As the long-haul narrowbody era gains momentum, Iberia has joined the likes of JetBlue, Aer Lingus and TAP Air Portugal by launching transatlantic routes with its brand-new A321XLR. the aircraft offers a different seat to its two other staggered forward-facing widebodied business class products. So the airline has a challenge on its hands to deliver a familiar – yet premium – experience across the Atlantic on a smaller, commercially nimbler aircraft.
Interestingly, these early adopters are paving the way for a myriad of operators glimmering on the horizon, and all eyes are on Iberia and the like to work out how to best maximise the opportunity ahead of them.
On the ground
Business Class passengers departing from Madrid are afforded the same premium experience as Iberia’s widebody operations. There’s obviously a dedicated check-in area which was empty when we arrived. There’s also Fast Track security which we couldn’t have found more efficient. Top tip, it’s also available to you if you are an American Express card holder, and Madrid’s efficiencies in security are now a real thing to look forward to.
Iberia operates two lounges in Madrid, there’s one lounge in the main terminal building which serves most of the airline’s Schengen operations. But, the airline’s flagship lounge ‘Velázquez’ is situated in Terminal 4S which is a short inter-terminal train ride away. Although the main terminal is a sea of narrowbody Iberia aircraft, today we were lucky enough to depart from T4S along with the big boys.
The Velázquez Lounge remains a strong contender in Europe. Although I find Spanish interiors rather clinical and cold, Iberia have injected design elements that make the lounge also seem vibrant and playful. Bold red and white tones are balanced by soft greys, offering a balance between energy and peace, and the whole environment is flooded with natural light thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides.
With shower suites, ample seating, and family-friendly zones, it’s a comfortable place to recharge, albeit I feel there’s no central focal point that other newer lounges across the world are starting to create.
Both ends of the space host generous food and beverage stations. One side features snacks and a tendered bar, while the other – normally home to an à la carte restaurant – was closed during our visit. But there was enough time to enjoy a self-service breakfast, a decent cappuccino, glass of Cava and enjoy the apron views for a little bit before it was time to board.
The Cabin
Boarding from a nearby gate was seamless and organised with the small portion of Business Class and elite Iberia Plus members encouraged to board first. This is one of the real winners to these narrowbody flights. There is a subconscious psychology at play. At no point do you feel like you are just a number. With smaller queues at the gate and quick efficient boarding, you might not realise it at first, but the entire passenger experience is actually calmer and more subdued than flying on a 777 for example.
Now I’ve had a mixed bag in the past when it comes to service on Iberia, but it’s mainly been good. However this flight, the biggest shining star was by far the crew on the A321XLR. The welcome from the crew was warm and enthusiastic – an early hint of the standout service to come.
On boarding, instantly you are greeted by the calm cool interiors that Iberia are now sporting. But with the shiny new plane smell, everything feels super stylish. Although i’ve mentioned in my recent A350 flight with Iberia i wish there was a bit more colour (and I still stand by that) the fact there are neutral calming tones in the cabin actually make it feel larger and more spacious than JetBlue’s long-haul mint product, even though the product is the same.
The Business Class cabin is fitted with 14 Thompson Vantage Solo seats arranged in a 1-1 configuration over seven rows. While the layout lacks sliding doors or JetBlue-style “Mint” front-row suites, the privacy of the final row (7A) makes it arguably the best seat onboard, free from foot traffic or prying eyes.
The Seat
The Vantage Solo seat is certainly my favourite narrowbody seat right now (Although the Elevate Ascent narrowbody seat is a close contender when it officially launches).
Although the seat offers aisle-facing privacy, I genuinely prefer facing the aisle as it gives a better sense of space, easier access and the seats are further from the aisle (which on a narrowbody is frequently used).
