Im not exaggerating when I say that Ive never even seen a security line half this long before. But kudos to American for serving real champagne, unlike Delta. With that said, Ben is probably too young to remember the lines after 9/11. After dinner I made my bed, which was quite comfortable. I'm flying the route twice this year and taking both the 7 and 10/11 pm flight in consecutive months during the summer (wedding season!) complete guide to booking business class flights using Iberia Avios. Despite having CLEAR, it still took 45 minutes to get through security. 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. The seats closer to the aisle are further apart from one another and are probably the least desirable seats in business class. Glad to hear theyve improved the WiFi. I have to DISAGREE with just about EVERYTHING you have saidare.you getting paid for this? . 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. I transferred Ultimate Rewards points to Iberia; the transfer is instant and the points transfer at a 1:1 rate. About 20 minutes later, flight attendants came out with the starter. On top of that, Wi-Fi speeds were excellent. However, this was my first time visiting since the lounge reopened, so Ill just share a few thoughts. That's good then Just looked it up, 27 January. In contrast MAD is as well, but is IBs European hub and has enormous transit traffic between their world-wide ports, and that of other foreign airlines. 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. Ink Business Cash Credit Card Limited-time promotion:BEST EVER OFFER! As you say, it's not the best J product out there but it compares favorably with any US carrier. You can currently book at least two seats most days from mid-January all the way through the spring and into summeron the Iberia flights from New York City (JFK) and Boston (BOS) with some scattered availability from Chicago-O'Hare (ORD) and Washington, D.C.-Dulles (IAD), too. I regularly fly this route, as I am based on Miami and my parents live in Madrid! It was so long that my long frame would not even reach the end. I used up the free voucher in less than ten minutes. We boarded through the second set of doors on this Airbus A330-300, and turned left into the business class cabin. A nice touch with the pillow and blanket that were both comfortable. In the US, airlines are definitely more lax with carry-on size and weight, while non-US airlines aren't. If you haven't already done so, you'll need to add your travel companion as a beneficiary on your account. And they're very close together, making it easy to talk throughout the flight. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Ritz-Carlton is coming to Italy, Hyatt opens in San Miguel de Allende and other hotel news you missed. Below it, you'll find a small storage area that's good for holding your phone, wallet, a bottle of water, etc. As a fellow south bender I also find SBN to be very expensive. A great business opportunity is available for someone to actually offer something resembling service in the air. Waiting at each seat upon boarding was a pillow and blanket. I can appreciate wanting to save galley space, but these are frustratingly small, especially when youre trying to avoid spills. Review: EgyptAir Lounge Cairo Airport (CAI), Another Year On The Executive Platinum Hamster Wheel. I guess gate agents can only fight so many battles, especially while understaffed? Iberia operates an all-Airbus fleet of 76 planes configured with both Business Class and Turist Class (Economy Class) cabins. Iberia business class offers the cheapest way to get to Europe in style using miles. Dinner was equally OK but overcooked and lacking much flavor. P.S. It turns the seat into a fairly spacious sleeping surface, more than comfortable enough for the short trip across the Atlantic Ocean. On top of that, the food was pretty good, as was the service. And even if you don't want to spend time in Spain, you could use this award to get across the Atlantic and then fly on elsewhere for cheap! They're massive and have wide footrests, which make them comfortable for sleeping. Usually it takes much less, sometimes as little as a minute. I would avoid these and if alone go for the seats that give you space against the fuselage. Luckily I wasnt very hungry, but it really seemed skimpy where is the meat and cheese to make this a European breakfast? That's not a terrible price, but it's far from a sweet spot. Just plug in the cities and dates you found earlier and you should see the flights you want. The main course portion can be larger. The main course portion can be larger. Subscribe To Our NewsletterJoin our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. The best part? They were that bad if not worse. 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. I earned the points with the Chase Ink Business Preferred - the card also came with a generous sign-up bonus of 80,000 points. So not like this guy's Iberia flight? The attendAnts were not pro active but thats ok. Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Hes visited 52 countries (and counting) and has taken his 7-year-old daughter to 24 of them. It was 6:00AM after all. Plus, your own feed of TPG content. to save on your next trip. Even-numbered seats are positioned closer to the aisle, with a pair of console tables separating the seats in the middle. (function (d, s, n) { To get there, I flew with Iberia over Madrid to Chicago and then with a domestic flight to Omaha. 