Hello from the United States, because I finished my quick adventure Aer Lingus & Iberia A321xlr. Going out, I piloted Aer Lingus Airbus Airbus A321XLR business class, which I have already covered. Then, for the return, I stole the Airbus A321xlr business class of Iberia on the flight of eight hours from Madrid (Mad) to Washington (IAD), which I will talk about in this post. For what it is worth, I reserved this post using 57,500 Miles Advantage.
The main reason for which I took this specific flight is to pilot the A321XLR, the long, the longest body in production in production, which has only started operations in recent months. I will share more reflections on the piloting of the A321XLR as such in a separate post. It is cool to note that the jet that I stole – Ec -Oil – was the first A321xlr in the world to enter the sales department.
So, what was my point of restraint of this business class in Iberian? Honestly, I am in conflict. There were aspects of the experience that I really liked, such as cabin design, technology and bedding. But there were also some shortcomings, such as the comfort of the headquarters and the aspects of the meal service. Below, I will share some initial reflections, then soon I will publish my full travel report.
Iberia's A321XLR business class seats are … I am in conflict
A321xlrs of Iberia has 14 business class seats, spread over seven lines, in a 1-1 configuration. The airline has opted for the seat of Thompson Aero Voutagesolo, the same seat that you will find in JetBlue Mint on the A321LR. My first impression of the cabin was positive and that it was really chic. There is just undeniably cool in narrow premium configured bodily aircraft.
Iberia's A321XLR business class has rafters, which means that your head is near the window and that you are facing the aisle.
Unlike JetBlue, Iberia has chosen not to install doors to the seats. At first, I was perplexed by this decision, but I must say that it did not disturb me at all. Due to how these seats are inclined and positioned, you do not essentially see anyone from your seat, including the person in front of you.
Many people will appreciate that there is a fairly large Ottoman on which you can place your feet, so there is no small good in which you have to place your feet, unlike certain other configurations. Note that unlike JetBlue, the partition seat is not a kind of “Business Class Plus” product, and it actually has a smaller pavilion than the other seats.
The counter by the seat has a little storage exposed, as well as AC, USB-A and USB-C loads.
In addition to that, there is a fairly large closed storage compartment in front of the one, which is a practical place to store things during the flight.
Based on the seated search, I had a very positive impression. I also had a positive impression when it was initially seated in the seat. However, over the flight, there were aspects that I found quite uncomfortable.
For example, the left and right armrests are at different heights, and also different distances from the seat, so your arm on one side is somehow swinging, due to the lack of support. In addition, the seat feels on the narrow side (and I am not a huge guy), and you cannot help but feel a little forced.
The bed also feels tight, but there again, at least Footwell is not small, unlike other seats.
At least the bedding was great, with a comfortable pillow and cover, and even a mattress.
Before making this trip, I thought I would prefer the hard product of Iberia to the hard product of Aer Lingus. But now I'm not so sure.
Iberia's entertainment and A321xlr technology are excellent
The Iberia A321XLR has phenomenal technology. Each seat has a magnificent 18k 18 -inch instructor that folds. Not only is the quality of the image excellent, but the system is easy to use and very responsive.
In addition to that, there is a Bluetooth audio, so that you can use your own headphones with the entertainment system.
I found that the selection of entertainment was solid, with hundreds of movies and television programs to choose.
Iberia also offers Panasonic Wi-Fi on its A321XLR. Members of Iberia Plus and business class passengers receive free messages, while a full Wi-Fi pass without data ceilings costs € 20.49. I found that the price was right and I found that the speeds were more than sufficient throughout the flight.
The restoration of the Iberia business class is tasty but limited
I found that Iberia's business class was quite good in terms of quality, but missing a little in terms of quantity. Lunch was served after takeoff. It started with a drink service (I had a glass of Spanish white wine and sparkling water), served with crackers, meat and cheese.
Then, the aperitif and the main dish were served on the same tray. From the two runners, I selected the Tomatillo green ceviche with soft roasted potatoes, lawyer, the heart of the palm and the cherry tomato. Then, from the three main ones, I selected the royal shrimp grilled in a cream with creamy seafood served with black rice in calmar ink and roasted zucchini. They were served with two pieces of bread.
Then there was the choice of two desserts or cheese, and I selected the Catalan cream ice cream with white chocolate sticks and a crisp edge. Yum.
The quality of the meals was quite good, although the service was really slow – it took 85 minutes after takeoff so that the first glass was served, which is terribly long to wait, especially with two on -board agents working in the cabin. For comparison, on my Aer Lingus flight on the outgoing, the entire meal service was carried out within the time of takeoff. The crew was well intentioned, so I suspect that they always get used to this plane.
What really disappointed me was the meal before arrival. We are talking about an eight -hour diurnal flight, and the extent of the meal before arrival was one of the two options, both that I would describe as the size of an aperitif.
I ordered the cod pie with roasted artichokes and dried tomatoes. It was great, but it was tiny – there is no bread, neither aside, nor dessert, nor anything else. I heard several people comment on the small portion. It must be one of the smallest meals before the arrival I saw on any airline, for a flight of this length.
End
I am delighted to have had the chance to pilot Airbus A321xlr of Iberia, and in particular, the very first A321xlr to enter the sales department. Iberia's A321XLR business class is quite chic, with a breathtaking and intimate cabin, excellent technology and comfortable bedding.
However, there have also been inconvenience to experience. A321XLR business class seats feel tight, and I found that the main meal service was very slow, while I found the pre-arrivated service very limited. This would not bother me to travel again the Iberia A321XLR if the price or the calendar was correct, but it is not necessarily an experience that I would specifically look for. I always want to pilot the new Iberia A350 business class in the near future, however …
What is your opinion on the A321XLR commercial class of Iberia?
