How to Fly in Spain

Using flight as your mode of transportation instead of the train while in Spain will actually save you lots of time and even money--but only if you stick to the budget airlines. If you have any Spanish skills, practicing them at the airport or on your flight might help make your trip that much smoother.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Know your dates of arrival to and departure from Spain, and figure out what cities/regions you would like to visit during your time there. Since flying saves you lots of time (and money) over taking a train through the country, you will be able to do and see a lot more. If you are flexible with times, can choose midweek departures and have only carry-on baggage, you will find cheaper tickets.

Step 2

Research online for European budget airlines, also known as low cost carriers, that will fly you to Spain from your entry point in Europe and also within Spain. Try search engines like SkyScanner or FareCompare (see Resources below) or go directly to the airlines' websites. EasyJet and Ryan Air are low cost carriers that fly from the U.K. into Spain, while Air Europa and Air Nostrum fly widely throughout Spain, with some international routes as well. If you are coming in from the east of Spain, try Air Berlin, Smartwings or Wizzair. Also, check the websites of Spain's Air Iberia or Spanair, along with other major European airlines such as British Airways, Air France or Tap Portugal, for last minute deals and seasonal promotions that may be cheaper and more convenient. If you find that your ideal itinerary is too complicated for you to book yourself, contact a travel agency. STA Travel focuses on students and youth, but is open to travelers of any age and offers unique flexibility on date changes.

Step 3

Submit your payment details to book the flight once you have verified that the flight information is correct. Print out the confirmation page and/or confirmation email to show to the ticket agent when you check in for your flight.

Tips & Warnings

Cheapest times to fly to Spain will be during the low season, which is usually from late September or early October till late March, excluding the winter holiday weeks.

Read the terms of the ticket carefully before you submit your payment details. You will often be asked to add extras for a fee, such as priority check in, special meals, checked in baggage, flight insurance, etc. If you do not want any of this, make sure to uncheck the proper boxes on the form. Make sure the flight selected is the correct one and then proceed with the payment. Make sure your credit card company is aware of your upcoming trip or your credit card may be blocked as you attempt to pay for this international purchase. You will get charged extra fees if: you book over the phone with a ticket agent, or if you order a paper ticket (instead of an e-ticket) to be delivered to your home.

Make sure your credit card company is aware of your upcoming trip or your credit card may be blocked as you attempt to pay for this international purchase.

You will get charged extra fees if: you book over the phone with a ticket agent, or if you order a paper ticket (instead of an e-ticket) to be delivered to your home.

Resources

Article Written By Suchi Rudra

Suchi Rudra has a degree in journalism and has been working as a writer for more than five years. She has been published in EuropeUpClose.com, "Transitions Abroad" and "Green Business Quarterly," among other publications.

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