Iberia Business Class: What You Need to Know

If a vacation to Spain is on your travel list, lots of airlines can get you there. The flag carrier of Spain, Iberia Airlines, can offer you a comfortable way travel nonstop from various destinations in the U.S. and Mexico.

In this Iberia business class overview, we'll cover what to expect from the business class experience as well as ways to make the most of it.

What to expect flying business class with Iberia

Flying in business class means that many of the things that make economy class travel difficult or expensive are gone completely or offered complimentary. From free bags to faster designated security lines, you may never want to fly in economy class again.

» Learn more: 5 Iberia Avios sweet spots

Baggage

Every flight in business class on long haul flights come with free baggage: You get a generous allowance of two carry-on and two checked bags per person. Feel free to stock up on souvenirs since you’ll have plenty of space to bring back gifts.

Priority business class check-in and boarding

You probably know how uninviting it is to arrive at the airport only to see long check-in lines with worried, anxious travelers who are nervous that they'll miss their flight. But Iberia business travelers always skip those long lines to head to their own dedicated check-in areas.

The same priority access applies to boarding the aircraft. While others wait in line to fight for the last inch of overhead bin space, you can spend more time in the lounge knowing that you’ll have a dedicated boarding lane and dedicated overhead bin space in your suite.

Seats

The Iberia A330 business class has been recently renovated. Each business class seat reclines to a fully flat 180 degrees; is over 6 feet, 4 inches long; and comes with a fluffy pillow and comfortable duvet.

You’ll have your own lighting, air control and 15-inch entertainment screen to watch what you like. Each seat has individual aisle access for those moments when you need to get up and stretch your legs.

Lounges

The Madrid-Barajas airport has two Iberia lounges, the Velazquez and the Dali. Inside the Iberia business class lounges, you’ll find a coffee bar, wine bar, a range of food and a private chaise lounge area where you can enjoy the quiet. If you need to freshen up before your flight, you can use the showers in the lounge, complete with amenity kits.

Both lounges will give you the same overall experience; the only differences are their location and size. In the main building of the airport, the Dali lounge is for all intra-Spain flights and Schengen European flights. The Velazquez lounge is for those flying elsewhere internationally.

» Learn more: Reasons to use airport lounges

Iberia business class meals

Iberia has just relaunched its business class meals for long-haul flyers, partnering with a new catering company to make sure that the flavors of the region are represented in all of the dishes.

Iberia has decided to focus on Mediterranean flavors; whenever possible, the menu aims to incorporate local and seasonal products. On top of that, you won’t be given food in a foil-covered plastic container like you would in economy. All business class food is served with linen tablecloths and new tableware.

Some sample dishes include roast lamb with smoked roasted peppers, langoustines with a Parmesan tomato sauce, broccolini and rice or a spinach quiche with manchego cheese.

Free travel advisors

If you're flying into or have a stopover in Madrid on Iberia, you have access to a free travel advisor. The service, called Biduzz, lets you chat with a local before you arrive. You can find out about cool museums, events, festivals, places to visit or tips on how to get around town with public transit.

If you want, your Biduzz advisor can also book events and tickets for you, avoiding the language barrier many websites may present, especially if you’re not fluent in Spanish.

How to book a business class ticket with Iberia

The Iberia website is very straightforward, so finding business class seats is a breeze.

Pick your date and you’ll see the pricing for tickets. For a sample search for a one-way flight from New York-JFK to Madrid, business class tickets start at 34,000 Avios. You’ll pay some taxes and fees as well, but they’re usually low. The taxes and fees on that same ticket, for example, are $88.19.

You can also add other cities to your flight itinerary, but you will pay separately for each individual leg. For example, if you wanted to go onward from Madrid to Malaga, the price for the ticket goes to 43,000 Avios and $116.61 in taxes and fees.

Nevertheless, the small increase in miles is well worth it, as you’re only paying an extra 9,000 Avios and $28.42 for the flight.

Ways to get good value in Iberia business class

Use your Chase Ultimate Rewards® points

Chase Ultimate Rewards® is a transfer partner with Iberia that lets you transfer points at a 1:1 ratio. This will allow you to benefit from any new credit card welcome offers and potentially earn enough points for a round trip in business class.

Iberia also has its own co-branded credit card that allows you to earn Avios, the Iberia Visa Signature® Card.

» Learn more: How to save money on international flights

Fly on off-peak days

Iberia maintains a calendar of peak and off-peak dates, so you will redeem fewer Avios for the same flight during off-peak than peak dates.

Notice that the majority of the “peak” dates are around major Spanish and international holidays such as Christmas, New Year's Day and summer vacations.

Pay with cash and points

If you have Avios, you can pay for a portion of your ticket with cash and a portion using your miles. This is especially useful if you don’t have enough Avios to fund the entire trip.

Build in a layover

Iberia has worked closely with the Madrid airport to ensure that its lounges are modern and comfortable places to relax. If you have the ability to build in a slightly longer layover, you can truly enjoy all the benefits that the lounges have to offer.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

If you fly Iberia Airlines business class

Iberia offers nonstop service from the U.S. to the Spanish capital of Madrid — and it does it in style. In Iberia business class, you’ll experience Mediterranean-inspired food, lie-flat seats and free baggage, along with exclusive lounges in the Madrid airport. If you’re staying in Madrid, you can get free tours and advice from locals, or even book tours and event tickets directly with the airline.

Discounts are available depending on the day that you fly. You can spend fewer miles flying on off-peak dates or even use your Avios to score a discount on a paid cash ticket.