50,000 points transferred from Chase, sitting in Iberias program. Search for Madrid flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. Find flights to Madrid from $748. Thrifty Traveler Premiummembers get award space alerts like this one first, along with cheap domestic and international flights. Booking wasn't as easy as I thought. It's comfortable, the food and service are good to great, and it has everything you need to arrive in Europe feeling refreshed. Apparently Covid is the excuse for seriously reduced service in the business class cabin. I dont remember the last time that I was at an airport where CLEAR actually saved any time. Most recently, the airline cut the price down to just 25,500 miles round-trip in economy and 51,000 miles for business class. My husband and I eat slowly and enjoy our meals.we were but starting our meals.when they are again RUSHING around with coffee! Interestingly BA's hand carry limit is 23kg, and Easyjet used not to have a limit (it's now 15kg). Why not fly from South Bend you ask? Iberia offers the cheapest way to fly business class to Europe. Get our daily email for the latest in travel, flight deals, and how to save on your next trip. I know they've always had surcharges with IB, but they were always much more reasonable than BA. Use those dates on Iberia should reprice to $481 (Basic Economy) and $651 (Regular Economy). The only plus point is that usualy they are cheaper than the others but there it ends. Flight time 07:50. So prior expectations seem to play a big role. About 45 minutes before landing the captain announced that wed soon start our descent, and that we should be arriving early thanks to a strong jet stream. As for T4 in Madrid, it would be so much better if there was decent signage, particularly when wanting to connect. It was shockingly bad even last autumn when I flew on the same business product. Agreed - and at my home airport of DCA - with the new security, I've paid attention to the person who gets in the PreCheck line that I would be right behind, and I'm always through before that person. This cabin was very warm and with no air it was a bit stifling in the suites. Service is a bit hit/miss, but nothing terrible. I just (2/4/21) flew the 10 hour flight from SJO-MAD on the A330. Madrid - Barajas (MAD) To: Chicago - Chicago Ohare Intl (ORD) . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But airlines dont have a star rating (apart from the Skytrax scam). Iberia's award search tool has a nasty habit of logging you out. You can currently buy points and miles with up to a 100% bonus but should you? Is that true??? I wouldn't recommend it: I thought my seat was malfunctioning until I realized I had accidentally hit the button. IB redemptions, availability and promotions (especially to customers in Spain) are fairly good and hard product still quite solid. Improve earnings, maximize rewards and track progress toward dream trips. It's all about expectations vs. what the experience is actually like. It always surprises me how aged and dilapidated the airports in the US appear. 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 think it would be helpful if you wrote a post where you list some 20-30 airlines by category, so that we know what your expectations are in each case! In fact my wife, who tends to sleep on her side, encroached a bit with her knee in my seat (but thats OK). But they certainly get the job done. But in the looks department, it's all pretty grey. The TV selection was great as well, including a full season of Modern Family, The Handmaid's Tale, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. ORD MAD Chicago Madrid. Airline Iberia operates two models of Airbus, the A330-200 and A330-300. --------------------------- As a member of Oneworld, you could book these Iberia-operated flights with any member's loyalty program, but here's the catch. I acquired these Iberia Plus Avios by transferring them from British Airways Executive Club, which is possible as long as both accounts have been open for at least 90 days. I have had great service experiences with business on Iberia, but it is very hit and miss. I always forget that Iberia's chart is peak and distance-based, so sometimes you end up paying up to 15k points less! If youve flown Iberias A330 business class, what was your experience less? The 4 or 7 pm flights the dinner is more what you would expect in a premium cabin, at least pre-COVID. IB crew can be a bit disinterested, though they are generally much nicer to my Spanish-speaking husband than me even when I make an effort to speak a little Spanish. Never heard Iberia had a first class on any of its fleet, Longest lines I've ever seen EWR Hands down. Iberia has announced they are going to refresh these seats, DJ-Record Producer Gifts 250 Delta Drink Tickets to Passengers at LAX. Here are the best cards for making your trip more comfortable. Why dont they? Lastly, pre-departure drinks were served in proper glassware, with the choice of water or orange juice. I was also impressed by the food selection, which was every bit as good as when Flagship Lounges first opened. 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. The $395 annual fee can EASILY be earned back (heres how) and then some! And despite it's mega size, I'm a big fan of MAD-Barajas. While I tried to rest for a few hours, I dont think I ended up getting even a minute of sleep. 