UA to Madrid
 

I've heard rumors that Spanair will join Star Alliance. Do you think UA will then begin service to MAD from either IAD or ORD?

UA has won me over AA on everything...except lack of service to Madrid as I have family there and go quite often (I don't like connecting with LH, and BM has limited schedules). I should actually be a OW flyer as AA, BA, and IB all serve Spain.

Just curious as to what you think. Would this be a useful route?

It's a big vacation market but not that great for business.

But, Air Canada launched service from YYZ-MAD earlier this summer, with connecting service to other cities in Spain and in Portugal on SpanAir. You could try AC via Toronto, and still get your UA/* points.

Back around 1995 or so, UA served MAD from IAD. My ticket office angel at the time owned a home there and went there non-rev a lot for vacation, then retired to that house--and promptly lost the easy flight back and forth. Bummer for her!

Spanair flew MAD-IAD in '99 or '00 or around there but then discontinued it; that was before their joining *A. Maybe they'll bring it back now that they're becoming a full *A member.

In the meantime... I've had good luck getting award seats on YYZ-MAD on AC, so that seems a good option.