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Airline: Iberia Lineas Aereas
Flight Number: IB6170
Route: LAX-MAD
Class: Business Class
Aircraft: Airbus A350-900 XWB
Registration: EC-NSC
Delivered: November 2022
Flight Duration: 11 Hours 10 Minutes
Distance: 5,845 Miles
Overall Impression:
Having experienced Iberia’s long-haul business class on the A350 before, we knew to expect a reliable and well-rounded product. However, this journey from Los Angeles (LAX) to Madrid marked a first for us. Iberia business class passengers typically enjoy access to the Oneworld Business Lounge at LAX—a solid choice by U.S. standards, offering an array of food and beverages. Thanks to our Oneworld Emerald status, though, we gained entry to the exceptional Qantas First Class Lounge, widely regarded as the best lounge at LAX.
Onboard the A350, Iberia features modern Solstys-style lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 staggered configuration. This design have forward-facing seats with direct aisle access, eliminating the need to climb over a neighbor.
The service on this flight stood out, with the senior crew delivering friendly, efficient, and attentive care throughout the journey. And while Iberia’s in-flight catering hasn’t always impressed me, the meals on this route were a pleasant surprise, adding a welcome touch to the overall travel experience.
What I Liked:
The Seats – While these aren’t Iberia’s latest business class seats with doors, the Solstys seats on this A350 are exceptionally comfortable for sitting, lounging, and sleeping. With plenty of storage options and a well-designed ottoman, they offer a convenient spot to rest your feet while reclining. I managed to get a solid six hours of sleep during the flight—no small feat for me!
For solo travelers, I recommend choosing the even-numbered window seats, which are positioned closer to the window and offer enhanced privacy. Meanwhile, the odd-numbered center seats—dubbed “honeymoon seats”—are ideal for couples who want to sit side by side.
The Service – The crew on this flight was genuinely delightful, going above and beyond to ensure a memorable experience. From the warm welcome with pre-departure drinks and hot towels, to their attentive and polished service throughout the journey, their dedication was evident. Requests were handled swiftly and with a professionalism that felt effortless, yet personal. Their warm and approachable demeanor added a touch of hospitality that truly elevated the overall travel experience.
The Qantas First Class Lounge at LAX – Widely regarded as one of the top lounges at LAX, the Qantas First Lounge delivers a premium pre-flight experience with its impressive array of amenities. The lounge boasts ample comfortable seating, an excellent full-service bar, and an a la carte dining menu with made-to-order options that elevate the experience. For travelers looking to refresh before their journey, the lounge also offers luxurious shower suites, adding another layer of convenience and comfort.
The Catering – As a fan of Spanish cuisine—one of the reasons we love visiting Spain—I was excited to explore Iberia’s Spanish-inspired in-flight catering. A standout feature is the airline’s impressive selection of Spanish wines, a thoughtful touch that adds authenticity to the experience.
The meal service began shortly after takeoff with a beverage and a selection of appetizers. For the starter, I chose the barley and quinoa salad with roasted beets, which was fresh and light—a perfect way to begin. My companion opted for the niçoise salad, which he found both tasty and satisfying.
For the main course, I went with the ricotta ravioli, and it did not disappoint—creamy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. My companion chose the grilled cod with French lemon sauce, which he enjoyed for its flavor, though he noted the fish was slightly overcooked.
Dessert brought a sweet finale: chocolate ice cream accompanied by a crispy wafer roll and chocolate pearls. It was indulgent and delicious—a perfect end to the main meal service.
About 90 minutes before landing, a second meal was served. I chose the omelette with chorizo, paired with fresh fruit and warm bread. While it wasn’t particularly memorable, it was satisfying end to the 11-hour flight.
What I Didn’t Like:
No Personal Air Nozzles – One drawback of this aircraft is the absence of personal air nozzles, which could have made it easier to control individual comfort. The cabin was kept relatively warm throughout the flight—not an issue for everyone, but worth noting if you tend to prefer a cooler environment.
It was OK…
Onboard Amenities – Business class passengers were provided with a standard amenity kit and noise-canceling headphones, as well as a full-size pillow, duvet, mattress pad, and bottled water waiting at each seat upon boarding—thoughtful touches that added to the overall comfort. The lavatories were well-maintained throughout the flight, though they were stocked with only hand soap and lacked additional toiletries, which some travelers might expect in a premium cabin. Thankfully, in-flight WiFi is also available on this flight. Text messaging is free, while internet access cost 25 Euros for the entire flight.
Bottom Line:
Iberia’s long-haul business class on the A350 offers a solid and comfortable experience with well-designed seats, excellent service, and thoughtful amenities. The Spanish-inspired catering and extensive wine list enhance the journey, and while the second meal service may not be groundbreaking, it’s still satisfying. The Qantas First Lounge at LAX is a standout pre-flight perk, offering a premium experience. Overall, Iberia delivers a reliable and enjoyable business class product, making it a great choice for transatlantic travel.
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