Review: How is Iberia A330 Business Class Madrid to Chicago?


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After spending time in the Canary Islands and a couple of nights in Madrid, I returned to the United States flying Iberiaโ€™s business class on the Airbus 330. While the aircraft is somewhat dated, it features lie-flat 1-2-1 business class seats. Despite its age, I found the seating comfortable and the design practical, functioning as expected.

Review: Iberia A330 Business Class Madrid (MAD) to Chicago (ORD)
Iberia A330 Business Class

Flight Details

  • Flight Number: IB 341
  • Departure: Madrid at 11:35 AM
  • Arrival: 2:30 PM (delayed for an hour due to maintenance issues)
  • Seat: 2A
  • Terminal: 4S MAD Airport
  • Cost: 34,000 points plus $164
  • Aircraft: A330-300

The Verdict

  • PROS: Versatile tray table, solo window seats away from aisle traffic, lie-flat with seat topper, large pillow, and fast meal service.
  • CONS: Subpar airline food, poor free internet, narrow aisle in business class cabin, dated product, slow touchscreen responsiveness, and a gap by the window.

Iberia Business Class Check-In at MAD

Check-in at Madrid Airport Terminal 4 can be confusing, especially for business class travelers. The monitors indicate which check-in counter for flights from Madrid to Chicago, but there are no dedicated business class lanes. I had to ask twice before realizing that business class check-in is at a dedicated counter number 780 and up. Therefore, we had to walk back to that counter for check-in.

Iberiaโ€™s business class boarding pass included security fast-track privileges, and I noticed that Amex Platinum cardholders can also access the fast-track.

Iberia Business Class Lounge Access

The flight to Chicago departs from T4S, which stands for Terminal 4 Satellite. After check-in and security in T4, you must take the underground airport train to T4S, which can be time-consuming during busy periods. It took me nearly an hour, even with business class fast-track privileges.

After clearing passport control in T4S, look for the VIP lounge sign that has the IBERIA logo. Youโ€™ll soon see the bright red door labeled Premium Lounge Velazquez, which you can access using your boarding pass.

Review: Iberia Lounge Madrid Airport (MAD) Terminal 4S

Iberia Business Class Boarding

Boarding group number for Iberia Business Class is group 1, but there is an additional security check for flights to the USA. This process was quick. The agent merely checked my boarding pass and passport, stamped my boarding pass, and I proceeded to the boarding area. However, my travel companion got a random secondary check there, but the secondary check was also quick.

After boarding, the flight attendant distributed the menu and offered welcome drink options, including water, orange juice, champagne, or a grapefruit mocktail.


Iberia A330 Business Class Seats and Cabin

I had flown on this exact aircraft before, but this time, I opted for a solo window seat 2A. The business class cabin features a 1-2-1 seat configuration, which feels a bit cramped. If youโ€™re traveling alone, I recommend choosing a window seat, even numbers for more privacy, because itโ€™s not close to the aisle.

The seats on this Airbus 330 are somewhat old, and Iโ€™m not fond of the color scheme. However, I do like the monitor displaying a bright red โ€œHola,โ€ signifying the Spanish carrier.

The seat features outlets, USB ports, seat controls, and a remote controller. While this aircraft may not be the newest in Iberiaโ€™s fleetโ€”some have privacy doorsโ€”Iโ€™m impressed by the versatility of the tray table, which can serve as either a tray table or a partition for some privacy.

Moreover, although the seat is not the latest model, it remains comfortable, and all functions work as intended. Itโ€™s also worth mentioning that thereโ€™s a small button beneath the light in the pod that allows you to adjust the seat reclining level quickly.

Iberia Business Class Drinks and Food Menu

Flight attendants provided warm hand towels before beverage and meal service. Later, the flight attendant came around to welcome each business class passenger and take their main course orders. I opted for the veal.

The beverage service included wines and a selection of aperitifs such as nuts, olives, cheese, and crackers. Iberia allows you to choose your aperitifs.

For appetizers, the options were artichoke or salmon, and I chose the salmon.

The food presentation resembled typical airplane food, lacking effort in hiding that fact. However, Iberia offers these adorable salt and pepper shakers that you can take home.

Flight attendants distributed bottled water to conclude the meal service. During mid-flight, they also distributed ice cream, and chips were available in the galley.

For breakfast, I wanted something different, so I chose a wild optionโ€”octopus pieโ€”and it tasted better than I expected.

See the following photos for Iberia Business Class dining menu:

Iberia A330 Business Lie-Flat Bed

When converted into a bed, Iberiaโ€™s business class seat feels slightly narrow. It could be uncomfortable for those who tend to toss and turn while sleeping. However, since it was a daytime flight, it was ideal for a quick cat nap after the food and beverage service.

I appreciate that Iberia provides a padded topper for added comfort. If you choose not to use it, you could use it as a body pillow. The pillow is also large and offers the perfect firmness, along with a blanket.

Crew Service

The crew service on my flight was satisfactory. I didnโ€™t have much interaction with flight attendants because they seemed focused on their tasks with minimal chit-chat.

Free Internet WiFi

WiFi is complimentary for business class passengers, but it was terrible. It barely functioned. There appeared to be an upgrade option, but I chose not to pursue it.

Iberia Business Class Amenity Kit

The amenity kit is standard, but the socks are unusually large.

How to Book and Fly Iberia Business Class with Avios Miles?

Phly Wright
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