Top 10 Airlines to Fly to Madrid in 2025 (From the US)

439

Planning a trip to Madrid? With its stunning architecture, buzzing tapas bars, and rich history, Madrid is a city that’s as lively as it is beautiful. Having flown to Madrid three times, I know a few tips and tricks for finding the best flights to make your journey smooth and budget-friendly.

For this guide, I’ve analyzed flights from 45 major airports across the US and Canada to bring you the top 10 airlines for flying to Madrid in 2025. These airlines stand out for their fares, comfort, and convenience, helping you reach Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) easily. So if you’re ready to explore Spain’s vibrant capital, here’s who to fly with to make the most of your trip!

Quick tip to find cheap flights to Madrid

Looking for cheap flights to Madrid right now? Before diving into all the airlines that fly to Madrid, I first want to share a quick tip on how to save money on airfare.

For the past three years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to get amazing flight deals. All you have to do is enter your home airport and where you want to go, and from there, they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals. And the coolest part? It’s 100% FREE! In 2024, I’ve saved thousands of dollars from their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $417 roundtrip fare from Boston to Madrid.

There’s a free and a premium version – the free one has pretty much everything you’ll need. Though if you’re like me and travel a lot every year, it’s worth upgrading to the paid version for $49 per year. In my experience, you’ll get your money back after finding just one discounted flight! As such, I recommend signing up for the free trial (you can cancel at any time) to try it for yourself. And if you like it, be sure to use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!

Now without further ado, here are the best Madrid flights in 2025.

1. 🇪🇸 Iberia

• 🏠 Hub: Madrid Barajas (MAD)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, Business Plus (select routes)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Iberia Plus – oneworld alliance member
• ☕ Perks: Spanish cuisine, Barajas T4 lounge access, late-night arrivals for easier adjustment
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Use Avios to upgrade to Premium Economy. It often costs just 5,000-10,000 points more than economy, making it one of the best-value upgrades on transatlantic routes.

Iberia gives you a taste of Spain the moment you step aboard. Spain’s flag carrier flies daily from New York, Miami, Chicago, Boston and Los Angeles directly to Madrid on their sleek Airbus A350s and A330s, which are arguably some of the quietest, most comfortable aircraft crossing the Atlantic today.

Onboard, the vibe is unmistakably Spanish. Crew members greet you warm “Hola,” the wine flows generously, and the movie selection blends Almodóvar with Hollywood hits. Overnight departures help you sync with Madrid time, arriving early enough to check in, drop your bags, and find your first plate of tapas.

If you can swing the upgrade, Iberia’s Premium Economy hits that sweet spot between splurge and sensible. For about $300-400 more than regular economy, you’ll get significantly wider seats, extra legroom, better food with real dishware, and noise-canceling headphones that actually work. On the 7+ hour flight from the East Coast (and grueling 11+ hours from LA), that extra space makes all the difference between arriving refreshed or wrecked.

The real magic happens on the ground at Madrid’s stunning Terminal 4, pretty much an architectural marvel with soaring ceilings and natural light flooding through bamboo-slat roofing. Iberia’s Velázquez Lounge feels more like a boutique hotel than an airport stopover, with freshly sliced jamón, regional wines, and natural light everywhere. Book early and you might also beat U.S. carriers on price, especially when you factor in Avios redemptions on off-peak dates.

• Read next: Coolest Spots in Spain
• You may also like: Best Airlines to Fly to New York

2. 🇪🇸 Vueling

• 🏠 Hub: Barcelona El Prat (BCN), Paris Orly (ORY)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Basic, Optima, Family, TimeFlex, Space One
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Vueling Club – earn Avios points, redeemable with Iberia, British Airways
• ☕ Perks: Budget-friendly intra-European connections, young fleet, surprisingly decent legroom
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Upgrade to the Optima fare for just $25 to $35 more than Basic. It includes a checked bag, seat selection, priority boarding, and low-cost date changes.

