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Want to fly to Spain in style? In this Iberia business class guide, we’ll show you what flying looks like with one of Spain’s best airlines. From the booking experience to in-flight amenities, we’ll cover all the perks of business class on Iberia.
As a travel blogger, I’ve had the pleasure of flying with Iberia business class multiple times and it never disappoints. Each flight is a reminder of what good air travel should feel like: relaxing, efficient, and above all, comfortable.
In this guide, I’m diving deep into what makes Iberia business class tick. I’ll walk you through everything from the plush seats to the onboard dining. It’s the details that make or break a flight, and Iberia seems to nail them every time.
In the world of business travel, who you fly with matters as much as your destination. Whether you’re flying to Spain or beyond, choosing the right airline can start your trip off on the right note. Let’s find out why Iberia is one of the best airlines in Europe.
My #1 tip to find cheap Iberia Business Class tickets
Looking for a steal on Iberia business class tickets? Before jumping into the article, I first wanted to give you this insider tip to find cheap airfare on business class flights.
For years, I’ve been using this site called Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights), which sends you alerts on airline deals, discounts, and mistake fares. It’s a total game-changer, saving me $10,000+ on flights each year.
Their $49/year premium version is well worth it- just one discounted flight pays for the whole thing. I recommend trying the free trial and using my special discount code JON20 to save 20%!
And if you’re into business/first class, you’ll want to sign up for their Elite version. Last year, this service saved me $2,750 on a first class flight and $1,500 on a business class flight. At just $199 year year, trust me, it’s a small price for massive savings.
Overview of Iberia
Iberia started flying in 1927, and they’ve been Spain’s flagship carrier ever since. They’re based in Madrid, and from there, they fly all over the world. It’s a network that takes you to over 109 places across 39 countries. That’s a lot of ground covered, from the busy streets of Boston to the vibrant beaches of Brazil.
Currently, Iberia operates 90 aircraft, with plans to expand. The incoming eight Airbus A321XLRs by early 2025 are anticipated to further boost their long-haul capabilities. Plus, being art of the Oneworld alliance, they connect well with other airlines.
Now, about flying business class with them—it’s really something. Every time I fly, it’s the little things that stand out: the extra legroom, the attentive service, and the meals that feel thoughtfully prepared. Let’s explore this in more detail.
Comparing Iberia’s business class products
When you’re flying business class with Iberia, the type of aircraft you’re on makes a big difference in your experience. Let’s break it down.
Airbus A350-900
The A350-900 is where Iberia really shines. This plane is designed for their long-haul, flagship routes to places like Los Angeles, Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Santiago, and Lima. It’s equipped with 31 business class seats laid out in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration. This setup ensures every passenger has direct aisle access, which is a huge plus on longer flights. The seats are divided into two types: those closer to the windows for those who prefer a view and extra privacy, and center pairs that are great for traveling with a companion. The ‘honeymoon’ center pairs (seats ‘E’ and ‘G’) are especially cozy if you’re flying with someone.
Airbus A330-300 & Airbus A330-200
The A330s are a staple on routes to Miami, Boston, Doha, and Guatemala. They feature a similar 1-2-1 staggered configuration as the A350, but with slightly fewer seats—29 to be exact. Just like the A350, the window seats here are the ones to grab if you can. They offer more privacy, being tucked away next to the window. A personal favorite is seat 4L, which feels particularly secluded and comfortable.
Airbus A319/A320/A321
For shorter, intra-European flights, Iberia uses the Airbus A319, A320, and A321. Business class in these aircraft is a bit different, mainly because these are shorter trips. They use a standard layout where the middle seat is blocked off to provide more space. While you won’t find the flat beds or high-end luxury of the long-haul jets, these planes offer a comfortable experience for flights from Madrid to the rest of Europe.
Iberia business class baggage allowance
When you’re packing for a trip in Iberia’s business class, you’ll have plenty of room for your belongings. You can bring two standard carry-on bags, and each can weigh up to 10 kg (22 lbs).
For checked luggage, the deal gets even better. Business class passengers are allowed two checked bags, and each can weigh up to 23 kg (50 lbs). This generous allowance means you don’t have to worry too much about leaving something important behind.
This baggage policy is one of the reasons that Iberia is one of the best airlines to fly to Spain.
