When it comes to answering the question of whether Iberia is a good airline, the answer is not as simple as it may seem. In this article, we will delve into my personal experience and the things I discovered about Iberia during my flight. While I can confidently say that Iberia is a good airline, there are a few caveats that are worth knowing ahead of time.
Is Iberia a good airline? Well, I’d normally automatically declare any airline that flies A340-600’s to be “totally awesome”, but that’s not very “aviation blogger-ish” of me. Read on for my full opinion on the subject…
Things you might not know about flying Iberia
Despite the fact that most major airlines are quite similar these days, I embarked on my first flight with Iberia with the intention of exploring the subtle differences. Previously, I had assumed that Iberia was a good airline due to its acceptance into the Oneworld alliance. However, my experience with them revealed several things that were worth noting:
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There is no free food or drinks on intra-European flights. You need to purchase snacks or meals from the menu.
I hate to admit it, but the food on the menu actually looks pretty good. They almost had me! -
Iberia's on-time performance in 2018 was 90.05%, with average delays of 33.7 minutes. My particular flight was delayed by approximately 20 minutes.
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Iberia operates over 1000+ flights daily to 135 destinations in 47 countries. They are part of the International Airlines Group (IAG), which ensures interline connections with other major airlines.
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Terminal 4 at Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) is stunning and offers a smooth arrival and departure process for Iberia passengers.
Welcome to Terminal 4 at Madrid Barajas Airport. I wonder how many construction workers quit as soon as they saw the blueprints? -
Terminal 4 is extensive, and it can take more than 30 minutes to walk from the security checkpoint to the farthest gate, including the time required to ride the intra-terminal train between concourses.
Is Iberia a good airline if there’s a pretty good chance it’s going to take 35+ minutes to walk to your gate? Only you can decide. -
Iberia sometimes initiates the boarding process even if the plane is not ready, which can lead to passengers waiting in the jet bridge for the cleaning crew to finish their tasks.
Pro tip: don’t believe the gate agents when they tell you it’s time to board. I did, and I ended up standing in a jet bridge with 150 confused souls as we waited for the cleaning crew to wrap things up. -
The onboard experience with Iberia is not distinctly Spanish. It is similar to the experiences offered by British Airways and Lufthansa.
All of these insights are things that I would not have known if I hadn't taken that short flight from Madrid to London with Iberia. It is easy to critique airlines based on internet opinions, but experiencing them firsthand reveals the nuanced details that would otherwise go unnoticed.
The Upsides of Flying Iberia between Madrid and London
Now that we have discussed the aspects that may leave you wanting more, let's explore the positive aspects of flying with Iberia:
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The A340-600 aircraft I flew on was exceptionally clean both inside and out.
“Seats so clean I’d lick ‘em” was my primary candidate for the caption of this photo. FYI, I decided not to use it. -
Iberia operates international flights between Madrid and London using widebody aircraft with fully lie-flat seats, making it an excellent choice for those flying business class.
Although I wasn’t flying business class today, I could still very much appreciate being on an A340-600 on such a short route. Well, at least on the outside I looked to be appreciating it like a grown man. But…on the inside? I was hyperactively jumping up and down thanks to my out-of-control levels of excitement and enthusiasm. -
Business class fares on the Madrid to London route are quite affordable, offering a fully lie-flat seat and ample space.
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The Iberia mobile app is user-friendly, allowing easy check-in and access to necessary information.
The Iberia mobile app is really good! So good, in fact, that I almost considered purchasing a WiFi plan. Almost. -
Iberia.com often offers slightly lower prices compared to other major airlines on the same routes.
The Downsides of Flying Iberia between Madrid and London
Now, let's address the aspects of the Iberia experience that were less than satisfactory:
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Navigating through the Madrid airport can be confusing, especially when transferring between terminals. The signage and inter-terminal bus system can cause delays and frustration.
“Will I sound like a crybaby if I complain about the long walk to my gate?” -
Gate agents during my short delay did not provide timely updates or communicate effectively with passengers.
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There was an open access panel near my seat, which led to me accidentally dropping my camera into it.
Is Iberia a good airline if there are open access panels in the fuselage? I would have said “yes!” if I didn’t get my camera back after it fell in. -
The lack of free food and drinks, particularly on regional flights within Europe, can be disappointing, especially on a route like Madrid to London, which sees significant business travel. Other major European airlines continue to provide complimentary snacks and meals, and it's unclear why Iberia does not do the same. Acting like a low-cost carrier while trying to compete with major airlines is an odd choice.
Uniqueness (or Lack Thereof) in Iberia's Offerings
Assessing an airline's uniqueness is crucial in determining its overall quality. Thinking about what sets Iberia apart from other airlines requires careful consideration.
This is me trying to think real hard about all the things that make Iberia unique. No pude pensar en nada.
And the truth is, I can't think of anything remarkable or distinctive about Iberia compared to its competitors. This can be both good and bad.
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On one hand, being comparable to other airlines means there won't be any shocking surprises. You can relax, knowing that Iberia will get you to your destination safely and comfortably, just like any other reputable airline. You won't spend the flight wondering if a different airline would have provided a better experience.
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On the other hand, Iberia's lack of personality doesn't provide much incentive to choose them over other airlines. If another airline offers a lower price, it may be more appealing, especially if complimentary snacks or meals are included.
The Verdict: Is Iberia a Good Airline?
After weighing the pros and cons, it's clear that Iberia is indeed a good airline. However, each individual's preferences and expectations should be taken into account when making a decision.
For me personally, I would happily choose Iberia again if their price and schedule align with my needs. While they may not be the best airline in the world, they are far from the worst. I can tolerate the lack of food on short intra-European flights, and the nonchalant attitude of ground staff is a minor issue considering the airline's safety and on-time performance record.
So, yes, Iberia is a perfectly good airline, at least in my experience.
