Minors connecting in Madrid- customs and immigration info?
May 10, 2019, 4:33 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 1
Minors connecting in Madrid- customs and immigration info?
Hello! My two teenage sons (16 and 13) will be traveling from Chicago to a summer camp in Alicante. They will be connecting in Madrid, all flights in one ticket with Iberia. I believe that they will have to go thru immigration in Madrid but will they also have to get their checked luggage in Madrid, clear customs and then re-check it for the flight to Alicante? Or will their luggage be checked all the way to Alicante? Will they have to go to the Iberia counter at the Madrid airport to check in or go straight to their gate? I am a little nervous because they will be on their own and their Spanish is limited. They have 4 hrs in Madrid between flights. I will appreciate any information!
May 11, 2019, 2:31 pm
#3
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And a minor point that may help any confusion - after taking the transit to T4 (H-J-K) then the elevators up from the platform, they will arrive in baggage claim. Sharp double right from the elevators will put them directly at connections security. No need to pick up luggage.
This differs to most non-US airports where connecting pax take a different path, nowhere near baggage claim.
This differs to most non-US airports where connecting pax take a different path, nowhere near baggage claim.
May 11, 2019, 3:00 pm
#4
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And a minor point that may help any confusion - after taking the transit to T4 (H-J-K) then the elevators up from the platform, they will arrive in baggage claim. Sharp double right from the elevators will put them directly at connections security. No need to pick up luggage.
This differs to most non-US airports where connecting pax take a different path, nowhere near baggage claim.
This differs to most non-US airports where connecting pax take a different path, nowhere near baggage claim.
The key element is knowing that you don't need to pick up luggage at MAD. That is the major difference for anybody accustomed to the American system of customs clearance.
May 11, 2019, 5:25 pm
#5
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Yes, my point was more related to the fact that, for most people being in baggage claim = need to pick it up (or thinking you're in the wrong place). In this case, then it's totally normal.
May 14, 2019, 8:14 am
#6
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Another minor point - when your kids arrive in Alicante they pick up their bags at the area controlled by Customs. Its not the same belt as the regular flight , but adjacent . All non Schengen bags are delivered there. Maybe some ALC regular can be more precise.