Also consider flying into Lisbon, Portugal and taking the overnight train into Madrid. Lisbon is quite a nice place and the overnight train is comfortable and not too expensive (~$100.00?). It always seems that the flight to Lisbon is a little cheaper than the flight to Madrid (or Barcelona).

Actually, the overnight train from Lisbon to Madrid is only 55 dollars......

We have been planning a trip to Spain & Portugal for June 2001. Last year in April there was a lot of airfare sales and RT from San Francisco was under $400 to Lisbon and under $450 to Madrid.

This year there has been a price war since November for trips to places in Europe for travel dates through March.

Has anyone tracked this before? Is it possible that there will be another price war starting in April again?

The prices are low because of the off season. Yes, the SFO to Madrid flight by March is 450, but that does not include the 70$ in taxes. By summer, with many American college students going to Europe, the airlines can charge much more. If your set on going for the summer, not worry about the price, just get your ticket early. Last year, it was outrageous just to get a flight into Europe. Let alone, trying to find some great deal. Good luck. I will be in Spain in a couple of weeks. SFO to Madrid 520$ w/taxes Delta airlines. I believe the offer ended Jan 23. Take care....

I found from a ticket consolidator in San Francisco (Air Ticket Masters) a flight from San Francisco into Barcelona openjaws and then out of Oporto to San Franicsco for $699.00.

Is this good?

Or does anyone think I can find a better deal if I wait?

If it is for the summertime(June-Sept) then yes, it is a good deal.

Thru the end of May you can get an airfare on Spanish Heritage Tours for an unbelivable fare of 299.00 roundtrip. It is a charter. This airfare is good out of New York or Chicago to Madrid or Malaga or possibly Barcelona out of New York. Good Luck..

[This message has been edited by MadridMan (edited 02-13-2001).]

Sabena is offering free companion fare from several locations in the US to destinations worldwide if you use a Mastercard to pay.
http://www.sabena.com/booking/specialoffers/usa/us_c.shtml

also try http://www.hotwire.com
They quoted a r/t Buffalo- Madrid at 780 for late may-mid june...

After doing a lot of research - probably too much, I got the best deal from a consolidator in San Francisco - Scandia Travel 415-552-5300.

We are flying in June on Lufthansa from San Francisco to Barcelona (via Munich) and returning from Lisbon (via Munich) for $757 taxes included. Child's ticket was $582.