Iberia

Iberia is Spain’s main air carrier, wholly owned by the state. Despite the country’s turbulent history, Iberia has maintained a high quality of transportation. After the 1960s, when Spain’s domestic aviation industry emerged, the airline reached a new level by being able to train pilots on Spanish soil. The carrier is now Europe’s leading airline serving the Mediterranean region and North Africa.

History of Iberia

Iberia is considered one of the oldest airlines in the world – it was founded in 1927 on the initiative of King Alfonso XIII of Spain. It took the experience of the German Lufthansa as a basis. After the establishment of the republic, the company began regular passenger transportation. In 1936, the company supported the rebellious Frankists and significantly renewed its fleet, replenishing it with Italian and German airplanes. In the 1950s, the company began active cooperation with its American and British colleagues, starting transatlantic flights.

Since the 1960s, Iberia has had repair and training facilities in Spain itself, allowing it to train pilots and maintain its aircraft quickly. As a result, Iberia has the lowest accident rate of any regional company. Since the 1990s, the company has been actively buying stakes in Latin American air carriers. In 2010, Iberia signed a joint venture agreement with British Airways.

Now the air carrier is divided into three directions: long-haul transportation (Iberia), low-cost carrier in the Mediterranean region (Air Nostrum) and regional flights (Iberia Express).

The Iberia fleet

Iberia’s fleet is one of the most diverse among European carriers. The entire fleet is divided between three key operators: Iberia itself, the Mediterranean division of Air Nostrum and the low-cost lines of Iberia Express. All aircraft are of European or Spanish origin.

Name Type Number of vessels Capacity Availability of business class
Airbus A350 Passenger, long-haul 16 348 31
Airbus A330-300 Passenger, long-haul 8 292 29
Airbus A330-200 Passenger, long-haul 16 288 19
Airbus A321 Passenger, long-haul 21 177/200 Yes (depends on model)
Airbus A320 Passenger, long-haul 27 136/171 Yes (depends on model)
Airbus A320neo Passenger, long-haul 14 186 20
Airbus A319 Passenger, local 6 141 18
CRJ-1000 Passenger, local 10 100 12
CRJ-900 Passenger, local 11 89 none
CRJ-200 Passenger, local 16 50 none
ATR-72 Passenger, local 5 98 none

Iberia flight destinations

The airline does not currently operate flights to Russia, but it continues to serve CIS countries, including those where Russians can travel without visas. The most popular Iberia flight destinations at the moment are flights to Mexico City, Madrid and Barcelona.

Classes of service

Iberia has three classes of service: Economy, Business and Premium Economy.

In Economy Class, customers can personalize their fare. For example, a passenger can choose several sub-classes, waive baggage allowance or order an escort at the airport of departure. All customers, regardless of class, are provided with:

  • Hot meals on flights longer than 3h and unlimited access to soft drinks;
  • Comfortable seating with increased seat spacing;
  • Multimedia entertainment system with access to over 1000 movies, books and audio podcasts in 5 world languages. For business press enthusiasts, unlimited access to 500+ business publications in different languages;
  • In-flight Wi-Fi access;
  • Ability to charge multimedia devices;
  • Upon request, Iberia staff will provide a plaid and pillow for a comfortable sleep.

In Premium Economy Class, the passenger will get even more comfort compared to regular Economy Class. Premium customers are provided with leather seats with increased legroom, improved food and noise-canceling headphones for a comfortable sleep.

In business class, folding bed chairs are provided. Now you can turn your seat into a comfortable sofa for a nap in a couple of moves. In Business Class, passengers have access to alcohol and an expanded menu. Business Class customers get access to the business area at the airport and are first-come, first-served. Iberia staff will assist them with the placement of their luggage. This fare has increased baggage allowance and hand luggage dimensions.

Iberia Loyalty Programs

The airline has an IberiaPlus loyalty program. When buying tickets or additional services, avios – air miles – are awarded for each euro. You can spend them both on Iberia’s services and on purchases from the carrier’s partners.

There are 6 levels of the loyalty program: regular (5 miles per euro), silver (6 miles/euro), gold (7 miles/euro), platinum (8 miles/euro), infinite (8 miles with unlimited usage) and premier (8 miles with unlimited usage and personal service). Miles can be spent on ticket purchases, additional services, and purchases from Iberia partners (mainly car rentals, hotels and excursions in EU tourist destinations).

Baggage allowance

Standard baggage allowances apply to luggage. Thus, the maximum dimensions of the cargo must not exceed 158 cm in the sum of three dimensions. One free baggage item must not weigh more than 23 kg. All baggage must be packed in a film or a tightly closed suitcase without potholes or cracks.

Check-in

You can check-in for a flight on the official website (tab “Check-in”) or at the airport of departure. The procedure opens 30 hours in advance and closes 45 minutes before departure. You will need your personal reservation code and a passport.

Contact Iberia

You can leave your complaints and wishes through the “Leave Feedback” form in the company’s personal cabinet. Please note that the cabinet is not localized and the appeal must be written in English or Spanish.

Contacts
Address C/ Martínez Villergas, 49 28027 Madrid
Phone number +34 676 67 60 04 (whatsapp)
E-mail [email protected]
Website iberia.com
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