Yesterday I reviewed Iberia’s domestic mainline A320 in business class. Today, I’ll review the same plane in the same cabin, flying under the Iberia Express banner.
It was a short overnight in Madrid. I arrived at 10:40pm and was flying out at 7:25a. Thankfully, the Iberia lounge is open 24/7 and has a rest area with daybeds. I slept very well and at least two hours longer than I would have slept had I found an airport hotel.
> Read More: Full Review of Iberia Velázquez Lounge in Madrid
Boarding began at 7am for the short flight to Palma Mallorca.
Iberia 3918
Madrid (MAD) – Palma Mallorca (PMI)
Friday, June 24
Depart: 07:25 AM
Arrive: 08:45 AM
Duration: 01hr, 20min
Aircraft: Airbus A320
Seat: 1A (Business Class)
The flight went up, the flight went down. The end.
Not much to report, but I still want to distinguish between Iberia and Iberia Express as best I can on domestic flights. Note that Iberia Express formed in 2012 as a way to use cheap(er) labor (both pilots and FAs) to offset the perennial losses of Iberia. Resentment over disparate pay between cabin crew members has led many to bemoan poor service on Iberia Express. But that was not my experience.
The FA working business class was extremely friendly and provided excellent service during the short flight. After takeoff, a choice of beverage was offered. I had orange juice. Breakfast followed, a tray service with a sandwich, croissant, and fruit.
Breakfast concluded with a moist towelette:
My understanding is that had I been flying Iberia mainline, I would have been offered a hot breakfast.
This flight also offered wi-fi access, though I did not bother because it was so short and early.
CONCLUSION
The Iberia Express service and in-flight meal was excellent for a one-hour flight. I enjoyed the experience more than flying mainline the evening before.
Once in Palma, I enjoyed the weekend at the Park Hyatt Mallorca: an EXCELLENT property.
> Read Full Review: Park Hyatt Mallorca
What a charming little meal
IKR
There is something worth mentioning about Iberia Express: ClubExpress.
Signing up is free and takes no more than 1 minute. Once you’re a member, you get a discount on Iberia Express flights ranging from 5 to 35% depending on the days (only on Iberia Express website), you also have the possibility the block the price for 24h for free. Moreover, it gives you access once onboard to the entertainment system available in streaming.