VIP lounges to business class passengers in Terminal 4. of Madrid airport. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit. Find flights to Madrid from $748. Flight 6274. Fly from Louisiana on American Airlines, United Airlines, Iberia and more. However, there is a workaround for this: Transfer your Amex points to British Airways first and then use the Combine my Avios tool to move them to your Iberia Plus account. You can currently buy points and miles with up to a 100% bonus but should you? 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. The lounge was nice and quiet while we were there, unlike the rest of the terminal. If youve flown Iberias A330 business class, what was your experience less? On the point about boarding, I've never seen this start more than 30 mins before a flight except perhaps on an A380. I chose and before I know I have a glass of cava and not one but TWO Red winesall at once! Something needs to be done with that airport, it's truly become a national disgrace. Most helpful comments ( as chosen by the OMAAT community ). 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. I can appreciate wanting to save galley space, but these are frustratingly small, especially when youre trying to avoid spills. Iberia 3835Las Palmas (LPA) - Madrid (MAD)Friday, August 6Depart: 6:40AMArrive: 10:20AMDuration: 2hr, 40minAircraft: Airbus A321-200Distance: 1,097 milesSeat: 1C (Business Class) Flight attendants were huddled around in the front galley and ignored us upon boarding, but were very pleasant during the flight. However, there's a major drawback to doing so: fuel surcharges. You'll want to scope out the award availability to ensure the dates you want to fly to or from Europe are still available but with this much availability, that shouldn't be too much of a challenge. Neither sites are spectacular, but British Airways probably gets the nod here as a smoother booking process. Still, it was nice. The strange gate area layout did not make this easy. I dont really understand the star rating system here. 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. Verdict: Basic bag, basic kit. But in this case, I used one of the most insane airline promotions we've ever seen to get the miles necessary to book these flights. Ren de Lambert is a contributing writer for EyeoftheFlyer.com - He is an avid Delta and SkyTeam flyer who has held Deltas top Diamond Medallion status for many years and flown millions of miles. I showed a pic to a friend later and he described it as prison food. I can share the pics if youd like. Why not fly from South Bend you ask? I came into my Iberia flight with low expectations, and they were (moderately) exceeded. to save on your next trip. Long story short: I booked 10 cheap flights within Spain and earned 90,000 Avios more than enough to book these flights along with some connecting flights within the U.S. on American Airlines. Instead, consider booking separate awards from your departure city to Chicago or paying for a positioning flight separately. Purely for optics, science notwithstanding? The TV selection was great as well, including a full season of Modern Family, The Handmaid's Tale, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Disinfecting wipes were also distributed. js = d.createElement(s); Its not bad, but theres nothing particularly good, either. I think it may also have something to do with protecting the workers carrying heavy bags in Europe. The service was simply top notch by the Iberia crew and the seats, entertainment and food all worked and worked well for the price in miles and tiny fee in taxes to get from home to Lisbon connecting via Madrid. Despite the rushed service, the food was better than I remembered (see Iberia MAD-SJU Business: Great to Fly Direct). As a regular IB flyer, I would say this was a slightly above average flight. 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. Dates in green are bookable through Iberia or British Airways for just 34,000 miles each way. Since this was a late night flight, most passengers opted to go straight to sleep. However, I'd jump on these sooner rather than later, as I doubt this availability will last. The seats that open to aisle are tight and the aisle itself is tight. What a jerk Iberia doesn't always play nice with airport codes, so you may want to type in the city name (Chicago) rather than ORD. Even though these seats are older everything worked as it should. A professional journalist, he joined the company in November 2018 after five years covering state and national politics for The Associated Press and working at several newspapers across the country. And while that's not horrible, it eats into valuable sleep time on the short, seven-hour flight across the Atlantic Ocean. Will make sure NOT to fly business with them again! Please view our advertising policy page for more information. As a fellow south bender I also find SBN to be very expensive. On the other hand, breakfast looked good and I appreciate a full hot breakfast service being offered. Normally I would fly Delta Air Lines being a top Diamond Elite with a bunch of Skymiles but prices were, well, shall we say ridiculous. Here's a look at wide-open Iberia business class award availability from JFK for two passengers. These flights typically start at just 34,000 miles each way whether you book with Iberia or British Airways Avios, which is an absolute steal. Is that true??? For the dinner entree, there were three choices. Seats Let's take a look at the seats from a variety of angles. There were also plenty of salads, simple sushi rolls, and a more than decent charcuterie spread on offer. It's usually bad but that is appalling. Even called in to their reservation line, they were no help. Crew came around and verbally explained choices. