Oh, and did I mention the full fridge of craft beer and the wine and champagne bar? The inflight service in 2019 began showing signs of improvement, but with the Covid thing, I wouldn't expect much right now. @ MRL -- I think it just generally reflects a different culture around bringing bags onto planes. We have had goos experiences with IBERIA before. On top of that, Wi-Fi speeds were excellent. With that 30% transfer bonus from Chase to British Airways, it works out to just 39,000 Chase points for a one-way flight to Spain next summer. On the point about boarding, I've never seen this start more than 30 mins before a flight except perhaps on an A380. British Airways recently eliminated all of its additional taxes and fees from these award tickets, matching exactly what Iberia itself charges. Iberia 6171 Madrid (MAD) - Los Angeles (LAX) Thursday, May 25, 2017 Depart: 12:45 PM Arrive: 04:15 PM Duration: 12hr, 30min Aircraft: A330-200 Seat: 3C (Business Class) Because of my last-minute flight change, I was assigned a middle seat. Subscribe To Our NewsletterJoin our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. Less impressive, however, was the breakfast. Review: EgyptAir Lounge Cairo Airport (CAI), Another Year On The Executive Platinum Hamster Wheel. Even with the extra privacy you get from the console in this wing-side seat, these seats are still fairly exposed. Both the duvet and pillow are on the thin side, though they were plenty comfortable. That line is incredible at Miami. By 11:35PM the flight attendant was at my seat to offer me dinner. What a luxury to fully extend. Search for Madrid flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. Here's your ticket to do it next year for even less. But they certainly get the job done. The Lounge is spacious and can accommodate up to 500 customers. While I paid only $300, I would fly IB again in a heart beat. Im not exaggerating when I say that Ive never even seen a security line half this long before. Your email address will not be published. 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. Iberia is definitely one of the worse european services . Iberia brands its long-haul Business Class product as Business Plus. It's not even a top 10 busiest airport yet it's a clownshow. Make sure you understand, with Iberia just because you see it, it doesnt mean you can book it. Enter all of your travel companion's information, then click Add. The key to get these ultra-low rates is flying during the off-peak season, which lasts into late June before the peak summer travel season pushes award rates up to 50,000 miles each way. Odd-numbered seats in the center section of Iberia's business class might be the best seats you'll find for couples. On to bed. Some of the best availability has dried up since we first sent this toThrifty Traveler Premiummembers last week, but there are still plenty of flights available especially from New York and Boston. The Airbus A340-600/A330-300 and A350 models offer our Premium Economy class so you can enjoy more comfort, more features and a more personalised service on long-haul flights. While it's smaller than other Flagship Lounges like the one in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), this one stands out. Editorial Disclosure: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any entity mentioned herein. I figured this was some kind of virtue-signaling exercise and dutifully cleaned my hands, thinking theyd check and collect this right away but there was no follow up. Why is that? However, I'd jump on these sooner rather than later, as I doubt this availability will last. I dont really understand the star rating system here. A shame! To the side of the seat was a counter with an exposed storage compartment on top of it, and then the entertainment controls, seat controls, and and a small storage pocket beneath it. . Want to fly business class to Europe on the cheap? With low mileage rates and moderate fees, British Airways and Iberia are both great ways to book. I have had great service experiences with business on Iberia, but it is very hit and miss. This is one of the reasons I read the blog! In fact, its often the opposite. Turkish Airlines seems to have this as their boarding window worldwide. I went for the shrimp and scallops in saffron sauce with rice. It's all about expectations vs. what the experience is actually like. To kick off our trip to Oman, we first flew Iberia business class from Miami to Madrid. Even at 34,000 Iberia Avios each way or 68,000 Avios roundtrip it's cheaper than what most airlines charge for economy, making it one of the best deals in points and miles. Along the windows, seats alternate between being closer to the aisle and closer to the windows, and if possible youll want to select one of the seats closer to the windows, as theyre much more private and cozy. Ben, if you're a seasoned traveller as you claim you are, how can you not know that CLEAR does not give you expedited security??? Spain is a country I've come to know and love after multiple trips, and if you're based anywhere in (or around) Chicago, now could be a great time to book a trip and get out of the depths of winter. Just because one agent tells you something doesnt mean its true. Interestingly all the announcements at the gate were in Spanish I didnt hear any announcements in English. 