Originally Posted by
Koby
Some data to help you decide:
The good news is that you do not have to clear security again: arriving from MAD you'll be dropped in the general "airside" (departure) area. But you will have to clear passport control to go from the Schengen to the non-Schengen departure area.
Bad news: MAD flights normally use the lower A gates, a long walk (about 700 metres) from the central area where you need to go up one level to passport control and the D/E gates for your SFO flight.(The walk from passport control to your gate can be between 50 and about 700 metres...)
Also, you'll be using the same passport control area as departing passengers (from BCN), not a transit area. (I have not seen any extremely long queues there lately, but maybe someone else can confirm- I only see them from a distance when going to the lounge.)
Of course, if you're OK with spending an extra day in Barcelona paid by Level, do not worry too much ;-)
Thank you! I just called Iberia and the rep repeatedly stated that the connection time should be fine. With both of your feedback, it sounds like there is a reasonable chance of making the connection, so we will just go with it. We also have travel insurance that covers missed connections, so we should be ok just in case. Thanks!