Ground experience when flying Iberia business class
As one of the best Spanish airlines, Iberia knows how to make your experience at the airport as smooth as your flight. Let’s take a closer look at how they do it.
Check-in
Flying Iberia business class starts off smoothly with dedicated check-in areas at Madrid-Barajas airport and other major hubs. This means you can skip the usual queues and head straight to security. It’s a real time-saver and eases you into your journey with less hassle.
Lounge access
At Madrid-Barajas, you have access to two exclusive lounges: the Velazquez and the Dali. Both lounges offer a comfortable retreat with a coffee bar, wine bar, and a variety of food options. If you need some quiet time, there’s a private chaise lounge area. And if you want to freshen up, there are showers available complete with amenity kits. As a part of the Oneworld alliance, this level of comfort extends globally. Business class passengers receive lounge access at airports worldwide.
Boarding
When it’s time to board, you won’t be stuck in line. Business class passengers enjoy priority boarding. This means you can continue relaxing in the lounge until it’s time to board.
In-flight comfort & amenities on Iberia business class
Flying business class with Iberia, it’s all about the details that make your trip comfortable and connected. From the seat you sit in to the amenities they offer, everything is designed to enhance your flight experience. Here’s what you can expect on board.
Seats
The seats in Iberia’s business class on their long-haul flights are a standout feature. Each seat is its own pod, complete with a flat-laying bed stretching nearly two meters. It’s spacious, private, and with every seat having aisle access, you never need to disturb your neighbor. I love the little extras like the personal reading lamp and the handy charging ports.
In-flight entertainment
The touch screen at each seat keeps boredom at bay, especially on those long stretches. On the A330, you get a 15.4-inch screen, but the A350 bumps that up to 18.5 inches—like having a mini cinema right in front of you. The variety is good too, with plenty of movies and music choices. The shorter European flights on the A319/A320/A321 skip this feature.
Wi-Fi & Connectivity
Staying connected is easy on Iberia flights, with Wi-Fi installed on 90% of the fleet. Business class passengers enjoy complimentary access for instant messaging apps like WhatsApp, perfect for keeping in touch without extra costs. For broader internet use, there’s a paid service that covers browsing and email.
Amenity kits
Iberia provides a thoughtfully assembled amenity kit. Inside a stylish bag, you’ll find essentials like earplugs, an eye mask, socks, and a fold-up hairbrush. To keep you feeling refreshed, there are also dental essentials and premium Germaine de Capuccini products. This includes facial spray, hand cream, and lip balm. It’s another reason why I think that Iberia offers one of the best business class to fly to Europe.
On-board dining in Iberia business class
I always look forward to the food and drink when flying to Europe with Iberia. Here’s what you can expect.
Food
Iberia’s business class menu takes inspiration from the Mediterranean diet. You start with an aperitif, followed by a choice of appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Each dish showcases the flavors and freshness typical of Mediterranean cuisine. For those long-haul flights, a second meal and ongoing snacks ensure you won’t go hungry. The warm bread served with coffee or tea during meals always hits the spot.
Beverages
The drink selection on Iberia is a highlight, especially the Spanish wines and beers like Rioja and Mahou. It’s nice to see an airline showcasing its country’s beverages. All wine, beer, and spirits are complimentary in business class. Of course, there’s also a good range of soft drinks available if you prefer something non-alcoholic.
Tips for booking Iberia business class flights
If you’re searching for cheap Iberia flights, I’ve got a few tricks to snag the best deal.
- Join Going Elite: Signing up for Going Elite can help you find some of the best deals on business class tickets.
- Choose your fare wisely: Iberia offers Business Promocional fares that are much cheaper than Business Flexible fares. The catch? Promocional fares don’t offer cash refunds, whereas Flexible fares do.
- Use Avios for savings: If you’re using points, remember that Iberia prices business class tickets based on distance. For example, you can fly from Madrid to New York, Boston, or Chicago starting at 34,000 Avios one-way off-peak. It’s one of the best ways to fly to Europe from the US.
- Transfer points for more flexibility: Iberia accepts Avios from flexible point currencies like Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards. This makes it easier to accumulate enough points for a flight.
