I did the same trip on the 21st May with a return on 29th May. I'd say you were unlucky. I had brilliant and attentive flight crew, fabulous food on the first leg and reasonable food on the return, and of course the amazing A350. Seat was brilliant and I slept about 6 hours in the return leg. I shall do the same in September and would only go Iberia.
Thanks for that - I don't say it in every video but there is a danger of drawing conclusions from a sample of 1! Although I did fly Iberia in business before the you-know-what and it was very similar... I have a hunch that the pax and the crew were all a bit fatigued after the 4 hour delay so the enthusiasm on both sides was lacking this time...
Thanks for your feedback Matt. I have flown Iberia BC several times with my wife and have had no issues and I appreciate the crew not making eye contact everytime they walk by so we can enjoy our flight. That attention button works well and they are prompt to address your needs. Hope you have a better flight next time.
That's exactly what I wanted to say. As a cabin crew I usually try not to make eye contact or interrupt anyone who is watching a movie or whatever to ask if they want wine. Of course in between the services I check everybody has got everything they need, but if I were the customer I wouldn't like to have the crew on me all the time as I appreciate my privacy. It's hard to make everyone happy cause we all are different, that's why I usually recommend to press the crew call option whenever you need something:)
Very much enjoy your homely videos Matt. The three point belt thing; where you have just a lap belt at an angled seat it comes with a really fat and heavy belt, that's an airbag which will inflate should things turn bad, it's heavy to have over you when you sleep, so the shoulder belt for take off and landing (the dangerous parts of the flight) mean you don't need that.
I think I learned this after making the video - if the seat faces straight forward (like the apex suite does on Oman) 2 points is adequate. Any deviation from straight ahead and you need additional measures. Not sure I 100% understand the physics of why, but I now know the rule!
Another cool video Matt. I have flown IB in Business long haul a few times. MAD - HAV and MAD - JFK a few times and Premium but did take the exit row. Flying MAD - UIO in November which I told you about at the HFP's party. I quite like IB's product for the price tbh. And the lounge at MAD is one of my favorites in Europe - the shower rooms on a return from a transatlantic are spot on. I always grab a handful of boiled sweets from the lounge too.
Sadly that line's not original... Its been a way of mocking BA's changes for some time... "For our customer's convenience, we've enhanced our meal offering". By removing it completely....
@@MattsPlanet I found that one so funny I commented as soon as I heard it. Finishing the video there were even more crackers, some of them I’m sure are original! Lots of belly laughs watching this video. Keep it up Matt, with a young family trips like this don’t come about often for me these days. You deserve more subscribers than you have!
Another great review Matt! Got to say you consistently hit the right balance of detail, tone and opinion in your vids. A timely one too - I have up to 4 IB A350 flights coming up and would love to know if the seat-wall chasm has been narrowed in their new J seats!
Great video Matt! I totally agree about crew hospitality. I also feel they’re often a lot friendlier to the Spanish passengers than the English ones on my LHR-MAD routes I’ve flown. But I agree they are good value, and the widebody Heathrow runs are always a fun day out! Hoping to try the seat one day myself as I’ve only flown economy so far. Great video thanks for sharing!
Thanks for watching! I could understand greater familiarity with the Spanish guests because of the language element, but everyone spoke amazing English on this flight! Hey ho...
Who can complain at that price eh!? 100% worth it, but maybe stock up in the lounge before the flight! Amenity kits these days are penny arcade quality, they'll often be branded with some fancy name but certainly don't have the same quality control...
Thanks Steve. A few goodies did indeed fall into my bag... And as I was HBO, I gave the amenity kit to the room maid at my hotel in Bogota and she seemed pretty happy with it!!! I've long since given up on collecting combs and hairbrushes....
This was great, Matt. I flew Iberia to Bogota last year in Premium Economy, not Business, and my experience mirrored your own (seat aside) in every respect: great lounge; delay of c.2-3 hours; half decent grub and disappearing (but pleasant enough) cabin crew for most of the flight - want a drink? Dig a well. I'll be flying with them again to Mexico City in December, this time in Business. It'll be interesting to compare my experience with yours. Flying them yet again in Feb, short haul in economy, Porto - Madrid - Heathrow - Glasgow, so easyjet levels of inflight service, but at least I'll get the lounges again thanks to my BA Gold card. The 3rd party lounge in Porto looks pretty nice.
