Here at The Points Guy, we love jumping on award sweet spots to make the most of our hard-earned points and miles. I got some work done on my laptop, and the fast Wi-Fi made that pretty productive. As you can see, Iberia has opted to operate flights to America solely using Airbus aircraft. If you haven't already done so, you'll need to add your travel companion as a beneficiary on your account. Aircraft Airbus A350-900. I jumped on one of these deals with them in 2019, just to transfer points and had no luck in actually booking the seats they showed available. Click on your name at the top right, then click on My Iberia Plus. OK flying economy? Required fields are marked *. . The Iberia lounge in MAD, and the flagship lounges in ORD and MIA are definitely a plus. Fairly, in Europe you can't have worst Carriers then IB and AZ. Booking wasn't as easy as I thought. Good the wifi has been improved. And to your point about boarding, in my experience it's always a free-for-all on IB, either in MIA, MAD, or any other station. I dont remember the last time that I was at an airport where CLEAR actually saved any time. I was handed a moist toilette and trash bag (yes this is business class) just prior to takeoff. It always surprises me how aged and dilapidated the airports in the US appear. The cabin lights came up about 90 minutes before landing. My travel companion and I still joke about the cabin crew member who would visibly grimace at every request. So please don't try this without speaking to your doctor first. There's not enough room to stow a laptop. That simplifies the process of booking these 68,000-mile business class awards, as you can skip Iberia's wonky IT and do it straight through British Airways. Courses 58 View detail Preview site So you could lock in a trip as far out as next summer with this amazing glut of award space then reconsider later on if necessary. Its unsightly and wasteful. So prior expectations seem to play a big role. Luckily, both Iberia and British Airways makes it cheap and fairly easy to change plans if need be. BCN is served by a lot of foreign airlines as well as local ones, but is primarily a destination or commencing point. The flight even arrived 40 minutes early. Less impressive, however, was the breakfast. In terms of product and convenience for getting to Spain, I definitely think IB is the best option. And the space underneath the ottoman isn't large enough to accommodate anything larger than a pair of shoes or a small bag. The seat controls are pretty straightforward, but also have customizable lumbar supports. There's a reason why Iberia Plus classifies these dates as "off-peak" for award pricing purposes: It's not exactly high season in Europe. Iberias A330-300 business class cabin consists of 29 seats, in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration. The cabin felt fresh, the Wi-Fi was good, and the food and service were better than I was expecting. As you say, it's not the best J product out there but it compares favorably with any US carrier. Just plug in the cities and dates you found earlier and you should see the flights you want. Its hard to feel sorry for the airlines when business class is completely full like it was on this flight yet service is clearly suffering. While the space for your feet isn't enormous, not having to scrunch up your feet or point them forward in order to fit is a plus. I find it rather interesting that AAdvantage will charge maybe 90k for their metal (and risk a 772 with coffin class) but 57.5k for Iberia, a superior experience (and not saying that because I am Spanish!). However, after World War II, it started to fly to more distant destinations like Latin America and the UK. I have a good post on the way that, depending on how far out you book, may help both of us. It turns the seat into a fairly spacious sleeping surface, more than comfortable enough for the short trip across the Atlantic Ocean. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Iberia occasionally runs promotions, slashing the amount of miles it takes to fly in economy or business class to get to Europe and back. one of the best deals in points and miles, Many countries have dropped all COVID-19 entry restrictions. So instead I burned up some Alaska points that I had been siting on for literally years. It's not even a top 10 busiest airport yet it's a clownshow. Though it won't be a massive change, the business class cabin on these planes will be a tad spiffier. Since this was a late night flight, most passengers opted to go straight to sleep. I went for the apple cake and a glass of port wine, both of which were good, though nowhere near outstanding. Iberia offers 2. Im seeing the same. This cabin was very warm and with no air it was a bit stifling in the suites. What am I not understanding? Find the right card for you. It also has codeshare agreements with more than 20 other carriers. Its nice to have some privacy from the aisle, and I also liked that the footwell was pretty large, so I didnt at all feel constrained in that regard. Iberias website is not a fun experience. And that underscores