isabel

I'm looking for opinions on Iberia Airlines. I did a search and got quite a few negative opinions (but a few positive) so thought I'd see if anyone has flown them lately. I'm looking for flights for next July and just stumbled upon an Iberia flight (on Orbitz) that is only $684, all the other flights are no where near this, they're still around $1000. I really wasn't planning on booking so early, just starting to get some baseline prices and see when they start to drop but then this appeared. It's for JFK to Barcelona and return from Munich to JFK.

So anyone want to give me your opinions on Iberia. Thanks

TexasAggie

We had a very nice experience with them this past June on a very full flight. The only negative thing whatsoever was that they did not answer the flight attendant help button after the lights were turned out. I went back to the back because I had wanted some water and they said I was welcome to take as much as I wanted.

Gardyloo

Have a look at the Iberia and OneWorld boards at flyertalk.com.

Not the people's choice for the most part, but evidently they're trying to get more modern.

I don't know if that's any barn burner of a fare, BTW. I'd wait a few more weeks myself, and sign up for a fare watching service on Yahoo or Travelocity in the meantime. The midwinter sales are still ahead.

rialtogrl

I have only flown them once - and I am not a fan. There is not much in the way of service (at least there wasn't when I flew)... the attendants do not go up and down the aisles with water like they do on other airlines, so there are passengers going back and forth getting water all night long on the way over. If you have an aisle seat, this can be a bit rough. The movies started really late (like four hours into the flight) and in general, it was an exhausting journey. If you can sleep through anything, or don't care about sleeping, go for it.

On the way back, I wasn't trying to sleep so I didn't notice anything (I was too busy wishing I was still in Spain.)

When I go back to Spain, Iberia would probably be my last choice, but if the price was right I'd go through it again. Hope this helps.

Lisasnv

Used Iberia Oct.03, and unless its a real super wonderful fare, never again. I booked direct with Iberia months ahead.
It was from Las Vegas on AA (codeshare) to Chicago, then Iberia to Barcelona, same on return. About 6-7 weeks out I checked the reservation on the web, and found they had switched the departure city to Los Angeles. Called and they were not nice at all, and going to supervisor didn't help.
At one point I was told this was such a cheap fare I shouldn't complain. Trying to tell them I didn't live in California( in fact I was going to LV to catch this flight)made no difference. I asked why they didn't notify me of change, not their job. I called AA and told them the story as I was going to have to fly to LA spend the night to catch the flight. She was super, got on the phone to Iberia, and they gave her lots of problems but did get us booked out of LV again. Attendants are in the back once the meal is served, like others have said about water etc. You get off the plane in Madrid, down the stairs to a shuttle to the airport, then to the connecting flight, down stairs, shuttle up stairs. On arrival and departure in Barcelona same, plus you are let off WAAAAy at the end of the terminal, lots of walking to baggage. Duty free in Barcelona looke wonderful, however when we left again by the time we got to the gate, which was WAAAAy past everything, down stairs, a coke machine and toilet all that was within distance that gate. At check in the guy moved us from the side 2 seats to the middle row, but the gate person moved us back. Late into Chicago, late leaving Barcelona, late leaving Madrid. While waiting for the flight to LV could see the Iberia flight late leaving Chicago back to Spain.You have to be on your toes with them all the time and recheck everything. Lisa

kaudrey

Well, I used them in February, but only to go from Granada to Barcelona. Flight was uneventful and fine - but again, it was about 1 hour flight, not overseas. But everything ran smoothly.

Karen

isabel

Thanks for the replies. Not sounding too great though is it? But if you eliminate the airlines that are threatening to go belly up in the next year (which at last count I think is Alitalia, Delta, USAir, and United) you are starting to get pretty limited.

Anyway, do appreciate your opinions, keep them coming. Thanks

highledge

I've only flown Iberia from London. The food is possibly the worst ever. It reminded me of 1970's airplane food- mystery "meat" under foil. Nasty.

Magsc

I flew them in Oct 03, Miami-Madrid-Barcelona and back. I have been flying them for years as they are usually the cheapest option (although Spaniards are not known for their customer service skills). After my last trip, I vowed never again. On the way to Spain, our flight was overbooked (even though we got to the airport well in advance) and we had to wait about 12 hours for the next flight. We were catching a Mediteranean cruise out of Barcelona, and luckily I had planned to get there 2 days ahead instead of just one. However, they did upgrade me to Business once I got on a flight (thanks to much complaint).

On the way back, flight from Barcelona to Madrid was cancelled, no apparent reason given. Upon finally arriving in Madrid, our scheduled flight was gone, so we had to wait hours in Barajas. It was a nightmare - trying to get on the next flight, standing in several ETERNAL lines and dealing with terrible Iberia Airlines service - Customer service people were literally insulting to the passengers. I am completely bilingual and not even that helped.

They gave us meal tickets to go to one particular cafeteria which was also awful service - it was all Iberia cancelled flight passengers and the servers were also quite rude. They wanted to force my husband and I to sit with other people, although there were plenty of empty tables.

When I was finally back in Miami, I breathed a big sigh of relief and vowed that next time I would pay the extra money and fly an airline that would treat its passengers with a bit more respect. I am not a fan of Iberia.

wren

Last June, my husband and I flew Iberia from Miami to Barcelona, connecting in Madrid. We got this ticket by cashing in mileage on American Airlines, w/ whom they partner. I had concerns just like you, and you will probably see my posts with the same kind of questions. So our antennas were up as far as the possibility of a bad flight. I have to say that the flight was fine...food fine. No Problems. When we got to Barce., my husband's luggage did not arrive I went to the claim counter, and the attendant was as pleasant and helpful as she could be. She said we could either wait for the next flight from Madrid to arrive (she had tracked it to that flight) or we could go on to our hotel, and they would deliver it by dinner time. It was around noon, and we were tired and decided to go to our hotel. When we returned from dinner that night, his suitcase was sitting in our room. So we thought that even if there was a problem, they were helpful and solved it. I can only say I found the flight no different than any other.

David_London

This will not effect you on the transatlantic flight but it's worth bearing in mind for others that they now offer an almost no frills service for flights within Europe where all food and drinks, even water, having to be paid for.

Italiano

I was looking for tickets in March 2004 for a flight between Madrid Spain And Malaga Spain 1hr 20 min flight Search on the Fodor's booking link Expedia.com for 2 adult & 2 child tickets Expedia price $681.34 RT so I tried Travelocity.com same price . So I went directly to the Iberia web site exact same Iteneary $239.00 RT E tickets A $442.00 difference and no $20.00 booking fee or $15.00 fedex charge . So do your homework it pays

hikeandeat

I'm booked on Iberia from Nice to Barcelona in October. Call from them yesterday said my 3:10 pm flight was canceled, and I have been moved to
an 8:30 flight. There goes half a day in Barcelona!

Bag this airline!