Iberia A321XLR Business Class: Where Swanky Meets Soggy Service
Ah, the land of the free—airport Wi-Fi excepted. Reporting live from the United States, I’ve just wrapped up my transatlantic romp with Aer Lingus and Iberia on the A321XLR. This saucy journey kicked off with a slick Aer Lingus ride, and I couldn’t resist booking Iberia’s Airbus A321XLR business class for the return leg from Madrid to Washington—harvesting the fruits of 57,500 American AAdvantage miles in the process.
Why Fly the A321XLR?
Beyond racking up frequent flyer miles like a rewards junkie, the plane itself was the star of this show. Clocking in as the longest-range narrow-body jet out there, this Val Seny ski resort of the skies just soared into commercial service. My luck had me on EC-OIL, the first-ever A321XLR gracing the friendly skies. Giddy? Absolutely.
Iberia’s A321XLR Business Class Seats: A Mixed Bag
Design That Dazzles
Iberia packs its A321XLRs with 14 business class seats in a 1-1 setup, cherry-picking the Thompson Aero VantageSOLO seat also snatched by JetBlue Mint. First impressions? Whoa, airlines can be stylish. But there’s something inherently cool about premium setups in narrow planes.
The Herringbone Hassle
Now, onto the herringbone madness. Head at the window, aisle gazing, strangers mostly hidden—really, who needs seat doors? A large ottoman sweetens the deal, though the bulkhead seat skips the “business class plus” tequila shot.
Unpacking Seat Comfort
Sippy cups raised; the seat caught my fancy at first blush. Then, reality bit. Uneven armrests meant my arms were practically conducting an orchestra, and despite my less-than-XXL frame, the seat felt narrow. Claustrophobics, beware of the nighttime bed squeeze.
Entertainment & Tech: Nerd Heaven
Iberia brings its A-game with an 18” 4K screen—think cinema, minus the popcorn. Add Bluetooth for your headphones, and you’ve got the picture. The entertainment library is stacked, an all-you-can-watch buffet of flicks and shows.
Wi-Fi offerings? Free messaging for Iberia Plus and business folks, while €20.49 unlocks endless airtime. Spoiler: speeds were zippy enough to catch up on all my cat videos.
Catering: Tasty Yet Measured
Lunch Like a Spaniard
Quality over quantity reigns supreme in Iberia’s catering realm. Post-takeoff, the drink service arrived (finally) alongside delightful nibbles. My meal started with ceviche, moving on to king prawns bathed in a squid ink extravaganza. Appetizers and mains? On the same tray. Socially awkward? Perhaps.
Dessert Delights
The sweet finale? A creamy Catalan delight crowned the meal. Alluring yet modest, dessert didn’t disappoint.
Service Speed: Hit the Snail’s Pace
The rub? Tick-tock, the clock did mock—a whopping 85 minutes before the first drink appeared. Lesson: Iberia’s well-meaning crew might need more practice or faster shoelaces.
Pre-Arrival Meal: Small But Mighty
Forget all-you-can-eat bliss. For eight hours of daylight limbo, the minuscule pre-arrival meal surprised us. Cod pie with a dash of artichoke topped the menu—all flavors, no fillers. Though tasty, the portion wins the award for ‘Most Modest Meal’ on long-haulers.
Hot Beverages Substitute: Nada
No hot water? No bueno. The coffee situation left many caffeine-deprived souls feeling parched and puzzled.
The Verdict
What’s the final call for Iberia’s A321XLR? Mixed—and shaken (not stirred). The plane is posh, the tech impressive, and the beds comfortable—navy seal tight, but well-compensated by the plush mattress pad goodies.
Caveats? Seats are snugger than an economy-class horror show, and service skews slow but steady. Would I sign up for the Iberia A321XLR experience again? For the right price or schedule, sure; but I won’t race to make it my go-to. Next on my radar—cruising Iberia’s new A350 business class.
Thoughts on Iberia’s stylish yet snug business class offering?