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Airlines to Barcelona

ozark74

By ozark74,
in Celebrity Cruises

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Lsimon

Lsimon

Posted
Posted

I've read terrible reviews of Iberia and based on those would especially avoid them if you are on a tight time frame or arriving the day of your sailing.

 

The last couple trips to Barcelona we've flown American Airlines from Chicago and flew Delta the time before that. There are no direct flights to Barcelona from Chicago and we prefer to do our connection in the USA (usually at JFK) as a flight from a USA airport like JFK will generally be an overnight flight that arrives in Barcelona in the morning. That way we'll have a full day in Barcelona. If you take a connection at an airport in Europe then you'll end up spending a lot of time the day of arrival on connections and likely won't arrive at Barcelona until late in the day.

 

We usually check the cruise line airfare (regular cruise air and the new Choice Air program), the airlines prices and a few online agency prices and pick the least expensive one. Frequently our airfare on a major US based airline flying direct from JFK or another east coast airport to Barcelona is only a tiny bit more than the absolute least expensive foreign airline making 1 or more connections in Europe.

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BBsails

BBsails

Posted
Posted

In November we flew from SFO to Barcelona through JFK on American. Both legs were OK, as flights go. The wings didn't fall off and we landed on time. IMHO, it may be too early to book a June flight. Wait until after the first of the year and watch for sales. Earlier flights, rather than later, in June may be less expensive.

 

Betsy

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eandj

eandj

Posted
Posted

We used Swiss Air from Ord thru Zurich to BCN. Easy airport to make connections. Wonderful flight with very good amenities.

 

Not thrilled with British Air on this year's flight to Amsterdam. We will avoid Heathrow at all costs in the future. Makes Ohare look like a day off. :eek:

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tally10

tally10

Posted
Posted

In 2007, we did Phoenix to Houston and then Air France to Charles DeGaulle and Air France to BCN. While the flights were fine, I would avoid Charles DeGaulle at all cost. It felt like an obstacle course going in and out of security several times and up and down flights of stairs, changing terminals, etc. We will never fly into Charles DeGaulle again unless it is our final destination. Just a heads up.

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17pioneer

17pioneer

Posted
Posted

Avoid Iberia at all costs, especially for the return leg, which even though posted as a through flight often requires a change of equipment in Madrid which is a mad dash to include a second trip thru passport control. The outbound JFK flight is frequently a code share with American Airlines which is late departing almost every night. We now use Aer Lingus, which may require a layover in Dublin, but we are Irish citizens so no big deal for us

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Infi

Infi

Posted
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Try to use a US airline, or, a decent international airline if you can. Though tempted by the cheap fares of Iberia, we used AA to get to Spain last year and it was pretty painless. It was a codeshare with Iberia, but they used AA planes and staff. We did use Iberia to fly from Madrid to Venice and ugh, the horror stories are true. Crowded planes, chaotic boarding (i.e. let's have everyone run for the plane at once and see what happens), and nasty employees. We had an issue with the check-in agent and she seemed to relish treating us like dirt because we were Americans. I speak fluent Spanish and it didn't even help matters, they were all just unnecessarily mean and rude. Avoid Iberia if you can!

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4774Papa

4774Papa

Posted
Posted
Does anyone have any recommendatons on airlines to Barcelona we will be flying from Dallas or Chicago. Have never been to Spain so would like suggestions. Any info on Iberia? We will be going in June. Thanks.

 

 

We live in Georgia and have booked our flight from JAX via Atlanta to Barcelona on Delta. Delta has direct flights on most days from Atlanta to Barcelona, and airfare prices are good. Not sure about Dallas or Chicago.

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Shelbs97

Shelbs97

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We are flying American to Barcelona and back. Unfortunately on the way there we did have to settle for Iberia from Madrid to Barcelona, but the savings was significant and I'm hoping that things will go okay since it's a short flight. (fingers crossed).:rolleyes:

I booked on the AA website, when entering in your travel info, choose "all carriers" at the bottom of the page...will include AA's partners.

