Information on Iberia Flights

Iberia is Spain’s primary airline, based out of Madrid’s Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD). It is a member of the OneWorld alliance and flies to 137 domestic and international destinations, including around Europe, South America, North America, and the Middle East. Within Spain and Europe, Iberia also flies its regional airline Iberia Express and has a partnership with franchisee airline Air Nostrum.

Iberia cabins, classes and legroom

Iberia has three classes of services: Economy, Premium Economy, and Business. The availability of the classes can vary from aircraft to aircraft, as can the included amenities and seat type. Long-haul and short-haul flights have different cabin and seat layouts, as well as variations in legroom options.

Economy class

Economy class is the primary cabin on most Iberia flights. The seats are reasonably comfortable and long-haul flights have a good variety of entertainment options on the seatback screens. I’ve flown from Buenos Aires to Madrid in an economy seat and it was on par with similar European airlines like British Airways and KLM. The screens are notably large for an economy seat. Long-haul flights also have USB and universal power adaptor outlets to charge your devices mid-air.

The legroom in economy class is standard for a European airline. Expect 30-32 inches of legroom depending on the aircraft and 5-6 inches of recline, which in my experience can feel limiting when trying to sleep.

On long-haul flights (more than four and a half hours), Iberia offers a choice of two hot meal options included. Those with dietary requirements can request a special meal ahead of time in “Manage your booking.” On shorter flights, passengers can purchase food and drink items off a menu that highlights Spanish fare. These can be pre-purchased or bought onboard, depending on how far in advance you like to plan.

Premium economy class

Iberia’s premium economy seats are a great option for travelers who don’t have the budget for business class, but want a few extra bells and whistles for long-haul flights. The cabin is smaller with larger and more comfortable seats, which makes it easier to sleep on overnight flights. The legroom is 37 inches, including a much-needed footrest, and all passengers get a pair of noise canceling headphones to watch movies.

The meals in premium economy are better than those in economy and served on real plates, although they tend not to be as high-end as those in business class. Travelers also get an additional baggage allowance (usually two checked bags) and priority boarding. This alone can be worth the extra cost if you’re not traveling light.

Business class

Iberia features two versions of business class: long-haul, which features lay-flat beds, and short/medium-haul, which has spacious upright seats. Newer planes have extra privacy for long-haulers, with doors to ensure you get the rest and space you need. The lay-flat beds also feature adjustable back and shoulder pillows with a massage function, which should make anyone flying economy envious.

Business class travelers get lounge access, a particular perk in Madrid thanks to its top-notch lounges, as well as priority check-in and fast-track security. Passengers driving to Madrid and Barcelona airports get the added bonus of VIP parking service for select days.

The meals in business class are Mediterranean inspired and served with a preferential wine list, which changes quarterly. On longer flights, passengers can select a meal option from a printed menu. One perk of Iberia is that all of their menus can be found online by searching your flight number.

Onboard entertainment and Wi-Fi

As of mid-2024, 90 percent of Iberia’s planes have Wi-Fi. Connectivity is free for text messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messenger if you are flying Business class or an Iberia Plus member (you can sign up in-flight to access it, which I’d recommend).

Passengers can also pay to use a more full Wi-Fi service. The paid options vary by route and plane, and you’ll pay more if you want to use it for streaming. The service can be spotty, so it’s best to preload your movies, books and TV shows and not rely on Iberia’s Wi-Fi for entertainment. Those who need to access email and messaging will have a better experience all-around.

I can attest to the fact that Iberia has an incredible selection of TV shows and movies on their flights. Newer planes have 4K touch screens that can connect to wireless headphones via bluetooth, but all of the airline’s seatback screens are relatively large. The movies and TV series change monthly, with a schedule that can be accessed on Iberia’s website, and there are both classics and new releases available to watch. Onscreen games include Bejeweled, solitaire, and poker.