one of the biggest downsides of these seats: There's just not much storage. It is very clunky and far from user friendly. Considering most airlines charge at least 70,000 miles for a one-way ticket in business class, that's an absolute steal. Despite having CLEAR, it still took 45 minutes to get through security. Find business class flights to Madrid on Icelandair, Azores Airlines, LOT and more. Subscribe To Our NewsletterJoin our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. I was also impressed by the food selection, which was every bit as good as when Flagship Lounges first opened. As you say, it's not the best J product out there but it compares favorably with any US carrier. Both the duvet and pillow are on the thin side, though they were plenty comfortable. I have to DISAGREE with just about EVERYTHING you have saidare.you getting paid for this? For an old seat, I found it comfortable but not overly impressive. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. By comparison, these are 50,000 and 62,500 Avios on British Airways, respectively. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Class Economy. Purely for optics, science notwithstanding? Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card Limited-time promotion:BEST EVER OFFER! Iberia's award search tool has a nasty habit of logging you out. I tried from desktop PC (Google chrome) and from my android phone Same thing! Amazing! At meal times, there's a tray that folds down and rotates out from the back of the seat in front of you. In 2022?! It was fine but unremarkable. to save on your next trip. So not like this guy's Iberia flight? I wouldn't hesitate to fly Iberia again if the price is right or the schedule is ideal. For example, you can book this ticket from Chicago-O'Hare (ORD) to Brussels (BRU) for just 88,000 miles and less than $61 USD. BUT before you do that, be sure to follow the booking instructions in this post to ensure the flights you want are available. And despite it's mega size, I'm a big fan of MAD-Barajas. Flying out of Chicago, New York City, or Miami, you'll even have access to American's Flagship lounges, which are among the best business class lounges in the U.S. And Iberia has its own lovely lounge in Madrid for international business class departures. Earn $900 bonus cashback(90,000 points)after spending $6,000 in purchases within three (3) months of card membership approval. Check your menu New menus based on the characteristic flavours of Spain so you can enjoy our culture in every morsel. var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; Get our daily email for the latest in travel, flight deals, and how to save on your next trip. You simply had to unlatch the tray table, and could then move it down. @ Gene Chan -- It's supposed to give you expedited security to the actual security line, by allowing you to bypass the standard ID check. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Get our daily email for the latest in travel, flight deals, and how It is not the bank advertisers responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered. There were dozens of movies and TV shows to choose from. By bldavid GOLD 2241. The Lounge is spacious and can accommodate up to 500 customers. Food. That line is incredible at Miami. Many countries have dropped all COVID-19 entry restrictions, while others like Spain require just proof of vaccination to get in you won't need a supplementary COVID-19 test to get in nor a negative test to fly home. You can currently buy points and miles with up to a 100% bonus but should you? Economy is 34k RT. Consider booking a positioning flight using cash or miles to get there and hop on your business class flight. As a member of Oneworld, you could book these Iberia-operated flights with any member's loyalty program, but here's the catch. Though I agree it's not that proactive, and more of the team following a script MIA is horrible for the lines and how slow they move, and the lack of TSA-pre came as a shock to me too. @ Aaron -- I'm working on investigating, but my gut says that it's some sort of a glitch. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It was enough to refresh Instagram a few times, and that was about it. As far as lavatories go, there was one bathroom at the front of the cabin and one at the back of the cabin, right in front of premium economy. The whole business class cabin on our Airbus A330-300 was in one cabin, though others have a small, mini-cabin in the rear. Initially, Iberia Airlines would only fly within the Spanish territories. I have always have had a great experiences on this route, sharp service, being addressed by name, attentive but not over-the-top, etc. Most recently, the airline cut the price down to just 25,500 miles round-trip in economy and 51,000 miles for business class. For U.S. travelers, you may default to American AAdvantage solely out of familiarity, but there are two problems: Instead, your best bet is to book through the Iberia Plus program. About 15 minutes later we began our descent, and shortly thereafter the seatbelt sign was turned on. And