almost spend 15 mins walking thru the heavy crowd. And
besides having all the modern facilities, three out of four
arrivals/departures in Madrid meant a nice bus-ride to the plane. Still
some way to go.
Madrid Barajas Airport review by M Bolivar
24 October 2005
Barajas service is improving in the past few years. First time I flew
from there it was really bad. Overcrowded, dirty, and there were always
delays. Continuous changes of gate to board, and eternal waits in front
of them. Now the situation is different. The airport is mostly clean,
except the check-in area, the transportation links are fairly good,
specially the metro service linking the airport and downtown in a few
minutes. Baggage claim is good, though a bit hard to find, due to the
bad signs, one of the downsides of MAD. Check-in a bit busy, but nice
pre-boarding area full of duty-free. We will have to wait till the
opening of T4 to see how things work. I find customs really easy to go
through, specially compared to those in the US or Canada, a completely
different story. Easy to find places to eat, good food and drinks at
reasonable prices.
Madrid Barajas Airport review by Leendert Jan Wieberdink
3 August 2005
The airport is rather chaotic; it's obvious that it was not designed to handle
this number of passengers. The queues at the security check when boarding are
terrible. That said, the staff tries its best and is quite friendly (I speak
Spanish though so maybe that helps). And on a very positive note: the Metro link
to the city is excellent.
Madrid Barajas Airport review by Javier Urra
29
June 2005
I am surprised about the "love" or "hate" opinions on Barajas. I agree that Barajas is a little a
mess, and you can realize it even at your landing if coming from abroad. You'll find new multi
colors terminals (the new T4 so long expected!) and however, perhaps you are going to arrive to T2,
the same building from so many years. So, let's understand that Barajas is a little a result of
several airports from various times. However, I find several great assets. First - conexion. I live in
Paris, and from CDG you have a horrible and expensive commuter train, and from Orly is even worst...and
expensive. Arrived at Barajas - you have directly a ultra modern and clean metro for 1'20 euro!!! It's
a point to be underlined! You will be in the very center of Madrid in minutes. Check in are usually easy
and free time is to be spent face to huge glass windows where you can see the landscape and plane
operations. And you are in a hub for latin american, so the offer to fly to South america is simply the
best in all Europe. To sum up, an original airport where, I recommend, to take some of the "bad" things
in a different manner and enjoy the Spanish way of life.
Madrid Barajas Airport review by Susan Paterson
20
May 2005
Taxis which depart from outside the International terminal have a nasty habit of not switching on
their meters then charging you a fortune for a ride into the city. Whilst living in Madrid, my
Spanish colleagues gave me a handy tip: walk to the neighbouring domestic terminal, and you'll find
that that attitudes of the taxi drivers are completely different towards you. Bizarrely they do not
view you as a tourist to be ripped off, but as a native of the city, and your fare will reflect
this. However, to avoid any likelihood of taxi problems, just take the Metro- it's foolproof. I left
Madrid while the Colombia-Nuevos Ministerios express line was being built, but even without it, the
journey was a piece of cake.
Madrid Barajas Airport review by Tom Neyrinck
13
May 2005
I have been flying to and from Barajas about every two weeks for 3 years now, with destinations
Brussels, Paris and Roma.
What I love is the proximity of the gates, the big windows that allow for nice views on the runways
and mountains beyond, its proximity to the city centre, cheap taxis and excellent metro connection.
I also think that the airport is pleasant with its marble floors and enough tax free shops (very
cheap as I compared them to other airports). Barajas has also improved since smoking areas have been
better marked (and respected), and the continuous loud calls for every flight all over the airport
were luckily abandoned last year.
Of course there are negative points, of which I'd mention the indifferent staff (not at check-n
desks but everywhere else), very slow luggage handling (must have been the same belts for the past
40 years), the poor offer and long waiting lines in the bars and restaurants, and worst of all the
filthy toilets all over the airport.
Madrid Barajas Airport review by Enrique Reguilón Oter
11
May 2005
The current Barajas is on a process of improving and however gives a
complete and efficient service in all areas.
The traffic control with the new TWR and APP service controls more than 120 movements per hour with
3 runways now, and 4 in a short time.
The organization of aircraft compañies and their separation according to the destination is neat.
The terminals are clean and lighty and in each floor you can see easily the cloakrooms, bars,
information points, etc.
The quickly undergound can take you from the airport to the centre of Madrid in less than 15
minutes, and remember you can check-in even out of the airport in the station of 'Nuevos
Ministerios'. Something unknown in other big airports.
And English is widely used by the different staffs involved in the air navigation. I would like to
see the same grade of manage of Spanish, for example in Heathrow, O´Hare, La Guardia.
