On the Ground: My flight to Madrid involved an earlier connection to Chicago from Denver via American Airlines, and the transfer to the Iberia gate at Chicago O’Hare International Airport for my international flight was fast, pleasant and stress-free. Upon landing in Chicago, I was met by a gate attendant who had my boarding pass ready, enabling me to go directly to O’Hare’s Terminal 3 to relax in the lounge before departure. Iberia shares the Admirals Club Lounge in T3, and the space was a quiet refuge with a nice selection of light fare. Departures were clearly announced, and my gate was located conveniently adjacent to the lounge entrance.
Pre-Flight: Priority boarding enabled me to get comfortable well before takeoff. My flight’s brand-new (less than a month old) Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft was freshly painted with Iberia’s updated logo and included the newly configured Business Plus cabin. The cabin layout was 1-2-1, and while all the seats (located in independent pods) were roomy and private, my window seat seemed especially so. Once settled, I was offered a warm towel and my choice of juice or Champagne. Rather than having to leave my handbag stashed in the overhead compartment for takeoff, I found ample personal storage space with a seat-side compartment option and a second compartment located above the generously proportioned side table area.
Attendants delivered an amenity kit and headset and offered a good selection of magazines and newspapers. Before our taxi to the runway began, the flight’s purser introduced himself individually to each passenger in the cabin.
In-Flight: Once we were airborne, I immediately adjusted my seat to a comfortable recline and activated the back massage feature. The à la carte entertainment system included a large screen and handheld remote, both with touch screens. The system included 50 films, 78 television series, 12 games (some in 3D), 400 music albums and an entire set of selections just for children — more than enough to stay busy during the almost eight-hour flight. My seat was also equipped with a reading light and easy-to-reach electrical outlets with a USB and Apple connection for charging devices.
Dinner service commenced with a starter of chicken consommé, a green salad with Parmesan cheese shavings, warm bread and extra-virgin olive oil, and a cheese plate. I chose the main course of king prawns and scallops with a seafood sauce, pearl onions, green asparagus and roasted potatoes. Two other choices were available: a fresh vegetable sauté (vegetarian) and beef filet with mustard and beer sauce served with leeks and dried apricots. Dessert included slices of hazelnut cake and a selection of ice creams (including mango and pineapple).
The onboard menu was created by four of Spain’s top chefs, each of whom has two Michelin stars: Paco Roncero, Dani García, Toño Pérez and Ramón Freixa. The wines were as impressive as the food and included choices from top bodegas including Palacio de Bornos, Vina Real and Valduero. Other beverage selections included top-shelf alcohols, liqueurs, brandies and an excellent Castillo Perelada Brut Reserva D.O. Cava.
My seat extended to a fully flat position, and the large pillow and soft duvet helped create a relaxing and snug personal environment. I fell asleep watching Humphrey Bogart as Sam Spade make a call to a feisty dame on a rotary phone in The Maltese Falcon and slept soundly for close to five hours. About an hour prior to landing, the crew served orange juice, fresh sliced fruit, yogurt, warm croissants and crispy toast, along with coffee and tea. I chose the Euro blend breakfast tea, although other interesting options included pennyroyal, chamomile with anise, and linden teas. After breakfast was cleared, the purser came through the cabin once again to chat with each passenger about his or her flight experience and to offer individualized information about connections in Madrid. As he knew that I was heading on to Málaga, he also presented me with the day’s weather report.
The Experience: I arrived rested and ready to begin my day. The entire experience with Iberia was exceptional, and I would quite happily fly with the carrier again the next time I head to Spain.
