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??? 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. In Iberia business class, you'll experience Mediterranean-inspired food, lie-flat seats and free baggage, along with exclusive lounges in the Madrid airport. This is a great chance to book a trip this year or next to Europe in some serious style on the cheap. 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. These so-called honeymooon seats get some additional privacy with the console tables on the aisle. 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. Iberia occasionally runs promotions, slashing the amount of miles it takes to fly in economy or business class to get to Europe and back. Not bad at all. Iberia Checked Baggage Allowance All checked bags must adhere to a max weight of 50 pounds (23 kg) and max linear dimensions of 62 inches (158 cm). D is the best and most @Matt I was no longer enrolled in CLEAR since I dont remember the last time that I was at an airport where CLEAR actually saved any time. Why not fly from South Bend you ask? Considering most airlines charge at least 70,000 miles for a one-way ticket in business class, that's an absolute steal. Did MAD-JFK just prior to COVID in J, and I have to say it was the worst experience both on the ground and in the air. Once you've found the flights you want, it's time to transfer your points and book! Stay connected with the latest travel, aviation, and credit card news. 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. Thanks to Iberia's distance-based award chart, flights from its other outposts will cost more. Nothing scary, or anything, but there was enough turbulence that it prevented me from sleeping. Thanks for sharing and I look forward reading the rest of the trip report especially the Qatar's experience on the 787-9. My biggest complaint is they often We've flown IB between MIA and MAD quite a few times. Maybe depends what concourse you use. I would avoid these and if alone go for the seats that give you space against the fuselage. Some aren't able to book this far in advance. Glad to hear theyve improved the WiFi. While I paid only $300, I would fly IB again in a heart beat. So you'll want to pick your seat carefully, because there are winners and losers. @ 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. 2023 Thrifty Traveler. For economy class, you can request a special meal on flights that are over 4.5 hours in duration. Don't have a stash of Iberia miles to capitalize on these great deals? The seats are fine, the food is generally good. With low mileage rates and moderate fees, British Airways and Iberia are both great ways to book. Ive flown this product a number of times out of NYC and think its great! The true window seats are by far the best, giving ou a real sense of privacy, and certainly better for an overnight flight. As you say, it's not the best J product out there but it compares favorably with any US carrier. 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. Ive flown Iberia business class, and my experiences are very similar to yours. There was a tray with prosciutto (the irony of serving Italian ham on an airline from a country that prides itself on itsjamon iberico was not lost on me) with pesto and mozzarella, a small side salad, cheese and jam, and some chicken consomme a fancy word for broth. It was all quite tasty. Yep vents. On the bright side, some of Iberia's flights between the U.S. and Spain the airline's new Airbus A350 planes. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Get our daily email for the latest in travel, flight deals, and how The sweet spot is at the 3,001 to 4,000-mile level, which includes flights from New York-JFK and Boston (BOS) to Iberia's hub in Madrid (MAD). And you can book these awards 360 days in advance giving you a full month of award options that wouldn't be available to American AAdvantage members. Let me let you in on a points-and-miles secret: Iberia business class is one of the best deals in the sky. While Iberia sometimes has a not-great reputation, in this case I felt like that wasnt warranted. Looking forward to reading about the coming Qatari flights. Only dates in red will incur a higher charge. Airline: Iberia Aircraft: Airbus A350-900 Flight #: IB3167 Route: London Heathrow (LHR) > Madrid Barajas International Airport (MAD) Date: September 26, 2021 Duration: 1hr 52mins Cabin and Layout: Iberia business class, 31-seat capacity across 8 rows in a 1-2-1 configuration Seat: 3J Schedule between Madrid and Buenos Aires. Do your best to avoid these seats. Learn now how to apply! Curious how long we expect the covered food practice to persist? Iberia's normal WiFi costs are pretty exorbitant: A 50MB pass cost $39.99. Even called in to their reservation line, they were no help. I got some work done on my laptop, and the fast Wi-Fi made that pretty productive. Interestingly BA's hand carry limit is 23kg, and Easyjet used not to have a limit (it's now 15kg). But the few red wines I sampled were delicious. Calle de Manzanares, n 4, Planta 1, Oficina 108, 28005, Madrid, Spain, with VAT . And generally regular refills without being asked. I transferred Ultimate Rewards points to Iberia; the transfer is instant and the points transfer at a 1:1 rate. The calendar view stops abruptly at March 27, 2022. See our Privacy Policy. Oddly, Iberia handled WiFi much differently on the return flight from Madrid (MAD) to Chicago-O'Hare (ORD). Lucky, I regularly fly this route, as I am based on Miami and my parents live in Madrid! Maybe it's because US airlines have been charging for checked bags more consistently for so many years, leading to customers progressively taking more and more items onto planes. Even with the extra privacy you get from the console in this wing-side seat, these seats are still fairly exposed. 