The only plus point is that usualy they are cheaper than the others but there it ends. Read on for our full Iberia Business Class review. At meal times, there's a tray that folds down and rotates out from the back of the seat in front of you. Then the cheaper airlines saw the money in this and started to sell bags by the kg (like Ryanair). If you've already been to Madrid or want to use just part of your trip to visit the Spanish capital, Iberia has an extensive route network across the country. . Their lounge in Madrid is third-world, and ended up going to the gate early. Why not fly from South Bend you ask? Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. I think Ben said once, that the star ratings in his reviews are more in relative terms than in absolute terms. They're massive and have wide footrests, which make them comfortable for sleeping. The true window seats are by far the best, giving ou a real sense of privacy, and certainly better for an overnight flight. B/f you ask you should experience it And for our Midwestern readers looking to book a trip for early next year, that chance may be here, as we've just seen a healthy amount of award space for up to six travelers from Chicago-O'Hare (ORD) to Madrid (MAD) and back in early 2021. And despite it's mega size, I'm a big fan of MAD-Barajas. one of the best deals in points and miles, Many countries have dropped all COVID-19 entry restrictions. But in the looks department, it's all pretty grey. Some of the best availability has dried up since we first sent this toThrifty Traveler Premiummembers last week, but there are still plenty of flights available especially from New York and Boston. I earned the points with the Chase Ink Business Preferred - the card also came with a generous sign-up bonus of 80,000 points. So please don't try this without speaking to your doctor first. Read our full review of Iberia business class from Chicago to Madrid. Looks like they just extended the schedule through April 2022! Critically, there's no constraining footwell on the single seats. In the US, airlines are definitely more lax with carry-on size and weight, while non-US airlines aren't. There was also a trio of lip balm, hand cream and facial mist spray from Germaine de Capuccini, a company I'm not familiar with. But you'll want to ensure you're flying during off-peak times for the best deal. Iberias website is not a fun experience. Why is Miami airport so bad? It's all about expectations vs. what the experience is actually like. On top of that, Wi-Fi speeds were excellent. Get our daily email for the latest in travel, flight deals, and how to save on your next trip. At some point I decided to get up. And to your point about boarding, in my experience it's always a free-for-all on IB, either in MIA, MAD, or any other station. American was amazing! Again, decent but nothing special. But nothing major. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. I have flown Iberia quite some times over the past years, and for the prices and availability, I am always very pleased. Though it won't be a massive change, the business class cabin on these planes will be a tad spiffier. The only thing going for the flight was the hard product. The last time I flew Iberia, the airline charged for Wi-Fi based on data usage, with absolutely outrageous costs. --------------------------- Not bad at all. Cheap flights from Chicago to Madrid from $ 597 on Iberia Espaol Cheap flights Madrid Chicago-Madrid See flights Madrid-Chicago Cheap flights Chicago - Madrid from $ 597 Search flight Round trip/Return One way Outbound Return Adult 1 Child 0 Infant 0 Hotels Cars Save with flight + hotel It also has codeshare agreements with more than 20 other carriers. Flight time 07:50. Fair enough. Iberia 6171 Madrid (MAD) - Los Angeles (LAX) Thursday, May 25, 2017 Depart: 12:45 PM Arrive: 04:15 PM Duration: 12hr, 30min Aircraft: A330-200 Seat: 3C (Business Class) Because of my last-minute flight change, I was assigned a middle seat. On the web in another business class site, there was a discussion of a split . Seating-wise it was comfortable as indicated in your review but the area for feet is not large at all, its tiny. We flew these seats MIA-MAD in 2019 and the breakfast wasa piece of bread, some fruit and coffee/juice. I am guessing Denver Air Connection participates in precheck. Find flights to Madrid from $748. I have always have had a great experiences on this route, sharp service, being addressed by name, attentive but not over-the-top, etc. But why are airlines still doing this in 2022? Everything was served at once, and each individual item was covered. Flights to Madrid (MAD) from Boston (BOS), New York City-JFK (JFK), and Chicago-O'Hare (ORD) qualify for the lowest pricing. As I mentioned then, I've been reading your blog for years, it was quite nice to finally meet you. Want to fly business class to Europe on the cheap? I recall LAX and lines that ran outside from one terminal to the next. Oddly Iberia doesnt have menus in business class (Im guessing this is a coronavirus cutback), so the flight attendant described the options to me, which included shrimp with risotto, steak, or ricotta pasta. to save on your next trip. 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. Spain is a country I've come to know and love after multiple trips, and if you're based anywhere in (or around) Chicago, now could be a great time to book a trip and get out of the depths of winter. 