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I have never flown from Santiago, as I prefer to take the train to Madrid. Whether train or plane, I would never have a separate ticket arriving in Madrid on the same day I am supposed to fly out of Madrid. I prefer to go at least 24 hours in advance.Would you book a Ryanair flight that gets into Madrid at 8am for a Madrid departure at 1:00pm? Or go the night before?
Check the website for your local airport for airlines that fly in and out and then check their sites for available flights. I stupidly spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to fly from Edmonton to Madrid and then on to Biarritz, when I should have been looking at Edmonton to Biarritz to start my Camino. For some flights it may be easier to book through two separate airlines, eg WestJet Western Canada to Toronto, KLM Toronto to Madrid, return Santiago to Toronto, Toronto to Western Canada.In looking at multi city flights for a trip next year, it seems that with very few exceptions departing out of Santiago adds significantly to the price. Can anyone suggest an airline that flies to Western Canada that also would include Santiago? I know there are cheap flight to Madrid, but it seems those would need to be booked separately which has its own risks. Would you book a Ryanair flight that gets into Madrid at 8am for a Madrid departure at 1:00pm? Or go the night before? Thanks
But always remember the risks associated with having two separate tickets that depend on you making a connection.For some flights it may be easier to book through two separate airlines, eg WestJet Western Canada to Toronto, KLM Toronto to Madrid, return Santiago to Toronto, Toronto to Western Canada.
Multiple airlines can be combined on a single ticket. Such connections are protected.But always remember the risks associated with having two separate tickets that depend on you making a connection.
I'm sorry, but that sounds completely unethical. If you have asked a travel agent to research an itinerary for you, why aren't you going to compensate them for providing this service by doing the booking through them?Travel agents are still a thing, you can walk into any office with your preferred dates and locations and they will give you a price and itinerary, which you can use to book directly though the airlines
A good point. There is not just the risk of missing a connexion, but if you haven't allowed sufficient time between separately booked flights, your travel insurance may not cover the risks. How much is sufficient? You will need to check the conditions on the policy documents. In my experience, it can be as long as a minimum of six hours between the ETA and ETD of the different flights.But always remember the risks associated with having two separate tickets that depend on you making a connection.
I am less concerned about using different airlines when they are in the same carrier group, such as Oneworld or Star Alliance to name the two with which I am most familiar. I don't think it matters whether this is arranged and ticketed by a travel agent or online personally.However if combining airlines I would only book such a ticket directly with one of those airlines, not through a third party.
All that really matters is that the carriers involved have interline agreements. If so, they can be ticketed together.I am less concerned about using different airlines when they are in the same carrier group, such as Oneworld or Star Alliance to name the two with which I am most familiar. I don't think it matters whether this is arranged and ticketed by a travel agent or online personally.
What I think is more problematic is when you have to swap between carrier groups. This happens regularly for some of us in 'regional' Australia, where the local services from the international hub airports are dominated by Qantas (a Oneworld alliance member) and Virgin Australia (unaffiliated, so far as I can tell). I don't know if this is an issue in regional areas of other countries, but it is something I know is always an issue here in Australia.
Yep. I generally don’t have a choice as there are very few direct flights to Europe from my city. I make sure I have at least 3 inconvenient hours between flights.But always remember the risks associated with having two separate tickets that depend on you making a connection.
Having connecting flights is fine, as long as they are on the same ticket. Then, the airline (usually a partner of the issuing airline) is responsible for getting you to your destination if their flight delays cause you to miss a connection.Yep. I generally don’t have a choice as there are very few direct flights to Europe from my city. I make sure I have at least 3 inconvenient hours between flights.
@hawkeyepierce, you are correct, and there are many times when such agreements are in place and one will be on a single ticket, even if the individual airlines are from different carrier groups.All that really matters is that the carriers involved have interline agreements. If so, they can be ticketed together.
We were Hospitalero and tried to get transport to Madrid four days ahead, NOTHING on the weekend we went to A Coruna.I have never flown from Santiago, as I prefer to take the train to Madrid. Whether train or plane, I would never have a separate ticket arriving in Madrid on the same day I am supposed to fly out of Madrid. I prefer to go at least 24 hours in advance.
Porto has some reasonable fares connecting to Air Canada, if you don't mind an extra stop in Toronto. I would apply the same principles there (i.e. going to Porto the day before) but at least Porto is a lot closer to Santiago than Madrid is, so last minute issues should be easier to manage. Porto is also a very nice place to spend a day!