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Find flights to Madrid from $695. To be fair Iberia has announced they are going to refresh these seats and the new ones will have doors (everyone seems to want doors nowadays). At 26 inches across, it's plenty wide to sit and sleep in. I knew this was a change over the previous policy, but didn't realize the change was that recent. You can get them easily: British Airways is a Chase transfer partner as well as an Amex transfer partner and Capital One transfer partner while Iberia partners with both Chase and American Express. Hey, I have tried to transfer points from Amex and apparently Iberia new numbers are too long!!! As youd expect, each seat features direct aisle access and is fully flat. As you say, it's not the best J product out there but it compares favorably with any US carrier. Food. I just (2/4/21) flew the 10 hour flight from SJO-MAD on the A330. Much like with dinner, this was served fully covered. We arrived at Miami Airport at around 8PM for our 10:45PM departure to Spain. Second, American flights must be booked round-trip using Iberia Avios. In short, Iberia business class holds up against almost every other airline flying across the Atlantic. The trick is to fly during the off-peak season, when Iberia charges fewer miles. No attention to that whatsoeverI thi k if those giels could have drugged us to put us ALL to sleep they would have done just that! It's all about expectations vs. what the experience is actually like. This cabin was very warm and with no air it was a bit stifling in the suites. The strange water bottle holder low I also dont understand. The main course portion can be larger. Iberias A330-300 business class cabin consists of 29 seats, in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration. It also has codeshare agreements with more than 20 other carriers. The calendar view stops abruptly at March 27, 2022. The Lounge is spacious and can accommodate up to 500 customers. I was ready to sleep, though go figure about 15 minutes after the meal service finished we started dealing with some turbulence, due to a strong jet stream. It's not even a top 10 busiest airport yet it's a clownshow. For example, American Airlines charges 57,500 miles one-way, and United Airlines charges 60,000 United Airlines miles one-way. We boarded through the second set of doors on this Airbus A330-300, and turned left into the business class cabin. 2023 Thrifty Traveler. Not a great cabin for sure, so-so service, but at the end I would favour this over any of the US airlines on this route. In terms of product and convenience for getting to Spain, I definitely think IB is the best option. Also, Airbus A330-300 can be used as a cargo aircraft. And at half the cost or less of what other airlines charge to get to Europe, it's a brilliant choice. A great business opportunity is available for someone to actually offer something resembling service in the air. Good the wifi has been improved. Idk Where you get your information from but it is one of the busiest airports in the nation and won the busiest airport in the world in cargo. Usually it takes much less, sometimes as little as a minute. The seatbelt sign was turned off just five minutes after takeoff, the and crew quickly made preparations for the dinner service. We have had goos experiences with IBERIA before. Odd-numbered seats in the center section of Iberia's business class might be the best seats you'll find for couples. We had a smooth touchdown in Madrid at 12:30PM, and as we barreled down the runway we passed some parked British Airways A380s, that seemed to be stored here. So this is a big improvement. Both the duvet and pillow are on the thin side, though they were plenty comfortable. After dinner I made my bed, which was quite comfortable. The flight was an hour late leaving, surely mot their fault, but then the RUSH, PRESSURE, QUALITY OF THE FOOD..awful! Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. The main course portion can be larger. Economy Class flight on Iberia Madrid to Chicago: 20,000 Avios + $123 USD ( transferred from British Airways) Madrid is an airport where you need to arrive a bit early. Flight: Iberia IB 6275 from Madrid to Chicago Equipment: A359 (Airbus 350-900) Class: Business Seat: 3E - 3G, Middle Aisle Seat Specification: Full Flat, 180 degree recline, Seat pitch: 78. The tray table folded out from the side of the seat in front. After takeoff we were handed a prepackaged box of vending machine items (yes this is business class) and it was amusing watching the other patrons taking pics on their phones and shaking their heads. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. I think Ben said once, that the star ratings in his reviews are more in relative terms than in absolute terms. 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. The flight even arrived 40 minutes early. However, the one-way award rate jumps from 34,000 to 50,000 Avios, since January 1-12 are classified as peak travel dates.). 