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NJ Fred

NJ Fred

Posted
Posted

Take a bus, take a train, take a boat, take a cab, take a rickshaw or walk. But whatever you do - - do NOT change planes in Charles DeGaulle Airport. It is a horror! :eek::eek::eek:

 

Lafayette is rolling over in his grave!

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mrshark

mrshark

Posted
Posted

We flew on Iberia from NY to Rome and back via Madrid. Madrid is their hub and its huge. Flights were ok our luggage made it there and back no lost bags. Downside was older airplanes and food was horrendous even for airline food. Chaos trying to board all flights nobody paid atttention to announcements saying shich rows could board. We paid $600 or so round trip so the savings were worth the small hastles. If you go with iberia bring an ipod or a portable dvd player as entertainment wasn't the greatest.

 

Unless you fly 1st class I guess they all have their issues

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CaroleLee

CaroleLee

Posted
Posted
In November we flew from SFO to Barcelona through JFK on American. Both legs were OK, as flights go. The wings didn't fall off and we landed on time. IMHO, it may be too early to book a June flight. Wait until after the first of the year and watch for sales. Earlier flights, rather than later, in June may be less expensive.

 

Betsy

 

Its not too early to book for June 2011. We booked our flights in May for June 2011(OK it was for FF seats) but would use a website such as airfare watch dog to keep checking on fares.

 

Carole

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alcpa1

alcpa1

Posted
Posted

We use Delta and have flown to Barcelona via Atlanta.

No matter which airline you finally select do several things as you plan your flights.

-Find a fare you can live with and do not delay booking. Fuel costs are rising and the airfares will increase. June is definitely tourist season.

-Check the airline schedules to make sure that if something goes haywire they have alternate flights to Barcelona on their flights or codeshare partners. Don't book any airline that does not have daily service.

-Monitor your itineraries. Flights, particularly domestic flights, can change times and equipment.

-Leave ample time for your outbound connection. I would never book an international flight with less than two hours between flights. On your return leave a larger window to clear Customs and Immigration. A number of US airports require another trip through security after C and I.

-On the European Ports of Call boards there are a number of recommendations for limo/taxi service between the airport, hotels, and port. I would highly recommend you arrange a service for your port to airport transit.

-Book your return flight at a reasonable time. The Barcelona airport is not difficult to manage but it will be crowded and if there is any type of security alert it could reasonable take three hours to clear through to your gate.

-Join the Roll Call for your sailing. There will probably be others traveling to Barcelona on your flight and you can arrange to share plans with them as well.

HAVE A WONDERFUL CRUISE!

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CaroleLee

CaroleLee

Posted
Posted
We use Delta and have flown to Barcelona via Atlanta.

No matter which airline you finally select do several things as you plan your flights.

-Find a fare you can live with and do not delay booking. Fuel costs are rising and the airfares will increase. June is definitely tourist season.

-Check the airline schedules to make sure that if something goes haywire they have alternate flights to Barcelona on their flights or codeshare partners. Don't book any airline that does not have daily service.

-Monitor your itineraries. Flights, particularly domestic flights, can change times and equipment.

-Leave ample time for your outbound connection. I would never book an international flight with less than two hours between flights. On your return leave a larger window to clear Customs and Immigration. A number of US airports require another trip through security after C and I.

-On the European Ports of Call boards there are a number of recommendations for limo/taxi service between the airport, hotels, and port. I would highly recommend you arrange a service for your port to airport transit.

-Book your return flight at a reasonable time. The Barcelona airport is not difficult to manage but it will be crowded and if there is any type of security alert it could reasonable take three hours to clear through to your gate.

-Join the Roll Call for your sailing. There will probably be others traveling to Barcelona on your flight and you can arrange to share plans with them as well.

HAVE A WONDERFUL CRUISE!

 

BIG DITTO!! Plus try to arrive in (European) port a day early. It takes the worry out of delays from US etc. if you can manage it book return flight for the next day. Too often the direct flights are at 10a-12n making it a scramble for the airport-not a relaxing way to end your trip. Start checking flights on your favorite (if you have one) airline and sign up for their alerts. If you have any FF points or affinity card points/service use them & the special client desks & Tel# to book.

Have agreat cruise

Carole

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