Agree with dougfitz. I have booked Madrid to Philly numerous times with American and separate flight from Santiago to Madrid, usually with Iberia (not sure if Iberia flys nonstop to Madrid anymore. I always left Santiago early morning for same day connection about 1300 in Madrid without any hassles. A few times I changed fights/train/city before the final flight from Madrid, and the separate ticket made this easy…..and for goodness sake, don’t check any baggage!!!In looking at multi city flights for a trip next year, it seems that with very few exceptions departing out of Santiago adds significantly to the price. Can anyone suggest an airline that flies to Western Canada that also would include Santiago? I know there are cheap flight to Madrid, but it seems those would need to be booked separately which has its own risks. Would you book a Ryanair flight that gets into Madrid at 8am for a Madrid departure at 1:00pm? Or go the night before? Thanks
In recent years I have used the Kayak app to search for flights from Santiago back to the UK. If you tick the "add nearby airports" option when searching it will include flights from A Coruña and Vigo in the results. I've flown from A Coruña several times.We were Hospitalero and tried to get transport to Madrid four days ahead, NOTHING on the weekend we went to A Coruna.
We e got good prices into and out of Dublin with Ryanair.I would never book a Ryanair flight from Santiago to Madrid but would opt for bus or train and spend a night in Madrid to be sure.
We e got good prices into and out of Dublin with Ryanair.
In looking at multi city flights for a trip next year, it seems that with very few exceptions departing out of Santiago adds significantly to the price. Can anyone suggest an airline that flies to Western Canada that also would include Santiago? I know there are cheap flight to Madrid, but it seems those would need to be booked separately which has its own risks. Would you book a Ryanair flight that gets into Madrid at 8am for a Madrid departure at 1:00pm? Or go the night before? Th
And the Renfe ticket included the trip from the Madrid airport to Charmartin - but you have to take the Renfe train to Charmartin, not the Metro.Today, took the train from Madrid Charmartin to Santiago. The trip was about 3.5 hours on the high speed (I think that is the Avant). It required a train change in Ourense, but the Santiago Train was waiting in the station in Ourense even though it did not leave for 15 minutes after we boarded. It was about 100 meters walk to the Santiago train.
Can I ask why you wouldn't fly from Santiago to Madrid? Is the domestic airline unreliable?I would never book a Ryanair flight from Santiago to Madrid but would opt for bus or train and spend a night in Madrid to be sure.
I tend to agree with @SabineP. Nothing to do with airline reliability but it’s probably quicker end to end by surface transportation. Folks generally get to the airport hour or so before but only 15 mins for trains. Stations are more central, etc! More ‘back up options’ by rail too. I guess it depends on whether you are connecting straight away or spending some time in Madrid!Can I ask why you wouldn't fly from Santiago to Madrid? Is the domestic airline unreliable?
I am wondering as I need to plan my return trip for next June.......
Ive flown Santiago to Madrid several times without problem. Its always great as the airport is usually full of pilgrims.Can I ask why you wouldn't fly from Santiago to Madrid? Is the domestic airline unreliable?
I am wondering as I need to plan my return trip for next June.......
Agree. Like I said earlier, every time I flew from Santiago in the morning I was able to connect about noon in Madrid without a problem. Magnitudes quicker than taking trains, transfers, etc.Ive flown Santiago to Madrid several times without problem. Its always great as the airport is usually full of pilgrims.
I believe the comment was specifically about Ryanair --- I live in North america and am unfamiliar with Spain's domestic airlines -- are there others that fly between Santiago & Madrid? If so, which do you use?Ive flown Santiago to Madrid several times without problem. Its always great as the airport is usually full of pilgrims.
Iberia Express also operate the route. For me it is a trade off between rail and plane in terms of ease and if price comes into play then bus enters the consideration set. We will all have our preferences!I believe the comment was specifically about Ryanair --- I live in North america and am unfamiliar with Spain's domestic airlines -- are there others that fly between Santiago & Madrid? If so, which do you use?
It was Iberia.I believe the comment was specifically about Ryanair --- I live in North america and am unfamiliar with Spain's domestic airlines -- are there others that fly between Santiago & Madrid? If so, which do you use?
Price & ease to get to the station / airport are definitely factors but reliability is uppermost in my mind. I would hate to travel to the Santiago airport out in Lavacola to catch a flight to Madrid only to find out it had been cancelled. Then I'd probably have to go back to Santiago & try catch a train to Madrid in order to catch my booked overseas flight.Iberia Express also operate the route. For me it is a trade off between rail and plane in terms of ease and if price comes into play then bus enters the consideration set. We will all have our preferences!