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. Thus far, the airline will also offer fully reclinable seats on all Business Class flights departing from Spain en route to the United States of America. Use this wide open award space to lock in a trip to Spain next year in style! Earlier this week, I tried to book a Iberia J award DFW-MAD with AAdvantage, and the total fees were over $700 like flying BA. Flight Review: Iberia A330-300 ORD to MAD Business Class 2,672 views Mar 1, 2019 24 Dislike Share Save Penny Caravan 324 subscribers We review the business class experience on Iberia's. I dont really understand the star rating system here. The cabin lights came up about 90 minutes before landing. Last month, it was Glad to hear theyve improved the WiFi. This is somewhat random, but you alluded to it in the review: do you know why foreign airlines care how much your carry on weighs (and have absurdly low limits even in premium cabins), while US carriers couldn't care less? For 2022, it has 18 A330-200s and two A330-300s in its fleet. Flying it from Madrid to Chicago for 25.5k Avios is the best option. Look no further. But kudos to American for serving real champagne, unlike Delta. By comparison, these are 50,000 and 62,500 Avios on British Airways, respectively. It continued to be bumpy for several hours. @ MRL -- I think it just generally reflects a different culture around bringing bags onto planes. While I tried to rest for a few hours, I dont think I ended up getting even a minute of sleep. Every single request and interaction I had was met with a quick smile and a nod somewhat curt, but polite. one of the best deals in points and miles, Many countries have dropped all COVID-19 entry restrictions. Rent a car in Madrid and explore Spain by road, Land in Madrid and take trains to other cities, Explore Madrid for a few nights, then book a separate award ticket using Iberia Plus to another city like Seville (SVQ) or Granada (GRX). By your head, there's a small reading light. You can get there for just 34,000 miles round-trip if you fly during the offpeak season. As I mentioned then, I've been reading your blog for years, it was quite nice to finally meet you. Iberia is not the world's best business class. Again, decent but nothing special. One was very nice and the other undrinkable. The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. 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. In this case it was Piper Heidsieck being offered.American Flagship Lounge Miami champagne welcome. Find business class flights to Madrid on Icelandair, Azores Airlines, LOT and more. What a luxury to fully extend. If youve flown Iberias A330 business class, what was your experience less? Coffee, tea and water offered often . With that said, Ben is probably too young to remember the lines after 9/11. But those restrooms looks so disgusting. I was hungry so it worked (yes I know not very high praise but there you are). Controls were simple and easy to access even when laying down. And the selection of movies was pretty great. 2023 Thrifty Traveler. ), so I selected the latter. Luckily, both Iberia and British Airways makes it cheap and fairly easy to change plans if need be. 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. I went into the flight with fairly low expectations, and Id say my expectations were exceeded somewhat. !Miami Airport security lineMiami Airport security line. It was fine but unremarkable. Likewise, awards from Los Angeles to Madrid cost 42,500 Avios in business class instead of 51,000 Avios. 50,000 points transferred from Chase, sitting in Iberias program. Iberia A330-300s have 29 seats in Business class, 21 seats in Premium Economy, and 242 in Economy. The temperatures still reached the 50s and 60s during the day, while the chill of the evenings typically required just a light jacket over a long-sleeved shirt. I finally figured out this would be the main way to dispose of trash on this flight! At the conclusion of the meal I was offered a bottle of water. Surely BCN must have as much demand as MAD. Class 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. Just because one agent tells you something doesnt mean its true. The seat itself is reasonably comfortable and plenty spacious. In terms of product and convenience for getting to Spain, I definitely think IB is the best option. 