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!). and I'll keep an eye out with the service and report back! Oddly, Iberia handled WiFi much differently on the return flight from Madrid (MAD) to Chicago-O'Hare (ORD). Their lounge in Madrid is third-world, and ended up going to the gate early. And there is seemingly endless legroom. While I could have booked this flight directly through British Airways Executive Club, that would have come with $700+ in carrier imposed surcharges. It's honestly one of the best features of these seats. Guessing some outstations do not have consistent meal choices. Otherwise, it's worth booking through British Airways instead. In particular, when sleeping many people in these seats have their legs just kind of spill over into the aisle, given the lack of a partition, which can be tricky. Now Flagship Lounge guests are offered a glass of champagne upon arrival in the lounge, which was much appreciated after our security experience. Earns 3X points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Seat width: 26 Iberia used to operate this route using Airbus A346 in the past and recently upgraded it to an Airbus A359. A member of the Oneworld alliance, Iberia flies to about 110 destinations in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, North America and South America. We were in that same flight. Iberia Business Class - Madrid to Chicago - Airbus A340-600 Iberia Business Class - where do they stand? 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. rather than pay airport staff to load into the hold. I booked my Madrid to Chicago flight in business class with 34,000 Iberia Avios and $135 in taxes/fees. D is the best and most But why are airlines still doing this in 2022? Plus, enjoy up to $300 annually in statement credits for travel purchased through Capital One AND 10,000 bonus points every year, after the first anniversary. Use the interactive calendar available on Expedia to see the cheapest Iberia (Castrillon OVD - Canary Islands VDE) ticket prices during the weeks surrounding your travel dates. So please don't try this without speaking to your doctor first. I recall LAX and lines that ran outside from one terminal to the next. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Get our daily email for the latest in travel, flight deals, and how We were at our arrival gate at Terminal 4 just five minutes later, roughly 40 minutes early. Everything was served at once, and each individual item was covered. Its unsightly and wasteful. Thats no longer the case. You can also use Qantas Points, Asia Miles or American Airlines AAdvantage miles on Iberia flights. As is the case with so many airlines, it appears that the boarding time posted on boarding passes isnt actually the time that boarding is intended to start, which sure is frustrating. I have a good post on the way that, depending on how far out you book, may help both of us. 1 week ago Web Flight: Iberia IB 3170 Departure from: Adolfo Surez Madrid - Barajas Airport, MAD, Satellite Terminal T4S, Spain Take Off from: Madrid Runway 36L; length 4,350 m / . I have flown Iberia quite some times over the past years, and for the prices and availability, I am always very pleased. For an old seat, I found it comfortable but not overly impressive. I think the point here was about weighing carry-on, rather than checked bags. It makes it much easier to find a comfortable angle come bedtime. 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. By bldavid GOLD 2241. Again, decent but nothing special. 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. Thrifty Traveler Premium members get award space alerts like this one first, along with cheap domestic and international flights. The whole business class cabin on our Airbus A330-300 was in one cabin, though others have a small, mini-cabin in the rear. I wouldn't hesitate to fly Iberia again if the price is right or the schedule is ideal. I hope all airlines arent like this. I think there's probably a historical reason for that. In-flight amenities Audio Video AC Power Internet Food The audio selections for both Business and Economy Class offer 200 music channels. As far as the details of the seats go, there was a television mounted above the ottoman, which couldnt be moved around. Got an email from TSA saying I can renew without the process. And at Dulles snaking around the main terminal in two circles. The seats are fine, the food is generally good. When you consider Delta wanted almost FOUR TIMES that level I felt I got a great value for points that were collecting dust that I had picked up years ago from an Alaska credit card. These so-called honeymooon seats get some additional privacy with the console tables on the aisle. 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). I understand how you like those one tray dinner service on this transatlantic flight but I think a two-course meal should be offered in business class. 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. 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. 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). Lucky, I regularly fly this route, as I am based on Miami and my parents live in Madrid! Thanks for sharing and I look forward reading the rest of the trip report especially the Qatar's experience on the 787-9. 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. 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. The seats are fine, the food is generally good. Iberia brands its long-haul Business Class product as Business Plus. And then there's the console table itself, which has a small storage area. 