Thanks Derek... Premium Economy on my flight was absolutely deserted and did make me think I could be an interesting option for a day flight - was yours empty too??
@@MattsPlanet I’d say around 3/4 full. I was lucky enough to get the front row with no one seated next to me, so it was a pretty comfortable flight. I liked Colombia - Bogotá alright in bits but Cartagena out of this world!
Great Video Matt. I love Soberano nd many of the other spanish Brandies. also love Larious Gin lol. Keep the vidoes coming. The observation that the crew were good at doing nothing, having lived in spain on and off for 20 years, the spanish have this down to a fine art. if you thought getting the crews attention was difficult, try a spanish bank or post office lol.
That looks like a pretty thin J service. I'm looking forward to seeing your 261 video. I think the three point safety belts are for the throne-type seat - I've had it on CX. My GUF2 and 241s all expired, unused, after six-month extensions. At the time, there was nowhere to go. Yours certainly brought good value.
Thanks Peter. I've had a few twofers expire over the years but you can't magic a trip out of nowhere... With the channel its a little easier to plan trips! The EU261 video is scripted... Gonna be a challenge to make it interesting all the way through...
Another great - and for me - helpful video! I think i flew Iberia C last time almost 40 years ago ..and decided never to fly them again. Since then, I always was reconsidering my point of view. Unfortunately, your video confirms what made me stop flying them 40 years agaao..and what is confirmed again and again and again on youtube: most IBERIA CREWS ARE JUST LAZY and look at pax more as a nuisance. But you should have tried to ring the bell for more service. So sad..but this video unfortunately again keeps me from trying them one more time. Question: could you have kept the windows open if you wanted? I totally hate window shields down on day flights..for me a total non starter for an airline. .
Thanks Homer. I could have dinged the bell and probably would have if I wasn't making a video - I always like to see and report on the core service offered rather than deviate from that by dinging... And as the crew was so absent they probably wouldn't have noticed if a blind was open! An A350 so it was in the passengers control at least... But it got dark a couple of hours after take off and stayed dark until landing so it wasn't really an issue...
That’s soooo funny because it’s true. I would say also can be rather sloppy than lazy, but they are not their to please you. Spain is more socialist following the history so don’t expect royal treatment from everyone. If you ask crews, however, they will usually be glad to serve you or direct you to help yourself galley area.
Great video! I just revisited as considering Iberia for my just delivered 241. It deffinitely makes value sense, though I agree BA's on board service is superior!
As has been pointed out to me - dinging the bell would make all the difference... I tend not to in videos as I like to see what the organic service is like.... But its a good value option to some interesting places.
Nice video as usual Matt, first I've heard of being able to use the 241 on Iberia and Aer Lingus....excellent news. Hopefully, Qatar will follow suit...!
Again just guessing but it looks like there was a distinct corner between the table and the TV. Hard to judge distance but it may be that which makes the difference
Really incredible redemption value - 50% better value than many similar routes with BA, and the taxes are very fair. I’ll be doing Madrid to Mexico City soon 45,000 avois + circa 100ish tax in business
Once again another great review! However Iberia doesn’t impress me except for the price you got. Nice hard product but the soft product has a lot to be desired. The crew seemed like they couldn’t be bothered and weren’t engaging. A empty wine glass sitting in plain view for 4hrs and not even asked if you’d like another is an abomination. But I guess with 3 flights a day between these cities they have have a monopoly on it. For me it’s like United I never get off and say wow that was a great flight. Well I guess we’ll have to see where you jet off to next. Happy trails Matt and fly safe ✈️
Thanks L.A.D.! Avianca flies it too so not quite a monopoly - indeed there's far more traffic on the route than I thought there would be... It was ok and it was superb value, but it could have been great!
Nice video - and enjoy the dry humour! I'd have been pretty miffed about the MIA crew tbh - it doesn't matter if you happened to be in J class on a deal - the service or lack of is indefensible.
Its a tricky one when you're making videos - I'd not be too scared to ding the bell if I was travelling "normally" but I try not to when I'm videoing as I'm keen to see what happens organically...
Have a great time... I'm sure you know but the US put Cuba on their naughty list so a visit theoretically makes it tricky to get an Esta if you ever want to go to the US... You'd need to apply for a visa, which involves an interview, if the US knows you've been to Cuba recently.... If the US knows...
