Iberia to BA Transfer at MAD
 

Hi All,

Looks like I am taking Iberia from ORD to MAD in First as part of a Oneworld Award to Cairo. I will be transiting to BA after coming-off the IB ORD flight. Right nowe, I have a four hour layover in MAD before my BA flight. I could get a BA flight leaving at 9:15, but I am not sure if 90 minutes is adequite transit time at MAD. Is it?

Also, how are the lounge facilities at MAD? I will be coming off a flight in F and am Oneworld Emerald.

Should be a very pleasant experience in MAD as the transfer is within the confines of Terminal 1. This will allow you to use the Velasquez lounge (First Class portion). It is accessed by either the stairs or an elevator (lift) near gate 27.

My only concern would be what time of year you might be travelling. I have never arrived MAD on-time from any of Iberia's US gateways. In fact, the last time I was on IB in J from ORD, the flight was delayed due the crew members extended shopping spree a few days before x-mas. This was confirmed by the IB representative who was briefing me in the Admiral's Club at departure time. She stated that the crew was delayed in traffic on the way to ORD. Once we finally boarded and left the gate, a crew member announced during taxi that the delay was due to the AA ground crew not being able to provide a tug for push-back http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mad.gif lies, lies, lies http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mad.gif . To make matters even worse, my only suitcase was lost for 5 days, then finally returned to me the day before I departed MAD.

This was on my very first DONE4 and I will never forget the experience. But I certainly hope that yours will be much more enjoyable!

I just read your other post. If you are departing ORD in February, there could easily be weather related delays. I would definitely try to keep the connection time to at least 2-3 hours. There are quite a few flights between MAD and LON so BA would/should try to accommodate you on another flight if things go pear shaped.

IB also run several flights a day to LHR from MAD (BA and IB effectively run it as a joint service).

The Velazquez Lounge at MAD is quite pleasant. I have used it recently whilst transiting on IB to/from LHR - JNB. The Emerald Card will get you into F side of lounge, and if you want to use one of their new shower suites, you have to ask at the desk for the key, but towels, shampoo, razor, etc. all provided and quite comfortable. Good selection of drinks and nibbles, plus worldwide papers. Several large televisions blurt out far too much noise for a small lounge, and the majority of the seats have large ashtrays next to them, and the air does get a bit blue due to the number of people using them! There are two computers for use that are DSL connected...perfect for checking last minute emails, etc. Many of the flight from MAD are still accessed via bus, so you'll have to allow time for this. One odd point to add...you don't seem to go through security when changing international flights...