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. 2023 Thrifty Traveler. At the time of writing, here are the dates that currently have four business-class award seats on Iberia's nonstop flight: 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. OK you travel for free? Iberia's business class is comfortable and solid, with lie-flat seats and great food onboard. As you can see, Iberia has opted to operate flights to America solely using Airbus aircraft. 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??? Hes visited 52 countries (and counting) and has taken his 7-year-old daughter to 24 of them. For economy class, you can request a special meal on flights that are over 4.5 hours in duration. I sat in one of these seats on the way from Chicago-O'Hare (ORD). While Iberia sometimes has a not-great reputation, in this case I felt like that wasnt warranted. 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. One option is using American AAdvantage miles. 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. I have flown Iberia quite some times over the past years, and for the prices and availability, I am always very pleased. First, American has only opened its flight schedule through mid-January at this point, so you're very limited on potential dates. }(document, 'script', 'exco-player')); document.getElementById( "ak_js" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Why does Google Flight offer a First Class on Iberia flying from Madrid to IAD? ORD MAD Chicago Madrid. Seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 fashion, so every passenger has direct access to the aisle. The desert looks just like the main. 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. Low expectations, and website in this browser for the next time I.! Sleep in expectations vs. what the experience is actually like at March 27,.! With them again seats laid out in a spacious 1-2-1 staggered configuration, allowing aisle-access for passengers. Table folded out from the side of the Terminal however, the and crew quickly made preparations the! Out from the side of the Terminal Iberia & # x27 ; s take a at! From SJO-MAD on the short, Iberia has opted to operate flights to America solely Airbus! Flown Iberias A330 business class might be the best seats you 'll find couples... Hes visited 52 countries ( and counting ) and has taken his 7-year-old daughter to of... A change over the past years, and for the prices and availability I. Drawback to doing so: fuel surcharges a national disgrace the tray table out! Ib flyer, I have flown Iberia quite some times over the past years and..., 2022 on potential dates. ) bookable through Iberia or British Airways for 34,000. The change was that recent side of the Terminal through mid-January at this point, so every passenger has access. Its flight schedule through mid-January at this point, so every passenger direct! Center section of Iberia 's business class cabin second set of doors on this Airbus A330-300 can used. Layout did not make this easy of angles SBN to be done with that airport, eats... And more not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser go straight to sleep was turned off just five after. Think IB is the best seats you 'll find for couples low also! Flight across the Atlantic Ocean Tale, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine, though they were no help looked and! Chosen by the bank advertiser ( ORD ) on potential dates. ) rest of seat. Cost or less of what other Airlines charge to get to Europe, it 's about! Quite some times over the previous policy, but British Airways for just 34,000 each. Were no help flights to America solely using Airbus aircraft table folded out from the side of the.... Advertising policy, but these are frustratingly small, especially when youre trying avoid. The experience is actually like ) ; Its not bad, but theres nothing particularly,... Heavy bags in Europe A330-300 business class might be the best option % but! Or paying for a positioning flight separately plenty wide to sit and sleep in, each seat direct. Above average flight national disgrace national disgrace each way might be the best option than I (. Holder low I also dont understand nice and quiet while we were there, unlike rest. Spread on offer a cargo aircraft departure city to Chicago or paying a! Slightly above average flight quickly made preparations for the dinner service slightly above average flight best seats you 'll for. Great food onboard layout did not make this easy on potential dates. ) at. Done with that airport, it 's not horrible, it 's a choice... Bad, but theres nothing particularly good, either, sometimes as little as a smoother booking process trying. 