FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Iberia Airlines Business Class

Jul 1, 2013
2013 / July 2013

On the Ground: My early-evening departure meant the afternoon drive to New York’s JFK from Pennsylvania was uneventful, and I made good time. Check-in was a breeze, and before I knew it, luggage checked with ticket in hand, I was given directions to the lounge. The security line, located directly behind the Iberia check-in, offered premium access; I was traveling with a friend and we were both through security easily.

Pre-Flight: Iberia’s business-class passengers utilize the British Airways’ Galleries lounge. The spacious lounge offers spa services, free WiFi and multiple food and drink options. We settled into comfortable armchairs with glasses of Rosé and some snacks. I charged my electronics and accessed the Internet to work.

There wasn’t a boarding announcement, so we made our way down a few minutes before the designated boarding time on our ticket and were met by a massive crowd of people huddled around the gate. Luckily, we found a spot near the front and were able to bypass the crowds with priority boarding. A VIP passenger was escorted on the airplane first, and then the rest of us were permitted to board.

We were in the middle section of the 2-2-2 configuration, which meant we both had aisle access. The seats were generous and storage space ample. We settled in quickly and were offered pre-flight juices and water. Magazines and newspapers were distributed, but only in Spanish editions. Amenity kits and menus followed.

In-Flight: After an on-time takeoff (which I never expect from JFK), food service started. A number of well-known Spanish chefs created Iberia’s premium-cabin menu. My friend opted for the halibut and I chose the chicken. The starter included a salad and cheeses (my favorite part!) and we paired all with a Spanish white wine. A soup was also available, but I declined. The service included a basket of freshly baked bread as well as cake, coffee and after-dinner drinks. The meal on my return flight was more memorable, with a Spanish ham appetizer and decadent dulce de leche ice cream.

After dinner, the cabin lights dimmed and we prepared to rest. I settled in to watch Cloud Atlas, but I quickly found myself dozing. A number of TV shows and movies, including both blockbusters and Spanish films, were available. I continued to sleep intermittently throughout the eight-hour flight. It was a fitful sleep, as the cabin was incredibly warm. I’m usually freezing on planes, so this was unique. I woke up sweating and soon ditched the provided comforter. The lights came on about 90 minutes before landing, and the crew served a light breakfast of yogurt, fruit and pastries. We quickly disembarked upon landing in Madrid, and after navigating the massive airport and clearing immigration found the Metro and made our way into the city center.

The Experience: Iberia is in the midst of rolling out a new Business Plus cabin. I missed the start of the rollout by just a few weeks with my April flight; the upgraded cabin is currently offered on some flights out of New York City. Through 2013, passengers from any of Iberia’s U.S. gateways may find themselves on the current Business Plus. The new cabin should be on all flights by 2014. Whichever cabin you find yourself flying, you surely won’t be disappointed.

GT Checklist

  • Less than 10 minutes for check-in
  • Friendly and helpful agents
  • Priority tagged bags
  • Airport lounge
  • Complimentary in-lounge food
  • Priority boarding
  • Helpful and courteous flight attendants
  • Pre-flight beverage service
  • Pre-flight newspapers and magazines
  • Extensive on-demand menu
  • Self-serve in-flight pantry
  • Amenity kits
  • Slippers
  • Lie-flat seat/bed
  • Mattress and comforter
  • In-flight menu with three entrée choices
  • Top-shelf wines and liquors

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Sep 21, 2023

Soak in Philadelphia’s Charm with This Epicurean Lovers Weekend Getaway

If fabulous food and beverages are a must-have for any weekend getaway, then look no further than the City of Brotherly Love. Whether your palate has a penchant for vibrant Latin American fare or cozy French cuisine, whether you're an oenophile looking to swirl, sniff and sip your way around the globe or you’d rather sample farm-to-glass cocktails, Philly’s got it all this fall. (With the exception of Bolo, which is a short taxi or Uber ride away and definitely worth the trip, the rest of these spots are all within walking distance of each other.)

IHG® Hotels & Resorts Introduces Effortless WiFi Connection for Guests Worldwide

IHG Hotels & Resorts is thrilled to announce the launch of a new mobile product feature for members: IHG Wi-Fi Auto Connect. This feature is now available exclusively in the IHG One Rewards mobile app for both iOS and Android users and will automatically connect IHG One Rewards members to WiFi upon arrival at more than 5,000 IHG hotels worldwide — no separate passwords or log-ins needed. This is in addition to the exciting benefits of being an IHG Business Edge member. IHG Business Edge provides small- and medium-sized businesses access to a user-friendly portal that displays comprehensive spending and savings data while providing the convenience of direct booking with a guaranteed discount.

Daily
Sep 21, 2023

These Hotels Have Some of the Best Room Views in the World

From Santoríni to Dubai to New York, some hotels just have that “it” factor that draws visitors far and wide. For some hotels it’s their proximity to popular landmarks and attractions, for others it’s their amenities. But these hotels have something few can claim: a true room with a view.

Daily
Sep 21, 2023

Great Bring-Alongs for Fall Adventure Travel

Planning your next autumn adventure? Whether that entails kayaking a remote mountain river or a walking tour of your favorite European capital, here are some great travel finds to bring along:

MORE TO TRAVEL

There’s more to travel than just getting there.

Daily
Sep 20, 2023

The Chloe Nashville to Bring a Southern “Joie de Vivre” to Nashville in 2024

Two historic Craftsman-style homes connected by a newly built third extension will take on a new life as the 19-room The Chloe Nashville in 2024. Developed to aesthetically harmonize with both Nashville’s past and future under the direction of Nashville-based Remick Architecture, guestrooms range from 400 to 817 square feet and start at $375 per night, with its top suite running $950 per night. The architecture and interiors maintain the original homes’ residential feel while incorporating modern and traditional design elements reflective of Nashville’s character and history.

eFlyer Deals
Sep 20, 2023

Save on These Noise-Reducing Earphones for Fall and Winter Travel

A must for travelers seeking quiet on a plane or any noisy atmosphere, QuietOn’s newest launch, QuietOn 3.1, launches a limited-time sale on the product for last-minute trips this fall and winter. Originally selling for $289, QuietOn 3.1 is on sale for $50 off at $239 this Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet

United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.

eFlyer Deals
Sep 20, 2023

Solo Travelers Enjoy Single Supplement Waiver on Select Star Clippers Sailings

With more travelers opting to book solo trips, Star Clippers invites solo travelers to embark on one of its tall-ship sailing itineraries with a special offer. Solo travelers who book by Sept. 30 will receive waived single supplements on a variety of itineraries through 2025.