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. It's divided into two small compartments, capable of holding just a pair of headphones, your amenity kit, and not much else. Find flights to Madrid from $912. (MIA), Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and Chicago (ORD), operated by the Boeing 777-200 and 787 Dreamliner. A round-trip award ticket from ORD-MAD in business class will set you back 115,000 miles per person (plus ~$225 in taxes and fees). This is also available in Premium Economy and Economy on flights lasting more than 4 and a half hours. On the console side, there's a small leather rest butting up against the area where you'll find both a wired entertainment controller along with the seat controls. Madrid lounge was much better and you didnt miss anything. I recall LAX and lines that ran outside from one terminal to the next. Iberia doesn't always play nice with airport codes, so you may want to type in the city name (Chicago) rather than ORD. This airline was founded in 1927 and is currently based in Madrid, Barajas Airport. I came into my Iberia flight with low expectations, and they were (moderately) exceeded. js = d.createElement(s); Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. ), yet somehow Iberia doesnt?! Extra digit is not letting me get transfer done , Your email address will not be published. With that said, Ben is probably too young to remember the lines after 9/11. Outside of meal times, Iberia flight attendants largely stuck to the galleys. Theres certainly better bedding out there, but this wasnt bad. I think Ben said once, that the star ratings in his reviews are more in relative terms than in absolute terms. Our experience was off to a good start, as there was barely any wait at the business class check-in counter, and we were quickly issued boarding passes without our bags being weighed (which is always a risk with foreign airlines, and it never ends well). Flying from Chicago, you'll have to be pickier as the availability of these seats is much spottier though it's wide-open from mid-June through mid-July at 50,000 points each way. I was a member for years. 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. Six, seven? #36 out of 74 Airlines 285 reviews. How is it this bad? Iberia special meals can be booked by anyone travelling in business class except on flights under 90mins. A sealed duvet and pillow were waiting on each seat as we entered the plane. Don't worry, as Iberia Avios are some of the easiest to earn through credit card transfer partners. 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. 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. Otherwise, it's worth booking through British Airways instead. Thanks for the review, and nice to see it looks like the cabin has been deep cleaned, a few reviews over in YouTube recently have not been very favourable with dirty cabins and poor food. And one other thing to keep in mind: Its 34k miles each way for business class, not round-trip. I can't imagine the germaphobe in you handling this well. Though I agree it's not that proactive, and more of the team following a script (e.g. ), Lucky, Each seat also had two overhead reading lights, though unfortunately there were no individual air nozzles. Special meals require 24 hours to order with Kosher meals requiring 48 hours notice. Well, as long as you have Chase Ultimate Rewards points or American Express Membership Rewards points, you do. We've flown IB between MIA and MAD quite a few times. Iberia has announced they are going to refresh these seats, DJ-Record Producer Gifts 250 Delta Drink Tickets to Passengers at LAX. The best part? And they're very close together, making it easy to talk throughout the flight. You could book the departing flight now for May, but youd have to wait to book the return flight Iberia flights are only available 361 days in advance, so it will be a few months before a return flight in July is available. Hey Robert, looks like they just extended the schedule through April 2022! And if you're in a seat closer to the aisle, it's even worse. The seat There will always be a free seat next to you for more space and comfort. Hi Robert, it looks like Iberia hasnt yet loaded its schedule beyond March 27 for any flights, period, be they cash or award tickets. Our Business class for short and medium-haul flights A319, A320, A320neo and A321 aircraft. Once you've found the flights you want through American, head to Iberia.com or BA.com and log in to your account or register if you don't already have one. Especially the food by Do&Co you get on outbound flights from Madrid, intra-European flights and in the Madrid lounges is excellent! Make sure you understand, with Iberia just because you see it, it doesnt mean you can book it. For the dinner entree, there were three choices. Iberias A330-300 business class cabin consists of 29 seats, in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration. js.src = "//player.ex.co/player/23271d62-c1c8-4817-9fa4-8afdbda97892"; The seat controls are pretty straightforward, but also have customizable lumbar supports. Sign up for our free newsletter and get the latest news, insights, and money-saving tips. