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Airline: Iberia Lineas Aereas
Flight Number: IB6174
Route: SFO-MAD
Class: Business Class
Aircraft: Airbus A330-200
Registration: EC-MMG
Delivered: October 2016
Flight Duration: 11 Hours 15 Minutes
Distance: 5,805 Miles
Overall Impression:
We’ve flown Iberia’s long-haul business class on the A330 before, and overall, it’s a solid product. This time, we flew directly from SFO to Madrid, which was a first for us. Iberia passengers use the British Airways Lounge at SFO, which is a good lounge by U.S. standards, with plenty of food and drinks available before boarding. The only downside is that it can get very crowded during peak times, making it tough to find seating.
On the A330, Iberia uses Solstys-style lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 staggered layout. All seats are forward-facing, giving every business class passenger direct access to the aisle without needing to step over a neighbor.
The service from the senior crew on our flight was excellent. The flight attendants we interacted with were friendly and quick to respond to our requests.
While I’m usually not a fan of Iberia’s in-flight catering, the meals on this SFO route were surprisingly good and added to the overall travel experience.
What I liked:
The Seats – While these aren’t Iberia’s newest business class seats with doors, I found the Solstys seats on this A330 to be very comfortable for sitting, lounging, and sleeping. They offer ample storage space, and the included ottoman provides a nice spot to rest your feet while reclining. I managed to get about six hours of sleep on this flight, which was a welcome surprise.
For solo travelers, I recommend the even-numbered window seats for the best privacy, as these seats are set closer to the window and away from the aisle. In contrast, the odd-numbered center seats—known as “honeymoon seats”—are perfect for couples looking to sit together.
The Service – The crew we encountered was genuinely charming and seemed dedicated to making the flight memorable. They welcomed us with pre-departure drinks and maintained a high level of attentiveness throughout, responding to requests swiftly and with a polished professionalism that elevated the experience. Their warm and personable approach made a noticeable difference in the overall journey.
What I didn’t like:
No Personal Air Nozzles – Unfortunately, this aircraft isn’t equipped with personal air nozzles, which would have been helpful for maintaining comfort. The cabin was kept fairly warm throughout the flight—not a major issue, but something to be aware of if you prefer a cooler cabin.
It was fine, I guess…
The British Airways Lounge at SFO – This lounge stands out as one of the better options at SFO, offering a well-rounded selection of amenities. The self-serve buffet includes a solid variety of hot and cold dishes, snacks, and even an espresso machine for coffee lovers. Additionally, guests can order select items from an à la carte menu via QR code, adding a nice touch to the dining experience. The beverage selection is impressive, with a range of wines, spirits, and other hot and cold options. Unfortunately, the lounge’s biggest drawback is its size—it can feel quite crowded during peak hours, making it challenging to secure a comfortable seat.
The Catering – As a fan of Spanish cuisine (a major reason we love visiting Spain), I was eager to experience Iberia’s Spanish-inspired catering. Iberia also features an impressive list of Spanish wines, which is a thoughtful touch. After takeoff, the meal service started with a beverage service, accompanied with a few appetizers. For the starter, I opted for the barley and quinoa salad with vegetables, which was fresh and light. My companion enjoyed the smoked duck salad, which he found flavorful.
For the main course, I chose the beef tenderloin, served medium and nicely seasoned, while my companion went with the grilled halibut. He found it tasty, though slightly overcooked.
For dessert, I had the New York-style cheesecake, which was decent but unremarkable. My companion, on the other hand, loved the coconut & pineapple ice cream—calling it the highlight of the meal.
The second meal service was offered 90 minutes before landing. I ordered the omelet, accompanied by sausage, mushrooms, and vegetables, along with fresh fruit and warm bread. While not remarkable, it was satisfying after nine hours in the air. Overall, Iberia’s in-flight dining on this transatlantic route exceeded expectations, offering a solid culinary experience.
Onboard Amenities – Each business class passenger received a standard amenity kit and noise-canceling headphones, along with a full-size pillow, duvet, mattress pad, and bottled water already waiting at our seats upon boarding—thoughtful touches for added comfort. The lavatories were kept very clean, though they offered only hand soap, with no additional toiletries provided.
Bottom Line:
Iberia’s long-haul business class on the A330 offers a comfortable and enjoyable experience, with well-designed Solstys seats that provide ample privacy and direct aisle access. The service was friendly and attentive, and the Spanish-inspired catering exceeded expectations, especially with the selection of wines and unique desserts. The British Airways Lounge at SFO is a solid pre-flight option, though it can get crowded during peak times. While the amenities were standard, with no personal air nozzles and basic toiletries in the lavatories, the overall experience was positive, making Iberia a strong choice for transatlantic flights.
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