Anyway, in few months with the new terminal (T4), the goodnesses of this airport 'El Gran Barajas'
will be even more.
Madrid Barajas Airport review by Pablo Cámara de Domingo
1
April 2005
One thing I love about this airport that it is very clean
and there is a good overview. Madrid has also a nice offer of tax-free shops. The Metro connection to the centre is nice, cheap and very
fast! But there are a lot of negative points of Barajas, more than any other large European airport,
namely - bad conditions of the signs inside the airport, sometimes it's difficult to know on
which belt your luggage can be found. Also the great number of people who refuse to put out their
cigarette, when the signs prohibit it! Also the offer of good food in the bars and restaurants is
not good at all. The people in Barajas don't speak English, that's what many people mentioned. But
does there any staff in Heathrow or JFK speak Spanish? No I never saw someone speaking Spanish
there! For me it is no problem, I'm a Spaniard, and I'm able to speek English. But in fact there is
a small part of staff in Barajas who talks English and every year more people who are trying to
speak it better!
Madrid Barajas Airport review by Brian Smith
20
December 2004
Have been using Madrid for eight years on Schengen and non-Schengen European flights and it's a very
variable experience, mostly dependant on the airline you fly with, and the time of day and/or year.
Locos tend to have slow check-ins and buses to planes. Scheduled have much quicker check in and
(often, but not always) airbridges. Arrival is a lottery too, passport control has only two desks
and if three or more flights arrive together be ready for a long wait. Baggage reclaim is a matter
of chance too - sometimes it's instant, sometimes it's interminable, sometimes it's on a completely
different belt to the one sign posted.
The worst feature of Barajas is undoubtedly the catering with, at present, all outlets franchised to
a company who live in a time warp, with food and facilities right out of the 1970s.
Madrid Barajas Airport review by José Amorim
9
September 2004
I strongly disagree with the majority of the posts since, having used Barajas many times, as well as
several airports throughout the world, I consider it efficient and clean! With regards to the
concerns expressed by some users in relation to the security checks, please note that there is
merely a different approach when compared with the US. Whereas in US airports the officers consider
that performing a security check must be done assuming that they are handling criminals (that is the
only excuse I can find for their extreme rudeness), in Europe we tend to do things in a polite
manner! I must confess that I feel much safer boarding a plane in Madrid that at ATL or at JFK.
Madrid Barajas Airport review by Victor Flores
11
August 2004
I disagree with some of the comments about Barajas being dirty. For example any one that has
travelled into any of the airports of the world that are carpeted must agree with me that that, is a
lot dirtier than the beautiful polished marble at Barajas. Long travelling distances and poor
signage at Barajas? then you've never been at Heathrow. THe employees only speak Spanish? How many
languages speak the employees at say JFK?. Certainly better than
Heathrow or Melbourne.
Editor: Tend to agree with your comments about cleanliness - this airport
is a whole lot cleaner than LHR for one, and the marble floors are bliss
compared to the dirty and smelly carpets of many airports.
Madrid Barajas Airport review by Stephen D'Arcy
30
June 2004
Organised chaos is the best way to describe this airport, on what was I
suppose a busy day in the holiday period, but in particular the queues
at all food and drinks outlets were from 12-20 people - highly
unsatisfactory. Plenty of shopping: alcoholic drinks seemed good value.
Best feature: the 45-minute journey from Plaza Mayor by Metro - two easy
changes and cost only €0.53 with a 10-journey ticket, or else €0.95
single!
Madrid Barajas Airport review by A Teck
9
June 2004
I've been to many airports around the world, the first one that I see with immigration located next
to the check in counters. Straight after the immigration, it was the security check. This causes a
long queue, especially at the departing hall. I don't know this happens to other gates or not, but I
was at the gate B entrance. Despite the sign "No Smoking", I see many people smoking, and there were
nobody there to stop them. The staffs' spoken language were limited to Spanish, and very little
English. I had difficulty seeking help. But overall, the new renovation and stuffs, it looks better
than many other airports that I've been to.
Madrid Barajas Airport review by Martin Guinness
2
June 2004
Just had the misfortune to get stuck at Madrid airport for 12 hours. Big mistake.
Because it was the week-end, the business lounge was closed. And, amazingly, because it was the
week-end the one place where I could possibly have taken a shower was also closed. So there was
nowhere in the whole airport to get a shower. Appalling for a supposedly major international
airport.
Also, apart from there being nowhere comfortable to sit in the whole airport - as mentioned by
others - the horrible stench from the frequent "smoking areas" was difficult to take.
I will try and avoid this airport in the future.