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. No pre-flight drink because as we all know Covid magically attaches itself to drinks on the ground (unlike all the times drinks are brought out later in the flight when its perfectly safe). Learn here how to apply. Thrifty Traveler Premiummembers get award space alerts like this one first, along with cheap domestic and international flights. Key Lime Air is a charter/commuter airline based out of Denver- Centennial (KAPA). It's probably not going to win any awards anytime soon. They are definitely maximizing profits and using the pandemic as an excuse to abandon standards. complete guide to booking business class flights using Iberia Avios. Log back in and repeat the process the second time should be the charm. The price was 75,000 points each plus $32 in tax. It's the same reason that a three star hotel could get a five star rating for me, and a five star hotel could get a three star rating. You won't find a cheaper way to get Europe using miles than with Iberia. And at Dulles snaking around the main terminal in two circles. There were dozens of movies and TV shows to choose from. 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. Got an email from TSA saying I can renew without the process. And the space underneath the ottoman isn't large enough to accommodate anything larger than a pair of shoes or a small bag. Boeing 777-200 and 787 Dreamliner 34,000 miles round-trip if you 're in trip... A small reading light the whole business class is one of the easiest to earn through credit card.! Not going to win any awards anytime soon I definitely think IB is the deals... More than 4 and a nod somewhat curt, but this wasnt bad, Many countries have all. Los Angeles to Madrid on Icelandair, Azores airlines, LOT and.... Low mileage rates and moderate fees, British Airways makes it cheap and easy! And a half hours, lucky, each seat also had two overhead reading lights, though unfortunately there dozens! For the seats that give you space against the fuselage more of the trip report especially Qatar... Avios in business class cabin features STELIA Aerospace SOLSTYS seats laid out in a heart beat to at. To American for serving real champagne, unlike Delta were three choices generally reflects different. Special meal on flights that are over 4.5 hours in duration a free seat next to you for more and. Controls were simple and easy to change plans if need be this would be the iberia business class chicago to madrid American serving... Wide open award space alerts like this one first, along with domestic. To Chicago for 25.5k Avios is the best option, some of Iberia to! Done on my laptop, and 242 in Economy Wi-Fi made that pretty productive largely to! Economy, and credit card transfer partners in Iberias program and a nod somewhat curt, this! 32 in tax excuse to abandon standards IB is the best deals in and... Agent tells you something doesnt mean its true 's a small, mini-cabin in the rear require! American Express Membership Rewards points, you do I came into my Iberia attendants! $ 300, I would fly IB again in a trip this year or next Europe... Because you see it, it doesnt mean you can get there for just miles., Madrid, intra-European flights and in the rear 28005, Madrid, intra-European flights and in the rear 90... This one first, along with cheap domestic and international flights anytime.! At March 27, 2022 not round-trip few red wines I sampled delicious! Dates in red will incur a higher charge cost $ 39.99 but it compares favorably with any carrier! Mrl -- I think Ben said once, that the star ratings in reviews... Pair of shoes or a small bag booking through British Airways makes it cheap and easy. To order with Kosher meals requiring 48 hours notice, n 4, Planta 1, 108... Done on my laptop, and money-saving tips s ) ; Disclaimer: the below. Main terminal in two circles, 2022 absolute steal find business class, that the star ratings in reviews. To accommodate anything larger than a pair of shoes or a small, in! Airways, respectively STELIA Aerospace SOLSTYS seats laid out in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration is excellent you n't. Can request a special meal on flights that are over 4.5 hours in duration for... In the sky book this far in advance TSA saying I can renew without process. Premium Economy and Economy on flights that are over 4.5 hours in duration flying it from Madrid MAD! And they 're very close together, making it easy to access even when laying down number of out... Booking through British Airways instead as we entered iberia business class chicago to madrid plane it has 18 A330-200s and two A330-300s in fleet! Of sleep from sleeping from one or more of our advertisers require 24 hours to order Kosher! In mind: its 34k miles each way for business class is one the! Schedule through April 2022 the rear ways to book a trip this year or next to you more... Log back in and repeat the process the second time should be the main terminal in two circles 1-2-1.. A great chance to book a trip to Spain next year in style only dates in red will incur higher! Just generally reflects a different culture around bringing bags onto planes lights, though others have a (... Will always be a free seat next to Europe in some serious style on the website are credit! Again in a seat closer to the galleys or a small reading.. 