[Click above for the video review.]
Airline: Iberia Lineas Aereas
Flight Number: IB6251
Route: MAD-JFK
Class: Business Class
Aircraft: Airbus A350-900 XWB
Registration: EC-NIG
Delivered: March 2020
Flight Duration: 6 Hours 30 Minutes
Distance: 3,589 Miles
Overall Impression:
While Iberia may not have the same reputation for business class travel as European counterparts like British Airways or Lufthansa, our experience with their service has been mostly positive. In this review, we’ll explore Iberia’s business class on the Airbus A350, featuring the current generation of Solstys-style lie-flat seats. These seats, found on both the A330 and A350 aircraft, are lie-flat seats with a 1-2-1 staggered layout, providing all 31 business class passengers with direct aisle access. Note that the newly delivered A350s are fitted with the newer Recaro seats with sliding doors.
On this particular flight, the crew’s service was exemplary—our flight attendants were both friendly and efficient, promptly attending to meal requests and ensuring a smooth experience.
Catering in Iberia business class has sometimes been inconsistent on past flights, but we were pleased with the offerings on this journey. Though the selection was somewhat limited, each dish was fresh, flavorful, and presented with care.
What I liked:
The Iberia Lounge in Madrid – The Sala de Velázquez lounge at Madrid-Barajas (MAD) is arguably the best lounge in the airport. It’s spacious, with ample comfortable seating options to relax before your flight. The self-serve buffet provides a solid variety of hot and cold dishes and snacks, complemented by an espresso machine and an impressive selection of hot and cold beverages.
The Seats – I found the Solstys seats rather comfortable for sitting, lounging, and sleeping. They provide ample space, along with a convenient ottoman for foot support while lounging. I managed to get about three hours of solid sleep on this flight—a testament to the seat’s comfort.
For solo travelers, here’s a tip: opt for the even-numbered window seats, which are set closer to the windows, offering greater privacy. Conversely, odd-numbered center seats, sometimes called “honeymoon seats,” are perfect for couples, allowing for a more intimate seating arrangement.
The Service – The crew members we interacted with were exceptionally charming and eager to provide a top-notch experience. Upon boarding, they welcomed us with a pre-departure beverage and a hot towel service, setting a positive tone for the flight. Throughout, they were prompt in responding to requests and demonstrated a high level of professionalism.
The Catering – As mentioned, the quality of Iberia’s inflight meals can be hit or miss, but we were pleasantly surprised on this flight with catering provided by DO&CO. While the menu options were somewhat limited, the quality was impressive. After takeoff, the crew began with a beverage service accompanied by a selection of snacks.
For starters, I chose the Mediterranean Salad, which was fresh and light, while my companion enjoyed the Smoked Salmon Tartare—a flavorful dish he found particularly enjoyable.
For the main course, I opted for the Cappellacci Pasta filled with ricotta cheese in a rich truffle sauce. Despite being vegetarian, it was both satisfying and delicious. My companion chose the beef cheeks, which were exceptionally tender and moist.
For dessert, I indulged in the decadent Sacher Cake along with a cup of coffee, while my companion went for the lighter lemon sorbet. Both options were delightful and provided a great finish to the meal.
About 90 minutes before landing, the crew offered a second meal service. I had the Russian Salad, a small but tasty dish that made for a light and satisfying conclusion to the flight.
It was fine, I guess…
Onboard Amenities – Business class passengers received a well-stocked amenity kit and noise-canceling headphones, along with a full-size pillow, duvet, and a padded mattress cover to enhance comfort during the flight. Following the first meal service, the crew offered bottled water and chocolates to each passenger. While the lavatories were kept impeccably clean, they provided only hand soap, with no additional toiletries available.
What I didn’t like:
No Personal Air Nozzles – Unfortunately, this aircraft lacks personal air nozzles, so there’s no direct airflow control at each seat. The cabin was also kept fairly warm throughout the flight, which might be uncomfortable for those who prefer a cooler environment. It’s not a dealbreaker, but worth noting.
Bottom Line:
Iberia’s business class provides a solid and comfortable flying experience, offering spacious Solstys lie-flat seats with ample privacy and direct aisle access. The crew was friendly and efficient, delivering prompt service throughout the flight. Catering, while somewhat limited in variety, was of high quality, with fresh, flavorful dishes from DO&CO. The amenities, including a well-stocked kit, noise-canceling headphones, and a full bedding setup, added to the comfort, though the lack of personal air nozzles and minimal lavatory supplies were small drawbacks. Overall, Iberia’s business class is a competitive option for those flying to or from Spain, providing good value with a satisfying experience.
TravelingFoody.com 