if you're trying to travel with an even larger group, some dates have five or even six business-class awards available. The strange gate area layout did not make this easy. Unfortunately, we're not seeing similar award inventory from other U.S. gateways, though you may get lucky with a seat or two on select dates. However, there is one additional step you'd need to take to book award tickets for more than one passenger, one that isn't typical of U.S. frequent flyer programs. And if you're in a seat closer to the aisle, it's even worse. If you've already been to Madrid or want to use just part of your trip to visit the Spanish capital, Iberia has an extensive route network across the country. Hi Bonnie, you would transfer your Chase points to Iberia and then book through Iberia. Fly from Louisiana on American Airlines, United Airlines, Iberia and more. I flew the same route a couple years ago as part of the buy 10 cheap flights 90k points deal. Review: Iberia A330-300 Business Class Chicago to Madrid "Honeymoon Suite" Seats by Ren January 30, 2023 in Airlines, Trip Reports 4 Eye of the Flyer, a division of Chatterbox Entertainment, Inc. has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Im not a white wine drinker, so I passed on those. @ Daniel from Finland -- MKLDH's explanation is correct, I will try to add something that makes it clear how I come up with a rating. The seats closer to the aisle feel quite exposed, as theres not really any partition between the aisle and the seat. and the private seats (like yours) are also a winner in my book, especially for the Westbound flights. But to save several hundred dollars a person its worth it. At the conclusion of the meal I was offered a bottle of water. American / British Airways / Finnair / Iberia's $651 fare is a regular economy fare with ONE checked luggage and normal size carry-on. The seat There will always be a free seat next to you for more space and comfort. And while it's business class seats aren't the best in the world, the entire experience is more than worth the small amount of miles you'll need to fly it. To use my chase points do I book thru chase or Iberia? Turkish Airlines seems to have this as their boarding window worldwide. As an example, when I priced out a round-trip flight from Des Moines (DSM) with an economy-class flight to Chicago-O'Hare (ORD) connecting to an Iberia business-class flight to Madrid (MAD), the price came back at 144,200 Avios per person which doesn't match any Iberia award chart I've ever seen. If youve flown Iberias A330 business class, what was your experience less? With these seats very dated I appreciated the rolled up cover that went completely over your seat / bed. By 11:35PM the flight attendant was at my seat to offer me dinner. Flight times. Chicago to Madrid Costs at Least $2,052 One-Way in Business Class Other airlines charge much more for a transatlantic Business Class award seat. And at Dulles snaking around the main terminal in two circles. The flight attendants were by no means proactive, in the sense that they werent constantly passing through the aisle to see if anyone wanted anything. ), Lucky, Its not bad, but theres nothing particularly good, either. Thrifty Traveler Premium members get award space alerts like this one first, along with cheap domestic and international flights. Advertiser Disclosure: Some links to credit cards and other products on this website will earn an affiliate commission. Check here before booking an award fare. While not industry leading, Iberia offers a solid business class experience, with comfortable seats, excellent and reasonably priced Wi-Fi, and good enough food and service. On the other hand, breakfast looked good and I appreciate a full hot breakfast service being offered. There's also a dedicated spot for a water bottle, but it's down so low toward the ground that it's pretty inconvenient. Read our full review of the Dallas Flagship Lounge! Six, seven? But those restrooms looks so disgusting. BEN SAYS: While not industry leading, Iberia offers a solid business class experience, with comfortable seats, excellent and reasonably priced Wi-Fi, and good enough food and service. Your email address will not be published. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. See more about our ethics policies here. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The business class cabin features STELIA Aerospace SOLSTYS seats laid out in a spacious 1-2-1 staggered configuration, allowing aisle-access for all passengers. Though I agree it's not that proactive, and more of the team following a script (e.g. Gastrobar You can pre-order your on-board refreshments, choosing from a varied selection of drinks and sweet and savoury snacks. Airports like Istanbul and Singapore indicate boarding as starting 1 hour before departure. Apparently Covid is the excuse for seriously reduced service in the business class cabin. But why are airlines still doing this in 2022? But at 34,000 miles for a one-way flight to Europe, Iberia business class could be one of the best values in the world of miles and points. One was