Suggestions for booking a flight back home...

Kanga said:

@"JJ" in my experience most people can walk from SJPDP to SDC in 6 weeks, including a few spare days in case of injury and to enjoy Burgos, Leon and SDC. I take a punt and book a return flight 6 or 7 weeks after my inward journey, depending on whether I want some time in Madrid or other places.

It really depends on how long you can or want to be away from home. Spain has lots to offer if you do finish early.

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falcon269 said:

Travel agent? What is that???

The internet has almost put them out of business! If you have the time, you can find all the information you need on the internet; tell the agent, if you use one, what you want after some research.

I have found that one-way flights from and to the U.S. are quite expensive, sometimes each one costing more than a round trip. Even if you are spending 70E per day to stay in Spain, you could stay an extra 10 days for about $766 at the current exchange rate. I suggest booking a round trip ticket before you leave, allowing enough time to walk where you want. Some airlines allow you to change your reservation for about $250, but read the fine print. Airlines are a duplicit0us bunch of bandits, and an actual change may be a lot more than the stated fee!

Look for a ticket with multiple destinations and you can fly into one airport and out of another for about the same price as a round trip ticket to Madrid. One popular option is to fly into Pamplona and return from Santiago. American Airlines has code sharing with Iberia Airlines, and serves those airports.

Buen camino.

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falcon269 said:

Travel agent? What is that???

The internet has almost put them out of business! If you have the time, you can find all the information you need on the internet; tell the agent, if you use one, what you want after some research.

I have found that one-way flights from and to the U.S. are quite expensive, sometimes each one costing more than a round trip. Even if you are spending 70E per day to stay in Spain, you could stay an extra 10 days for about $766 at the current exchange rate. I suggest booking a round trip ticket before you leave, allowing enough time to walk where you want. Some airlines allow you to change your reservation for about $250, but read the fine print. Airlines are a duplicit0us bunch of bandits, and an actual change may be a lot more than the stated fee!

Look for a ticket with multiple destinations and you can fly into one airport and out of another for about the same price as a round trip ticket to Madrid. One popular option is to fly into Pamplona and return from Santiago. American Airlines has code sharing with Iberia Airlines, and serves those airports.

Buen camino.

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Ahhhs said:

Once you are in St. Jean it is easy to get your bearings. The route is pretty clear and the pilgrim's office will have maps, credencials, and even shells. They can answer any questions you might have on arrival.

There are also plenty of stores and ATMs if you need anything before you start.

Buen Camino.

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Kanga said:

And when you get off the train at St Jean, just follow all the other people wearing backpacks. They are your fellow pilgrims, and they are all making for the pilgrim's office. Or be the leader and head off up the hill, and they will follow, because they are feeling just as lost as you!

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