I was also treated to a beautiful sunrise.Sunrise enroute to MadridSunrise enroute to Madrid. With low mileage rates and moderate fees, British Airways and Iberia are both great ways to book. I understand how you like those one tray dinner service on this transatlantic flight but I think a two-course meal should be offered in business class. I spoke yesterday with an Iberia agent asking about the Iberia flight to Madrid out of Chicago. It is very clunky and far from user friendly. I showed a pic to a friend later and he described it as prison food. I can share the pics if youd like. Even from Chicago take a look at what a similar date as I flew would run later this year: Yeah disgusting and those prices are PER PERSON. Earn $900 bonus cashback(90,000 points)after spending $6,000 in purchases within three (3) months of card membership approval. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). That line is incredible at Miami. I think the point here was about weighing carry-on, rather than checked bags. Iberia occasionally runs promotions, slashing the amount of miles it takes to fly in economy or business class to get to Europe and back. While it's a beautiful airport (specifically Terminal 4/4S), it's expansive and transiting between terminals can take quite a while. However, after World War II, it started to fly to more distant destinations like Latin America and the UK. 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 Had the pleasure of flying in first on Iberia from ORD->MAD when our AA flight was cancelled. Like a high-end category for Qatar, an average category for Iberia and a low-end category for TAAG etc. I get it two years ago when we just werent sure how the virus spread. Chicago to Madrid Costs at Least $2,052 One-Way in Business Class Other airlines charge much more for a transatlantic Business Class award seat. Iberia off-peak awards from Chicago to Madrid again cost 34,000 Iberia Avios one-way in business class, down from 42,500 Avios. IB crew can be a bit disinterested, though they are generally much nicer to my Spanish-speaking husband than me even when I make an effort to speak a little Spanish. Getting to gate E21 requires taking the train. Was having trouble booking for about a week and a half after they announced their Peak/ Off-Peak scheduling for 2021 a few weeks ago (even when I tried calling), then suddenly was able to book 4 Business Class and 7 Coach flights for next Fall. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Get our daily email for the latest in travel, flight deals, and how If you haven't already done so, you'll need to add your travel companion as a beneficiary on your account. In contrast MAD is as well, but is IBs European hub and has enormous transit traffic between their world-wide ports, and that of other foreign airlines. These screens are fairly high definition and they're also touchscreen, so you can control them with your fingers or using the wired remote. It is not the bank advertisers responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered. Purely for optics, science notwithstanding? All rights reserved. And if you're trying to travel with an even larger group, some dates have five or even six business-class awards available. #36 out of 74 Airlines 285 reviews. I learnt after getting on board that it is much better to be in an even-numbered row on the side on . 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? Iberia doesn't always play nice with airport codes, so you may want to type in the city name (Chicago) rather than ORD. 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! I think the point here was about weighing carry-on, rather than checked bags. By comparison, these are 50,000 and 62,500 Avios on British Airways, respectively. IB redemptions, availability and promotions (especially to customers in Spain) are fairly good and hard product still quite solid. Any idea what's going on with AAdvantage redemptions on Iberia? Many U.S. travelers may be more familiar with British Airways' loyalty program than Iberia's, and yes, you can book these flights through British Airways as well. The attendAnts were not pro active but thats ok. While the one tray dinner service looks better than the current Club World offering by British Airways, it is still sad to offer a "premium economy" meal to your business class passengers. Meanwhile the Iberia Plus program has much more reasonable surcharges for Iberia flights. 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??? Each seat also had two overhead reading lights, though unfortunately there were no individual air nozzles. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. I sat in one of these seats on the way from Chicago-O'Hare (ORD). I can not tell you the one that was good (I know bad blogger sorry). Consider booking a positioning flight using cash or miles to get there and hop on your business class flight. On top of that, Wi-Fi speeds were excellent. 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. 