Madrid Barajas Airport

T4 is great. Maybe too big for short time transit. Unfortunately T1T2 and T3 doesn't reach today's standard. Transfer to satellite T4 is fast and effective but sadly it doesn't give that service to the old terminals which make transfers very inconvenient.

Used Terminal 4. Found it quite impressive and functional in terms of size/layout. Customs/immigration lines on the way in (arriving from Dublin) and check-in/security lines on the way out were virtually non-existent. Iberia check-in agent was very friendly. I cannot comment on the baggage claims as I did not check any bags on either flight. Very clean and well-lit. The direct connection with the Metro is particularly convenient. Shopping and food is adequate and reasonably priced. All in all a satisfactory experience.

Only about 15-20 minutes through immigration /custom process. Longish walk (from T1) to Metro station but was at my hotel 60 minutes after landing. Very nice indeed. Departure on 14 Dec. Easy check in and security. Normal eating and shopping options nothing to rave about but a great airport to use. Poor rating is due to bathrooms needing tending to. they were disgusting.

Arrived at MAD on 09/12/09 from JFK around 9 am and connecting to Venice Italy. We had 2 hrs. layover so that's about what we have had at many other airports and no problems. There were long lines for security checks and an officer was sending people to shorter lines depending on their layover times. I asked a couple times to be sent to one of those lines as they were moving very slowly and he said "you have plenty of time". Well to make it short. There were endless ups and downs to too many different floors. and very long terminals. Good thing my girlfriend heard the "last call" for our flight We saw in the far distance about 100 meters our gate. They were getting ready to depart. We quickly stopped and asked one gate attendant to call and tell them we were on our way. The Iberia crew at plane's door were not friendly and one was actually rude.

My experience is positive. Yes it's a big terminal but MAD is a big airport! The train between T4 and T4S is an example of how terminal transfers can be made in an effective way. In both terminal there is plenty of space to move around and a decent offer of restaurants and shopping (the omnipresent Zara included). The baggage claim is impressive and so far my experience is OK in terms of time. Cons : friendliness of security check staff.

Arrived at Barajas from FRA at about 20.00. Terminal was empty and with dim light. Monitors displaying luggage belt assignment were either duct taped or missing their back covers. The airport is ugly lack of style and signage could be improved. Could not visit terminal 4 but seemed a modern and efficient terminal from a distance. The airport lacks garbage cans and had to carry my bottle of Soda until I realized that the garbage cans were located outside the terminals. I commend the spanish authorities for their security concerns but there must be an alternative solution.

Arriving and leaving MAD same day for a business meeting. Arrival painless with easy "Schengen" style immigration and into the taxi approx 15 minutes after arrival at dock. Departure terminal 1 more of a problem with old and shabby infrastructure and handling agent staff not too helpful to change flights. However overall an okay experience.

As one who has travelled regularly for more than 30 years I like to think I can navigate my way around airports. Madrid's Terminal 4 is the first to have defeated me! Arriving on BA I was impressed by its brightness and colour not realising I would then have a trip of almost epic proportions to get to the baggage claim area. I was almost exhausted! Checking in was just as difficult. Told by BA staff that I had to use the automatic check-in machines none would accept my business class reservation! So it was back to the desk for a quick check-in and then I hoped some shopping. The security check seemed to take forever. Thereafter I got lost. The direction signs appeared to be misleading even though I checked several times. Even finding the Iberia lounge took considerable time and when there I discovered it does not have WiFi - only old-style connections (and you must bring your own cable!). Why I wonder is this airport/Terminal such a crazy maze of a place? I gave up on the shopping.

Madrid Airport Barajas Terminal 4 beautiful spacious design. However too big to get around and to get to the take-off area especially the satellite gates you have to take a train going up-and-down stairs - an unnecessary design for such a terminal. Business lounges are good but not clearly indicated. Luggage claim is a pain process long waiting time as compare to other airports.

Madrid's Terminal 4 is quite comfortable for connections such as the one I have just experienced between Lisbon and Pamplona (2 hours connecting time). The walking circuits are slightly too extensive and line-ups for delayed flights (a typical problem with Iberia) can collide with the passenger circuits between gates at this hub as I experienced when on a very short connection one month ago at peak hours. Nonetheless the architecture is great and the terminal is spacey with excellently day and night lighting. Unlike Terminals 2 and 3 which are a traveller's maze and uncomfortable (I don't know Terminal 1) Terminal 4 is comprehensive and easy to get around as long as you're not in a rush to get to your flight and may have to push your way through crowds.