How to Make the Most of Economy Class on Iberia Airlines

Serving a handful of destinations in the U.S., Spain’s flag carrier airline, Iberia, can take you to spots all over Europe or connect you to the rest of the world. An Iberia economy class review shows that these affordable seats on Iberia offer solid service and, overall, a comfortable way to get to Europe or beyond.

Considering booking an Iberia economy class flight? Here’s what you should know.

What to expect flying economy class on Iberia

Iberia’s economy class offers friendly service and food offerings inspired by Spanish flavors. While not a luxurious experience, Iberia economy class will get you where you need to go in a consistent, quality product.

• Baggage allowance. Most tickets in economy class on Iberia long-haul flights come with a checked bag free of charge, provided it doesn’t weigh more than 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and adheres to the size limits listed on Iberia's website.

• Boarding. Economy class passengers board the plane last, after business class and other groups. 

• Seats. The seats on the A330 and A350 economy class on Iberia long-haul flights offer a seat pitch ranging from 30 to 32 inches between rows and are about 18 inches wide. All seats recline, with the exception of those restricted by emergency exits. They are equipped with an adjustable-height headrest to provide more support on both sides of your head. 

• Seat features. There are electrical outlets in each row with universal plugs, as well as USB ports to charge your devices during flight. The seat-back entertainment system in economy class uses a touch screen for accessing movies, TV shows and music. Unless you’re flying on a basic economy fare, your seat selection is free.

• Food. Your economy seat in any long-haul flight on Iberia comes with a meal prepared with seasonal ingredients, so it will vary by route and time of year. Passengers can select special meals up to 24 hours before departure, including vegetarian, vegan, ovo-lacto vegetarian, low-fat, kosher, halal and Hindu meals.

• Service. Iberia is not known for above and beyond onboard service. The service is friendly and helpful, but you won’t find any offerings on Iberia that you wouldn’t get from any other European airline.

Economy ticket types

Basic economy

Iberia offers a basic fare that’s usually more affordable than regular economy fares. Basic entitles you to one free carry-on bag and a personal accessory.

Iberia basic economy fares don't allow free seat selection, but you can pay for it in advance to secure a lower fee. If you don’t choose a seat, you'll be assigned one at random. The airline doesn't guarantee that you’ll be seated near your travel companions.

Premium economy

Iberia offers premium economy on its long-haul flights, and there are a few differences that may help you decide to spend more for one of these seats.

When flying premium economy, you'll enjoy a more spacious seat with 37 inches between rows and nearly 19 inches of seat width. Your entertainment screen is upgraded to 12 or 13 inches, and the airline provides each traveler with a noise-canceling headset. In addition to an adjustable headrest, your premium economy seat has an adjustable foot rest, too.

Your in-flight meal service in premium economy is upgraded as well. The menu includes more Spanish-inspired items, served with more flair. Also, your premium economy ticket comes with two free checked bags up to 50 pounds and an amenity kit.

» Learn more: Iberia Visa Signature credit card review

Ways to get good value

Select seats early

Given that many passengers can select a seat for free beginning 24 hours before departure, it may be worth setting an alert to choose your seat as soon as you’re allowed. That way, you can choose a seat in an area you prefer and give yourself a better shot at claiming that all-important overhead bin space above your seat. If you’re traveling with others, it’s also a way to choose seats near each other.

Book with Avios

Iberia’s loyalty program is called Iberia Club, and its mileage currency is called Avios. British Airways, Aer Lingus and other airlines also use Avios, and partnerships between airlines give you more ways to get, use and transfer Iberia Avios.

Booking a flight with Iberia Avios is one way to save cash. You can also book Iberia flights using the miles of a Oneworld partner airline like American Airlines, but your Avios can sometimes get you a better deal than American AAdvantage or other types of miles.

For example, we found a flight from Los Angeles to Madrid that would cost you 20,000 Avios plus $102 in taxes and fees. The same Los Angeles-to-Madrid route booked through American Airlines cost 30,000 AAdvantage miles plus taxes.

If you're looking to earn Avios, you can either apply for a credit card that earns them or apply for a card that earns points, which you can then transfer to Iberia at a 1:1 ratio.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

Be mindful of the cancellation policy

The Iberia cancellation policy depends on which ticket you get. Mileage tickets can be canceled or changed for about $40 (25 euros) for some fares. Avoid booking flights with points unless your plans are locked in.

Cash tickets don't afford the same flexibility, issuing a voucher instead of a refund on some fares.

Final thoughts on flying economy class on Iberia

With its expansive route network, Iberia offers an array of destinations. Through its hub in Madrid, you can connect to cities across Europe and around the world. Economy class cash fares come with some restrictions on baggage, refunds and seat selection, but you’ll get a comfortable seat with a meal, a headrest and entertainment.

Use Avios to book your flight to save money and enjoy some perks you don’t typically get with economy tickets.