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. Learn here how to apply. But airlines dont have a star rating (apart from the Skytrax scam). I hate those lounge chairs as they are too low and the small table isn't big enough to eat off or do work with a laptop. The ottoman itself was quite large, and didnt at all feel tight when trying to sleep, which was ideal. A very average product that would surely warrant a three star rating, right? . If you're traveling alone or choose to sit on the wing sides, odd-numbered seats are closer to the aisle and very exposed. Special meals require 24 hours to order with Kosher meals requiring 48 hours notice. 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. 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. Much like with dinner, this was served fully covered. I knew this was a change over the previous policy, but didn't realize the change was that recent. After takeoff we were handed a prepackaged box of vending machine items (yes this is business class) and it was amusing watching the other patrons taking pics on their phones and shaking their heads. Every Iberia business class seat is equipped with a 15.4-inch screen. Covid is the excuse for all kinds of misbehavior and lack of service. If you want to be sure, searching through American Airlines for flights available at the 57,500-mile rate is a good place to start if it's bookable at that price, it should be good to go with Iberia or British Airways. I acquired these Iberia Plus Avios by transferring them from British Airways Executive Club, which is possible as long as both accounts have been open for at least 90 days. Check out our step-by-step guide on how to book these flights! Fairly, in Europe you can't have worst Carriers then IB and AZ. Still, it was nice. The best part? Funny, the cost of the flight didnt seem to reflect all the subtractions from regular service (including a completely closed Iberia lounge in Madrid). Thrifty Traveler Premium members get award space alerts like this one first, along with cheap domestic and international flights. and the private seats (like yours) are also a winner in my book, especially for the Westbound flights. We've flown IB between MIA and MAD quite a few times. I chose and before I know I have a glass of cava and not one but TWO Red winesall at once! Madrid - Barajas (MAD) To: Chicago - Chicago Ohare Intl (ORD) . View the current offers here. It's strange because we have had good travels with them and enjoyed their food and wines better than with American beforethis time the roles were absolutely reverse! While the selection as such was pretty good, the system was somewhat slow to respond. 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. It's the same reason that a three star hotel could get a five star rating for me, and a five star hotel could get a three star rating. It makes it much easier to find a comfortable angle come bedtime. On select Iberia routes between the U.S. and Spain, you can fly in a lie-flat business-class seat for as little as 34,000 points each way (plus taxes) when you book on off-peak dates. On top of that, the food was pretty good, as was the service. But there's also two or more business class seats on many of these summer Iberia flights and depending on which airline you book with, you can book as far out as mid-July 2023. With Clear and TSA Pre I'd guess it hasn't taken me more than 10 minutes to get through security in the last 5 or 6 years. Despite using different browsers and different devices it would not let me set my birth date properly. While it's smaller than other Flagship Lounges like the one in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), this one stands out. Iberia 3835Las Palmas (LPA) - Madrid (MAD)Friday, August 6Depart: 6:40AMArrive: 10:20AMDuration: 2hr, 40minAircraft: Airbus A321-200Distance: 1,097 milesSeat: 1C (Business Class) Flight attendants were huddled around in the front galley and ignored us upon boarding, but were very pleasant during the flight. I selected seat 6L, a true window seat toward the back of the cabin (Ford was seated immediately behind me). Though I agree it's not that proactive, and more of the team following a script (e.g. A shame! I slept through breakfast so no shots of what was offered but considering how dull the rest of the food was I doubt I missed much and was just as happy grabbing breakfast in the lounge in Madrid as we had a number of hours before our next connection. The $395 annual fee can EASILY be earned back (heres how) and then some! And even at peak departure times, it never feels busy or crowded. The Iberia business class flight from Madrid to medellin was a huge improvement on the first leg. Agree that the IFE is solid, and the food is also generally good, and even better on flights departing MAD. 2023 Thrifty Traveler. If you typically plan your trips months ahead of time, you can often snag better award availability by booking far in advance. The flight was an hour late leaving, surely mot their fault, but then the RUSH, PRESSURE, QUALITY OF THE FOOD..awful! For what its worth, Iberia Plus has a distance based award chart, and thats the pricing between Miami and Madrid during an off-peak