Vueling isn’t your typical no-frills budget carrier. This Barcelona-based airline has evolved into IAG’s secret weapon for affordable European travel, making it ideal for US travelers heading to Madrid via connections. While they don’t fly directly from the US, smart travelers pair a transatlantic flight to London, Paris, or Barcelona with Vueling’s frequent and remarkably affordable service to Madrid.

What separates Vueling from other budget airlines is comfort that doesn’t feel budget at all. Their all-Airbus A320/A321 fleet is young and spotless, with sleek leather seats offering 29-30 inch pitch, which is not generous but perfectly fine for the typical 1-2 hour hop to Madrid. Plus, Vueling’s signature purple mood lighting and upbeat Spanish cabin crew create a fun, vacation-ready atmosphere as soon as you board.

The genius move is booking the “Space One” seats in the first row. For about $20-30 extra, you get a blocked middle seat, priority boarding, and a generous 37-inch pitch which is basically business class on the cheap. Pairs of travelers can secure an entire row to themselves this way. For food, the back-of-seat menu has surprisingly decent options, featuring local Spanish treats like Iberico ham sandwiches and mini bottles of cava for celebratory toasts.

Check-in and boarding are smooth thanks to Vueling’s app and fast bag-drop kiosks. Their tight partnership with Iberia helps protect your connections, and you can even earn Avios for future flights with Iberia or British Airways. It’s budget travel, done smart.

• Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to Barcelona
• You may also like: Cheapest Airlines in Europe
• For more reading: Best Budget Airlines
• Keep reading: Best Airlines to Fly to London
• Also worth reading: Best Airlines to Fly to Paris
• Readers also enjoyed: Best Airlines to Fly to Rome

3. 🇦🇪 Emirates

• 🏠 Hub: Dubai International Airport (DXB)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Emirates Skywards – partners with JetBlue, United
• ☕ Perks: Free chauffeur service (premium cabins), exceptional entertainment, generous baggage allowance
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Pair a US-Dubai segment with their Dubai-Madrid fifth freedom flight for major savings. You’ll get a free Dubai stopover and experience the A380 for less.

Flying to Madrid with Emirates adds a layer of luxury most airlines can’t match. While it’s not a direct route, the stop in Dubai opens up a chance to explore another city and enjoy some of the best in-flight service in the world. Emirates connects cities like New York, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco to Madrid through their sleek A380s and Boeing 777s.

The Economy experience puts most airlines to shame. Picture 4,500+ entertainment options on crisp HD screens, multi-course meals that actually taste good, complimentary wine (yes, even in economy), and cabin crews representing over 130 nationalities. Perhaps most valuable for fashionable Madrid visitors is Emirates’ two free checked bags at 50 pounds each, even in economy. That’s double what most airlines offer.

The Premium Economy cabin is where things really get interesting. For about $800 to $1,200 more than Economy (each way), you’ll get wider seats, deeper recline, a leg rest, and upgraded meals served with real glassware. It’s a smart pick for the Dubai-Madrid leg, especially after a long haul from the US.

Dubai International makes connections feel effortless. If your layover is over 10 hours, Emirates offers free hotel accommodation through its Dubai Connect program. And with frequent sales, it’s sometimes possible to book round-trip Business Class for under $3,000, making this luxury experience surprisingly accessible.

• Read next: Picture-Perfect Places in Dubai

---

Looking to save BIG on airfare? I recommend signing up for Dollar Flight Club. Thanks to DFC, I’ve saved $5,000+ on travel this year…so I couldn’t recommend it more!

---

4. 🇮🇪 Ryanair

• 🏠 Hub: Dublin (DUB), London Stansted (STN), Madrid (MAD)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Standard, Plus, Flexi Plus
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: None – just rock-bottom fares
• ☕ Perks: Ultra-low fares, extensive European network, newer 737 MAX fleet
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Add Priority Boarding for around $15 to $20 to keep your carry-on with you. Without it, your bag may be gate-checked if bins fill up.