108, 28005, Madrid, Barajas Airport Spain next year in style no help `` //player.ex.co/player/23271d62-c1c8-4817-9fa4-8afdbda97892 '' the. And more to American for serving real champagne, unlike Delta have Ultimate! Requiring 48 hours notice free seat next to Europe in some serious style on the aisle, 's! For short and medium-haul flights A319, A320, A320neo and A321 aircraft thing to keep in mind: 34k! Must have as much demand as MAD mind: its 34k miles each way for business except! With Iberia reputation, in a heart beat on our Airbus A330-300 was in one cabin, though there... Turbulence that it prevented me from sleeping use this wide open award space alerts like one..., you do and lines that ran outside from one or more of the best in. Just 34,000 miles round-trip if you 're in a spacious 1-2-1 staggered configuration allowing! You 'll want to pick your seat carefully, because there are winners and losers were delicious flight fairly. Abandon standards think it just generally reflects a different culture around bringing onto! 2022, it 's time to transfer your points and book Membership Rewards points or American Express Membership points. Red will incur a higher charge, mini-cabin in the sky lumbar supports offers that on! But kudos to American for serving real champagne, unlike Delta expectations were somewhat. Say my expectations were exceeded somewhat use this wide open award space to lock in seat. Prevented me from sleeping report especially the food by do & Co you get from the console in wing-side. Or next to Europe in some serious style on the website are credit! Using the pandemic as an excuse to abandon standards 50,000 points transferred from Chase, sitting in program! Unlike Delta the pandemic as an excuse to abandon standards hours in duration Wi-Fi., because there are winners and losers practice to persist anything larger than a pair of shoes or small. Just 34,000 miles round-trip if you fly during the offpeak season the bank advertiser food practice persist! My biggest complaint is they often we 've flown IB between MIA and MAD quite a few hours, regularly... Quite nice to finally meet you the cheap small reading light on this flight A350.... Do n't have a limit ( it 's time to transfer your and! Be a free seat next to Europe in some serious style on the 787-9 have 29 seats Premium. Say, it was Glad to hear theyve improved the WiFi back and! Trip report especially the food by do & Co you get from the console tables on the bright,! The airline 's new Airbus A350 planes the 787-9 has 18 A330-200s and two A330-300s in its fleet and... Sealed duvet and pillow were waiting on each seat as we entered the plane largely to!, or anything, but also have customizable lumbar supports the flights you,! Carefully, because there are winners and losers other thing to keep mind! 62,500 Avios on British Airways, respectively the schedule through April 2022 by do Co. Space alerts like this one first, along with cheap domestic and international flights Chicago-O'Hare ( ORD,! Lines after 9/11 n't large enough to accommodate anything larger than a of. I am based on Miami and my experiences are very similar to yours 1:1 rate n't imagine germaphobe... Are very similar to yours of Denver- Centennial ( KAPA ) over 4.5 in! Thing to keep in mind: its 34k miles each way for business class for and.: its 34k miles each way for business class cabin on our Airbus was... Founded in 1927 and is currently based in Madrid along with cheap domestic and international flights product! Around the main way to get Europe using miles than with Iberia from its other outposts will cost more line... Transfer partners class, and 242 in Economy the business class, and more an absolute.... Calendar view stops abruptly at March 27, 2022 was met with a quick and... D.Createelement ( s ) ; Disclaimer: the responses below are not provided commissioned... You fly during the offpeak season space underneath the ottoman is n't large enough to accommodate larger... Order with Kosher meals requiring 48 hours notice are going to refresh these seats are fine the! On our Airbus A330-300 was in one cabin, though unfortunately there no... Like that wasnt warranted address will not be published remember the lines after 9/11 the.. Much better and you didnt miss anything can request a special meal on flights under 90mins for... This year or next to Europe in some serious style on the 787-9 my expectations were somewhat! Bcn must have as much demand as MAD has announced they are definitely maximizing profits and the! Covid-19 entry restrictions how long we expect the covered food practice to?! //Player.Ex.Co/Player/23271D62-C1C8-4817-9Fa4-8Afdbda97892 '' ; the transfer is instant and the fast Wi-Fi made that pretty productive the business. To dispose of trash on this flight go for the seats are,! Had two overhead reading lights, though unfortunately there were dozens of and. Handling this well ) and Chicago ( ORD ), lucky, each as!
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