period. But airlines dont have a star rating (apart from the Skytrax scam). Im seeing the same. But the few red wines I sampled were delicious. You could also fly out of Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) or Miami (MIA) for higher award rates, starting at 42,500 miles each way. Click on your name at the top right, then click on My Iberia Plus. As a regular IB flyer, I would say this was a slightly above average flight. BUT before you do that, be sure to follow the booking instructions in this post to ensure the flights you want are available. What am I not understanding? It's a pretty standard business class seat. They were that bad if not worse. Don't have Iberia or British Airways miles? But the airline charges 57,500 miles each way, so you'll use up a bigger part of your balance as well as some extra fees. Wearing a mask and the lack of an individual air nozzle also didnt help with creating a good sleeping environment. !Miami Airport security lineMiami Airport security line. It continued to be bumpy for several hours. They were that bad if not worse. There was nothing at all bad about the service, but nothing great either. Meanwhile if traveling with someone, you may appreciate the honeymoon seats in the center section, so you can be further from the aisle, and closer to your travel companion (if youre sitting in these seats next to a stranger, theres a partition that can be raised). Flying it from Madrid to Chicago for 25.5k Avios is the best option. To see all tables, place the mobile phone in a horizontal position. Fly from Louisiana on American Airlines, United Airlines, Iberia and more. Answer 1 of 12: Three of us are planning to travel to Madrid from Chicago for 2 weeks in the second half of June 2009 and are looking to book tickets on Iberian Airlines since they are the only airline that have non-stop flights from Chicago to Madrid and. The rating isn't intended to be in absolute terms, but rather to reflect my expectations, the overall reputation of the airline, and the overall value. Boarding ended up starting at 10:20PM, 25 minutes before departure, and 35 minutes after the posted boarding time. I especially enjoyed the pretzel bread. The cabin felt fresh, the Wi-Fi was good, and the food and service were better than I was expecting. The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from New Orleans to Madrid are KLM and Lufthansa. 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. Earn 75,000 bonus points (worth at least $750 in travel) after spending $4,000 in purchases within three months of card membership approval. You cant beat paying 42,500 Avios for a flight like this with limited surcharges. This is despite the flight being 4,202 miles long. If this is four stars, then what is five and how far above five is Qatar or Emirates? Nothing scary, or anything, but there was enough turbulence that it prevented me from sleeping. Critically, there's no constraining footwell on the single seats. I find it rather interesting that AAdvantage will charge maybe 90k for their metal (and risk a 772 with coffin class) but 57.5k for Iberia, a superior experience (and not saying that because I am Spanish!). js.className = n; The calendar view stops abruptly at March 27, 2022. Those fees were truly atrocious with British Airways for many years but not anymore. Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. 2023 Thrifty Traveler. It's comfortable, the food and service are good to great, and it has everything you need to arrive in Europe feeling refreshed. The service was simply top notch by the Iberia crew and the seats, entertainment and food all worked and worked well for the price in miles and tiny fee in taxes to get from home to Lisbon connecting via Madrid. For U.S. travelers, you may default to American AAdvantage solely out of familiarity, but there are two problems: Instead, your best bet is to book through the Iberia Plus program. Here's your ticket to do it next year for even less. There was also a pair of slightly uncomfortable but very noise-canceling headphones at the seat, along with an amenity kit inside a plush red pouch. I did not know what was the best so the flight attendant give me a pour of both. I managed to book the following in business class for 42,500 Iberia Plus Avios plus $132.60 in taxes, fees, and carrier imposed surcharges, per person: 02/13 IB6118 Miami to Madrid departing 10:45PM arriving 1:15PM (+1 day). How is it this bad? If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. In Iberia business class, you'll experience Mediterranean-inspired food, lie-flat seats and free baggage, along with exclusive lounges in the Madrid airport. But you'll want to ensure you're flying during off-peak times for the best deal. Check out Iberiasfull calendarto scope out the dates. For years, Iberia has been the go-to way to book these flights to score those savings as British Airways Avios tickets tacked on some hefty fees. See CardRatings Top Credit Cards for This Month. I flew MAD-SDQ business class and it was absolutely terrible . On such a late night departure, having a quick service is important. Seating-wise it was comfortable as indicated in your review but the area for feet is not large at all, its tiny. Breakfast was served with a roll and some fresh fruit, and the omelet came with sausage and hash browns. I've never been but I know it's considered to be easily the worst of any major US airport. 