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I'm having a lot of pain getting to a meeting in Tenerife (TFS/TFN) from Jakarta (CGK). I have Star Alliance membership, but there is no Star Alliance route there. The options are:

  1. Turkish Airline TK57, TK1857 from CGK to MAD, connecting with NON-partner Iberia Express I23944 to TFN. This is a 5 hour layover and if Google is not mistaken a change from Terminal 1 to Terminal 4 at Madrid Airport. I have never been to Madrid so please give me some advise. Is it difficult to switch Terminals? Do I have to go through immigration? How long would the whole process take assuming I have luggage.

  2. I could take Qatar Airways QR0957, QR0147, and they connect with partner airline Iberia Express IB3910 to TFS. I can't seem to find info on terminals for QR0147 so could someone tell me if I have to change terminals for this route as well? If yes, then also how long would the whole process take.

  3. Between these two options which one would you suggest? For convenience I think it's obvious #2 is more convenient since one ticket connects all the way CGK to TFS so no hassle about luggage. But the distance is quite good that it would be nice to earn mileage on my Star Alliance. What do you think?

Relaxed
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rabbid
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2 Answers2

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Madrid airport is split in two main areas. Terminals 1 to 3 on one side, and terminal 4 (with its satellite building) on the other. International fights arrive at either T1 or T4S.

As IamJulianAcosta points out, there is a free bus service linking T123 with T4; while a tram joins T4S with the main building from which your flight to Tenerife would depart. Turkish Airlines will use T1, while Qatar airlines will use T4S.

If you go with your first option, you will have to carry your luggage yourself from baggage claim in T1 to check in on T4. You won't be able to use trolleys on the bus, so make sure you can handle all of it yourself. Depending on the time of the year temperatures range from below zero to over 30, so check the weather beforehand and dress accordingly.

I would honestly avoid option 1; you'll have a complex layover in a foreign land, carry your luggage yourself and, right after all that excitement, five hours of pure boredom. There's not much to do in T4 except for dozing, as it is a lone building in the middle of nowhere.

Diego Sánchez
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Is not difficult to change terminals, I flew from Bogota to Ibiza two years ago and had to wait for nearly 2 hours in Madrid. If mileage is important to you, go for option one. I spent nearly 10 minutes in immigration and like 20~30 minutes switching terminals.

There is a regular free shuttle between terminals. Madrid airport is big, so be prepared to walk a lot.

IAmJulianAcosta
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