{
  "response": {
    "Key": "MAD-SFO",
    "orig": {
      "code": "MAD",
      "type": "airport",
      "city": "Madrid",
      "fullCity": "Madrid, Spain",
      "airport": "Adolfo Suárez Barajas Airport"
    },
    "dest": {
      "code": "SFO",
      "type": "airport",
      "city": "San Francisco",
      "fullCity": "San Francisco, California",
      "airport": "San Francisco Intl Airport"
    },
    "faq": {
      "q0": {
        "question": "What is the typical flight duration from Madrid to San Francisco?",
        "answer": "Madrid to San Francisco is about 5,800 miles. The typical nonstop flight takes 12 hours and 35 minutes, while the return leg is shorter at 11 hours and 25 minutes due to prevailing winds.",
        "methodology": "Flight times and distances come from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). The typical flight time is the median scheduled block time across all carriers on the route, computed the same way in both directions so the difference reflects prevailing winds rather than any change in method. Distance is the great-circle distance between the two airports, so the actual flown track is typically 2-5% longer.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "flight_schedule"
        ]
      },
      "q1": {
        "question": "Are there any direct flights from Madrid to San Francisco?",
        "answer": "Iberia flies non‑stop from Madrid to San Francisco three days a week — Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays — with departures around 12:35–12:45 PM and a flight time of about 12 hours 35 minutes. It's the only airline operating the route non‑stop.",
        "methodology": "Airlines and weekly frequencies are compiled from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a median fare is shown for a carrier, it reflects the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours. Carrier service, flight times and distances for this route come from our flight-schedule database, which draws on published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data, and observed operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We report the days of the week and the departure times each carrier operates. The typical flight time is the median scheduled block time, given both per carrier and across all carriers on the route; where a schedule does not publish an elapsed time, it is derived from the scheduled departure and arrival times converted to UTC. Outbound and return times are computed by the same method, so the difference between them is directly comparable and reflects prevailing winds rather than any change in derivation. Distance is the great-circle distance between the two specific airports named, so an actual flown track is typically 2-5% longer. Where shown, on-time departure and arrival rates and cancellation rates come from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) Airline On-Time Performance dataset, which covers U.S. domestic routes only; where a typical fare is shown, it comes from the U.S. DOT Airline Origin and Destination Survey (DB1B), a quarterly 10% sample of tickets sold.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "route_airlines",
          "flight_schedule"
        ]
      },
      "q2": {
        "question": "Are there visa requirements to travel from Madrid to San Francisco?",
        "answer": "For Spanish nationals, a visa is not required for a short tourist visit to the United States, including travel from Madrid to San Francisco. However, an ESTA electronic travel authorisation must be obtained before travel. The permitted length of stay is 90 days.\n\nThis is general guidance to help you plan, not official immigration advice — entry rules can change and can depend on your nationality and circumstances, so please confirm the current requirements with the relevant embassy or official government source before you travel.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_the_United_States",
            "title": "Visa policy of the United States",
            "favicon": "https://en.wikipedia.org/static/favicon/wikipedia.ico"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/entry-requirements",
            "title": "United States entry requirements — GOV.UK",
            "favicon": "https://www.gov.uk/favicon.ico"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-visitors-for-business/wb-temporary-business-visitor-under-visa-waiver-program",
            "title": "WB Temporary Business Visitor under Visa Waiver Program | USCIS"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-visitors-for-business",
            "title": "Temporary Visitors for Business | USCIS"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/visa-waiver-program/requirements-immigrant-and-nonimmigrant-visas",
            "title": "Requirements for Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Visas | U.S. Customs and Border Protection"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/applying-admission-united-states",
            "title": "Admission into United States | U.S. Customs and Border Protection"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/",
            "title": "Official ESTA Application Website - Home"
          }
        ],
        "preopenedReferences": true,
        "stageOnly": true
      },
      "q3": {
        "question": "What are the ground transportation options in San Francisco?",