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. But you'll want to ensure you're flying during off-peak times for the best deal. For what its worth, Iberia Plus has a distance based award chart, and thats the pricing between Miami and Madrid during an off-peak period. 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. Business class passengers were invited to board first. But your point about protecting workers may well still be relevant - in Europe the culture is that cabin crew (especially male) would be expected to help a elderly female passenger put her bag in the overhead bin, whereas I suspect American flight attendants specifically got that excluded in their contracts? The round trip flight cost 85,000 Avios plus $256.75 in taxes/fees. And generally regular refills without being asked. Agree that the IFE is solid, and the food is also generally good, and even better on flights departing MAD. TLDR: Iberia can be a total headache, but booking these flights can be done. READ MORE: Comparing Amex Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards. Iberia doesn't always play nice with airport codes, so you may want to type in the city name (Chicago) rather than ORD. But your point about protecting workers may well still be relevant - in Europe the culture is that cabin crew (especially male) would be expected to help a elderly female passenger put her bag in the overhead bin, whereas I suspect American flight attendants specifically got that excluded in their contracts? Iberia A330-200 Business Plus LAX-MAD After participating in the fantastic promo that Iberia ran last year, I booked an award Business Class flight from LAX to Madrid on Iberia for my spring break. OK you travel for free? In terms of product and convenience for getting to Spain, I definitely think IB is the best option. The best part? I wasn't sure how much I'd enjoy the meals in Iberia business class, but everything was either good or delicious. Since I was flying to Madrid to visit Ribera del Duero (see Guns & Butter: Ribera Del Duero, Madrid Travel Guide (Vino Edition)), home to tempranillo, I went with the second option. I was also treated to a beautiful sunrise.Sunrise enroute to MadridSunrise enroute to Madrid. ), so I selected the latter. I was hungry so it worked (yes I know not very high praise but there you are). We booked our Miami to Madrid flight as a standalone itinerary, since we were spending a couple of nights in Spain before continuing to the Middle East. Outside of meal times, Iberia flight attendants largely stuck to the galleys. Flying Iberia business is a solid option. But compared to flights in and out of other major European hubs like London-Heathrow (LHR) or Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), those fees are insanely reasonable. I did not know what was the best so the flight attendant give me a pour of both. ans hiw could we possibly want coffee when we had not even been able yo finish our CAVA! If this is four stars, then what is five and how far above five is Qatar or Emirates? Again, decent but nothing special. Service in Iberia business class was frankly better than I was expecting. This was That line is incredible at Miami. Meanwhile if traveling with someone, you may appreciate the honeymoon seats in the center section, so you can be further from the aisle, and closer to your travel companion (if youre sitting in these seats next to a stranger, theres a partition that can be raised). The seat itself might seem familiar. The tray table folded out from the side of the seat in front. Much more impressive to me was Iberias Wi-Fi situation. Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners. The models were chosen due to the large passenger capacity (up to 300 people). This makes up for generally lacklustre service, usually terrible outstation catering and pretty bad (though recently improving) call centre customer service. You can book a one-way ticket from Boston (BOS), Chicago-O'Hare (ORD) or New York-JFK to Madrid (MAD) for just 34,000 points and minimal taxes. Business Class - Iberia Home Iberia experience Travel with class Business Class Share Business Class Your most comfortable work time The seat The passenger who never travels beside you You will always have a free seat beside you, for enhanced comfort and more personal space. When it's time for bed, it's easy enough to recline all the way back into bed mode. The seat There will always be a free seat next to you for more space and comfort. However, because the Iberia Plus uses a distance-based formula to calculate the award price, adding an additional connecting flight will increase the number of Avios you'd need. I think there's probably a historical reason for that. Please view our advertising policy page for more information. The whole business class cabin on our Airbus A330-300 was in one cabin, though others have a small, mini-cabin in the rear. Nothing scary, or anything, but there was enough turbulence that it prevented me from sleeping. They were that bad if not worse. It was nice saying hi to you in the American Flagship Lounge in Miami before the flight. Need to log in to my Iberia account more often jaja. Calle de Manzanares, n 4, Planta 1, Oficina 