Cheap Flights to Madeira

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Cheap flights to Madeira

Situated off the north coast of Africa, Madeira is a subtropical archipelago of Portuguese islands. Heady mountains, black sand beaches and dramatic sheer cliffs promise some striking scenery, while greenery and wildlife are abundant too. A functioning island with its own unique culture, Madeira is not your average resort.

When to book cheap flights to Madeira

Madeira’s subtropical climate means the islands are lucky enough to enjoy fine weather almost all year round. However, the warmest periods are from April to September.

While near constant sunshine means it can be hard to find very cheap flights to Madeira, you may have better luck during winter season. Although the weather is generally still pleasant, the unshielded Atlantic coast of the islands experience more rain at this time of year.

How to find the best deals to Madeira

While searching for cheap flights to Madeira, the best way to find good deals is to keep your search parameters as wide as possible. You can do this a number of ways.

The first is to remain flexible on dates. Always book your flights far in advance if you can, and be sure to select the ‘Show Flexible Dates’ option on the search results page. This will let you compare like for like flights on different days.

Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport

Named after everyone’s favourite Portuguese football star (who was born and raised on the island) flights to Madeira land at Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport. This is located in the capital, Funchal.

Once infamous for its notoriously short runway and challenging topography, an extension in 2000 lead to the airport winning an award for innovative engineering. You can now rest assured that flying to Madeira is as safe as any other major airport – although the view is certainly superior.

  • TAP Portugal
  • Lufthansa
  • Swiss International Air Lines
  • British Airways
  • Jet2
  • easyJet
  • Flybe

How to get around Madeira

Despite its small size, the island’s mountainous terrain results in necessarily winding roads. This means road travel can be somewhat time-consuming.

The cheapest form of transport is the bus, although this is also one of the slowest. You may prefer to take a taxi when travelling around the island. Both buses and taxis are available from the waterfront in Funchal.

What are the must-sees in Madeira?

If you’re looking for a little liveliness, Madeira’s capital Funchal is definitely the central hub. Funchal has a vibrant and sophisticated restaurant and bar scene, and you’ll find just as many locals here as tourists, even during the summer months.

While you’re here, we also recommend making time to visit to a traditional Portuguese Fado house. Meaning ‘fate’ in Portuguese, Fado is a key part of Portuguese culture that’s not to be missed. In intimate, low-lit venues, female singers perform beautiful songs packed with heartache. It’s truly atmospheric.

Tips for travelling in Madeira

During your stay, be sure to make the most of the delectable Portuguese cuisine. Sipping a glass of Madeira wine with a seafood lunch is something you’ll often come across in portside restaurants and cafes. Portuguese desserts are also some of the best in the world. If nothing else, be sure to sample a ‘Pasteis de Nata’, an illustrious Portuguese custard tart.

Frequently asked questions

What is the name of Madeira's airport?
Madeira has more than one airport, but most visitors fly into Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl. Airport (CVG).
How far is CVG Airport from central Madeira?
The trip from Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl. Airport (CVG) to downtown Madeira is reasonably long. You’ll have to travel 29 kilometers before you can drop your bags at your city hotel.
What airport is best to fly into Madeira?
Travellers going to Madeira can hit the tarmac at two major airports. Cincinnati - Northern Kentucky Intl. Airport (CVG) is 29 kilometers away from the downtown streets. LUK is 10 kilometers away.
How many airlines fly to Madeira?
There are 10 air carriers that jet into Madeira from 45 worldwide airports.
Which airlines fly to Madeira?
United Airlines and American Airlines are some of the most popular airlines with flights to Madeira. Travellers often choose Chicago as a departure point with United Airlines flying this route the most.
How many nonstop flights are there to Madeira?
With approximately 755 nonstop flights running every week, you’ll be arriving in Madeira before you can say, “Are we there yet?”
Where are the most popular flights to Madeira departing from?
A large number of flights to Madeira depart from Chicago, Atlanta and Denver airports.
How long is the flight to Madeira Airport?
Which city you depart from determines how long you’ll be strapped into your seat. From Chicago to Madeira, the average flight time is 1 hour and 14 minutes. From Washington it’s more like 1 hour and 41 minutes, and from Queens Village it’s 2 hours and 20 minutes.
How to book the cheapest flight to Madeira?
If you want to have some extra spending money on your Madeira holiday, listen up! As any seasoned jet-setter will tell you, avoid booking at the last minute. Airfares are usually more expensive close to the departure date. Don’t stop there, however. Do some research and find out if there are multiple airports at your destination. Ticket prices often differ depending on the airport you use. Remember to compare prices across airlines too. Last but not least, another easy way to save some money is be ready to book at a moment’s notice. If you stumble on a terrific deal, don’t hold off — grab it while the opportunity’s there.
How to survive the flight to Madeira?
Wherever you’re jetting in from, flying can be a seamless experience if you’re well organised. We’ve compiled a list of handy hints that will get your Madeira escape started on the right note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

  • A plane ride can be a stress-free experience if you take the right gear. Firstly, you’ll need basic toiletry items, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a fresh change of clothes and a good novel. Secondly, find room in your bag for your electronic devices, chargers, your medications and perhaps a blow-up neck pillow too. Last, but definitely not least, be sure to bring your passport, travel docs and some cash.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

  • Pack all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and hairspray in your checked baggage. Any liquids or gels in your carry-on bag larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Sharp or pointed objects, like your pocket knife, and dangerous goods which are flammable or explosive, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and gasoline, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

  • The narrow aisles of your airplane are no fashion runway. Don comfortable layers and remember to bring a cardigan as it tends to get cool in the cabin. Flat, enclosed shoes are also a sensible choice.
  • A condition by the name of DVT (deep vein thrombosis) can pose a risk on long-haul flights. It results from blood clots forming due to poor circulation. Doing regular leg and foot exercises in your seat is a great way to prevent this from occurring. Wearing a good pair of compression socks or tights also helps reduce your risk.

How to get through airport security fast when flying to Madeira?
The answer is — be prepared. We’ve put together some useful tips for a hassle-free trip through airport security. Look out Madeira, here you come:

  • First things first. Your travel documents and passport will need to be presented to airport security personnel. Keep them at hand so you don’t hold up the queue.
  • After that, both you and your carry-on luggage must be X-rayed. To make the process quick and painless, remove anything that is likely to trigger the alarm. Personal belongings such as your belt, coat and earphones will be required to go through the machine.
  • Your electronic devices like phones and laptops will also need to go on a tray to be scanned. No need to worry though, you’ll be back online in no time.
  • Remove all liquids and gels from your carry-on luggage. They usually need to be sent through the X-ray machine separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one litre), clear zip-lock bag.
  • Lightweight sneakers are a sensible footwear choice as you’re less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Boots and other heavy-style shoes are usually subjected to additional screening.
  • Sharp items like knives can’t be taken on board. They’ll be confiscated at security, so pack them safely away in your checked bags.

Flights to Madeira information
Destination airport
Madeira
Destination airport IATA code
CVG
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