        "answer": "San Francisco International (SFO) offers several ground transportation options: BART rapid rail is the fastest and most-used way to reach downtown, with direct service from the International Terminal; Caltrain commuter rail and SamTrans buses (Routes 292, ECR Owl, 397) provide additional transit coverage. Ride-share apps (Lyft, Uber, Wingz) pick up at Level 5 of the Domestic Garage, taxis wait at the center islands outside Arrivals, and Waymo autonomous rides are available for select passengers. Rental cars are consolidated at the Rental Car Center via the AirTrain Blue Line, and many hotels run complimentary shuttles. BART is generally the quickest option for city-center travel, while taxis and ride-shares offer door-to-door convenience at a higher cost.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://flysfo.com/passengers/ground-transportation/public-transit",
            "title": "Public Transit | San Francisco International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://flysfo.com/themes/custom/blueskies/favicon.ico",
            "time_published": "2026-08-17T20:51:53Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://flysfo.com/passengers/ground-transportation",
            "title": "Ground Transportation | San Francisco International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://flysfo.com/themes/custom/blueskies/favicon.ico",
            "time_published": "2026-08-17T22:27:43Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.flysfo.com/passengers/ground-transportation/public-transit/ride-bart",
            "title": "BART | San Francisco International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://www.flysfo.com/themes/custom/blueskies/favicon.ico",
            "time_published": "2025-06-26T22:28:56Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.flysfo.com/",
            "title": "San Francisco International Airport | SFO Official Site",
            "favicon": "https://www.flysfo.com/themes/custom/blueskies/favicon.ico"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://flysfo.com/passengers/ground-transportation/getting-around-sfo",
            "title": "Getting Around SFO | San Francisco International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://flysfo.com/themes/custom/blueskies/favicon.ico",
            "time_published": "2026-08-11T21:48:22Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q6": {
        "question": "Are overnight (red‑eye) flights available from Madrid to San Francisco?",
        "answer": "No overnight (red-eye) flights operate from Madrid to San Francisco — neither nonstop red-eyes nor connecting itineraries whose long leg is a red-eye are scheduled on this route.",
        "methodology": "Red-eye flights are identified from scheduled local departure and arrival times in our flight-schedule database — built from published airline timetables and official schedule data, including U.S. Department of Transportation records for domestic routes — flagging services that depart late at night and arrive the following morning; for connecting itineraries the red-eye is based on the timing of the overnight long-haul leg.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "redeye_flights"
        ]
      },
      "q7": {
        "question": "Which airlines usually operate this route from Madrid to San Francisco?",
        "answer": "Iberia operates nonstop flights from Madrid to San Francisco, with 6 weekly departures on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The typical median fare for this nonstop service is around $1,111.",
        "methodology": "Airlines and weekly frequencies come from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). We count each operating carrier's scheduled weekly departures and the days it flies; where there is no nonstop service, connecting carriers are identified by linking scheduled nonstop segments through common hub airports. Where a typical fare is shown for a carrier, it is the median of the real fares Priceline users found on this route in the last 72 hours.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "route_airlines"
        ]
      },
      "q8": {
        "question": "If I need a connection, what are common layover cities between Madrid and San Francisco?",
        "answer": "Common layovers include New York, London, Paris and Amsterdam, which keep total travel time competitive. New York offers broad US connections, while London, Paris and Amsterdam provide efficient transfers and visa‑free transit for many passengers."
      },
      "q10": {
        "question": "Which months have the best weather for traveling to San Francisco?",
        "answer": "September and October deliver San Francisco's warmest, sunniest weather with fewer tourists than summer."
      },
      "q11": {
        "question": "What documents should I bring with me to the airport when flying from Madrid to San Francisco?",
        "answer": "Bring a passport valid for at least six months beyond your stay, a valid visa or ESTA authorization, and proof of onward or return travel. A payment method for baggage and any required vaccination certificates, such as COVID-19, may also be needed."
      },
      "q12": {
        "question": "Which airport should I use in San Francisco?",
        "answer": "San Francisco International is the main airport, located 13 miles south of downtown. It serves most international and domestic carriers. Oakland is across the bay, a base for Southwest and low-cost airlines with good Bay Area access. San Jose is farther south, useful for Silicon Valley travellers."