A woman I met last week had her Saturday afternoon/evening flight to madrid cancelled only a few days before the trip. She had to work on Sunday but was able to get a flight to get home about two hours before she had to work.Bottom Line: Do you (or anyone) know if flight cancellations between Santiago and Madrid happen often.
Why do you think a low cost airline is more likely to cancel than a non low cost airline?A woman I met last week had her Saturday afternoon/evening flight to madrid cancelled only a few days before the trip. She had to work on Sunday but was able to get a flight to get home about two hours before she had to work.
I do not know what airline it was but I’m assuming it was one of the low cost lines. I would stick with Iberia if it’s a big concern, because I think they are much less likely to do a last minute cancellation.
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Why do you think a low cost airline is more likely to cancel than a non low cost airline?
No more just the assumption that low cost airlines cancel more than non low cost, for which I don’t see any evidence of. Not really factoring in recent events post Covid as it is so difficult for airlines at the moment!That’s definitely been my experience with flights in Spain, just comparing Iberia/Iberia Express to the low costs, but the “N” is very small. If you’re suggesting that‘s not the case, of course you’re right if what you’re thinking of is the huge debacle of cancellation chaos that the major airlines have had in the US recently.
if i'm reading this correctly, you're asking about going FROM Santiago BACK TO Madrid at the completion of your Camino. If so, I'm in the camp of "take the train, it's inexpensive, efficient, and fairly pleasant even if you have to change trains because they make it super easy."In looking at multi city flights for a trip next year, it seems that with very few exceptions departing out of Santiago adds significantly to the price. Can anyone suggest an airline that flies to Western Canada that also would include Santiago? I know there are cheap flight to Madrid, but it seems those would need to be booked separately which has its own risks. Would you book a Ryanair flight that gets into Madrid at 8am for a Madrid departure at 1:00pm? Or go the night before? Thanks
I'd would take the chance but using Iberia Airlines instead of Ryanair. Iberia Airlines is part of Oneworld Alliance. We took Iberia Airlines last month from Santiago to Madrid - it was very affordable and on-time.In looking at multi city flights for a trip next year, it seems that with very few exceptions departing out of Santiago adds significantly to the price. Can anyone suggest an airline that flies to Western Canada that also would include Santiago? I know there are cheap flight to Madrid, but it seems those would need to be booked separately which has its own risks. Would you book a Ryanair flight that gets into Madrid at 8am for a Madrid departure at 1:00pm? Or go the night before? Thanks
Why would you use Iberia and not Ryanair?I'd would take the chance but using Iberia Airlines instead of Ryanair. Iberia Airlines is part of Oneworld Alliance. We took Iberia Airlines last month from Santiago to Madrid - it was very affordable and on-time.
It's cheap (about 50€ ), multiple flights a day to Madrid and generous carry-on baggage allowance.Why would you use Iberia and not Ryanair?
You could spend the day in Santiago if you wanted then the night train to Madrid , otherwise I would get the train say mid afternoon as I would never trust a flight connection first thing .I would never book a Ryanair flight from Santiago to Madrid but would opt for bus or train and spend a night in Madrid to be sure.
My travel agent has always advised avoiding low fare companies (especially if they are a fairly new start-up or even new to a region/route) as it has been her experience also that they either cancel flights / route or end up going out of business altogether. That has happened to a few smaller companies in our region.That’s definitely been my experience with flights in Spain, just comparing Iberia/Iberia Express to the low costs, but the “N” is very small. If you’re suggesting that‘s not the case, of course you’re right if what you’re thinking of is the huge debacle of cancellation chaos that the major airlines have had in the US recently.
There is a world of difference between start up regional companies and established airlines that people like to bracket as ‘low cost’ many having strong balance sheets, and hundreds of aircraft either owned or leased. Many of them then have very competitive cost bases and aren’t likely to go anywhere anytime soon!My travel agent has always advised avoiding low fare companies (especially if they are a fairly new start-up or even new to a region/route) as it has been her experience also that they either cancel flights / route or end up going out of business altogether. That has happened to a few smaller companies in our region.
and are no more likely to pull off routes than other carriers!
I have no idea if they are publicly available tbh. Sorry!I would love to see some statistics, do you have any ideas about where we could find them to compare, say, how many flights Iberia has cancelled this year vs. some of the low cost carriers in Spain? By cancelled, I don’t mean removing a flight from the regular schedule, like the much mourned loss of the 6 am Iberia flight from Santiago to Madrid. I mean getting an email a few days before your flight saying, so sorry.
