Flying Iberia Business Class: A Firsthand Flight Experience

Iberia and I go way back.

I first flew the airline between Chicago O’Hare and Madrid in 2009, and over the years I’ve traveled in its economy, premium economy and business class cabins. That history gave me a chance to watch Iberia steadily refine its long-haul experience.

My latest business class flight in May 2026 reminded me that a great flight isn’t always about the newest seat or the fanciest technology. It’s about the people, the service and arriving in Spain rested enough to enjoy your first day.

If you’re looking for a complete overview of Iberia’s aircraft, seats, upgrades and lounge access, be sure to read my Iberia Business Class Guide. Here, I simply want to share what stood out during my latest flight.

My overnight flight got off to a smooth start.

My boarding pass changed shortly before departure, so I didn’t experience Iberia’s dedicated business class check-in on this trip. That said, check-in at Chicago O’Hare moved quickly, and there wasn’t much of a wait before I headed through security.

With nearly a couple hours before boarding, I purchased access to the American Airlines Admirals Club. It was a relaxing place to unwind with a beverage, catch up on a few emails and ease into the trip before heading to the gate.

Once onboard, the cabin crew welcomed passengers and offered beverages before departure. I normally begin a trip to Spain with a glass of wine, but this time I chose orange juice instead. For health reasons, I wanted to stay well hydrated before the overnight flight, so I also brought an extra bottle of water and happily accepted another from the flight attendants after takeoff.

I’ve flown this business class cabin several times, and it continues to provide a comfortable way to cross the Atlantic. I’d still love the opportunity to experience Iberia’s newer A350 Next suite someday, but the airline’s traditional lie-flat seat remains a comfortable place to spend the night.

The little things made a big impression.

With our late afternoon departure from Chicago, there was plenty of time to relax before dinner service began.

For health reasons, I needed to keep my meal pretty simple on this trip, so I knew I wasn’t going to experience Iberia’s full business class menu. I passed on the wine service and most of the dishes being served around the cabin.

The flight attendants noticed.

Rather than simply clearing my tray and moving on, they stopped to ask if there was something else I might enjoy. I mentioned that a Spanish dessert wine sounded perfect, and they seemed genuinely happy to make it happen. In fact, they came by a second time to offer another pour.

That small gesture stayed with me long after the flight ended. The crew paid attention, recognized my situation and found a simple way to make the experience feel special. Sometimes those thoughtful moments tell you more about an airline than any menu ever could.

The cabin quickly settled in for the night.

After dinner, the mood changed almost immediately. Window shades closed, conversations faded and passengers began converting their seats into beds.

I wasn’t quite ready to call it a night, so I settled in with the newly released Song Sung Blue. Iberia’s entertainment system offered a good selection of current movies along with television shows, music and other programming, making it easy to unwind before getting some sleep.

Eventually, I converted my seat into a bed and managed a couple hours of sleep before breakfast. One pillow was all I needed, and I never felt the need to use the blanket. No overnight flight replaces a full night’s sleep at home, but even a few hours of quality rest made a noticeable difference when I arrived in Madrid.

The cabin crew delivered thoughtful service.

One thing has remained remarkably consistent throughout my years flying Iberia: the professionalism of the cabin crew.

The flight attendants struck a nice balance between being attentive and allowing passengers to relax. Drinks appeared before anyone needed to ask, requests received prompt attention and the cabin maintained a calm atmosphere throughout the overnight flight.

The entertainment system offered plenty to watch before turning in, but Wi-Fi remains the one area where I’d encourage travelers to manage expectations. It worked well enough for basic messaging, but I wouldn’t rely on it for important work during a transatlantic flight.

Madrid’s arrival process has changed.

We landed on schedule, and I made my way toward immigration.

Spain continues to expand its Automated Border Control (ABC) eGate system as part of the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), which uses facial recognition and fingerprint verification to streamline passport control for many travelers.

After scanning my passport, the kiosk prompted me to take a facial photo and scan my fingerprints before allowing me to continue. It took me a minute to realize I needed to remove my glasses before the camera would recognize me. The fingerprint scanner also worked much better once I placed my fingers completely flat against the glass.

Once I figured that out, the process moved quickly, and I was on my way to begin another visit to Spain. If you’re using the system for the first time, don’t be surprised if it takes an extra minute or two to get comfortable with the process.

I’d happily fly Iberia business class again.

Iberia has changed considerably since my first flight in 2009, but what keeps bringing me back isn’t any one feature. It’s the complete experience.

The lie-flat seat made the overnight journey comfortable. The cabin crew delivered thoughtful service without hovering. The little surprise of enjoying a Spanish dessert wine reminded me that good hospitality often comes from paying attention to the details.

I’d still like the chance to experience Iberia’s A350 Next business class suite, and I hope that opportunity comes soon. Until then, I wouldn’t hesitate to fly Iberia’s traditional long-haul business class again.

If you’re considering Iberia for your next trip to Spain, I think you’ll find an airline that continues to offer a comfortable overnight flight, friendly service and a relaxing way to begin your journey.