Ryanair is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to reach Madrid from just about anywhere in Europe. While it doesn’t fly from the U.S., many travelers pair a transatlantic flight to Dublin, London, or Paris with one of Ryanair’s frequent, low-cost connections to Madrid.

The Ryanair experience is basic but efficient. Seats don’t recline, legroom is tight, and sometimes they’ll try to sell you lottery tickets. But if you know what to expect, it works. However, Ryanair’s newer Boeing 737s have more storage space and brighter cabins, and flights rarely run late thanks to lightning-fast turnarounds.

Here, you will also get exactly what you pay for. The base fares are often astonishingly cheap (sometimes as low as $19-29 one-way to Madrid from other European cities), then you choose which extras matter to you. Need to check a bag? That’s $25-35 when booked online. Want a specific seat? Add $4-15 depending on location. Traveling with just a small backpack? Just pay the base fare and nothing more.

What Ryanair lacks in frills, it makes up for in punctuality and reliability. The airline’s on-time performance consistently ranks among Europe’s best, and their vast route network means multiple daily options to Madrid from virtually any major European city. 

• Read Next: 13 Cheap Places to Fly From Dublin

5. 🇨🇦 Air Canada

• 🏠 Hub: Toronto Pearson (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), Vancouver (YVR)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business (Signature Class)
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Aeroplan – Star Alliance member
• ☕ Perks: US pre-clearance at Canadian hubs, Maple Leaf Lounges, excellent premium cabins
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Choose the Latitude fare in Economy. For just $40 to $60 more, it earns full miles and includes seat selection, free changes, and upgrade eligibility.

Air Canada offers a clever “northern route” to Madrid that savvy travelers love. By connecting through Toronto or Montreal, you’ll experience shorter transatlantic flight times, excellent premium cabins, and a major hidden advantage: US Customs pre-clearance on your return. 

The airline’s daily flights to Madrid run year-round on Boeing 787s and Airbus A330s, offering thoughtful touches even in Economy. Expect USB charging, adjustable headrests, decent seatback screens, and full meals with complimentary wine. The newer planes also feature better air pressure and humidity, which really helps cut down on jet lag.

Premium Economy is worth considering if you want more comfort without the Business Class price tag. With 38 inches of pitch, wider seats, better meals, and smaller cabins, it feels like a solid upgrade. Prices usually run about $600 to $800 more than Economy (each way). 

For the full experience, Signature Class brings lie-flat seats, direct aisle access, Canadian-made bedding, and wine-paired meals. Maple Leaf Lounges in Toronto and Montreal offer craft cocktails, chef-made food, and showers. It’s a polished, comfortable way to get to Spain without flying through the usual U.S. gateways.

• Read next: Cheap Flights from Toronto
• You may also like: Prettiest Spots in Vancouver
• For more reading: Cheapest Places to Fly from Montreal

6. 🇨🇴 Avianca

• 🏠 Hub: Bogotá El Dorado (BOG), San Salvador (SAL)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Plus, Business
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: LifeMiles – Star Alliance member
• ☕ Perks: Spanish-speaking crew, Latin American connections, excellent coffee
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Look for the fifth freedom flight from New York (JFK) to Madrid. It’s often $200 to $300 cheaper than other airlines with similar service and flight times.

Avianca brings a Latin flair to Madrid travel that’s often overlooked by U.S. travelers. While best known as Colombia’s national airline, Avianca quietly operates a direct New York to Madrid route that skips the South American layover. It’s one of the best-kept secrets on this corridor, often undercutting major U.S. and European carriers by 10-20% along with the bonus of Spanish-speaking crews who understand your excitement about visiting Spain.

The airline’s newer Airbus A330s feature comfortable seats with 32-inch pitch (slightly more generous than competitors), personal entertainment screens with a mix of Hollywood and Latin American content, and USB charging ports at every seat. The real standout? Obviously their coffee service includes premium Colombian beans that outshines other airlines’ bitter brews.

