Iberia Airlines....Feeling No Pain On The Plane To Spain
Written: Dec 26 '07 (Updated Dec 26 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: They manage to feed you well, plenty of wine to put you to sleep
Cons: Upgrades not easily obtained, ground assistance must be arranged well in advance
The Bottom Line: Iberia deserves a bit more than its bad reputation online would suggest. I'd fly them again without hesitation.
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| tombarnes's Full Review: Iberia |
Against all advice, we decided to take a stupidly cheap ticket from Dulles Airport in Washington to Nice, via Madrid. I'm always up for flying an airline I haven't tried.
Check-In- Dulles/Madrid
We arrived half an hour before the counter opened for the afternoon. Given this, there were no problems, though the best that could be said for the counter agents is that they were brisk and efficient. I would not describe them as outwardly friendly. We were lucky enough to have obtained seats together in cattle class. I was, in fact, able to select these on their website months in advance. Upgrading was out of the question unless we paid an additional $2500.00 per ticket- one way. I thought I'd try my luck at the gate itself. No dice there either. The gate agents offered us the chance to upgrade if we paid an additional $2000.00 one way. We let this spectacular opportunity for savings pass.
Our outbound waiting period was improved by our ability to use the American Airlines lounge at Dulles through the American Express Platinum Card- not exactly normal procedure with them, but something of a favor . The waiting areas at Barajas were clean and orderly, so we didn't miss the exclusive boarding lounges too much during our trip.
On the return, the check-in process at Barajas in Madrid was relatively easy. The idea of an upgrade was not even faintly entertained by the agents there.
On Board
Frankly, the on-board experience was not the ordeal I'd envisioned. Our seats on both flights were not large by any standard (10A, 10C on an Airbus 340), but we were fortunate to have empty seats nearby onto which we could stretch out. On a full flight, these seats could prove uncomfortable, but I doubt that their seats are any worse than those of other airlines. As for the condition of the cabins, the planes were not sparkling and new, but they were clean and well cared for. While passing through, I observed that the business class seats appeared smaller than those of other airlines I've flown in business class.
The flight attendants offered various newspapers in both Spanish and English shortly before takeoff. We were given complimentary headphones, but never used them. Unlike Virgin Atlantic, Singapore Airlines and other flagships of the industry, Iberia hasn't yet installed video screens in their seats- at least not in coach class. Movies were offered, but Garfield was obviously aimed at the kiddie crowd. I got the distinct impression that sleep was encouraged after meal service. No request, however, was unmet if I made my way back to the galley.
In terms of food and drink, Iberia comes out far ahead of its stateside competition. I was not exactly transfixed by the chicken, potato and pasta dishes we were offered, but am pleased to report that they were edible. We missed a trick on the return flight in not trying the paella. A tray of chicken, potatoes and green beans was set before me before I had the chance to ask for an alternative. The flight attendant seemed too preoccupied for me to bother with a special request.
In all fairness, their food is still better than that found while flying with a great many airlines these days. On the flight over to Madrid, we were served a small breakfast of a muffin and yogurt about an hour before landing. On the return flight, we received a sandwich with a salad and more wine. The inclusion of a choice of red or white wine (no great vintages here- in truth, almost tasteless) means that the details of the food itself may be agreeably blurred. In coach, the flight attendants aren't exactly on top of you to refill your glass, but requests for additional drinks were met in a timely and courteous manner. Coach passengers aren't encouraged to request sherry and brandy, but they may be had for the asking. Coffee and tea flowed with crisp efficiency. I can't say I was terribly impressed with the coffee, but it was drinkable and strong.
Service
The service on board was far better than I'd anticipated it would be. No, the fawning was reserved for those fortunate enough to be seated in business class, but the remainder of us fared well enough with service which could best be described as pleasantly brisk. The lassitude described in most of the other reviews I've read for Iberia wasn't in evidence. One male flight attendant was blatantly rude about insisting that we lower our window shade after lunch had been served. We did so, but it wasn't necessary for him to reach over us and lower it forcefully himself. If you are flying in coach, bring your own eye shades. The thin blankets didn't provide much warmth, but two of them are better than one. Pillows had been placed on each seat as well. How we now take pleasure in the small things we used to take for granted in the air!
On the Ground
We had asked for assistance upon landing at Barajas in Madrid. No one showed up to guide us through the maze. On our return, we asked once more for assistance in Madrid. Yet again, no one showed up to guide us on our way. Their explanation was that such services must be reserved "well in advance", but I couldn't ascertain exactly what this meant.
We had no issues with lost luggage. The Iberia counter agents were mostly pleasant. A couple of them (in Washington and in Nice) really went out of their way to be helpful.
A word of warning is in order if you have connections in the new Barajas Airport in Madrid. The place is simply huge. Getting from one terminal to another takes a minimum of half an hour- more likely forty five minutes. Be sure that your connections allow enough time for negotiating your way around the airport.
Cost
We had no reason to complain about what we paid for our tickets. $685.00 (including tax) from Dulles to Nice round trip is an excellent deal any way you look at it- especially when one considers that about $300.00 of that was in taxes and other fees. A similar flight on Air France would have been at least $200.00 more. I am confident that we got a good deal. Our flights to and from Nice were on the Iberia subsidiary Air Nostrum, whose service was exemplary. I hope to review it separately.
Iberia Airlines
Toll Free 800-772-4642
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
tombarnes
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 - Top 200 |
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Member: Thomas Barnes
Location: Fort Lauderdale & Washington, DC
Reviews written: 688
Trusted by: 443 members
About Me:
With Barbara in Miami, 2004
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