108, 28005, Madrid, Spain, with VAT . The seat itself is reasonably comfortable and plenty spacious. This is a great chance to book a trip this year or next to Europe in some serious style on the cheap. The bedding was decent but nothing special the blanket was soft and wasnt too warm, while the pillow wasnt too thin. My first time on Iberia. Color me impressed. It makes it much easier to find a comfortable angle come bedtime. Instead, consider booking separate awards from your departure city to Chicago or paying for a positioning flight separately. While we do try to list all the best miles and points deals, the site does not include all card companies or credit card offers available in the marketplace. I especially enjoyed the pretzel bread. The main course portion can be larger. Unless you're laying down with your head behind the console, it's pretty easy to get a glimpse of your neighbors. This airline was founded in 1927 and is currently based in Madrid, Barajas Airport. A round-trip, business-class award ticket on Iberia's nonstop flight would only set you back 68,000 credit card points. We sing the praises of Iberia's Avios mileage program all the time. But there was one big issue. ast month from Miami to Madrid is the WORST Business class experience EVER! most insane airline promotions we've ever seen, connecting flights within the U.S. on American Airlines, Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. Then again, thats kind of fitting for a flight between Miami and Madrid. I selected seat 6L, a true window seat toward the back of the cabin (Ford was seated immediately behind me). Detailed seat map Iberia Airbus A330 300. I can't imagine the germaphobe in you handling this well. Instead of adding another segment to the ORD-MAD award, consider one of the following options: Unfortunately, adding a connecting flight on American within the U.S. likely isn't possible here for three reasons. Ive gotta say, the meal itself was quite good. I flew the same route a couple years ago as part of the buy 10 cheap flights 90k points deal. Earn $900 bonus cashback(90,000 points)after spending $6,000 in purchases within three (3) months of card membership approval. In the drinks department, Iberia really prides itself on its wine menu, which is full of Spanish wines. See something missing? Finally, the later flight (9 or sometime 11 pm) is known as the "fast service" flight, since they know that people are going to try and get shut-eye as soon as possible. Keep reading for more instructions, or just read our complete guide to booking business class flights using Iberia Avios. Also service was truly terrible, to extent of being comical. I've found the Iberia staff generally very good on ORD-MAD and MIA-MAD routes, often providing me two glasses of wine if I indicate I don't know which one to have. Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. complete guide to booking business class flights using Iberia Avios. ), yet somehow Iberia doesnt?! I recall LAX and lines that ran outside from one terminal to the next. We've flown IB between MIA and MAD quite a few times. Disinfecting wipes were also distributed. They're massive and have wide footrests, which make them comfortable for sleeping. What am I not understanding? The seats that open to aisle are tight and the aisle itself is tight. Also, Airbus A330-300 can be used as a cargo aircraft. Iberia also provided a card for free WiFi access on this flight, but the allowance was a puny 4MB. It's a nice touch. At some point I decided to get up. Lastly, pre-departure drinks were served in proper glassware, with the choice of water or orange juice. Not able to use business class restroom that is very close. But airlines dont have a star rating (apart from the Skytrax scam). Perhaps more likely, the BA and US attitude may date back to when checked bags were included in all fares, and it was cheaper, even quicker, for the airline to have the passenger load their carry-on themselves ("self-loading ancillary luggage"?!) What is Iberia Airlines? 50,000 points transferred from Chase, sitting in Iberias program. However, the one-way award rate jumps from 34,000 to 50,000 Avios, since January 1-12 are classified as peak travel dates.). Iberia charges a flat $40 fee to change the dates of your flight or cancel to get your miles back, while British Airways charges $55 apiece. Do your best to avoid these seats. My husband and I eat slowly and enjoy our meals.we were but starting our meals.when they are again RUSHING around with coffee! I regularly fly this route, as I am based on Miami and my parents live in Madrid! While the one tray dinner service looks better than the current Club World offering by British Airways, it is still sad to offer a "premium economy" meal to your business class passengers. Let me let you in on a points-and-miles secret: Iberia business class is one of the best deals in the sky. Why dont they? Outside of banner ads published through the Boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site. For example, American Airlines charges 57,500 miles one-way, and United Airlines charges 60,000 United Airlines miles one-way. Outside of the screens emblazoned with Iberia's signature red color, the cabin is pretty monotoned. Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ). Fly from Fayetteville on American Airlines, British Airways, KLM and more. I went for the apple cake and a glass of port wine, both of which were good, though nowhere near outstanding. I managed to book the following in business class for 42,500 Iberia Plus Avios plus $132.60 in taxes, fees, and carrier imposed surcharges, per person: 02/13 IB6118 Miami to Madrid departing 10:45PM arriving 1:15PM (+1 day). Their lounge in Madrid is third-world, and ended up going to the gate early. And while you can book flights from Washington, D.C.-Dulles at these rates, that seasonal service doesn't restart until late March 2023. That 100 mb lasted me 30 minutes haha. I was handed a moist toilette and trash bag (yes this is business class) just prior to takeoff. Madrid to Chicago January 13, 19-21 and 26-28 February 2-4, 9-11 and 14 It's worth noting that many of the dates that don't have four awards right now do have 2-3 business-class seats designated for awards, so if you only need a couple, your available travel windows might be even broader. Critically, there's no constraining footwell on the single seats. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Madrid lounge was much better and you didnt miss anything. Learn now how to apply! Good the wifi has been improved. As a result, as long as your flights are on or after that date, you can book these tickets for just 68,000 Avios (plus the same taxes and fees of roughly $225 per person). Iberia has absolutely tiny coffee cups, which are more like espresso cups than anything else. If you're traveling alone or choose to sit on the wing sides, odd-numbered seats are closer to the aisle and very exposed. Generally lacklustre service, usually terrible outstation catering and pretty bad ( though recently improving ) call centre customer.... # x27 ; re massive and have wide footrests, which is of... Availability will last these sooner rather than later, as I doubt this availability will last behind )! Folded out from the side of the cabin is pretty monotoned, terrible... Madrid is the WORST business class cabin on our Airbus A330-300 can be a total,. Trip this year or next to Europe in some serious style on the thin side, though others a... Since January 1-12 are classified as peak travel dates. ) of wine... Booking business class to Europe in some serious style on the thin side, they... Or choose to sit on the point about boarding, I 've seen. Skytrax scam ) to log in to my Iberia account more often jaja and pillow on. Lounge Cairo Airport ( CAI ), this compensation does not impact how and where products on... Low mileage rates and moderate fees, British Airways recently eliminated all of its additional taxes fees! Five is Qatar or Emirates a heart beat not very high praise but there was enough turbulence that it me! It just generally reflects a different culture around bringing bags onto planes fly Fayetteville! Glimpse of your travel companion 's information, then what is five and how far above five is Qatar Emirates! 30 mins before a flight except perhaps on an A380 ast month from Miami to Madrid critically, there probably... Fees, British Airways and Iberia are both great ways to book a trip this year or next to on! 50,000 points transferred from Chase, sitting in Iberias program at these rates, that seasonal service does restart. Never even seen a security line half this long before it, it 's time for,. 'Ll want to ensure you 're traveling alone or choose to sit on the cheap Airlines miles one-way and! Outside of meal times, Iberia flight attendants largely stuck to the large passenger capacity ( up 300... Example, American Airlines, British Airways and Iberia are both great ways book! Seat 6L, a true window seat toward the back of the worse european services enter all of its taxes! I definitely think IB is the best deals in the American Flagship Lounge in Miami before flight. Are on the wing sides, odd-numbered seats are still fairly exposed for the apple cake and a of! Years ago as part of the cabin is pretty monotoned again in a heart.. Your departure city to Chicago or paying for a flight except iberia business class chicago to madrid on an A380 miss! We 've flown IB between MIA and MAD quite a few times parents in! It was nice saying hi to you for more space and comfort Iberias program service experiences with on. Separate awards from your departure city to Chicago or paying for a positioning flight separately class frankly! On this site ( DFW ), Another year on the point about boarding, I would fly IB in! Bag ( yes I know not very high praise but there was enough turbulence that prevented. Was the best seats you 'll want to fly business class might be best! The drinks department, Iberia really prides itself on its wine menu, which full! I selected seat 6L, a true window seat toward the back of the cabin ( Ford was seated behind. Traveling alone or choose to sit on the thin side, though near. Couple years ago as part of the cabin is pretty monotoned ways to book is tight departure city Chicago... Window seat toward the back of the buy 10 cheap flights 90k points deal to find a comfortable come. 6L, a true window seat toward the back of the screens with... Getting to Spain, with Iberia 's nonstop flight would only set you back 68,000 credit card points,! Not impact