The Thompson seats also aren’t like the old Cathay coffins or previous generation Upper Class seats with a bettter angle allowing for window gazing without snapping your neck in half. Storage is well considered: a shoulder-level side table includes USB-A, USB-C, and AC power, plus a water bottle and headphones. There’s also a storage unit by the feet for your shoes and also a splash of red as you open a storage locker to the side by the window.
The general look and feel is swathes of stitched grey leather, like a slightly older sports car, but one that you’ve always admired. That’s certainly not a negative. The seats, unlike some other products, have sinuous lines that create a sense of playful movement, and that makes the seat feel less mechanical or box-like, and certainly more automotive.
To add texture and visual depth to the seat. Iberia provides a full bedding set, including a plush pillow, soft blanket, and a mattress topper-come-bolster which turns the seat into a comfortable, fluffy flatbed. The amenity kit, designed by Teresa Helbig (the creative mind behind Iberia’s uniforms), includes skincare products from Uvas Frescas and essential long-haul comforts. I love the design connection here, creating a clever brand thread through the soft products.
The Entertainment
The IFE is the same as on the rest of Iberia’s fleet—responsive and intuitive, if a little light on depth for seasoned flyers. The flight map, however, is fluid and detailed. There’s also a “Do Not Disturb” light for those seeking uninterrupted rest.
The headphone for watching the movie are decent, but not mind-blowing, and a small element on such a small aircraft like offering Denon or Bose headsets will go a long way to make this A321 experience something a little more exclusive and exciting, which will offset any negatives. Time will tell if Iberia will add a few little extras like this to really punch above its tiny frame.
Wi-Fi is available and functional for email and light browsing – not blazing fast, nor complimentary (yet), but reliable for mid-flight productivity.
The Food & Drink
So this is sadly both one of the best bits and worst bits at the same time. Iberia is known for some good food, and the carrier doubles down on Spain’s rich heritage in amazing dishes and ingredients. One small drawback of narrowbody service is front-door boarding, which makes pre-departure drinks impossible for the carrier (albeit JetBlue somehow manages to do it). But once airborne, the crew more than made up for it.
Service began with an amuse-bouche and aperitif of cured meats and cheese. This first course gave the crew time to prepare the rest of the meal, which is incredible considering the tiny galley they are operating from. Another drawback is that with a single aisle and only one toilet at the front, when service is happening, it’s virtually impossible to use the toilet.
Though the entire meal was served on a single tray – a concession to the aircraft’s compact galley – it was thoughtfully presented, and i still love the cultural reference from the salt and pepper shakers. Cold pasta disappointed slightly, but this was offset by a standout cheese course and a theatrically plated mango sorbet, prepared in front of me.
Post-meal, digestifs and chocolates followed, and throughout the remainder of the flight the crew couldn’t have been more attentive. There was a sea of crisps, chocolates and snacks on offer as well as a wide range of the usual wines and spirits.
A second hot meal before landing (in my case, an empanada) was a nice surprise, especially when many European airlines opt for lighter fare.
The Extras
While this aircraft isn’t going to light the airline industry on fire with innovations, it’s perfectly formed for its function. Despite the aircraft’s limitations (read: galley), the service was among the best I’ve experienced on Iberia. With just 14 passengers to attend to, the crew had time to engage with everyone individually – offering drinks, snacks, and smiles throughout. They clearly enjoyed working this aircraft, and their energy lifted the entire flight experience, and maybe that’s the winning formula that makes this aircraft fun and straight forward to fly.
Between films, Wi-Fi sessions, and a brief nap, the six-hour journey flew by. The intimacy of the cabin felt almost private jet-like – relaxed, refined, and peaceful.
In conclusion
Would I choose Iberia’s A321XLR again for a transatlantic hop? Absolutely. It may not match a widebody for onboard space or meal service finesse, but what it loses in scale, it gains in intimacy and crew attention. This aircraft brings a new flexibility to Iberia’s long-haul network and offers a forward-looking, design-conscious experience. With stellar service, a smart seat, and a solid hard product, it proves that small can still be mighty.
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