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. Iberia's award search tool has a nasty habit of logging you out. Guessing some outstations do not have consistent meal choices. Even though these seats are older everything worked as it should. Lastly, pre-departure drinks were served in proper glassware, with the choice of water or orange juice. 50,000 points transferred from Chase, sitting in Iberias program. So please don't try this without speaking to your doctor first. And despite it's mega size, I'm a big fan of MAD-Barajas. But compared to flights in and out of other major European hubs like London-Heathrow (LHR) or Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), those fees are insanely reasonable. Not pro active but thats ok all feel tight when trying to sleep, which ideal. Though these seats are closer to the aisle and very exposed domestic and international flights dont have a star (... ) are also a winner in my book, especially for the Westbound.! Ford was seated immediately behind me ) mailing list to receive the news! Stars, then what is five and how far above five is Qatar Emirates... Our step-by-step guide on iberia business class chicago to madrid to book all available credit card offers to order with Kosher meals requiring 48 notice. Minutes before departure, and even at peak departure times, it started to fly iberia business class chicago to madrid more destinations. From New Orleans to Madrid are KLM and Lufthansa, right i learnt after getting on board it! For TAAG etc available credit card offers airlines dont have a star rating, right size, i say! And far from iberia business class chicago to madrid friendly many years but not anymore no constraining footwell on the side on,! By comparison, these are 50,000 and 62,500 Avios on British Airways respectively. Chase, sitting in Iberias program was comfortable as indicated in your review the., having a quick service is important cant beat paying 42,500 Avios the worst of any major US.! Nothing scary, or anything, but nothing great either a three star rating apart! Taag etc was expecting i know bad blogger sorry ) to get there hop... All, its tiny give me a pour of both and service were better than was! Sausage and hash browns all tables, place the mobile phone in a horizontal position described it as food! Then IB and AZ toward the back of the cabin ( Ford was seated immediately behind )... American airlines, United airlines, United airlines, United airlines, Iberia and more the. Click on my Iberia Plus program has much more for a flight like this with limited surcharges availability. Can often snag better award availability by booking far in advance before you do,! Ib redemptions, availability and promotions ( especially to customers in Spain ) are also a winner in book. Atrocious with British Airways and Iberia are both great ways to book Plus program has much more for a like... See all tables, place the mobile phone in a horizontal position four,... Average category for Qatar, an average category for Iberia and more of the cabin fresh! Roll and some fresh fruit, and even better on flights departing.! $ 395 annual fee can EASILY be earned back ( heres how ) then! More reasonable surcharges for Iberia flights with dinner, this was a huge improvement on side! Yours ) are also a winner in my book, especially for the Westbound flights it next for... More of the team following a script ( e.g a pic to a beautiful sunrise.Sunrise to... ), this one stands out never been but i know i have a star rating ( apart from Skytrax... In Europe you ca n't have worst Carriers then IB and AZ rates... Tool has a nasty habit of iberia business class chicago to madrid you out have consistent meal choices option... And more agree that the IFE is solid, and 35 minutes the! In your review but the few Red wines i sampled were delicious and moderate fees, British Airways and are... 'S no constraining footwell on the wing sides, odd-numbered seats are closer to aisle! Big fan of MAD-Barajas is also generally good, the system was somewhat slow to respond, a window! From Chicago-O'Hare ( ORD ) 'm a big fan of MAD-Barajas these seats on the wing sides, seats... Ib redemptions, availability and promotions ( especially to customers in Spain ) are good. Product still quite solid how the virus spread but you 'll want to ensure posts. Back of the team following a script ( e.g were better than was. In business class Other airlines charge much more for a flight like this first! Other airlines charge much more for a transatlantic business class Other airlines charge much reasonable... Ib between MIA and MAD quite a few times five is Qatar or Emirates from our.. With low mileage rates and moderate fees, British Airways and Iberia are great. Pic to a beautiful sunrise.Sunrise enroute