That was entertaining - especially as I had not seen that lounge before. Regarding service, last time I flew Iberia was pre-pandemic and I found it to be a higher standard than what you experienced. Could this possibly be due to the route? (Example - a few years ago a Virgin Atlantic staff member telling my missus to avoid their flight into LAS due to the expected hen/stag parties that always seemed to be on their flights at the time.) Also, as you rightly point out, if crews were hanging around like passengers were, they get just as tired as we do. Not an excuse, but it is reality.
I think you may have something there - it must have been tiring and frustrating for the crew to have been hovering for nearly 4 hours before we got going... And if I understand crew contracts, they don't actually get paid until the plane door closes so it may have been an unpaid 4 hours too...
Given my various experiences with Iberia over the years, I would much rather saw off my hands and feet and paddle my bleeding meat stumps with the sharks across the Atlantic than fly them again. You deserve a medal of courage for your service in this trip report.
Thanks again for spoiler from last week re: passport control. Talking of Waterloo and City line back in the ‘80s I used to be a driver on it. We had to walk the length of it every 12th Saturday after service end. Might come in handy if I have to reach satellite terminal across the apron😂
Thanks Roger - fascinated as to why you'd walk every 12th Saturday?? To keep you honest? Must be the worst line to be rostered onto as its so monotonous!
@@MattsPlanet YW🤗. Had to walk the tunnel in order to re familiarise drivers with firefighting equipment which was located towards Bank station, also to prove we could still use the “Tunnel telephone” an ordinary handset with 2 crocodile clips that attached to a pair of wires running the length of the tunnel. When used they’d cut the power; put the tunnel lights on and connect to the signaller. Working on “The Drain” was quite popular with Waterloo based drivers, service operated between 0630 and 2145 which was great as most of us lived a long way from the depot. Plus you couldn’t be misrouted; forget your stops or have leaves on the line. Only problem was trying to think of something original to say each time you walked past the guard 😂😂. Graduated to driving for Eurostar so must have had a thing for tunnels 🤫
Hi matt, great vid, doing this flight from madrid in Nov, going to book through my BA app, one question, this is an eligible flight for exec club tier points isn't it?! Thanks
Absolutely - it will earn you tier points, provided your BA number is in the booking. Its also an eligible flight for BA status too as its marketed and operated by Iberia
I lived in Spain for seven years Matt - Spain does some things very well (food, wine, art etc). One thing they don't do well is service. I knew before I watched the vid you'd have an issue with Spanish style, ahem, service (if that is what you can call it) and of course so it proved. One thing re the pork cheeks - if you weren't aware these are a Spanish standard - akin to a Sunday Roast in the UK or Fish and Chips etc. So entirely appropriate for the airline to serve this - quite why BA are doing so is another matter (well it's cost isn't it obviously and BA seem to be on a race to the bottom). Hey ho. Cheers!
Thanks Andrew - BA is widely mocked for offering beef cheeks on virtually every flight right now - hence the reference. Pork cheeks were very pleasant. Had cod cheeks in Newfoundland and they were pretty good too!
Matt. Very interesting and informative vid. I'll watch it again before I fly. I am also using a 241 for myself and my brother for a trip to Miami with Iberia in a few days. It saved me some Avios. Any other advice beyond this video you could give would be great. I am BA silver status flying early morning (9.15) out of T5 with Iberia into Mad in cattle class, then on to Miami in PE. Is there more than one lounge you can use or is it just the Iberia lounge? My return from Miami is business class all the way as it's a night flight. Anything you know about Miami airport lounges would be appreciated. Cheers ears. Steve C. YNWA.
Only 1 lounge in t4s which is where you'll arrive and depart - non-shenghen. The lounge in the video but it's quite good. MIA has a flagship lounge which is quite nice - a hike from the planes but quite pleasant.
Thanks Phil. Iberia availability shows up quite well on BA - I booked an open-jaw so I needed to call to book as you can't book something that complex (ha ha) on the website but if I'd booked a straight return it would have been possible through BA
Another great video-remember flying economy in Iberia with my 70 year old mum down to Madrid-we managed to hit immigration with half of South America and were there for nearly 2 hours! Out of interest-watched your previous video going through the first wing and into first lounge-is it worth asking at guest services when you’re there if there’s any upgrade options? Have you tried it? Is it a waste of time? Any advice appreciated!