Madrid Barajas Airport review by John Frewen-Lord
22
January 2004
Arriving recently at Terminal E (on Iberia from Miami) and departing from Terminal B (on Iberia to
Heathrow) involves a very long walk. Add in marginally adequate signage (difficult to find where
our Heathrow flight was leaving from until you were in the main hall), indifferent Iberia staff at
the transit desk, surly staff at one of the two coffee shops, dismal decor, and I found Barajas one
of the more unpleasant airports.
Madrid Barajas Airport review by Daniel Delgado
16
January 2004
The best feature of Madrid Barajas is the location of departure gates just behind the check-in area,
cutting out the endless treks along tunnels and walkways which are the norm at most major airports.
On the downside: lack of trolleys, inadequate seating - in fact there is no departure lounge as such
- and poor catering facilities can make using the airport at peak times a total nightmare.
Madrid Barajas Airport review by M Devor
8 August 2003
Good airport. I was surprised when I arrived. We actually had a jetbridge (BM) and I
learn that
is a rare blessing. My biggest complaint is that there are no arrival boards by the customs exit to
see what planes have landed. I came in from London, my friend from Paris, I had no way of knowing if
his flight had landed, which drove me crazy. Fortunately, he showed up on time.
The airport is big and spacious. Staff are friendly and signs are actually first in
English, then
Spanish, which blew me away and is a nicety to us anglophones.
It is a good airport for the aviation enthusiast with a large selection of model planes to enjoy and
big windows at the central shopping/eating area where you can watch the planes. Lounges were big and
comfortable and actually had food. I was surprised by the egregious security check just going back
to London, the full range of questions, but she spoke English fluently and was friendly. Transfers
from Schengen to Int'l are easy and convenient but sorry to say, not v.v.
Madrid Barajas Airport review by Paul Oliver-Smith
16 June 2003
My main complaint about Madrid is that the signage is poor. It is very difficult to locate the
lavatories, which must be one of the most important facilities. Like so many airports it is forever
extending and there are no maps showing just where you are. However I was approached by a young
girl who spoke excellent English and who used a palm computer to log all my comments. There were
other people doing the same work elsewhere, and I saw others after our return flight. As long as
someone acts on the analysis I praise such proactivity.
Madrid Barajas Airport review by Leo Guidroz
16 May 2003
Arrival in madrid was not a problem. Departure, on the other hand, is one of the worst airport
experiences I have ever had. If you are returning to the United States via Madrid airport, you need
to arrive 2-3 hours prior to departure. Security was also a joke. They tried to give the
impression of seriousness, but instead only added to the misery. It seemed as though one in every
four US bound passengers were singled out for both check-in baggage and carry-on baggage security
checks. You are forced to wait in line for 45 minutes, then enter a small room where you must
completely empty the contents of you bag(s) onto a small table.
The security officer confiscated an unopened bottle of liquor from my check-in baggage. Stating his
excuse was it was a US Customs regulation. I confirmed in Miami that this is not the case.
If you can route yourself out through Barcelona, do so and avoid Madrid
Madrid Barajas Airport review by C Koehnke
27 April 2003
I disagree about the past coment about Madrid. I have been living in Madrid for about 4 months now
and have flown in and out of it about 7 times. The airport is mediocre at worst. I
woudn't call it
dirty or horrible. Frankly, I have had very little wait at any airline for check in. The check in
area is rarely crowded even in the morning, security has had 5 people in line max, and it is clean
an pretty new. The best thing is that the Metro leaves from the airport and you can get downtown
for $1.20 on one of the most clean and efficient subway systems in Europe. If you do fly out of
Madrid however, be prepared for frequent unannounced gate changes. Check those monitors often, and
be prepared to take a bus to your plane.
Madrid Barajas Airport review by R Aptroot
17 March 2003
I must say that it is a horrible, dirty, unorganised place, without any service .
The people of Madrid are extremely proud of their city and football club, but forget that for each
visitor to the capital of Spain, this is more important. Also there are no connections to Asia ,
a very important part of the world and the main airline Iberia has a poor service as well.
Spain is a fantastic country , but has to do a lot of work to catch up in this field.
The airport of Barcelona is much better if you have to connect .
Madrid Barajas Airport review by E Hartal
4 February 2003
Connected through Barajas Airport on December on my way to Barcelona. Packed airport, without enough
gates for airplanes to dock. The way Terminal 1 is constructed doesn't leave enough seating
room
for waiting passengers. Iberia staff is not really organized or willing to help. When you need to
get to a bus for your plane, there is a lot of stairs to go down. I saw a mom with a child who
had a cart also to take down to the bus - none of the agents at Barajas airport would offer help.
They would just talk among themselves. On the other end very good choice of duty free, and a
beautiful design. Not a lot of walking distance if you transit thru Iberia.
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