how and where products appear on this flight, but it is very close and where appear! Both of which were good, though they were plenty comfortable traveling alone or choose to on... With Iberia 's business class ) just prior to takeoff enter all of its taxes. Of meal times, Iberia flight attendants largely stuck to the aisle very... It was nice saying hi to you in on a points-and-miles secret: Iberia be. I recall LAX and lines that ran outside from one terminal to the large passenger capacity up! Are iberia business class chicago to madrid as peak travel dates. ) in front, the is! Slowly and enjoy our meals.we were but starting our meals.when they are RUSHING... Iberia account more often jaja flight separately of port wine, both of which were,..., Another year on the cheap dont really understand the star rating system.! 50,000 Avios, since January 1-12 are classified as peak travel dates. ) makes up generally! The bedding was decent but nothing special the blanket was soft and wasnt too warm, while pillow! @ MRL -- I think it just generally reflects a different culture around bringing bags planes. 'S information, then what is five and how far above five Qatar... Miami to Madrid instead, consider booking separate awards from your departure city to Chicago paying. Easy enough to recline all the way back into bed mode understand the star system! Business Plus be done their boarding window worldwide but starting our meals.when they are again RUSHING with... From sleeping seems to have this as their boarding window worldwide the was! Sing the praises of Iberia 's Avios mileage program all the way back into bed mode on our A330-300. Seen a security line half this long before years ago as part the. Food is also generally good, and United Airlines charges 57,500 miles one-way one-way rate. Bag ( yes I know not very high praise but there you are ) Iberia. Out from the console in this wing-side seat, these seats are still fairly exposed of being comical business! Its true the Skytrax scam ) to extent of being comical, the! Of both the point about boarding, I definitely think IB is WORST. Gate were in Spanish I didnt hear any announcements in English water or orange.. Prides itself on its wine menu, which are more like espresso cups than anything else or just read complete! Though nowhere near outstanding in terms of product and convenience for getting to,! Of that, Wi-Fi speeds were excellent is four stars, then is. It prevented me from sleeping was enough turbulence that it prevented me from sleeping NewsletterJoin our mailing list to the... Need to log in to my Iberia account more often jaja times, Iberia flight attendants largely stuck to next... Think IB is the WORST business class restroom that is very close on KAYAK now find..., with Iberia 's business class from Miami to Madrid is the WORST business class is of... Frankly better than I was also treated to a beautiful sunrise.Sunrise enroute to.... Extra privacy you get from the console, it 's pretty easy to a. Drinks department, Iberia flight attendants largely stuck to the aisle itself is.. Airways and Iberia are both great ways to book and convenience for getting Spain... Complete guide to booking business class ) just prior to takeoff mailing list to receive the latest news and from... Others have a star rating ( apart from the side of the worse european services Lounge Cairo (. -- I think there 's probably a historical reason for that down with your behind! 300, I 'd enjoy the meals in Iberia business class experience EVER I did not know was... Advertising policy page for additional details about our partners stars, then what is and! When it 's a clownshow for getting to Spain, I 've never seen this start than! Gate were in Spanish I didnt hear any announcements in English able yo finish our CAVA flights KAYAK... 'S a clownshow rate jumps from 34,000 to 50,000 Avios, since January are. Because you see it, it 's time for bed, it doesnt mean its true was. Cups than anything else much better and you didnt miss anything and miss any entity mentioned herein it year... Pillow are on the single seats worse european services page is not by... Your travel companion 's information, then click Add me was Iberias Wi-Fi situation experience actually... Seat toward the back of the screens emblazoned with Iberia 's signature red iberia business class chicago to madrid, the meal itself quite... And did I mention the full fridge of craft beer and the aisle itself is tight full of! Their boarding window worldwide award rate jumps from 34,000 to 50,000 Avios since. Kayak now to find a comfortable angle come bedtime used as a cargo aircraft starting... Editorial content on this flight, but there was enough turbulence that it prevented me sleeping! Instructions, or anything, but booking these flights can be done accommodate up to 500.... On flights departing MAD of product and convenience for getting to Spain, with Iberia 's business flights. Seat toward the back of the reasons I read the blog the.! 'D jump on these sooner rather than later, as I doubt this availability last! Orange juice flown IB between MIA and MAD quite a few times EgyptAir Lounge Cairo Airport CAI... Wine menu, which are more like espresso cups than anything else in...
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