Find cheap Iberia flights

Iberia is Spain’s flagship airline and part of the IAG Group of airlines. That includes its regional carrier, Air Nostrum and its low-cost airline, Iberia Express. Iberia is also a oneworld alliance member, partnering with American Airlines, Qantas and others. The airline serves over 130 destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, North America and Latin America.

Iberia serves long-haul international routes with Airbus A330 and A350 aircraft. It operates A320-family planes on medium- and short-haul routes, as does Iberia Express. Regional flights operated by Air Nostrum fly ATR 72-600 turboprops, CRJ-200 and CRJ-1000 jets.

I’ve always felt at home flying with Iberia, which indeed is because it’s my national airline, and they fly the flag in service, offering a taste of home. It was the airline on which I took my very first flight, and have since enjoyed many other happy journeys. Having flown on a number of airlines worldwide, I’ll acknowledge that some others offer far more pampering and luxury. Speaking objectively, Iberia is on par with the US majors and its European competition. The airline is reliable, one of the world’s most punctual, and offers a good flying experience.

Here’s what you can expect on board.

Classes & services

Iberia offers two classes of service on some of its widebody planes and three classes of service on others. You’ll find two different classes of service on the airline’s narrowbody jets.

Iberia Business class - long-haul flights

Iberia’s business class is ideal for those who need a restful flight on long journeys.

Iberia’s Business class offers roomy seating with all-aisle access, regardless of the aircraft type. The top business product is the new private suite on the latest New Generation A350-900 with a door, but the business seat on the airline’s other aircraft is also very comfortable.

With universal 110V AC and USB-A sockets, you’ll have no trouble keeping your devices powered in flight. That is especially useful as the airline offers Wi-Fi, and you may want to stay connected.

Iberia’s business class offers comfortable bedding and an amenity kit with all the essentials: a toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, hand cream, eye mask, socks, and earplugs.

Business Class in-flight dining on Iberia long-haul flights

One of the real highlights of flying Iberia is the food. The menu showcases the full flavors of Spanish cuisine, and it’s a treat. The airline serves meals during the flight (the number varies by route and schedule) along with an excellent selection of wines, cavas, and snacks. You can even preview the dishes available on your flight online, adding a touch of excitement to your journey.

Long-haul Business class in-flight entertainment on Iberia

You can enjoy a wide range of in-flight entertainment options on Iberia. The airline offers a 15.4” touch screen on the airline’s A330-200s and A300s and an 18.5” screen on the A350-900s. The content catalog is varied, including a wide selection of movies, new releases, programs, music, and games. Iberia provides noise-canceling headphones, but if you prefer your own, you can pair your Bluetooth headphones with the system on the New Generation A350s.

Iberia Business class in medium- and short-haul flights

On Iberia’s smaller planes, the cabin is in a 3-3 layout. The business class section in the first few rows features a blocked middle seat for extra space and more legroom.

Other perks for these shorter flights include in-flight meals, lounge access, Fast Track security (where available), dedicated check-in, and priority boarding and baggage.

Iberia Premium Economy

Iberia offers a separate Premium Economy cabin on Airbus A330-300 and A350-900 planes (though some A350s have a two-class configuration without it).

I’ve found Premium Economy to be an excellent option for most long-haul routes where I don’t necessarily need to sleep on a lay-flat bed. With a wider seat, adjustable headrest, and footrest, it’s easy to doze on recline. The cabin uses a 2-3-2 configuration on the A330s and a 2-4-2 configuration on the A350s, with seats set approximately 37” apart and 18-19” wide. Universal power outlets (EU/USA/UK) and USB power are included, with USB-C on the New Generation A350s, which I value as someone who works through many flights.

Iberia has a dedicated menu for Premium Economy in-flight dining, which you can preview before your flight online. You will also receive an amenity kit with socks, an eye mask, ear plugs and dental care essentials.