If you’re connecting from other parts of the U.S., routing through Bogotá can save you even more. The airport is modern, easy to navigate, and offers fast-track service for Madrid flights. With roundtrip fares often $300 to $500 lower than direct U.S. options, that extra stop can be worth it.

LifeMiles, Avianca’s frequent flyer program, is a strong value. You can transfer points from major credit cards, and award redemptions often cost fewer miles than other Star Alliance programs. Just don’t be surprised if your flight runs on a slightly looser schedule as Avianca brings Latin American charm, not Swiss precision.

• Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to Colombia
• You may also like: Prettiest Places in Latin America
• For more reading: Bogotá Travel Guide
• Keep reading: Breathtaking Places in El Salvador

7. 🇺🇸 Delta Air Lines

• 🏠 Hub: New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Main Cabin, Comfort+, Premium Select, Delta One
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: SkyMiles – partners with Air France/KLM, Virgin Atlantic
• ☕ Perks: Reliability, extensive domestic connections, quality lounges
• 🧠 Pro Tip: To experience Delta One suites with full-height privacy doors, choose the JFK-Madrid flight on the A330-900neo. These are often $500 to $1,000 cheaper than similar business class products on European carriers.

Delta offers a dependable and well-rounded way to reach Madrid, with nonstop flights from New York (JFK) and Atlanta, plus seasonal service from Boston. Known as the most punctual major U.S. airline, Delta focuses on getting you there on time and in comfort. 

The economy experience stands out for thoughtful touches often missing on competitors: Cocktail service with name-brand spirits, Starbucks coffee instead of generic brew, higher-quality headphones, and flight attendants who seem genuinely happy to be there. The “Comfort+” seating adds about 4 inches of precious legroom and dedicated bin space for around $150-250 more each way, which is a pretty worthy upgrade for taller travelers on the 7+ hour flight.

For those seeking serious comfort without business class prices, Delta’s “Premium Select” cabin hits the sweet spot. The dedicated cabin features wider seats with generous recline, leg rests, elevated dining with proper glassware, premium amenity kits, and priority everything. Typically priced $600-900 above basic economy each way, it delivers a genuinely premium experience for roughly half the cost of business class.

Delta also handles disruptions better than most. If weather threatens your route, their system often rebooks you before delays hit. The mobile app provides real-time tracking and even lets you see your checked bags in transit. With SkyMiles, flash sales to Madrid sometimes drop as low as 32,000 miles one way. If you carry a Delta Amex card, perks like free checked bags and lounge discounts can add even more value to your trip.

• Read next: 13 Cheap Flights from Madrid

8. 🇳🇱 KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

• 🏠 Hub: Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Comfort, Business
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Flying Blue – SkyTeam alliance member
• ☕ Perks: Delft Blue houses in Business, efficient Schiphol connections, Dutch cheese sandwiches
• 🧠 Pro Tip: The Amsterdam-Madrid leg often uses “Europe Business Class” with a blocked middle seat. Book Economy instead and request an exit row (often free at check-in) for similar space without the Business fare.

KLM feels like the friendly neighbor of European aviation—less flashy than Emirates, more reliable than some, and somehow distinctly Dutch in all the best ways. The powder-blue uniforms, miniature ceramic houses, and those irresistible cheese sandwiches create an experience unlike any other carrier flying to Madrid.

The journey begins in cities across America like New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles aboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliners with interiors bathed in subtle blue lighting. Service is relaxed but attentive, with none of the stiffness you might find on other European carriers. In Economy, you’ll still get full meals, complimentary wine, and classic Dutch touches like stroopwafels served warm with coffee.

Schiphol Airport is where KLM really shines. It’s one of the most efficient hubs in Europe, thanks to its single-terminal layout. Connections to Madrid usually take less than an hour and involve nothing more than a short walk past cafés, bookstores, and even a small Rijksmuseum exhibit tucked between gates.

