Spanish Airlines

Airlines that operate within Spain are divided into three separate categories. Iberia, the Spanish national airline and Air Europa are considered Spanish Legacy airlines. Similar in size and scope to Delta in the United States and Lufthansa in Europe, these are major carriers with international footprints. Iberia flies to North America, South America, Africa and points within the Middle East. Iberia participates in the One-World rewards programs with American Airlines and British Airways.

Air Europa, once a charter service is now a scheduled carrier, and today the largest independent airline in Spain. This carrier offers more in the way of creature comforts than Iberia, superior customer service, and airline food that is surprisingly edible. Frequent flights to the Balearic and Canary Islands, less expensive mid-week, are one of Air Europa’s staples. Air miles are offered through the Skyteam alliance, which partners with Delta, KLM, Air France and Korean Air.

A number of low cost airlines in Spain compete in offering point-to-point service within Spain and sometimes to other parts of Europe. These companies make up the second airline category. Ryanair, developed in Ireland, operates similar to Southwest in the United States. Buy your airline ticket and everything else, from food to checked baggage is extra. Spanair is a Spanish owned airline operates throughout Europe and also offers low cost seats popular with both leisure and business travelers. Snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic) are included in the ticket price. Based in Barcelona, Spanair claims the least expensive tickets, and the most extensive schedule, to the Canary and Balearic Islands.

Spanish regional carriers make up the third airline category. Air Nostrum, sister company to Iberia Airlines, is the largest and the one with the best in-flight service. Air Nostrum does have a monopoly on some routes and on these tickets can be a bit pricey. Booking you air itinerary ahead of time and combining your international ticket with the regional ticket on Air Nostrom can save you money. Just as its larger cousin Iberia Airlines, this regional carrier also participates in the One-World frequent flyer program. Other regional carriers, with a much smaller footprint, are Islas Airways and Binter Canarias.