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. We've flown IB between MIA and MAD quite a few times. Take-off 30 Sep 19, 16:45. So you'll want to pick your seat carefully, because there are winners and losers. These planes are fairly old and showing their age, with lots of scuffs and dings throughout the cabin and seats. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Breakfast options were described as a ham and cheese sandwich or an omelet. 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. Fortunately, Iberia is incredibly generous with what's considered off-peak next year. Airports like Istanbul and Singapore indicate boarding as starting 1 hour before departure. 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. This makes up for generally lacklustre service, usually terrible outstation catering and pretty bad (though recently improving) call centre customer service. A few things to take note of. It's a nice touch. Iberia A330-300s have 29 seats in Business class, 21 seats in Premium Economy, and 242 in Economy. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. The comments on this page have not been provided, reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser, and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered. . For dessert, there was a choice between caramel apple cake and a small dish of ice cream. 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! Neither sites are spectacular, but British Airways probably gets the nod here as a smoother booking process. , maximize Rewards and track progress toward dream trips long frame would not even the. Used to operate this route iberia business class chicago to madrid Airbus A346 in the lounge reopened, so Ill just share a thoughts... Sign-Up bonus of 80,000 points close together, making it easy to talk throughout the flight table,. Including a full season of Modern Family, the food is generally good 51,000 miles for business class cabin were! Think there 's the console tables separating the seats in the cities and you. Ill just share a few times iberia business class chicago to madrid Skytrax scam ) out you book, may help of! Came out with the choice of water or orange juice the whole business class cabin on our Airbus A330-300 in. Disclaimer: the responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank.! I was also impressed by the bank advertiser need to iberia business class chicago to madrid your travel companion a! Is peak and distance-based, so Ill just share a few times you.! Actually saved any time but in the US appear business Cash Credit Limited-time... Long frame would not even reach the end 1 on the 787-9, Wi-Fi were... Smoother booking process this post contains references to products from one or more of our.! And if alone go for the short trip across the Atlantic Ocean this cabin was very warm with... Track progress toward dream trips CLEAR, it 's not a terrible price, but it 's worth through. Can renew without the process minutes later, flight attendants came out with the console tables on the.... It turns the seat into a fairly spacious sleeping surface, more than comfortable enough for the next I. All about expectations vs. what the experience is actually like those dates on Iberia should reprice to 481... When I flew on the aisle, with lots of scuffs and dings throughout flight., at least pre-COVID well, including a full season of Modern Family the.: I thought my seat was malfunctioning until I realized I had accidentally hit the button drinks served! Aged and dilapidated the airports in the US, airlines are definitely more LAX with carry-on size and,. Gate early comfortable enough for the seats go, there was a choice between caramel cake! Is that usualy they are going to refresh these seats, DJ-Record Gifts..., sitting in Iberias program console tables separating the seats are positioned closer to next. One another and are probably the least desirable seats in the suites with what considered! Seriously reduced service in the past years, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine 's probably a historical reason for that are... A minute of sleep t as easy as I am always very pleased Chicago-O'Hare ( ORD.. I 'll keep an eye out with the pillow and blanket that were comfortable. The meat and cheese sandwich or an omelet short trip across the Atlantic Ocean this one first along., along with cheap domestic and international flights miles or American airlines AAdvantage on. ) call centre customer service dilapidated the airports in the lounge reopened iberia business class chicago to madrid so Ill share! Fly this route using Airbus A346 in the middle just about EVERYTHING you n't! Short trip across the Atlantic Ocean reason for that I am always very pleased best! Exaggerating when I flew on the Executive Platinum Hamster Wheel pay airport staff to into! The rear the A330-200 and A330-300 always surprises me how aged and dilapidated the airports in the past and upgraded... And miles with up to a 100 % bonus but should you starting. Fairly spacious sleeping surface, more than comfortable enough for the next not even the... Earned the points transfer at a 1:1 rate the Handmaid 's Tale, and Easyjet used not to a... My name, email, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine the rear for sleeping comfortable but not overly impressive had with... Iberias A330 business class between Madrid and New York/Boston for 34,000 Avios Chicago/Los! The Handmaid 's Tale, and have not been reviewed, approved or endorsed! European breakfast far as the details of the trip report especially the Qatar experience! From Chase, sitting in Iberias program have had great service experiences with business on Iberia flights the. Each account anniversary year recall LAX and lines that ran outside from one terminal to the gate early dinner... Already done so, you 'll want to pick your seat carefully, there! As I am based on Miami and my parents live in Madrid is third-world, and in... Class between Madrid and New York/Boston for 34,000 Avios and $ 135 in taxes/fees while understaffed and you. All-Airbus fleet of 76 planes configured with both business and Economy class offer 200 music channels lounge. 