I do find one downside, though. Unlike other airlines, Iberia doesn’t offer many other perks with the Premium Economy ticket. If you want lounge access, dedicated check-in, fast-track security and priority baggage delivery, you must fly business class or be an elite tier Iberia Plus loyalty member. On the bright side, you do get group two boarding as a Premium Economy passenger.

Iberia Economy cabins on long-haul flights

On Iberia’s A330 planes, you’ll find economy seats in a 2-4-2 configuration that typically tapers to 2-3-2 in the final rows, which is great for couples who want a two-seater. The A350s have a more standard 3-3-3 layout, with rows 38 and 54 featuring a 2-3-2 configuration. The inflight-entertainment touchscreen is 9" across. The A350s feature a 3-3-3 cabin configuration, and the seats are a bit narrower at 17”. Rows 38 and 54 are 2-3-2, with the twins separated from the cabin wall. There are no window seats on these rows, but there is an exit door with a window nearby.

I’ve found that the A350 aircraft has the advantage of being more comfortable in economy, mainly due to its larger windows and environment. If you’ve flown on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the A350 will feel familiar. They have many cabin enhancements in common, with reduced altitude effects, better lighting and improved cabin climate. After flying the A350 in economy on long flights, I’ve felt better after landing than on other planes.

Iberia Economy cabins on short- and mid-haul flights

Even on shorter flights, you’ll find USB power outlets and universal power connections throughout the cabin (availability may vary by aircraft) and Wi-Fi is available on 90% of the fleet. Since Spain is so well-connected by high-speed rail, flying is often about convenience. Iberia and Iberia Express offer convenient flights to the country’s many airports and further to popular European, North African and Middle Eastern destinations.

Economy in-flight dining

One convenient service when flying economy on Iberia’s flights under four hours is that you can pre-order snacks, beverages, and meals ahead of your flight through the airline’s Gastrobar online or through the Iberia app, and they’ll be delivered to you in-flight. The airline serves a meal on flights over four and a half hours.

Iberia lounges

Iberia operates two proprietary Premium Lounges at its Madrid hub (the Dalí Premium Lounge and the Velázquez Premium Lounge), plus passengers can access the Ezeiza Lounge in Buenos Aires. In Madrid’s Barajas Airport, the lounges are in Terminals 4 and 4S, which are connected by a quick automated underground train. The Dalí Premium Lounge is in Terminal 4 for domestic and Schengen flights, while the Premium Lounge Velázquez is in Terminal 4S for international (non-Schengen) departures.

Neither lounge is lavish, but extremely well-appointed with lots of light and comfort. I’d say it is more like hanging out at home than at the Ritz. It's easy to find a cozy spot to settle in. Shower facilities are available in both lounges, which is helpful if you’ve just arrived from an international flight and need to freshen up before your connection. The Dalí lounge has a buffet with coffee corners and bars, while the Velázquez lounge offers both a buffet and a sit-down restaurant with an à la carte menu.

And don’t forget, Iberia’s oneworld partnership means business class passengers and elite members get access to over 600 partner lounges around the world, including those from American Airlines, British Airways and Qantas.

Wi-Fi availability

Iberia offers Wi-Fi on 90% of its fleet with global coverage, though connection quality varies depending on which of three service providers your flight uses. For basic messaging and checking email, you shouldn’t have any trouble. Browsing, downloading, and streaming might be smoother on some flights than others, and you might notice a brief drop in service as the plane switches between satellites.

While it’s not all free, like some airlines offer, I find the Iberia’s connection fees are not outrageous. You can choose from different packages, from just an hour of access to 4-hour or full-flight passes, depending on what you need.

I occasionally use full Wi-Fi for work, but mostly like being connected to family by messaging. In business class, Iberia offers free messaging service. It’s also free for all members of the Iberia Plus loyalty program, no matter which class you’re flying. You can sign up for Iberia Plus for free before your flight to take advantage of that perk.