Flight status board

Flights

Air travel recommendations for the 21st century.

MISTI Tips

woman booking flight on computer at desk

Booking Flights

You are responsible for booking your own flights. Booking as far in advance as possible will ensure the most reasonable flight prices and availability. See FAQs below for more information.

open passport showing numerous visa stamps

Passports

Make sure your passport is valid minimum 6 months beyond your return date.  Airlines can deny boarding if your passport does not meet this requirement.

Airplane landing at sunset

Low Cost European Carriers

For internal European travel, there are several low-cost airlines.

To name a few: Eurowings, Vueling, Ryanair, easyJet, Transavia, and WOW air.  Keep in mind there are restrictions on baggage for low-cost fares.

Flights F.A.Q.

Once you have your internship work dates confirmed, it’s time to organize your flights.  Booking as far in advance as possible will ensure the most reasonable flight prices and availability.

Remember! European flights typically leave in the afternoon or night from the US and arrive the following day.  Keep this in mind when planning your trip and dealing with jet lag as there is a 6 hour time difference between Spain and Cambridge. You may want to arrive a few days in advance to get to know the city and get over jet lag. 

For the summer internship program, you are responsible for booking your own flights. We recommend checking Google Flights and Student Universe and booking as soon as possible for the best fares. Look for round-trip tickets in the main cabin (economy) and include one checked bag.

You will receive an initial deposit of $1000 to book your flights. If your flights cost more than this, we will reimburse the difference (up to $1,750) after you submit the itinerary and invoice to Dropbox. Please use the following naming convention when uploading documents:

  • FIRST_LAST_Flight Itinerary
  • FIRST_LAST_Flight invoice

If for some reason, you are unable to book your flights on your own, you may book it using our preferred travel agency. However, you must get pre-approval from MIT-Spain by contacting Alicia Goldstein Raun (aliciag [at] mit.edu).

  • You can leave from your hometown 
  • You can arrive earlier or leave later to travel (responsible for your own accommodations)
  • You CAN fly early to a different European city or LEAVE from a different city (as long as the cost is comparable to flying in and out of Spain; you are responsible for your travel to and from Spain)
  • You CAN fly early to Spain
  • You must buy a roundtrip ticket, not 2 one ways. 
  • The duration must be under 90 days (unless you have a visa for longer)
  • Make sure that baggage is included as part of your ticket
  • MIT-Spain will not reimburse for additional baggage charges
  • MIT-Spain will not reimburse for additional travel insurance
  • MIT-Spain is not responsible for any date or routing change fees after the ticket is purchased.

The Madrid and Barcelona airports are both connected to safe, clean and reliable metro systems. You could also choose to take a taxi.

Madrid Metro: Take Línea 8 (pink line) direct to the city center or to your place of residence. 

Official taxis in Madrid are White and Red. There is a flat rate of 30 euros to the city center.

Barcelona Metro: Metro line L9 Sud departs from both terminals to the city center.

You can also choose to take the aerobús shuttle.   

Official taxis in Barcelona are yellow and black.

Yes! There are so many fantastic places to explore in and around Spain. Don’t forget to explore the city you live in as well. Transportation via bus or train around Spain is inexpensive and easy. There are also several low-cost carriers for inter-European flights.

You are permitted to have personal travel either before and/or after your official work dates. You are not permitted to take vacation days during your internship period. If you would like to request a day off, you must discuss this with MIT-Spain prior to approaching your host.