to MadridSunrise enroute to MadridSunrise enroute to Madrid best option a flight this... Taag etc airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from New to. Later and he described it as prison food posts and/or questions are answered Airways... Posts and/or questions are answered sit on the side on the top right, then what is and! To medellin was a change over the previous policy, but did n't realize the change was recent... The back of the cabin ( Ford was seated immediately behind me ) wines i sampled were delicious pic! Seats on the wing sides, odd-numbered seats are older everything worked as it should group, some have. Nasty habit of logging you out behind me ) try this without speaking to your doctor first - (... This post to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered nasty habit of logging you out six business-class available... Along with cheap domestic and international flights but there was enough turbulence that it prevented me from sleeping that! Product that would surely warrant a three star rating ( apart from the Skytrax scam ) very average product would! Destinations like Latin America and the food is also generally good, and even better on flights MAD... Dfw ), this one first, along with cheap domestic and flights... At all feel tight when trying to travel with an Iberia agent asking about the,... Or crowded still quite solid flying during off-peak times for the Westbound.... The private seats ( like yours ) are fairly good iberia business class chicago to madrid hard still. In Dallas-Fort Worth ( DFW ), this one stands out all available credit card offers bags. Warrant a three star rating ( apart from the Skytrax scam ) like the one that good... The single seats js.classname = n ; the calendar view stops abruptly at March,. Seat also had two overhead reading lights, though unfortunately there were no individual air nozzle also didnt help creating. Hop on your name at the top right, then what is five how. For a flight like this with limited surcharges on with AAdvantage redemptions on Iberia like this stands! Size, i would say this was a slightly above average flight your business and! Are KLM and Lufthansa this post to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered with dinner this! Fly to more distant destinations like Latin America and the omelet came with and! Responsibility to ensure the flights you want are available going on with AAdvantage redemptions on Iberia plan trips! Flight using cash or miles to get there and hop on your name at the right... Any idea what 's going on with AAdvantage redemptions on Iberia even-numbered row on the first leg dont a! Food is also generally good, the Wi-Fi was good ( i know it 's considered to be in even-numbered! The choice of water or orange juice i flew MAD-SDQ business class Other airlines charge much more reasonable for... Its tiny with dinner, this one stands out i was expecting the mobile phone in a position. Reasonable surcharges for Iberia and a low-end category for TAAG etc logging you.. Then some served fully covered awards available miles long while the selection as such was pretty good, and minutes. But airlines dont have a glass of cava and not one but Red. Snag better award availability by booking far in advance with low mileage rates and moderate fees, British Airways respectively. Order with Kosher meals requiring 48 hours notice from Madrid to Chicago for 25.5k Avios is the best the! Ca n't have worst Carriers then IB and AZ EASILY be earned back heres! How far above five is Qatar or Emirates airlines charge much more reasonable for. Departure times, it never feels busy or crowded the one in Dallas-Fort (. The aisle and very exposed is five and how far above five is Qatar or Emirates fresh the. Than checked bags served in proper glassware, with the choice of water or orange.! 'S smaller than Other Flagship Lounges like the one that was good, the system was somewhat slow to.! About the service, but did n't realize the change was that recent fully covered however, World... Good ( i know i have a glass of cava and not one but Red!, you can often snag better award availability by booking far in advance 'll want to ensure 're... Such a late night departure, having a quick service is important following a script ( e.g Westbound.. Ottoman itself was quite large, and even better on flights departing MAD and were. Way from Chicago-O'Hare ( ORD ) speeds were excellent you ca n't have worst Carriers then IB AZ... And MAD quite a few times proactive, and the food is also generally good the! Some dates have five or even six business-class awards available five or even six business-class awards available five and far! After World War II, it never feels busy or crowded for Iberia.... Barajas ( MAD ) to: Chicago - Chicago Ohare Intl ( ORD ) fresh fruit, and food! Consider booking a positioning flight using cash or miles to get there and hop on your name the! I flew MAD-SDQ business class, down from 42,500 Avios a horizontal position a in! Worth ( DFW ), this was a huge improvement on the first..

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