GT CHECKLIST
[checklist]
[item check=yes]Less than 10 minutes for check-in[/item]
[item check=yes]Friendly and helpful agents[/item]
[item check=yes]Priority tagged baggage[/item]
[item check=yes]Airport lounge[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary in-lounge food[/item]
[item check=yes]Priority boarding[/item]
[item check=yes]Helpful and courteous flight attendants[/item]
[item check=yes]Pre-flight beverage service[/item]
[item check=yes]Pre-flight newspapers and magazines[/item]
[item check=yes]Extensive on-demand entertainment[/item]
[item check=yes]Amenity kits[/item]
[item]Slippers[/item]
[item check=yes]Lie-flat seat/bed[/item]
[item]Turn-down service[/item]
[item check=yes]In-flight menu with three entrée choices[/item]
[item check=yes]Top-shelf wines and liquors[/item]
[/checklist]
Read This Next
Lotte Hotel Seoul
2014 / February 2014
Jun 1, 2016All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 28, 2024New Adriatic Yacht Cruise and Tour Itineraries Unveiled for 2025
Set sail through crystal-clear waters and explore ports, islands and more on three new yacht cruise and tour itineraries in the Adriatic Sea from Riviera River Cruises. New 2025 itineraries combine yacht cruises with onboard accommodations and land extensions with hotel stays in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Itineraries also include tours of charming coastal towns and stops in national parks and swimming hole locations.
Sponsored Content
Travel Tips to Help Protect Your Health and Your Trip
Five Tips to Help Minimize Potential Travel Problems
March 2024
Mar 28, 2024Cruise Lines Elevate the Onboard Fine-Dining Experience
It’s been a long time since the food on cruise ships resembled the bland, uninspired fare that gave onboard dining a bad name. These days, cruise passengers can look forward to menus created by Michelin-starred chefs made with top-quality ingredients served in stunning spaces. Choices abound as well. In addition to elegant main dining rooms, cruise ships have created a huge array of specialty restaurants that focus not only on perfectly executed traditional European and North American dishes but flavors and experiences from around the globe as well. In fact, meals served aboard cruise vessels have gotten so good, they’re drawing passengers onto ships: According to a recent report by luxury travel planning network Virtuoso, advisors report after Europe (specifically Italy and France), the No. 2 dining destination for travelers is aboard an ocean or river cruise. “This shows how cruise lines have really stepped up their culinary game, with consulting chefs and new restaurants and making that a focal point,” said Misty Belles, vice president, Global Public Relations, Virtuoso.
Daily
Mar 28, 2024Athens’ National Museum of Contemporary Art Opens What if Women Ruled the World? Exhibition
National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens was founded in 1997 and is supervised and subsidized by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports. The museum began its operation in 2000, when it acquired the first artwork of its collection and the first temporary exhibition took place.
Sponsored Content
The Argosaronic Islands Are Calling
The Saronic or Argo Saronic Islands of Greece call travelers to explore its seven small islands and islets brimming with history, natural sites and more. With most easily accessible by boat, the islands’ proximity to ports of Athens make the Saronic Islands an ideal destination for those preferring shorter boat rides. In fact, trips from Athens ports to the islands take only between 10 minutes and two hours, depending on the island you choose, making them perfect for day or weekend trips. From Piraeus port, you can access Hydra, Spetses, Aegina and Poros directly. Come explore these stunning islands with us and find the inspiration to plan your next trip to these islands. Hydra Hydra town curves around a slope overlooking the Argosaronic Gulf like an amphitheater and is considered one of the most romantic destinations in Greece. Most unique to the island is its lack of vehicles. People on the island get around on mules and donkeys as well as water taxis, making for a peaceful and laid-back day. Hydra lies a two-hour ferry ride from Piraeus port in Athens.
Daily
Mar 28, 2024AmaWaterways Debuts Specialty Summer Cruises in Europe
AmaWaterways recently unveiled its lineup of experiences and exclusive offers for its 2024 Summer European river cruise season, and the list includes 20 Celebration of Wine Cruises, with two hosted by Samantha Brown and Chef Joanne Weir; and three Loyalty Appreciation Cruises.
Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortés Review
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 27, 2024Japan Airlines Purchases 32 Airbus, 10 Boeing
eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024China Airlines Expands North American Network with Non-Stop Flights to Seattle
China Airlines will begin offering non-stop flights to Seattle (SEA) from Taipei (TPE) starting July 14. The new route expands the carrier’s passenger services to the northwestern United States by offering five weekly flights via the Airbus A350-900.
Sponsored Content
Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler
Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler
eFlyer Deals
Mar 27, 2024Sleep Sanctuary at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
In West Florida, indulge in a stay at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. This season, the hotel’s Sleep Sanctuary offer promises premium, beachfront accommodations; and sleep-enhancing amenities. Amenities include two aroma bracelets, a handmade soap, a bath bomb and foaming sugar scrub from Artful Soap Co.
ShareThis