Changing flights on separate tickets
With separate tickets, you are responsible for baggage arrangements and the next airline’s check-in deadline. You may need to collect bags, enter Spain, change terminals, check in again and pass security. Travelling with hand baggage alone does not guarantee that you can stay airside or make the connection.
Confirm bags and boarding passes
Ask each airline whether bags are checked through and where the next boarding pass is issued. Have the bag-drop, check-in and boarding deadlines for your onward flight.
Allow for the full route
Include arrival delays, border control, baggage reclaim, terminal travel, bag drop and security. This guide does not calculate a safe connection time or promise missed-flight protection; check your booking terms.
Visa & entry
Changing between T1 and T2 takes you out of international transit and into Spain. Collecting bags or reaching a hotel in the public area may also require permission to enter. Before travelling, ask your airline which route you will need and make sure your documents allow it.
Check entry and transitOfficial sources & review
Requirements may change; confirm your travel-date rules with the authority.
- BCN connection guidance Official · external ↗ · 2026-10-22
- Spain entry guidance Official · external ↗ · 2026-10-22