The short flight from Bilbao to Madrid once again left me with the premium cabin to myself. But Iberia’s domestic business class service, at least on this late evening departure, was anything but premium.
Bilbao is a beautiful airport. I love the architecture and natural light.
This flight was in late June (2016) and in the height of summer. Thus, when the flight took off at 9:35p, the sun was still shining brightly. There’s something magical about late summer nights: evenings which linger on and on.
Iberia 425
Bilbao (BIO) – Madrid (MAD)
Thursday, June 23
Depart: 09:35 PM
Arrive: 10:40 PM
Duration: 01hr, 05min
Aircraft: Airbus A320
Seat: 2F (Business Class)
With boarding complete, I once again had the business cabin to myself. I guess few people pay for a business class seat or upgrade on a short domestic route…and I understand why.
Three extra inches legroom (31″ vs. 28):
No pre-departure beverage. In fact, barely a greeting.
After a manual safety demonstration was performed, we took off. The captain announced flight time of less than an hour.
A FA offered me some snack mix, a choice of sandwiches (cheese or ham) and a beverage. I ordered a sandwich with sparkling water. While the water was served in a glass, the sandwich was just handed to me in a cellophane wrapper. It was slimy.
On the one hand, the fact that I received a sandwich on a 1hr flight is more than I would receive on most U.S. airlines of a similar length. On the other hand, several of Iberia’s competitors offer a better-presented, heartier product on even late-night shorthaul flights. And isn’t 9pm dinner time in Spain?
We landed early in Madrid.
CONCLUSION
I report on this short domestic flight just to give you an idea what to expect on Iberia and help you gauge whether it worthwhile to book business class. At least for late-evening departures from Bilbao, I don’t see the value in business class.
It’s a domestic flight, within the Iberia peninsula… that’s the reason. Are you suggesting Air Europa offers a better product on a route like BIO-MAD? Breakfast is different though – you get a hot breakfast.
International flights are different. Perhaps you should try and experience international Iberia business on a different route, perhaps MAD-Italy/UK/Germny,… – it’s not “wow”, but I believe their food is better than any other european carrier in business. Please, stay away from the Express brand, their business is siht.
Does anyone actually pay for business class within Europe? Surely not if paying from the personal pocket rather than OPM. Maybe a few execs and Brussels freeloaders but it’s empty for a reason: it’s a waste of money.
The only times I do it is when on a J international with the first leg in Europe, eg CDG-BKK via VIE.
I’ve never flown Iberia. I’m interested to see what their Business Class is like on a long haul international flight.
Hi Kelcy,
Thanks for reading. Here’s my review of Iberia Business Class from Madrid to Los Angeles:
https://liveandletsfly.boardingarea.com/2017/06/21/iberia-a330-business-class-review/