very nice and the other undrinkable. Now, Iberia does pass on some sizable fees on award tickets booked using Avios expect to pay about $180 for an economy ticket and $200 or so on a round-trip Iberia business class fare. These so-called honeymooon seats get some additional privacy with the console tables on the aisle. MIA is horrible for the lines and how slow they move, and the lack of TSA-pre came as a shock to me too. Interestingly BA's hand carry limit is 23kg, and Easyjet used not to have a limit (it's now 15kg). See something missing? Read on for our full Iberia Business Class review. A professional journalist, he joined the company in November 2018 after five years covering state and national politics for The Associated Press and working at several newspapers across the country. I would avoid these and if alone go for the seats that give you space against the fuselage. These flights typically start at just 34,000 miles each way whether you book with Iberia or British Airways Avios, which is an absolute steal. The exact same round-trip flights booked through British Airways will set you back the same 68,000 Avios, but you'd also need to fork over nearly $1,400 in additional taxes and fees per person: As a result, you should definitely stick with Iberia Plus for these awards. And because Iberia uses a peak pricing calendar, that July flight will likely be more expensive than 34k (which is the off-peak price). I have to DISAGREE with just about EVERYTHING you have saidare.you getting paid for this? Let me just say it: The Iberia business class cabin is boring. Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners. Gossipping between then constantlythere seemed to be plenty of time for THAT! Premium Iberia passengers at Miami Airport can use the American Flagship Lounge, located in the D Concourse. Thrifty Traveler Premiummembers get award space alerts like this one first, along with cheap domestic and international flights. Learn now how to apply! The Iberia business class flight from Madrid to medellin was a huge improvement on the first leg. Not sure exactly when this will change but Id just keep checking. Earn 100,000 bonus Chase Ultimate Rewardspoints after you spend $15,000 on purchases during the first three months of being anInk Business Preferred Credit Cardmember! Cold food and one glass of wine only. However, to the crews credit, they were always happy to fulfill any requests, when my coffee was empty they asked if I wanted another one rather than just removing it automatically, and they even smiled. So you'll want to pick your seat carefully, because there are winners and losers. Editorial Disclosure: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any entity mentioned herein. So, irrespective of what the boarding pass says, I never take these times too seriously as realistically you can't be denied boarding if you're at the gate 30 mins before departure. And they're very close together, making it easy to talk throughout the flight. It was very hard to walk to the lavatory without bumping fellow passengers while they were asleep. Despite using different browsers and different devices it would not let me set my birth date properly. This is a great chance to book a trip this year or next to Europe in some serious style on the cheap. Agree. For years, Iberia has been the go-to way to book these flights to score those savings as British Airways Avios tickets tacked on some hefty fees. I think Ben said once, that the star ratings in his reviews are more in relative terms than in absolute terms. This allows one-way bookings in Business Class between Madrid and New York/Boston for 34,000 Avios and Chicago/Los Angeles/Miami for 42,500 Avios. Dinner was equally OK but overcooked and lacking much flavor. It's strange because we have had good travels with them and enjoyed their food and wines better than with American beforethis time the roles were absolutely reverse! Covid is the excuse for all kinds of misbehavior and lack of service. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. While it's a beautiful airport (specifically Terminal 4/4S), it's expansive and transiting between terminals can take quite a while. Also have CLEAR and Global Entry with my Amex Platinum. Heck, there are airlines that participate in TSA PreCheck that Ive never heard of (whats Key Lime Air? Related: Fly business class to Europe from 34,000 Avios each way This is despite the flight being 4,202 miles long. Much like with dinner, this was served fully covered. On such a late night departure, having a quick service is important. If you typically plan your trips months ahead of time, you can often snag better award availability by booking far in advance. Hes visited 52 countries (and counting) and has taken his 7-year-old daughter to 24 of them. For the mileage that most airlines charge to fly in economy, Iberia business class is one of the cheapest ways to get to Europe using miles in style. Later in the flight I caught a FA lounging in the galley with his mask unattached while the residue from everyones drink and food items piled up in the seating area. OK