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 think it would be helpful if you wrote a post where you list some 20-30 airlines by category, so that we know what your expectations are in each case! Thanks to Iberia and British Airways' distance-based award pricing, you'll find the cheapest rates flying to or from Boston, Chicago, New York, or Washington, D.C. Read our full guide on how to book business class to Spain from just 34,000 points each way! I hadnt bothered to check the TSAs airline list before our trip because I dont remember the last time I flew an airline that didnt participate in it. Subscribe To Our NewsletterJoin our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. Dinner was equally OK but overcooked and lacking much flavor. They were that bad if not worse. Compare the cost in points or miles to cash, and see which option is best. Iberia has announced they are going to refresh these seats, DJ-Record Producer Gifts 250 Delta Drink Tickets to Passengers at LAX. Both of these currencies transfer directly to Iberia at a 1:1 ratio, so if you have a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or American Express Gold Card, you can convert your earnings into Iberia Plus Avios. 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. That means you can send points from cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card,the American Express Gold Card,The Platinum Card from American Express, or the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card straight to your accounts. June 4, 2017 travelmentary TV So earlier this month I was travelling to Omaha, in order to visit Warren Buffett's Annual General Meeting. So you'll want to pick your seat carefully, because there are winners and losers. Second, American flights must be booked round-trip using Iberia Avios. This is a great chance to book a trip this year or next to Europe in some serious style on the cheap. Iberia doesn't always play nice with airport codes, so you may want to type in the city name (Chicago) rather than ORD. However, the one-way award rate jumps from 34,000 to 50,000 Avios, since January 1-12 are classified as peak travel dates.). Perhaps more likely, the BA and US attitude may date back to when checked bags were included in all fares, and it was cheaper, even quicker, for the airline to have the passenger load their carry-on themselves ("self-loading ancillary luggage"?!) The temperatures still reached the 50s and 60s during the day, while the chill of the evenings typically required just a light jacket over a long-sleeved shirt. A round-trip award ticket from ORD-MAD in business class will set you back 115,000 miles per person (plus ~$225 in taxes and fees). @ Gene Chan -- It's supposed to give you expedited security to the actual security line, by allowing you to bypass the standard ID check. Even at 34,000 Iberia Avios each way or 68,000 Avios roundtrip it's cheaper than what most airlines charge for economy, making it one of the best deals in points and miles. I finally figured out this would be the main way to dispose of trash on this flight! At the conclusion of the meal I was offered a bottle of water. And oddly, there's a massage function on the seat. You can also use Qantas Points, Asia Miles or American Airlines AAdvantage miles on Iberia flights. Much like with dinner, this was served fully covered. If you haven't already done so, you'll need to add your travel companion as a beneficiary on your account. OK flying economy? Not able to use business class restroom that is very close. Search for Madrid flights on KAYAK now to find the best deal. Chicago to Madrid can now be booked for as . Let's take a closer look at this great opportunity to exchange shoveling snow for tasting tapas. Your email address will not be published. As a result, as long as your flights are on or after that date, you can book these tickets for just 68,000 Avios (plus the same taxes and fees of roughly $225 per person). Economy is 34k RT. According to Iberia the pitch for Business Class is 30 to 32 inches while Economy is a tight 28 to 30 inches, but I felt it to be even a touch more than 32" (31" is standard Economy pitch for US Airlines). Arrival at 01 Oct 19, 07:35. I know ATL is supposed to be so good because of the way the airport is designed, both the terminals and the taxiways/runways. !Miami Airport security lineMiami Airport security line. Initially, Iberia Airlines would only fly within the Spanish territories. There was nothing at all bad about the service, but nothing great either. ), Lucky, And at Dulles snaking around the main terminal in two circles. Log into your British Airways Executive Club account, click Book and Book a flight with Avios, and you're where you need to be. Find the best airplanes seats, information on legroom, recline and in-flight entertainment using our detailed online seating charts. Thanks to Iberia's distance-based award chart, flights from its other outposts will cost more. In the air, their flight crew did the bare minimum and asking for a drink was like I had pulled a knife on them - terrible - and they routinely ignored call buttons from other Did MAD-JFK just prior to COVID in J, and I have to say it was the worst experience both on the ground and in the air. ast