Frequent flyers love the quirks, especially the collectible Delft Blue houses gifted in Business Class. Some travelers even plan routes just to complete their collections. And the Flying Blue program regularly features Madrid on its monthly Promo Rewards list, with one-way flights available for as little as 12,000 miles.

• Read next: Best Airlines to Fly to Spain

9. 🇬🇧 British Airways

• 🏠 Hub: London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Economy (Euro Traveller/World Traveller), Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus), Business (Club Europe/Club World), First
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: Executive Club – oneworld alliance member
• ☕ Perks: Excellent Heathrow lounges, afternoon tea service, generous Avios award availability
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Use the “Reward Flight Saver” to book Madrid from London for just 8,500 Avios plus $31 one way. It’s one of the best-value redemptions in Europe, especially during summer.

British Airways makes getting to Madrid feel like a two-for-one trip. Their massive London hub connects nearly every major U.S. city to Spain with ease. Whether you’re flying from Boston, Los Angeles, Seattle, or Miami, chances are there’s a smooth transfer through Heathrow or Gatwick, followed by one of six daily flights to Madrid.

In Economy (World Traveller), expect standard service: 31-inch pitch seats, free meals, and personal screens. It’s solid, but the real value is in Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus). For about $400 to $600 more each way, you’ll get a noticeably wider seat, more legroom, upgraded meals, and better amenities. It’s a comfortable option for overnight flights without the full cost of Business.

British Airways leans into British flair. Afternoon flights from London to Madrid often come with proper tea service, complete with warm scones. If you’re flying Business or First, Heathrow’s Terminal 5 lounges are a highlight. The Concorde Room offers à la carte dining, a champagne bar, and even nap suites.

The Executive Club loyalty program is especially rewarding for Madrid travel. The short-haul distance between London and Madrid means low Avios prices, and transfer bonuses from cards like Chase or Amex can stretch your miles further. If plans change in Madrid, BA’s frequent service gives you more flexibility than a direct flight ever could.

• Read next: Budget-Friendly Destinations from the UK

10. 🇺🇸 American Airlines

• 🏠 Hub: Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Miami (MIA), Philadelphia (PHL), Charlotte (CLT)
• 💺 Cabin Options: Main Cabin, Main Cabin Extra, Premium Economy, Business, Flagship First
• 🎯 Loyalty Program: AAdvantage – oneworld alliance member
• ☕ Perks: Most extensive US network, Spanish-speaking crew, Flagship lounges
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Look out for Web Special awards during off-peak months (October to March, excluding holidays). Roundtrip tickets to Madrid can drop as low as 45,000 miles in Economy, which is less than half the usual rate.

American Airlines leads the way when it comes to U.S. flights to Madrid, offering more nonstop options from more cities than any other carrier. With daily service from Dallas, Miami, Philadelphia, and New York, plus seasonal flights from Charlotte, their network allows even travelers in smaller cities to reach Spain with just one connection.

American’s recent fleet refresh has transformed the Madrid experience. Forget those cramped old 767s as today you’ll fly on either Boeing’s state-of-the-art 787 Dreamliner with enhanced humidity and lower cabin pressure (basically, you’ll feel less like a zombie upon arrival) or completely refurbished 777-200s with new interiors. Both aircraft feature significantly improved lighting, larger overhead bins, and power outlets at every seat.

For a comfortable upgrade that won’t empty your wallet, Premium Economy is a smart choice. This cabin features wider seats, more recline, leg rests, upgraded meals, and priority services. It typically adds $300 to $500 each way over Economy but offers a near-business class feel, especially on overnight flights.

Frequent Madrid visitors find exceptional value in the AAdvantage program. Watch for quarterly “Economy Web Specials” offering significant discounts on standard award rates, sometimes as low as one-way flights to Madrid for 20,000-22,500 miles. American’s extensive partnerships with Spanish hotels and car rental agencies create opportunities to earn bonus miles throughout your stay. 

• Read next: Enchanting Places in Dallas
• You may also like: Best Airlines to Fly to Miami