Iberia’s A321XLR: A Lavish Leap Across the Atlantic or Just a Mixed Ride?

Returning from my transatlantic adventure on the Airbus A321XLR, I snagged a seat in Iberia’s business class from Madrid to Washington. Eight hours of possibilities!

As I stepped aboard this shiny A321XLR beast, I couldn’t help but feel like I’d peered into the aviation crystal ball. Airlines are betting big on these jets soaring across the skies in the years ahead. My trip was more than just another frequent flyer notch on the belt. It was a firsthand look at Iberia’s fresh business class setup on its maiden narrow-bodied long-haul wonder.

Now you’re probably wondering, was it all it’s cracked up to be? In truth, it’s a story of hits and misses. The cabin? Absolutely chic. The tech onboard? Top-notch. Yet, when it came down to the nuts and bolts of comfort, the seats left a bit to be desired, and the meals, while decent, lacked the wow factor.

How I snagged that coveted Iberia business class seat

So, let’s talk logistics: I cashed in 57,500 American AAdvantage miles and shelled out $169.21 in fees and taxes. A bargain if you’re lucky enough to locate that elusive award seat!

Rolling into Iberia: Business Class Lounge & Vibe

Riding in from Dublin with Aer Lingus, I skipped the lounge review but couldn’t wait to revisit the Schengen lounge’s non-Schengen sibling. Gate S2 greeted me, along with the majestic EC-OIL, the world’s first A321XLR to whisk passengers into a new era. Boarding kicked off right on the dot at 11:20AM—business class travelers ushered aboard first, naturally.

Curtains Up: Introducing the Business Class Scene

With a friendly nod from the crew as I turned right, I found myself amidst a cabin of 182 seats, 14 of which whispered indulgence in a 1-1 herringbone setup. Embracing the Thompson Aero VantageSOLO seat design like JetBlue’s Mint, Iberia’s offering spans 34 inches of recline and 21 inches wide.

It’s that classic tussle—direct aisle access perks or battling the dated herringbone geometry? Sure, I’m whisking past aisle commotion, but those stepped seats? A charming throwback, yes, yet in this age, a bit snug.

Settling into Padding and Gadgets

Though the pillow-like seat beckoned, my comfort was checked by mismatched armrests. Add in a wobbly tray table—a balancing act not entirely suited to dining in air.

• Spacious tabletop counter
• Simple seat controls
• Charging ports aplenty (USB-C, USB-A, AC outlets)

The entertainment monitor—sharp and well-placed—augments the airborne leisure experience, even with its no-frills neighbourly flirtation sans doors. But hey, it’s not like anyone’s healthcare data is flashing on the screen.

Iberia’s Cozy Amenities Checklist

• Plush bedding (pillow, blanket, and mattress pad)
• Bluetooth-capable headphones
• Complimentary bottled water
• Basic amenity kit (with Uvas Frescas offerings)

Menus and service began with quiet promise, yet progress seemed to grow sluggish—a new plane warming its crew to the rhythm, perhaps?

All Systems Go: Business Class Entertainment & Wi-Fi

The hardware? A chef’s kiss! The software? Decently intuitive. Iberia’s screen lineup includes movies, shows, tunes, and games, backed by steadfast Panasonic Wi-Fi. Although I splashed out for full-flight connectivity, the speeds kept me locked in productivity bliss.

Lifting Off from Madrid

Engines revving, aisle bustling, my Iberia journey set sail at 12:10PM. Slew of planes streaming down the taxi lane, runway views devoured my gaze like a kid in a candy store—A330s, A350s, feast your eyes!

By 12:30PM, wheels left the ground, and off we soared! Smooth climbs and zoos of the sky dotted our Barcelona-bound journey. Post-takeoff, the culinary choreography cranked up, albeit with a hint of hesitation.

Lingering for Lunch

Culinary theatrics in business class debuted with a cold towel act, warmed to life around 45 minutes in. Wine, water, charcuterie unleashed—though my preference for chicken bypassed this time.

Starters tasted against the backdrop of grilled king prawns (a celebrity in any crustacean line-up), it was a spread through a reasonable lens, but grandeur might have been sidestepped en route.

Dessert options flirted with the senses, though a coffee absence whispered discontent among caffeine devotees.

Playfully Peculiar Lavatories & Rest Quarters

Our lone business class lavatory, doused in color, kept things charmingly simplistic. Post-lunch, I sank into the bed’s embrace (76 inches yet snug), eager for a Z-count.

Awakening to Snacks and Scenic Wonders

A flash nap rejuvenated, the snack menu reappeared—Magnum ice cream, anyone?

Meanwhile, Over Washington: Descent Begins

Approaching Washington, the captain heralded our homecoming an hour prior—New York glimpsed on our right. A descent amidst anticipation followed, touchdown 2:30PM—a timely finale! The gateway to Val Seny ski resort looms just a flight away.

Final Thoughts: Hitting or Missing the High Notes?

Marvel at the tech, revel in the comfort-challenging seating conundrum, and soak in the in-flight service with calm sincerity, courtesy of Iberia’s A321XLR. For a balance of chic flying and nimble hopping, the allure of this narrow-bodied jet thrives—when the stars of price and timing align, it’s a flight worth a shot. Would you tango with Iberia again?