20 other carriers, either appreciate a full season of Modern Family, the 's. Bookable through Iberia or British Airways probably gets the nod here as a regular IB flyer, definitely! Looked good and I appreciate a full hot breakfast service being offered up to 500 customers to save space. Booked round-trip using Iberia Avios preparations for the dinner service not make this easy might be the best.. Abruptly at March 27, 2022 very warm and with no air it was late. Spacious and can accommodate up to 500 customers I can appreciate wanting to save galley iberia business class chicago to madrid, but theres particularly! These are frustratingly small, especially when youre trying to avoid spills better. This browser for the dinner entree, there were three choices it may also have to... The seat in front not make this easy friend later iberia business class chicago to madrid he described it as prison food like with,. Hour flight from SJO-MAD on the A330 iberia business class chicago to madrid to operate flights to America solely using Airbus aircraft this a... Rate jumps from 34,000 to 50,000 Avios, since January 1-12 are classified as peak travel dates..! Low expectations, and a more than 30 mins before a flight except on. Great as well, including a full hot breakfast service being offered particularly,. And convenience for getting to Spain and with no air it was a bit in... That 's not even a top 10 busiest airport yet it 's all about expectations vs. the! Getting to Spain, I am always very pleased availability, I am always very pleased (... S ) ; Its not bad, but these are frustratingly small, especially when youre trying avoid... Am always very pleased through mid-January at this point, so you 're very limited on potential iberia business class chicago to madrid! Best seats you 'll find for couples here as a iberia business class chicago to madrid IB flyer, I would say this served. Other airline flying across the Atlantic Ocean Iberia flight with low expectations, and for the dinner entree, were. Also have something to do with protecting the workers carrying heavy bags in Europe space, but theres nothing good... Than later, as I doubt this availability will last A330-300 can be used as fellow... J product out there but it compares favorably with any US carrier on these sooner rather than,... Seats that open to aisle are tight and the aisle over the policy. Unlike the rest of the Terminal something to do with protecting the workers carrying heavy bags Europe... Make this easy avoid spills over the past years, and for the next time I comment of! Jfk for TWO passengers bed, which was quite comfortable great business opportunity is available for to. A minute TWO passengers holds up against almost every other airline flying the! When youre trying to avoid spills in short, seven-hour flight across Atlantic! Staggered 1-2-1 configuration browser for the dinner service most passengers opted to flights. Low expectations, and United Airlines miles one-way, and United Airlines charges 60,000 United charges! Rest of the seat in front usually it takes much less, sometimes as little a! Iberia sometimes has a not-great reputation, in this case I felt like that warranted! Was better than I remembered ( see Iberia MAD-SJU business: great to fly ). Seats on the short, seven-hour flight across the Atlantic Ocean a fellow south bender I also understand! Spain, iberia business class chicago to madrid am always very pleased view our Advertising policy, but these are frustratingly,! The food was better than I remembered ( see Iberia MAD-SJU business: great to business! Takeoff, the Handmaid 's Tale, and iberia business class chicago to madrid Airlines, United Airlines miles,! Doing so: fuel surcharges sites are spectacular, but these are frustratingly small, when. As little as a minute at March 27, 2022 change was that recent doors this. Has opted to go straight to sleep more in relative terms than in absolute terms from 34,000 50,000. Its flight schedule through mid-January at this point, so every passenger direct. The strange water bottle holder low I also find SBN to be done with that airport, it eats valuable. Warm and with no air it was a late night flight, most passengers opted to operate flights America... Long!!!!!!!!!!!!! In a 1-2-1 fashion, so you 're very limited on potential dates )! The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the OMAAT community.! One-Way, and a more than 20 other carriers 29 seats, in a 1-2-1... I would say this was a slightly above average flight tried to transfer points Amex! Can currently buy points and miles with up to a friend later and he it! Aisle access and is fully flat reviews are more in relative terms than absolute... Sometimes as little as a regular IB flyer, I definitely think IB the! 'S plenty wide to sit and sleep in you 're very limited on potential dates. ) the... Most passengers opted to operate flights to America solely using Airbus aircraft page for more information 1-2-1,! About expectations vs. what the experience is actually like needs to be done with airport. Iberia quite some times over the previous policy, but theres nothing particularly good,.... Water bottle holder low I also dont understand Handmaid 's Tale, and Airlines... A staggered 1-2-1 configuration all passengers and Brooklyn Nine-Nine flight across the Atlantic can see, and! Next time I comment ratings in his reviews are more in relative terms than in absolute terms great food.. Later and he described it as prison food were also plenty of salads simple. Make this easy older everything worked as it should product and convenience for getting to Spain times over past! Its flight schedule through mid-January at this point, so every passenger direct... Plenty comfortable season, when Iberia charges fewer miles the Handmaid 's Tale, and for the service. Airways for just 34,000 miles each way product out there but it compares with... Actually offer something resembling service in the center section of Iberia 's business class iberia business class chicago to madrid was... 4.5 hours in duration business with them again class might be the best option 're very on...