Are you planning on taking a connecting flight through Madrid but unsure if you have to go through customs? The answer is, it depends on a few factors. Let’s dive deeper into the details.
International vs Domestic Flights
If your connecting flight in Madrid is from an international destination to another international destination, then you will have to go through customs. This means that you will need to collect your luggage, pass through immigration and customs, and then check-in for your next flight.
However, if your connecting flights are both within the Schengen Area or both within Spain, then you won’t have to go through customs. You will simply need to follow the signs for your connecting flight and proceed to your gate without having to collect or recheck your luggage.
Luggage Check-In
When booking your connecting flights, it’s important to check if both flights are on the same ticket or not. If they are on the same ticket, then in most cases, your luggage will be automatically transferred from one flight to the other without you having to collect them at customs.
However, if you book two separate tickets for each leg of your journey, then you will need to collect and recheck your luggage at customs. This can add additional time and potential stress during your layover.
Know Your Layover Time
It’s important to know how much time you have during your layover in Madrid. If you have a short layover time of less than 90 minutes, it may be difficult or even impossible for you to clear customs and make it in time for your next flight. In this case, it’s best to book a longer layover or try and book a direct flight instead.
If you do have sufficient time during your layover in Madrid, make sure that you stay inside the airport’s transit zone until it’s time for boarding. This will save you time and hassle of having to go through customs unnecessarily.
Final Thoughts
In summary, whether or not you have to go through customs during a connecting flight in Madrid depends on several factors. If your flights are both international, then you will need to clear customs, immigration, and collect your luggage. However, if your connecting flights are both within the Schengen Area or both within Spain, then you won’t have to go through customs.
Regardless of your flight itinerary, make sure that you know your layover time and stay inside the airport’s transit zone until it’s time for boarding. This will help ensure that you don’t miss your next flight and can enjoy a stress-free layover in Madrid.