Flying can be costly, which is why travellers are always on the lookout for flights that offer a sweet spot between comfort and economy. In other words, what most travellers need is an airline that gives them peace of mind while being easy on the wallet.
Many Avios collectors associate Air Iberia flights with low-cost journeys across the Atlantic. But how do Iberia's Economy and Premium Economy cabins measure up when using Avios?
This article explores what you can expect on board with opinions from seasoned travellers and Club Iberia Plus members. From extra legroom to meal options, we explore how both cabins compare and whether they're a good option for your Avios reward flights.
The Iberia Economy Experience
Baggage
Iberia offers long-haul Economy Class on aircraft like the Airbus A330 and A350. Passengers typically get at least one free checked bag up to 23 kg and a carry-on, which can vary depending on fare type.
Seats
The size of the Economy seats is generous, usually measuring 30 to 32 inches in pitch and 18 inches in width. Each seat has an adjustable headrest and seat-back entertainment with a 9-inch screen. For those booking a Basic fare, seat selection carries an additional charge. As always, check the fare rules when finalising your Iberia Avios booking. Reward Flight Finder (RFF) Silver member, Tony, told us that “the Economy leg room is pretty good - I had no problems on short haul. I’d probably upgrade for longer flights though because I’m 6ft”.
Meals
Economy travellers receive meals on flights longer than four and a half hours. There's often a choice of main dishes; special requests can be made at least 24 hours in advance. Lukas Souza from Simply Flying said, "The food was honestly one of the best I have ever had in Economy. Without a doubt, I would fly with Iberia again."
Wifi
Wi-Fi is available for a fee, with free basic messaging for Club Iberia Plus members on specific routes. The service is friendly and adequate but without any frills, which is par for the course in terms of other airlines. According to Souza Simply Flying, “The only downside to the entire flight was the price of the Wi-Fi, more than $20 for the entire flight. Iberia does provide free messaging for the duration of the flight for those in Business Class or Iberia Plus members.”
PilotPlans had this to say about the overall experience: "For international flights that are longer, the Economy experience was generally comfortable. There's usually in-flight entertainment systems with additional offerings like blankets and pillows. If comfort is something you're considering, I'd recommend going for the Premium Economy (preferably through redeeming points), which gives you additional space for personal items, noise-cancelling headphones, more legroom and reclining features, as well as great authentic Spanish dishes."
Which brings us to:
The Iberia Premium Economy Experience
Baggage
Things get slightly better in Premium Economy, which Iberia only offers on long-haul routes, primarily aboard Airbus A330 and A350 aircraft. You can check in two pieces of luggage, each weighing up to 23 kg, one piece of cabin luggage, and an accessory. There's also a separate Premium Economy check-in desk at the airport.
Seats
The seats have a 37-inch pitch and a 19-inch width. Passengers also get a footrest or legrest, adjustable headrests, noise-cancelling headphones, and an amenity kit.
Speaking about flying Premium Economy, Ben Smithson from The Points Guy, said, "My first impressions of the cabin were good because of its intimacy and exclusivity. The amount of legroom was great. I especially appreciated that the passenger in the window seat could easily get up without me having to move on this full flight. Iberia gets a lot of the basics right with its Premium Economy product. The seats are noticeably more comfortable than those in Economy, with more legroom and recline.”
Varun Sharma from businessclass.com, said, "Premium Economy seats are no match for Business Class, but they do provide more stretching room and comfortable recline than Economy class. There are convenient water bottle holders and large entertainment screens, too."
Finally, Brett Holzhaer from Upgraded Points said, "Those extra few inches definitely make a difference for a comfortable 8-hour flight, making the higher price completely worth it. The flight attendants on this trip were outstanding: friendly, professional, and super attentive from start to finish."
Meals
Dining in the Premium Economy is a clear step above what you would get in Economy. Menus highlight fresh, Spanish-inspired meals prepared by DO&CO and often include a pre-departure beverage (non-alcoholic). Wine and beer are generally included for certain spirits or snacks; however, travellers may pay extra depending on route policies.
The meal presentation is also an upgrade with better plating and more variety. Sillver RFF member, Miriam, told us that “the meals in Premium are really good, and they have a high quality - they’re definitely one of the best I’ve had”.
Wifi
You can stay connected with fast and free wifi. According to Ben Smithson from The Points Guy, “The Wi-Fi was impressively fast, and the large, crisp screen had plenty of entertainment options."
Entertainment
Passengers get an upgraded 12-inch entertainment screen with HD resolution (versus 9 inches in Economy). They can choose from 600 films, TV shows, documentaries, and more.
How to Book with Iberia Avios
Iberia Avios booking is straightforward. You can:
- Go to BA.com, log into your British Airways Club account, and search for Avios reward flights on Iberia.
- If you have a Club Iberia Plus account, you can move points between BA and Iberia via 'Combine My Avios' (but it's not always necessary unless you find better availability or lower taxes on Iberia.com).
Keep in mind that Iberia sometimes releases more Economy seats on Iberia.com than you'll see on BA.com. Cancellation rules mirror British Airways: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure and get your Avios back, minus a £35 fee (or equivalent).
How to Use Avios Points for Iberia
- Look for off-peak dates where Economy redemptions can start as low as 21,250 Avios one-way.
- Premium Economy redemptions typically range from 31,750 to 42,500 Avios on off-peak vs peak dates. Taxes and fees are usually reasonable compared to other transatlantic carriers.
- If you want to boost your Club Iberia Plus balance, consider credit cards that earn Avios or transfer partners like American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, etc.
Note that round-trip Premium Economy fares are around 50% more expensive than standard Economy fares, whereas Business Class can be up to three times the Premium Economy price. Premium Economy is a smart middle ground if Business Class is beyond your budget, especially for overnight transatlantic flights.
The Verdict
For many travellers, Air Iberia flights in Economy or Premium Economy strike a solid balance of cost and comfort, especially when redeemed with Avios. Economy is known for its straightforward, friendly service and surprisingly tasty meal offerings, though Wi-Fi fees can be steep.
Meanwhile, Premium Economy stands out as a worthwhile middle ground if you can't stretch to Business Class but crave more legroom, an upgraded meal service, and luggage allowance.
As with any Iberia Avios booking, it pays to look for off-peak rates and keep an eye out for better seat availability, especially if you want to test Premium Economy. Ultimately, combining Spanish hospitality, improved cabin features, and strategies on how to use Avios points effectively makes Iberia's Economy and Premium Economy a reasonable option for your next transatlantic flight. If you need a comfortable seat, decent dining, and a cost-effective way to cross the pond, Iberia fits the bill, leaving extra Avios in your account for future adventures.