Passengers who prefer to read can use Iberia’s in-flight press reader service to peruse ​​international newspapers and magazines from more than 150 countries, in more than 60 languages. It’s accessed via the Iberia app, so download that ahead of your flight.

Booking and check-in process

Iberia’s booking system is both online and via phone, but I always recommend booking online. Iberia Plus members and travelers with status on OneWorld should make sure to include their frequent flyer number to ensure the best booking experience.

There are multiple fare types within the economy class, which can sometimes trip up travelers. Check to ensure your chosen fare includes everything you want and need, like a checked bag, seat selection, and the ability to change your flight.

Check-in opens 24 hours before the flight’s departure time. Passengers can use the Iberia app or website to check in, but I’d recommend using the app so you can do it on the go. You may need your booking reference number to complete check-in.

Baggage policies and fees

The inclusion and number of checked bags depend on which fare you book on Iberia. In economy, the “Basic” fare only included hand luggage, which is limited to one item. “Optimal” and “Flexible” fares allow one checked bag plus one item of hand luggage, while premium economy and business class passengers can check two bags.

You can check a total of nine bags if you are willing to pay the fees, which vary based on route and destination. If you plan to check a bag add it to your reservation in advance, especially if flying out of Buenos Aires, where the check-in agents will try to insist on cash payments in a way that can seem like a scam.

The maximum weight for a checked bag on Iberia is strict. Keep your luggage limited to 50 lbs (23 kg) unless you want to pay an excess baggage fee. There is a baggage fee calculator on Iberia’s website.

Seat selection policies and fees

Iberia passengers can select seats in advance, but some fares and classes may have to pay a fee to do so. It costs less to select a seat online in advance than it will at the airport. If you opt to not pre-reserve a seat, Iberia will allocate one for you at check-in. In economy, the fees differ based on the location of the seat. Those traveling in premium economy or business class typically can select their seat in advance. When embarking on a long-haul flight, especially if you’re traveling as a family or in a group, it’s worth paying to ensure the best seat possible.

Iberia lounges

The quality of Iberia’s lounges varies based on the airport, but the airline’s Madrid hub has two sleek, well-appointed lounges with top-notch food options. Lounges are available for business class travelers, as well as those with specific status on Iberia or OneWorld. Iberia also has a dedicated lounge in Buenos Aires, which I have been to and do not recommend based on the limited seating and intense crowds. I ended up sitting near the departure gate instead. When traveling via other airports, Iberia passengers can use OneWorld lounges, including those owned by British Airways and Finnair.

Boarding process

Iberia flights board passengers in four groups. The first two are priority boarding for business class, premium economy class, and passengers with status on Iberia and OneWorld. Group three includes passengers who purchased an “Optimal” or “Flexible” fare type, while group four is economy class. Travelers who need special assistance and families with children under two get to board before any of the groups, which can be a relief to those with infants.

Loyalty and global alliance

Iberia is part of the OneWorld alliance, along with British Airways, American Airlines, and Qantas. Your loyalty status on the member airlines will carry over when flying Iberia, which can be a huge perk. As a Platinum member with American’s AAdvantage I have OneWorld Sapphire, which lets me use the Iberia lounges when traveling internationally.

Iberia’s own loyalty program is called Iberia Plus. It has six levels of loyalty status, starting with Clásica. Frequent flyers accumulate Avios points, which can be used to book future flights, and Elite points, which elevate your status. Young travelers under 12 can also score their own Iberia Plus Kids Card. Unless you are based in Spain or flying Iberia on a regular basis, however, in my opinion, it’s better to keep your status on OneWorld. U.S. travelers will benefit more from AAdvantage status than from Iberia Plus, while U.K. travelers should stick with BritishAirways’ Executive Club.

Iberia Plus members can use Avios points to book flights both on Iberia and on OneWorld partner airlines, or to apply discounts to fares. Avios points can also be used for hotel and car rental bookings, and even entertainment.