These strategies have helped me enjoy premium travel without breaking the bank. Try them out and you might find cheap business class flights with Iberia.
Iberia business class vs. rival products
When choosing the best business class airline to fly to Europe, it’s essential to know how they stack up against each other. Here’s my take on how Iberia’s business class compares with other European carriers.
Air France vs. Iberia
Air France offers a chic and polished service with a strong emphasis on French cuisine and wine. Their business class cabins are generally more modern, especially on the Boeing 787 and 777. In contrast, Iberia provides a distinctly Spanish experience with a focus on regional dishes and wines. Both offer excellent flat beds, but Air France’s newer planes might edge out for comfort.
Iberia vs. TAP Portugal
TAP Portugal often has very competitive pricing and a solid business class product, particularly on their newer aircraft. However, Iberia’s broader network, especially to Latin America, provides more options for international travelers. TAP’s strength lies in its access to Portugal and connections within Europe.
British Airways vs. Iberia
Both being part of the same parent company, their service levels are quite comparable. British Airways offers a more extensive global network, which can be a plus for travelers not centered around Iberia’s Madrid hub. BA’s Club World & Club Suites are known for their exclusivity. Iberia’s business class often feels more personal and less crowded.
In my opinion, if you’re looking for a warmer, more personalized flying experience, Iberia tends to provide that more consistently. Their focus on passenger comfort and the quality of the Spanish cuisine offered onboard makes them a strong contender for flights to and from Spain.
Pros and cons of Iberia business class
Exploring the pros and cons of Iberia business class gives us a clearer picture of what to expect.
Pros
- Comfortable seating: The lie-flat beds in business class are a highlight. I always find I get a restful sleep on long-haul flights.
- Excellent food and wine: Emphasizing Spanish cuisine, the dining experience is a treat for food lovers.
- Strong route network: Particularly strong in connections between Europe and Latin America.
- Effective rewards program: Using Avios for booking flights provides great value, especially on off-peak dates.
Cons
- Inconsistent experience: The quality can vary depending on the aircraft type, with older planes offering a less impressive experience.
- Limited lounge access: Outside of major hubs like Madrid, lounge access can be inconsistent.
- Customer service: Service on the ground and in the air can sometimes lack the attentiveness expected in business class.
Overall, Iberia’s business class is competitive, particularly for those who appreciate good food and a comfortable bed on board. However, the experience might not be as uniform as some might wish, particularly on shorter routes or older aircraft.
Iberia’s sustainable development goals
Iberia is stepping up its game in sustainability. This matters more than ever in the travel world today.
Updating their fleet to newer, greener aircraft makes a real difference. These planes not only emit less but also make less noise, which is better for everyone both in the sky and on the ground. On my last flight, I noticed they had ditched single-use plastics, which felt like a significant step forward. They’re using more recyclable materials throughout, from meal service to in-flight amenities.
They’re also getting smarter about how they fly. By optimizing flight paths and speeds, Iberia is cutting down on fuel use, which means fewer emissions. It’s good to see an airline taking action to protect our planet while still getting us where we need to go.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Iberia business class
Are you still curious about which airline is the best to fly to Spain? Here are some questions I get asked a lot that will help decide whether Iberia business class is the right option for you.
What does Iberia business class include?
Iberia’s business class includes flat beds on long-haul flights, priority check-in and boarding, increased baggage allowance, and entry to Iberia’s business lounges. Onboard, passengers enjoy gourmet meals inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, complimentary drinks, and a personal entertainment system.
Does Iberia business class have flat beds?
Yes, Iberia’s long-haul business class seats recline into fully flat beds. The seats are arranged to ensure direct aisle access for every passenger.
What is the difference between Iberia business class and premium economy?
The main differences between Iberia’s business class and premium economy include the level of comfort, service, and amenities. Business class features lie-flat beds, premium dining, and exclusive lounge access. In contrast, premium economy offers more space than economy with additional legroom and wider seats, enhanced meal service, and extra baggage allowance. It doesn’t include flat beds or lounge access.
Does Iberia business class get lounge access?
Yes, passengers flying in Iberia business class have access to Iberia’s business lounges and, through its membership in the Oneworld alliance, to over 650 lounges worldwide. These lounges provide a quiet space to relax or work, with food, drinks, showers, and more available.