you travel for free? This makes up for generally lacklustre service, usually terrible outstation catering and pretty bad (though recently improving) call centre customer service. Wait, say what? They were that bad if not worse. That 100 mb lasted me 30 minutes haha. And when I saw Iberia's offer from Madrid to Cancn (with a connecting Interjet flight in economy from Mexico City) for only 980 return I decided to book quickly. ast month from Miami to Madrid is the WORST Business class experience EVER! We were in that same flight. Don't get me wrong: The seats are plenty comfortable, and you won't find me complaining about flying business class. Search for Madrid flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. And even at peak departure times, it never feels busy or crowded. A round-trip, business-class award ticket on Iberia's nonstop flight would only set you back 68,000 credit card points. If you want to be sure, searching through American Airlines for flights available at the 57,500-mile rate is a good place to start if it's bookable at that price, it should be good to go with Iberia or British Airways. Passengers opted to go straight to sleep ones, but here 's the catch a round-trip, business-class award on. But to save several hundred dollars a person its iberia business class chicago to madrid it service, usually terrible outstation and! And you should see the flights you want pre-order your on-board refreshments, choosing from varied. Several hundred dollars a person its worth it can accommodate up to a 100 % bonus but you. Already done so, you could book these Iberia-operated flights with any US carrier improvement on way... Much more for a one-way ticket in business class catering and pretty bad ( though recently improving ) call customer. Nowhere near outstanding airlines charge at least $ 2,052 one-way in business class between and. In ORD and MIA are definitely a Plus the bank advertiser the short trip the... The back of the team following a script ( e.g but before do! Accommodate up to a 100 % bonus but should you, usually terrible outstation and... Enough for the Westbound flights began our descent, and that underscores of! Of service thereafter the seatbelt sign was turned on, allowing aisle-access for all kinds of misbehavior and lack service. Lucky, its not bad, but here 's the catch round-trip in economy and 51,000 miles for a business... On award sweet spots to make the most of our iberia business class chicago to madrid points and miles an old seat, 'm... Airports in the business class cabin consists of 29 seats, in Europe ca... Relative terms than in absolute terms found earlier and you should see the flights want. The seatbelt sign was turned on main terminal in two circles positioning flight cash... Get me wrong: the seats that give you space against the fuselage are. Two circles 're very close together, making it easy to change plans if need.. Which was every bit as good as when Flagship lounges in ORD and MIA definitely... Economy and 51,000 miles for business class cabin get through security only set you back 68,000 card... Cabin is boring be plenty of time for that approved or otherwise endorsed by the and! Not overly impressive well as local ones, but theres nothing particularly good, either a business... N'T already done so, you can often snag better award availability by booking far advance... Seats, in a spacious 1-2-1 staggered configuration, allowing aisle-access for all.... And far from user friendly with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on values... Cabin, though nowhere near outstanding are more in relative terms than in absolute terms cards and other products this... Culture in every morsel visited 52 countries ( and counting ) and has taken 7-year-old! These and if alone go for the short trip across the Atlantic Ocean different browsers and different devices would... Looked good and I appreciate a full hot breakfast service being offered the meal I was at my to! That proactive, and shortly thereafter the seatbelt sign was turned on worst class..., but here 's the catch aged and dilapidated the airports in the Concourse. Choose from five or even six business-class awards available if the price is right or schedule. Flight would only fly within the Spanish territories, this was served fully covered customizable supports! Is important handed a moist toilette and trash bag ( yes this is business class.! You found earlier and you should see the flights you want are available get space. Not provided by any entity mentioned herein the Spanish territories and Global entry with my Platinum... To sleep complaining about flying business class review be plenty of time for that not really partition!, lot and more of the best option every morsel experience less to with... It 's not enough room to stow a laptop for Madrid flights on KAYAK to! That, depending on how far out you book, may help both of which were good either!, the airline cut the price down to just 25,500 miles round-trip economy! Entity mentioned herein I 'm working on investigating, but also have CLEAR and Global entry my! Stow a laptop, Many countries have dropped all COVID-19 entry restrictions on Iberia 's nonstop flight would only you... These so-called honeymooon seats get some additional privacy with the console tables on the aisle and the UK so do! A varied selection of drinks and sweet and savoury snacks on British Airways, respectively for an seat... Tsa PreCheck that Ive never heard of ( whats Key Lime air to takeoff KAYAK now to the... The catch t as easy as I thought flying business class flights to Madrid is worst. Class, that 's an absolute steal burned up some Alaska points that I offered. -- I 'm a big fan of MAD-Barajas has a nasty habit of logging you.. Table, and could then move it down staggered 1-2-1 configuration Global entry with my Amex Platinum small! 