      },
      "q13": {
        "question": "How do I get to Adolfo Suárez Barajas Airport from the city center?",
        "answer": "From Madrid city center, the fastest and most popular option is the Line 203 Express bus from Atocha Renfe, which reaches the airport in about 35–40 minutes; regular EMT buses (101, 200) and regional lines also serve all terminals at lower cost. The Cercanías C-1 train runs from central stations to Terminal 4 in roughly 25 minutes, making it the quickest public transit choice. Taxis and ride-share services offer door-to-door convenience at a higher fare, while driving is possible with on-site parking available at all terminals, though it is the most expensive and least practical for tourists.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://www.aena.es/en/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas/getting-there/trains.html",
            "title": "How to get here by train | Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport | Aena",
            "favicon": "https://www.aena.es/publica/assets/images/favico.svg"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.aena.es/en/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas/getting-there/bus.html",
            "title": "How to get here by bus | Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport | Aena",
            "favicon": "https://www.aena.es/publica/assets/images/favico.svg"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.aena.es/en/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas/airport-services/transport-between-terminals.html",
            "title": "Transport between terminals | Madrid-Barajas Airport | Aena",
            "favicon": "https://www.aena.es/publica/assets/images/favico.svg"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.aena.es/en/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas/getting-there/taxi.html",
            "title": "How to get here by taxi | Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport | Aena",
            "time_published": "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.aena.es/es/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas/como-llegar/autobus.html",
            "title": "Cómo llegar en autobús | Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas | Aena",
            "favicon": "https://www.aena.es/publica/assets/images/favico.svg"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q14": {
        "question": "Are there hotels or sleeping facilities at San Francisco airport?",
        "answer": "San Francisco International Airport has a hotel directly connected to the terminal: the Grand Hyatt at SFO, reachable via the AirTrain in about five minutes with no shuttle required. In addition, FreshenUp in the International Terminal offers private nap rooms and showers, with nap rooms starting at $150 for three hours and overnight options from $275. Several other hotels are located within about a mile of the airport, many with free shuttle service.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://flysfo.com/passengers/services/nap-rooms",
            "title": "Nap Rooms & Shower Facilities | San Francisco International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://flysfo.com/themes/custom/blueskies/favicon.ico",
            "time_published": "2026-06-24T19:24:47Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://sleepinginairports.net/guides/san-francisco-airport-guide.htm",
            "title": "San Francisco Airport Guide (SFO) - Sleeping in Airports",
            "favicon": "https://www.sleepinginairports.net/nitropack_static/oBWrHkPujHTPIaVWqdDSDhClXUyrYhhb/assets/images/optimized/rev-b853180/www.sleepinginairports.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/cropped-sia-logo-180x180.png",
            "time_published": "2018-10-02T00:00:42Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://sleepinginairports.net/reviews/san-francisco-airport-reviews.htm",
            "title": "San Francisco   Airport Reviews (SFO) – Sleeping in Airports",
            "favicon": "https://www.sleepinginairports.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/cropped-sia-logo-180x180.png",
            "time_published": "2025-02-10T18:15:46Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q15": {
        "question": "Are there currency exchange offices, prayer rooms and Wi‑Fi at San Francisco Intl Airport?",
        "answer": "San Francisco International Airport offers currency exchange services, and prayer facilities are available through its Reflection Room, which serves as a quiet space for meditation and prayer. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the terminals. Currency exchange locations are spread across the terminals for passenger convenience, while the Reflection Room is located within the secure area.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://flysfo.com/passengers/services-amenities",
            "title": "Services & Amenities | San Francisco International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://flysfo.com/themes/custom/blueskies/favicon.ico",
            "time_published": "2026-03-03T22:32:54Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://flysfo.com/sites/default/files/2024-06/240614_SFO_Tabloid_Face A_T1-no-foodcourt_WEB_0621.pdf",
            "title": "240614_SFO_Tabloid_Face A_T1_Template_MASTER Update.indd",
            "time_published": "2024-06-17T18:03:02Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://flysfo.com/passengers",
            "title": "Passengers | San Francisco International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://flysfo.com/themes/custom/blueskies/favicon.ico",
            "time_published": "2026-04-14T23:46:29Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.flysfo.com/",
            "title": "San Francisco International Airport | SFO Official Site",
            "favicon": "https://www.flysfo.com/themes/custom/blueskies/favicon.ico"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SFO",
            "title": "San Francisco International Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-04-27T05:13:36Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q16": {
        "question": "Are there accessible services or children's facilities at the Madrid and San Francisco airports?",
        "answer": "At Madrid-Barajas, travelers with reduced mobility can arrange a personalized Meet & Assist welcome and escort service for departures, arrivals, or transit, with purchase required at least 72 hours in advance through the airport's VIP services. At San Francisco International, wheelchair and guided assistance is provided by the airlines upon request, and the airport offers a Sensory Room in Terminal 1 for neurodivergent travelers, companion care restrooms, accessible parking, and TSA Cares screening support. Travelers should arrange mobility assistance through their airline at least 48 hours before the flight.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://www.aena.es/en/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas/vip-services/meetassist.html",
            "title": "Meet & Assist | Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport | Aena",
