So, I found out a few weeks ago that I'm probably going to get furloughed from SkyWest starting next month. Que the "awwwww"s. I'm honestly not super heartbroken, though... while I LOVE the job, I have only had about a dozen days off since August between my other job and school (excluding winter break). Even then, half of those days off weren't known until a flight canceled or something, and that was only after I get snowed in badly. Plus, I get 3 months of NRSA benefits on SkyWest-operated flights, just in time for when I'll start to get 3-day weekends from school.

Anyway, I wanted to take one last trip, and I knew I had to make it a good one. I've wanted to go somewhere overseas as a nonrev several times before, and always regretted not being able to do it in the past. It's been a while since I've been to Spain, and I really miss it out there, so I'll be taking that really weird United-operated-by-Aer-Lingus flight from IAD to MAD. It's hard to explain that flight, but it works more like a regional carrier's route than a codeshare and UA employees can nonrev on it.

Now, I haven't been to Madrid before - at least, not outside the airport. My knowledge of Spain and speaking Spanish is very functional, but Madrid specifically is something I could know a lot more about. Anybody ever been? Looking for hotel ideas especially, preferably close to the city center or airport of course, and with a nice airline discount. Also, places to go and some good tapas restaurants would be great.

Thanks!
-Brian