Really? It appears keeping international data is a lucrative business, and companies doing that expect to be paid for the privilege of using their data. There are some national statistical collections I found that don't cover Europe. Those for US airlines is here, and for Australia here.I would love to see some statistics
Thank you @dougfitz. Well you did ask @peregrina2000 !! I am sure we can rely on you for a two page summary by 0900 EST tomorrow morning?!
Hi Doug, what has been your experience flying in and out of Paris CDG for the CF? Many thanks.My practice has been to fly into and out of a major hub airport and then as separate bookings deal with getting to the start point and from the end point. This might be a little more complicated, but I always find it less expensive. Adding a leg from Santiago (or Trondheim when I walked the St Olavs Ways) to a booking with a full service, long haul carrier is a recipe for paying through the nose. I suspect that this will be the same for long-haul flights from Canada as it is from Australia.
This gives me the option to use other travel options like a train, as well as the many low-cost carriers. It also exposes flight options from other carrier networks which typically won't be shown as preferences when booking the long-haul legs because they aren't in the same network as the long-haul carrier.
Not sure what you are asking here. I flew with a friend on the way over, and we took a bus to Gare Montparnasse, the train after that and arrived in SJPP in the early evening. The Pilgrim Office stayed open to process all of us who came in on the train. My friend and I walked to Roncesvalles the next day on Route Valcarlos and then on to Santiago.Hi Doug, what has been your experience flying in and out of Paris CDG for the CF? Many thanks.
There are insanely cheap flights around Europe but not with the same airline and not necessarily where or when you want. I think you will have to fly to Europe then get busy on the internet to find the best deal to get to where you want, when you want. The only really useful tip I can give you is hop on the train from Santiago to A Coruna; it’s 30 minutes and they have an international airport. It’s also a pretty cool city if you know where to look.In looking at multi city flights for a trip next year, it seems that with very few exceptions departing out of Santiago adds significantly to the price. Can anyone suggest an airline that flies to Western Canada that also would include Santiago? I know there are cheap flight to Madrid, but it seems those would need to be booked separately which has its own risks. Would you book a Ryanair flight that gets into Madrid at 8am for a Madrid departure at 1:00pm? Or go the night before? Thanks
Sept, 2022 I flew Ryanair from Santiago and arrived Madrid 8:00am for a 10:00am connection to JFK in NYC. I made the flight but it was tight. Madrid is a complicated airport depending on your terminal. You'll have time to make a 1pm connection.In looking at multi city flights for a trip next year, it seems that with very few exceptions departing out of Santiago adds significantly to the price. Can anyone suggest an airline that flies to Western Canada that also would include Santiago? I know there are cheap flight to Madrid, but it seems those would need to be booked separately which has its own risks. Would you book a Ryanair flight that gets into Madrid at 8am for a Madrid departure at 1:00pm? Or go the night before? Thanks
But I understand that the airlines will check them in for free.BTW, hiking sticks cannot be carried on the plane in Santiago.
To clarify, they are not allowed as carry on in the cabin. They will be accepted as checked baggage. This is a civil aviation authority rule, and a good explanation of the nuances can be found here.BTW, hiking sticks cannot be carried on the plane in Santiago.
Thanks for taking the time to answer Doug, it was a bit of an open question! For me, researching and organising the logistics to get to/from the expedition is all part of the adventure and I prefer to do it myself, gleaning information from the internet, and wise counsel from forums etc. I'll probably fly into Paris, train to STJPDP, then fly Vueling back to Paris from Santiago. I've allowed extra $$ in the budget to change my international flights should I be early or delayed for any reason. Cheers, Ian.Not sure what you are asking here. I flew with a friend on the way over, and we took a bus to Gare Montparnasse, the train after that and arrived in SJPP in the early evening. The Pilgrim Office stayed open to process all of us who came in on the train. My friend and I walked to Roncesvalles the next day on Route Valcarlos and then on to Santiago.
At the end of my Camino, I visited my son in London, and then took the train to Paris and stayed a few days before flying back to Australia. My flight to London was on Ryanair. My wife booked this when it was clear when I would arrive in SDC. I booked the other transport once I was in London.
Paris was chosen because it was the cheapest option at the time. The return trip was booked through a travel agent. I have flown into other cities for different reasons on various pilgrimage walks, and organised to get from wherever I arrive to where I will start walking. I don't find this particularly complex or demanding. Unless there are some particularly complex connexions, neither my wife nor I would use a travel agent these days.