            "favicon": "https://www.aena.es/publica/assets/images/favico.svg"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://serviciosvip.aena.es/vip/en/aeropuertos/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas/servicios-asistencia-pasajaros/meet-and-assist",
            "title": "Assistance services at Madrid Barajas Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-02-02T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "http://www.aena.es/es/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas/conocenos/contacta.html",
            "title": "Contacta | Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas | Aena",
            "favicon": "http://www.aena.es/publica/assets/images/favico.svg"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.aena.es/en/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas/airport-services/categories-and-terminals/security.html",
            "title": "Security | Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport | Aena",
            "time_published": "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.flysfo.com/de/node/10035",
            "title": "Accessibility | San Francisco International Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-04-30T20:33:21Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://flysfo.com/passengers/services-amenities/accessibility",
            "title": "Accessibility | San Francisco International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://flysfo.com/themes/custom/blueskies/favicon.ico",
            "time_published": "2026-08-12T20:12:42Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://flysfo.com/passengers/services-amenities/accessibility/at-sfo",
            "title": "At SFO | San Francisco International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://flysfo.com/themes/custom/blueskies/favicon.ico",
            "time_published": "2026-05-21T22:27:23Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.flysfo.com/de/node/14867",
            "title": "At SFO | San Francisco International Airport",
            "time_published": "2026-04-15T15:54:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.flysfo.com/passengers/services-amenities/medical-services",
            "title": "Medical Services | San Francisco International Airport",
            "favicon": "https://www.flysfo.com/themes/custom/blueskies/favicon.ico",
            "time_published": "2026-05-26T21:54:18Z"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q17": {
        "question": "What aircraft are typically used on flights from Madrid to San Francisco?",
        "answer": "Iberia flies nonstop from Madrid to San Francisco using the Airbus A330-200. No other carriers operate nonstop on this route.",
        "methodology": "Aircraft types come from our flight-schedule database, which combines published airline timetables, U.S. government schedule data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), and observed flight operations from the EUROCONTROL/OpenSky Open Performance Data Initiative (OPDI). For U.S. routes the type is grounded in the tail number that actually operated the flight; elsewhere it comes from the airline's filed equipment code. Where the source does not commit to a specific variant we name the aircraft family (for example Airbus A320 family) rather than guess, and where no reliable type is on file the aircraft is omitted rather than estimated. Types describe typical scheduled equipment and can vary with seasonal or day-of-week assignments and last-minute swaps.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "flight_schedule"
        ]
      },
      "q20": {
        "question": "What are the best airport lounge options when departing from Madrid?",
        "answer": "When departing from Madrid, several lounges are available across the terminals. The Cibeles lounge in Terminal 1, Puerta de Alcala in Terminal 2, and Neptuno Lounge in Terminal 4 Satellite are all open around the clock, while Plaza Mayor in Terminal 4 operates from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM and Puerta Del Sol in Terminal 3 from 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Aerotel Madrid in Terminal 4 offers lounge access from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The Puerta de Alcala lounge features food, refreshments, internet, television, wifi, air conditioning, and showers, and guests can access it up to three hours before departure.",
        "toolsUsed": [
          "article_lookup"
        ],
        "references": [
          {
            "url": "https://prioritypass.com/en-GB/lounges/spain/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas",
            "title": "Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport MAD Lounges - MAD Airport Guide and lounges. | Priority Pass",
            "favicon": "https://prioritypass.com/icon.png?icon.1k7202wk2zqql.png?dpl=1f82db4e-b1f8-481b-b911-c24ef915cc46"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.aena.es/en/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas/vip-services/vip-lounges/salas-vip-t2.html",
            "title": "T2 VIP lounge | Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport | Aena",
            "favicon": "https://www.aena.es/publica/assets/images/favico.svg"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.prioritypass.com/es-LA/lounges/spain/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas",
            "title": "Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport MAD Lounges - MAD Airport Guide and lounges. | Priority Pass",
            "favicon": "https://www.prioritypass.com/icon.png?a4ff481221414a5c"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://www.prioritypass.com/airport-guides/madrid-barajas/t-2",
            "title": "Madrid Adolfo Suarez-Barajas MAD T2 - Lounges and info. | Priority Pass",
            "time_published": "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z"
          },
          {
            "url": "https://serviciosvip.aena.es/vip/en/aeropuertos/adolfo-suarez-madrid-barajas/salas-vip/puerta-del-sol",
            "title": "Puerta del Sol VIP Lounge in Adolfo Suarez Madrid Barajas Airport - Aena VIP Services",
            "favicon": "https://serviciosvip.aena.es/vip"
          }
        ]
      },
      "q21": {
        "question": "What is the baggage allowance on this route from Madrid to San Francisco?",
        "answer": "On Madrid to San Francisco flights, Basic Economy often excludes checked bags. Standard economy typically includes one checked bag and a carry-on, while premium cabins allow two checked bags and larger carry-ons."
      },
      "q22": {
        "question": "What cabin and seat options are typical from Madrid to San Francisco?",
        "answer": "Flights from Madrid to San Francisco commonly feature Economy, Premium Economy, and flat-bed Business class; First class is limited."
      },
      "q23": {
        "question": "Are same‑day changes or standby possible on this route?",
        "answer": "Policies depend on the airline and fare class; flexible and premium cabin tickets often allow same‑day changes or standby, while the cheapest fares typically do not."
      }
    }
  }
}