Why is it better to take a domestic flight instead of a train when traveling from Madrid to Mallorca?

When your itinerary includes an island like Mallorca, a domestic flight is a much more efficient mode of transportation than a train. While trains might be better for overland travel like Madrid to Barcelona, taking a flight is necessary when heading to an island to keep your schedule well-organized.

What was the biggest reason for choosing Air Europa over Spanish domestic airlines like Vueling or Iberia?

Vueling and Iberia are often mentioned for issues with delays, as well as delayed or lost baggage, which risks ruining the itinerary. On the other hand, Air Europa is highly rated for its stability and low likelihood of schedule changes, making it more suitable for travelers whose schedules are critical, such as those on a honeymoon.

There is an opinion that Air Europa is the most expensive domestic airline in Spain. How was the price when you actually booked?

It is not always the most expensive, and if you choose the right dates, it is often cheaper than Vueling or Iberia. In particular, when comparing the final price including the baggage option, there is little difference in cost, or Air Europa might actually be more reasonable.

What were the advantages in terms of schedule and in-flight service when you actually flew Air Europa on the Madrid-Mallorca route?

There were various options for departure times, including morning flights, so we didn't waste a whole day traveling. In addition, it lacked the typical chaos of low-cost carriers, and both the on-time departure and punctual baggage arrival made it a very convenient mode of transportation during the trip.

Air Europa Spain Flights Review 2026: Madrid to Mallorca

Spain Independent Travel Guide

Comparing the Top 3 Spanish Domestic Airlines

When planning a trip around Spain, there are times when taking a domestic flight is infinitely more efficient than riding the train.

This is especially true if your itinerary includes beautiful islands like Mallorca—your choice of transit here can truly make or break your vacation experience!

For my journey, I flew:

✔️ Madrid to Mallorca

✔️ Mallorca to Barcelona

I booked both legs with Air Europa. Here is my honest comparison of Spain's domestic airlines and why I ultimately chose Air Europa for our trip.

When Does Flying Domestically in Spain Actually Make Sense?

Spain has an incredible high-speed rail network. For overland journeys like Madrid to Barcelona, the train is often faster and much more convenient.

However, flying is by far your best option if:

1. You are traveling to the Balearic Islands (like Mallorca or Ibiza).

2. You are crossing vast distances (e.g., Basque Country to Andalusia) where a train ride would take over 6 hours.

In these scenarios, a quick one-hour flight saves you a massive amount of precious travel time!

The Big Three: Spanish Domestic Airlines at a Glance

As a traveler, you will primarily choose between these three carriers:

✔️ Air Europa

Based out of its Madrid hub, Air Europa is widely considered the most reliable and stable choice for island routes like Madrid–Mallorca. It offers a smooth, full-service feel with minimal drama. Highly recommended for travelers who value their schedule over saving a few bucks.

✔️ Vueling

A Barcelona-based low-cost carrier (LCC). They offer frequent flights and budget-friendly base fares. However, real passenger reviews often highlight frequent delays and strict baggage-handling issues.

✔️ Iberia / Iberia Express

Spain's flagship carrier group. While highly reputable for international routes, their regional and domestic wings (especially Iberia Express) suffer from similar low-cost issues, with recurrent complaints about delays and lost luggage.

Why I Opted for Air Europa

To be completely honest, I chose Air Europa because I wanted peace of mind.

When browsing travel forums and reviews, Vueling and Iberia Express had far too many horror stories about delayed departures and mishandled bags. Since this was a special honeymoon trip, keeping our schedule intact was our absolute top priority.

While Air Europa may not be a hyper-luxury carrier, it has a solid reputation for punctuality and dependable service. Think of it as the equivalent of a major, trusted U.S. carrier like Delta—professional, organized, and unlikely to leave you stranded.

Is Air Europa Actually More Expensive?

There is a common misconception that Air Europa is always the priciest of the three. In reality, that is not always the case!

If you book in advance, you can often find fares that are comparable to or even cheaper than Vueling or Iberia. Furthermore, once you add the cost of carry-on and checked bags to a "budget" Vueling ticket, the final price difference is often negligible—or even favors Air Europa.

Instead of blindly booking the absolute cheapest base fare, I recommend comparing based on:

✔ Flight times

✔ Baggage allowance inclusions

✔ Schedule reliability

I found it easiest to compare all these factors across different dates using this quick search tool:

👉 Compare Spanish domestic flight deals here

My Actual Air Europa Flight Experience

1) Flexible Scheduling

Air Europa offers plenty of daily flights, meaning you do not have to waste half a day waiting around. We booked a morning flight, which got us to Mallorca early enough to enjoy a full afternoon on the beach!

2) Cabin & Onboard Service

The cabin felt clean and professional, completely free of the chaotic, rushed energy you often get on ultra-budget airlines. Best of all, we departed and arrived exactly on time.

3) Airport Pro-Tip

Even though it is a domestic flight, Spanish airport security lines can get surprisingly long during peak summer travel. Give yourself at least 2 hours at the airport to keep your travel stress-free.

The Verdict: Which Airline Should You Choose?

→ If schedule reliability and peace of mind are your priorities, Air Europa is the easiest choice.

→ Vueling and Iberia are worth comparing if you are on a strict budget and traveling light.

→ Paying a tiny bit extra for a reliable carrier can save your entire vacation itinerary.

When it comes to domestic flights, minimizing travel risk is always worth it.

If I were to do this exact route again, I would choose Air Europa without hesitation. Our bags arrived safely, the flight was perfectly on time, and our Spanish holiday got off to a flawless start!

👇 Must-Read Guides Before You Jet Off to Europe:

The Ultimate Europe Travel Packing List: Must-Have Gear

👇 Planning to Drive in Mallorca? Check Out My Honest Rental Review:

Mallorca WIBER Car Rental: Honest Airport Pickup & Return Guide

📍 Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
Av de la Hispanidad, s/n, 28042 Madrid, Spain