The final trip before my next job is to South America, and first stop Buenos Aires! It sounds insane, but a one-way flight from Madrid to Buenos Aires in business class costs only 51,000 Avios plus just over €100, so although I have to add the London – Madrid leg myself it’s still a fantastic deal!
The flight, operated by Iberia, is mostly on an A350 aircraft which features the newer business class design. Unfortunately my flight is operated by an older A330 aircraft instead. However, from my research the two business class products don’t differ that much (at least not from the pictures), and it’s not worth tweaking my travel plans for the A350.
For checking in, Iberia uses Terminal 4 at Madrid airport, although you’ll actually take the shuttle train later to T4S for all non-Schengen departures. Priority passengers (business class and Oneworld elite) use the check-in counters numbered 700-799.
Priority passengers, as well as cardholders of Amex Platinum, are invited to use the fast track security.
We are onboard! Iberia’s business class cabin features 1-2-1 staggered configuration, which is probably the most commonly seen nowadays across all airlines.
For solo travellers the real window seats provide the best privacy, especially when you are sleeping.
If you are travelling with a partner, then choose the middle seats that are closer to the centre.
The monitor is mounted above the ottoman, which is my preferred design.
The seat converted into a bed:
The baseline is, it is a lie-flat business class seat, and that’s about it. It’s not really pleasing aesthetically, not very comfortable and is lacking in storage space. The A350 product appears nicer but kind of follows the same design principle and is barely anything revolutionary.
The amenity kit – Iberia is obviously obsessed with beige and grey!
The menu:
My beef tenderloin, cod tartare and ice cream:
Here is the thing: the meal portion isn’t really big, and for a 13-hour flight you don’t get served another meal (small plate of pasta) until close to landing.
In between there’s only salad and fruit available. I think it’s the first time I have to fight hunger when flying business class!
The IFE contains a decent, although not great selection of international films and dramas.
Their in-flight wifi is excellent though. Business class passengers and Iberia Plus members (free sign-up) can get the messaging package for free. A full package costs €24.99 for the entire flight and supports video streaming.
I had known what to expect before I hopped onboard, so there’s little surprise (good or bad) in this trip. Other things equal I’d probably choose most other airlines over Iberia, but given their excellent redemption deals I’m likely to fly with them again when going to South America next time.
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