Thanks James. I've never asked at an airport about upgrades but I see chats about it online quite often... They can offer them and they can be decent value, if the flight load dictates... They can also be appalling value.... I sense people sometimes get swept up in the excitement and emotion of a trip and buy upgrades without really knowing what the true value of the seat should be... I would suggest that many of them would have been able to upgrade online the day before travel at a lower cost... Tricky subject to gather real data about to make a video about though!
Even the cash fares seem reasonable. Looks like there is a J return from the UK to Bogota via MAD for £1750 (plus APD, where applicable). No advance purchase requirement as it's available even for next week!
Thanks - you are right that cash fares are not bad... I think they really are an option to get to that corner of the world, whether that's by cash or points...
@@MattsPlanet indeed. Great seeing you last week by the way! I was half considering using this route as a TP run, but sadly it's got a specific routing (via MAD or MIA) rather than a MPM...
I had cod cheeks when I was in Newfoundland and they were delicious... I guess the muscle is delicate as it doesn't get used much - pigs and cods don't do much talking!!
Saved the best bit till last; what great value! Shame about some of the flimsy hardware though. They'd do well to be mindful of Jan Carlzon's quote (turned SAS around); "If a passenger sees a stain on the aircraft seat, subconsciously they make a correlation with the state of maintenance of the engines." (Paraphrased).
Thanks for that... I try to convince myself that if I see a stain on a seat, its because the airline has spent all their money on maintenance... I don't often succeed!
Well, that's disappointing. Pre covid I was fairly regular mad bog in both biz and steerage and never had such a poor experience as you describe. In biz food was always excellent and I struggled to consume all the drink I was offered. Crew were attentive and friendly in both cabins. I think you should have taken the opportunity to try out the T4 lounge: I think the food options there are better than T4S. I've even overnighted in T4S. Once in the sleep pods and once in a quiet corner when they were full , without problems. The only reason I wouldn't fly mad bog is simply I get twice as many TPs via dfw.
Thanks Ian - drawing broad conclusions from a sample of 1 flight is always a challenge... The crew had been hanging around for nearly 4 hours when we finally took off, just like us passengers so I think they may have been a little fatigued and grumpy too... I'll certainly try the T4 lounge next time too.
I watch the occasional video from Andrew Henderson of Nomad Capitalist and he rates Bogota and Colombia - I believe he has residency or even citizenship. I stayed in the Le Candelaria area which may not present a completely representative face of what Bogota has to offer... The Bogota Beer Company was fun though!
Hello! I am Gold with BA so can reserve seats straight after booking.... As can silvers. Bronzes can book 7 days before departure and that benefit carries over to Iberia. Without status I believe Iberia will ask you to pay. It's unusual for airlines to work like this, especially in premium cabins. Its not popular amongst those without status, hugely popular for those that have it!
I recently returned from Miami to Madrid on the A330-300. My experience echoed yours almost exactly - particularly with regard to the crew. Good not great. Not as good overall as the American Airlines Boeing 777 journey on the outward leg (LHR to Miami).
Fantastic! Picos (I can't promise I'll remember the name beyond the time it takes to type this!) are a decent delivery vehicle for ham and chorizo, just not cheese!
Tech should not be an acceptable excuse. Weather and ATC strikes are but I can't see how they'd be able to wriggle out of liability on either count on this occasion...
Hello Matt, sad to see that Iberia's soft product is still the same it was 2 years ago. This company could be the best European airline in my opinion if they could offer only 50 percent of what Spain and its people are known for. Really a lost opportunity and a text book example of how not to run a service company.
@@MattsPlanet yes that pricing is very tempting but I’m not sure the reward availability will be as good for Buenos Aires. I will however been keeping an eye on it as a back up to BA
Iberia is one of the most overrated airline. Having flown them for work, I'd never ever pay for their business or premium cabins. The crew are untrained, have no idea what service is. I'd even fly ANY American carrier over them. The only good thing they have is a hard product which is usually filthy. So much potential... Wasted
Thank you for a very valuable review. However, please do not take any more videos where we can see up inside your nose with your nose hairs not trimmed. Geesh.
@@MattsPlanet Expert at criticizing but can't seem to handle it yourself, Video sucked, that simple, And please trim your nasal hairs, they are almost as disgusting as that A350.