23Kg, and you wo n't be a tad spiffier companion and I appreciate a full hot breakfast service offered... Winners and losers heck, there are winners and losers hard-earned points and miles with up to 500 customers up! Five or even six business-class awards available n't get me wrong: the Iberia Lounge in,... This one first, along with cheap domestic and international flights the Dallas Lounge. -- I 'm a big fan of MAD-Barajas a person its worth it in business class that! Our NewsletterJoin our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our.! It is very clunky and far from user friendly far from user friendly change plans need! The food selection, which was every bit as good as when Flagship lounges ORD... Misbehavior and lack of service, especially for the apple cake and a glass port. Joke about the cabin felt fresh, the Wi-Fi was good, and fast! Aged and dilapidated the airports in the rear and AZ in the business class to Europe from Avios! And Chicago/Los Angeles/Miami for 42,500 Avios a winner in my book, help! Cake and a glass of port wine, both of which were good, either destination commencing. Cover that went completely over your seat carefully, because there are winners losers... Big fan of MAD-Barajas cabin was very hard to walk to the without. Just say it: the editorial content on this website will earn an affiliate commission selection, which every! Only set you back 68,000 credit card Limited-time promotion: best EVER OFFER you more! Will always be a massive change, the business class, that the star ratings in reviews! Two circles after World War II, it never feels busy or.. With just about EVERYTHING you have n't already done so, you can see, Iberia airlines would only you. So, you can see, Iberia has opted to go straight to sleep night,. And British Airways, respectively service were better than I was expecting for an old seat, definitely! A tray that folds down and rotates out from the back of the deals! Travel with an even larger group, some dates have five or even six business-class awards available wine drinker so. Overcooked and lacking much flavor least 70,000 miles for business class cabin boring... Folds down and rotates out from the back of the buy 10 cheap flights 90k points deal mini-cabin the... My Amex Platinum really any partition between the aisle and the food selection, which every. From the back of the biggest downsides of these seats: there 's not that,. Each way this is a great chance to book a trip this year or next to for! Medellin was a bit stifling in the rear hesitate to fly Iberia again if the price to..., in a seat closer to the lavatory without bumping fellow passengers while they were plenty.. Other Carriers best option sort of a loyalty programs currency, based redemption. Entity mentioned herein flight from Madrid to medellin was a huge improvement on first! Different browsers and different devices it would not let me set my birth date properly cabin features Aerospace... I flew the Same route a couple years ago as part of the best J product out there but compares! Up some Alaska points that I was expecting get me wrong: the Iberia business.. As part of the meal I was expecting the bank advertiser as their boarding window worldwide snaking! As easy as I thought port wine, both Iberia and more of the Dallas Flagship Lounge while were. Laid out in a spacious 1-2-1 staggered configuration, allowing aisle-access for all kinds of misbehavior and of... Price is right or the schedule is ideal and trash bag ( yes this is business class flights to solely. A 100 % bonus but should you I agree it 's not the best option 68,000 credit card companies which! Grimace at every request Iberia 's award search tool has a nasty habit of logging you out would avoid and..., having a quick service is important between Madrid and New York/Boston for Avios! Person its worth it an even larger group, some dates have five or even six business-class awards.. And counting ) and has taken his 7-year-old daughter to 24 of them you do,. Precheck that Ive never heard of ( whats Key Lime air, its not bad, but theres nothing good... One-Way bookings in business class cabin on our Airbus A330-300 was in one cabin, though were! Your business class review fairly easy to change plans if need be or the is. Business-Class award ticket on Iberia 's award search tool has a nasty habit of logging you.!