That said, it is clear from the questions that are raised here that many members seem to be concerned about organising their own travel. It is clearly an option to use an agent, and it might add to individual's comfort with the process doing that, even if I wouldn't do that myself any more. If anything, in my most recent experience using a travel agent they became more an encumbrance than anything else. Unfortunately, the flights were part of a rewards package with my credit card provider, and I wasn't able to avoid using their agency.
Thank you, THIS was the information that I was looking for!I would never book a Ryanair flight from Santiago to Madrid but would opt for bus or train and spend a night in Madrid to be sure.
I did Ryanair to Heathrow London and then direct back to CalgaryIn looking at multi city flights for a trip next year, it seems that with very few exceptions departing out of Santiago adds significantly to the price. Can anyone suggest an airline that flies to Western Canada that also would include Santiago? I know there are cheap flight to Madrid, but it seems those would need to be booked separately which has its own risks. Would you book a Ryanair flight that gets into Madrid at 8am for a Madrid departure at 1:00pm? Or go the night before? Thanks
Ryanair flew to LHR? Are you sure?I did Ryanair to Heathrow London and then direct back to Calgary
In looking at multi city flights for a trip next year, it seems that with very few exceptions departing out of Santiago adds significantly to the price. Can anyone suggest an airline that flies to Western Canada that also would include Santiago? I know there are cheap flight to Madrid, but it seems those would need to be booked separately which has its own risks. Would you book a Ryanair flight that gets into Madrid at 8am for a Madrid departure at 1:00pm? Or go the night before? Thanks
1. Carbon.Can I ask why you wouldn't fly from Santiago to Madrid? Is the domestic airline unreliable?
No sorry it was GatwickRyanair flew to LHR? Are you sure?
I'm sure that this works out in the majority of cases, but for me the risk of losing my expensive transatlantic flight is too much.I just did essentially this. I had the early 6:10 am RyanAir flight out of SdC and AC 825 Madrid to YYZ....
First of 5 caminos in which I’ve flown out. I always prefer the train, but this time I simply could not avoid either being a day late or two days early if I kept to the train. Tickets were sold out for the train I needed way back in August… So… flying was it. I used to live in Europe and became accustomed for business to using all the little commuter flights and found them very reliable. More so than AC actually.I'm sure that this works out in the majority of cases, but for me the risk of losing my expensive transatlantic flight is too much.
Since the tickets are not a true connection you would need to purchase a new one way ticket home at last minute prices if you missed your flight.
Thanks for taking the time to answer Doug, it was a bit of an open question! For me, researching and organising the logistics to get to/from the expedition is all part of the adventure and I prefer to do it myself, gleaning information from the internet, and wise counsel from forums etc. I'll probably fly into Paris, train to STJPDP, then fly Vueling back to Paris from Santiago. I've allowed extra $$ in the budget to change my international flights should I be early or delayed for any reason. Cheers, Ian.
This each and every time! It cannot be said strongly enough.I'm sure that this works out in the majority of cases, but for me the risk of losing my expensive transatlantic flight is too much.
Since the tickets are not a true connection you would need to purchase a new one way ticket home at last minute prices if you missed your flight.
No one is saying they are not reliable! >95% of flights operate and >85% operate on time, Folks are just outlining the level of risk! Its different flying NA to Europe of course as folks are just risking the much cheaper short haul sector!First of 5 caminos in which I’ve flown out. I always prefer the train, but this time I simply could not avoid either being a day late or two days early if I kept to the train. Tickets were sold out for the train I needed way back in August… So… flying was it. I used to live in Europe and because accustomed for business to using all the little commuter flights and found them very reliable. More so than AC actually.
As this discussion is dragging on a bitCan I ask why you wouldn't fly from Santiago to Madrid? Is the domestic airline unreliable?
I am wondering as I need to plan my return trip for next June.
Just do do the multi-trip option. We flew from Calgary to Paris return, then booked a flight one-way from Santiago back to Paris before our return flight home. That way you can spend some time in Paris if you like. As a note, we flew from Paris via Easy Jet to Biarritz then got a transport to St Jean to start the Camino.In looking at multi city flights for a trip next year, it seems that with very few exceptions departing out of Santiago adds significantly to the price. Can anyone suggest an airline that flies to Western Canada that also would include Santiago? I know there are cheap flight to Madrid, but it seems those would need to be booked separately which has its own risks. Would you book a Ryanair flight that gets into Madrid at 8am for a Madrid departure at 1:00pm? Or go the night before? Thanks
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