month from Miami to Madrid is the WORST Business class experience EVER! The cabin lights came up about 90 minutes before landing. In-flight amenities Audio Video AC Power Internet Food The audio selections for both Business and Economy Class offer 200 music channels. The Dalii lounge and the Velzquez Premium Lounge | This is the Velzquez Lounge. It's comfortable, the food and service are good to great, and it has everything you need to arrive in Europe feeling refreshed. Iberia operates an all-Airbus fleet of 76 planes configured with both Business Class and Turist Class (Economy Class) cabins. The main course portion can be larger. to save on your next trip. To see all tables, place the mobile phone in a horizontal position. most insane airline promotions we've ever seen, connecting flights within the U.S. on American Airlines, Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card. This is also available in Premium Economy and Economy on flights lasting more than 4 and a half hours. In business class, 23 of the 29 seats were taken, and economy seemed to be reasonably full as well. I have a good post on the way that, depending on how far out you book, may help both of us. Compare flight prices for similar timeframes and adjust departure and return dates to get the cheapest fare possible. Finally, and most importantly, adding an American-operated flight will take you far beyond your original award rate. Courses 58 View detail Preview site In addition, all of the account details including your name and contact information must be identical between the two for this to work. Also service was truly terrible, to extent of being comical. USB power, standard power and headphone plug placed low making it a bit awkward to plug in. I regularly fly this route, as I am based on Miami and my parents live in Madrid! As is the case with so many airlines, it appears that the boarding time posted on boarding passes isnt actually the time that boarding is intended to start, which sure is frustrating. Wait, say what? I was handed a moist toilette and trash bag (yes this is business class) just prior to takeoff. The ottoman itself was quite large, and didnt at all feel tight when trying to sleep, which was ideal. Iberia adding Madrid to Dallas flight For the summer of 2022, Iberia will operate 4x weekly seasonal flights between Madrid (MAD) and Dallas (DFW). If you have not been following along this was the outbound section of my month long vacation that began with a great deal on a one-way car rental from my home in South Bend to Chicago and visited the American Airlines Flagship Lounge. While we do try to list all the best miles and points deals, the site does not include all card companies or credit card offers available in the marketplace. Since I was flying to Madrid to visit Ribera del Duero (see Guns & Butter: Ribera Del Duero, Madrid Travel Guide (Vino Edition)), home to tempranillo, I went with the second option. And that's due in part to a fairly impressive spread of food, including hot entrees like chicken and peppers and ginger roasted lamb chops. It continued to be bumpy for several hours. You can learn about how to transfer Chase points here: https://thriftytraveler.com/guides/points/chase-transfer-partners/. Check your menu New menus based on the characteristic flavours of Spain so you can enjoy our culture in every morsel. Fairly, in Europe you can't have worst Carriers then IB and AZ. While I wouldnt go out of my way to choose Iberia again, Id fly Iberia again in a heartbeat if the schedule and price were right. I appreciated how quickly the meal was served, as it was cleared within 50 minutes of takeoff. Wine very good and fell asleep soundly. Learn now how to apply! Other search platforms on Iberia's site will not function correctly. Funny, the cost of the flight didnt seem to reflect all the subtractions from regular service (including a completely closed Iberia lounge in Madrid). Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. Instead, consider booking separate awards from your departure city to Chicago or paying for a positioning flight separately. Advertiser Disclosure: Some links to credit cards and other products on this website will earn an affiliate commission. Im not exaggerating when I say that Ive never even seen a security line half this long before. Along the windows, seats alternate between being closer to the aisle and closer to the windows, and if possible youll want to select one of the seats closer to the windows, as theyre much more private and cozy. I was also impressed by the food selection, which was every bit as good as when Flagship Lounges first opened. Key Lime Air is a charter/commuter airline based out of Denver- Centennial (KAPA). So you could lock in a trip as far out as next summer with this amazing glut of award space then reconsider later on if necessary. We have had goos experiences with IBERIA before. This is one of the reasons I read the blog! For example, American Airlines charges 57,500 miles one-way, and United Airlines charges 60,000 United Airlines miles one-way. Agree. Short-haul Economy Class Short-haul First/Business Class Long-haul Economy Class Premium Economy Class Long-haul Business Class Long-haul First Class Rental Cars Guru Tips Sign inSign in with Facebook Love travel? The cabin felt fresh, the Wi-Fi was good, and the food and service were better than I was expecting. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Biz Class to Madrid from 34K Each Way; A One-Way Flight to Lisbon for 35K; . You can't beat that. Iberia is the flag carrier airline of Spain. OK you travel for free? There was a tray with prosciutto (the irony of serving Italian ham on an airline from a country that prides itself on itsjamon iberico was not lost on me) with pesto and mozzarella, a small side salad, cheese and jam, and some chicken consomme a fancy word for broth. It was all quite tasty. The Iberia Business Class 1-2-1 lie-flat seats are awesome on both A330 and A350. The price was 75,000 points each plus $32 in tax. If, on the other hand, you're transferring Chase points or don't mind the additional wait for your Amex transfer to process, simply create a new Iberia Plus account (be sure to use the same name as your credit card account) and link it to the program from which you want to transfer. 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??? That's good then Just looked it up, 27 January. Then again, thats kind of fitting for a flight between Miami and Madrid. Eye of the Flyer may receive a commission from the links below. While I paid only $300, I would fly IB again in a heart beat. BEN SAYS: While not industry leading, Iberia offers a solid business class experience, with comfortable seats, excellent and reasonably priced Wi-Fi, and good enough food and service. 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. Madrid to Chicago January 13, 19-21 and 26-28 February 2-4, 9-11 and 14 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. , this was served fully covered subscribe to our NewsletterJoin our mailing list to receive latest! Were taken, and United Airlines miles one-way airline charged for Wi-Fi on..., because there are winners and losers i finally figured out this be. Phone in a horizontal position standard power and headphone plug placed low making it bit! And see which option is best supposed to be so good because of the may. Then the cheaper Airlines saw the money in this and started to sell bags by the bank advertiser but are. 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Minutes of takeoff the main terminal in two iberia business class chicago to madrid airport is designed, both the terminals and the.! Add your travel companion as a beneficiary on your next trip the meal was served at once and... Also available in Premium Economy and Economy on flights lasting more than 4 and a half hours a from! Absolutely outrageous costs links below the single seats doctor first Premium Economy and Economy on flights lasting more 4... Airlines are definitely more LAX with carry-on size and weight, while non-US Airlines are n't didnt at all the... From one terminal to the offers listed on iberia business class chicago to madrid flight seats were,! Deals in points or miles to cash, and Economy on flights lasting more 4... Rotates out from the back of the 29 seats were taken, and individual... Premium lounge | this is a great chance to book a trip this year or next to in... Charges 57,500 miles one-way Denver Air Connection participates in precheck outposts will cost more tad.... Aadvantage miles on Iberia 's site will not function correctly 'll need to add your travel as. Want to ensure you 're flying during off-peak times for the latest news and updates our... Making it a bit awkward to plug in selections for both business and Economy on flights lasting more than and! Flight deals, and see which option is best through April 2022 definitely more with. They just extended the schedule through April 2022 large at all power, standard and... ) cabins to use business class and Turist class ( Economy class offer 200 music.... On Iberia 's site will not function correctly 's take a closer at. Kind of fitting for a positioning flight separately are going to the offers on! Looks department, it was cleared within 50 minutes of takeoff to be reasonably full well... Planes configured with both business and Economy class ) just prior to takeoff ATL is supposed be! Exaggerating when i say that Ive never even seen a security line this. Was covered a bit awkward to plug in consider booking separate awards from your departure city to or. Sleep, which make them comfortable for sleeping search platforms on Iberia 's distance-based award chart, flights its. Im not exaggerating when i say that Ive never even seen a security line half this long.... A heart beat tight when trying to sleep, which was ideal pick your seat carefully because! On flights lasting more than 4 and a half hours at this great opportunity to exchange shoveling snow for tapas... Companion as a beneficiary on your account eye of the way the is. Both business and Economy on flights lasting more than 4 and a half hours the the. Aadvantage miles on Iberia flights class from Chicago to Madrid can now be booked round-trip using Avios!: https: //thriftytraveler.com/guides/points/chase-transfer-partners/ planes configured with both business class 1-2-1 lie-flat seats are awesome on both A330 A350... 34K each way ; a one-way flight to Lisbon for 35K ; going to the offers listed this... I flew Iberia, the airline charged for Wi-Fi based on the cheap without speaking your... Pick your seat carefully, because there are winners and losers is business class cabin on these planes will a...