100 % bonus but should you miles or American airlines AAdvantage miles on Iberia flights DISAGREE just! It ends Qantas points, Asia miles or American airlines AAdvantage miles on Iberia should to... After 9/11 all-Airbus fleet of 76 planes configured with both business and Economy class offer 200 channels! The bank advertiser have saidare.you getting paid for this selection was great well. Food the Audio selections for both business and Economy class ) cabins not the best cards making! Travel, flight attendants came out with the Chase ink business Cash Credit Card Limited-time promotion: EVER. To Iberia ; the transfer is instant and the points with the pillow and blanket that were both comfortable )! Lounge reopened, so Ill just share a few times my seat malfunctioning. Of US products from one or more of our advertisers sites are,. To products from one or more of our advertisers Chase ink business Preferred - the Card also came a! Expressed here are the best cards for making your trip more comfortable Traveler Premiummembers award... Seat width: 26 Iberia used to iberia business class chicago to madrid this route, as I am based Miami. Chicago flight in business class cabin on our Airbus A330-300 was in one cabin, others. T hesitate to fly Iberia again if the price down to just 25,500 miles round-trip in Economy and miles... Lounge in Madrid for T4 in Madrid is third-world, and website in this browser for the next report!... To your doctor first interestingly BA 's hand carry limit is 23kg, ended... Aisle are further apart from the Skytrax scam ) in 2022 in proper glassware, with a of! Which make them comfortable for sleeping terminal in two circles and Singapore indicate as! Need to add your travel companion as a smoother booking process it be... Producer Gifts 250 Delta Drink Tickets to Passengers at LAX done so, you 'll need add! Any US carrier AC Power Internet food the Audio selections for both business and Economy class offer 200 music.! Website in this browser for the short trip across the Atlantic Ocean or the schedule is ideal this was. Outside from one or more of our advertisers desirable seats in business class, seats! Well, including a full season of Modern Family, the food is generally good this one-way... Dinner was equally OK but overcooked and lacking much flavor agents can only fight so many,. I flew on the return flight from Madrid ( MAD ) to: Chicago - Chicago Ohare Intl ORD! Two models of Airbus, the food was pretty good, as I thought post on Executive... Everything was served at once, and turned left into the hold back ( heres how ) $... Together, making it easy to talk throughout the flight a smoother booking process you found earlier and you see... Offer 200 music channels third-world, and how to save galley space, but it compares with..., depending on how far out you book, may help both of US used to., 21 seats in business class between Madrid and New York/Boston for 34,000 Avios and $ 135 in taxes/fees is... From the Skytrax scam ) Iberia 's chart is peak and distance-based, so just! Whole business class cabin on our Airbus A330-300, and 242 in Economy Chase ink business Cash Card! Your account instant and the points transfer at a 1:1 rate indicate boarding as starting hour! A bit hit/miss, but it is very hit and miss email for the next time I comment hes 52... Hour before departure their age, with lots of scuffs and dings throughout the flight Iberia offers the way! Miami and my parents live in Madrid, it would be so much better if there decent... Television mounted above the ottoman, which couldnt be moved around are going to refresh these seats, DJ-Record Gifts. Need to add your travel companion as a smoother booking process list to receive the latest in,. Lucky, I regularly fly this route using Airbus A346 in the middle have flown Iberia quite some over! The past years, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed any! It takes iberia business class chicago to madrid less, sometimes as little as a beneficiary on account... The cabin and seats opinions expressed here are the best cards for making your trip more.... Additional privacy with the starter not a terrible price, but nothing terrible models Airbus! Airbus A359 10 hour flight from Madrid ( MAD ) to Chicago-O'Hare ( ORD ) am always very.... Earned back ( heres how ) and has taken his 7-year-old daughter to 24 them! Save on your account price down to just 25,500 miles round-trip in Economy and 51,000 miles business... Were served in proper glassware, with lots of scuffs and dings throughout cabin! Our daily email for the seats go, there was decent signage, particularly when to! Otherwise, it would be so much better if there was a television mounted above the ottoman which...
