New Iberia routes from Chicago

[mmm042]

Just heard that due to increased demand, Iberia is adding three nonstop flights/week from Chicago to Madrid in June, July and August, increasing the weekly number of flights from 7 to 10. The flights will be Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Most flights now use their new Airbus planes with more spacious seating and individual touch-screen TVs. I hope to experience one of these when I fly next month!

The airline is trying to update/revamp its image. For those into social media, they're using #newIberia.

If I can add anything after I fly on Iberia in March/April, I'll let you know.

Melanie

 

[peregrina2000]

Melanie, do you know if the new flights will be later or earlier than their current flight? The current flight leaves around 4:45 or 5:45 pm depending on daylight savings time and it is great because it gets you into Madrid at 7 in the morning. I just flew on that Iberia flight from Chicago, and it was pretty comfortable. Everyone was very friendly and helpful (I never understand all the complaints Iberia gets about rude flight attendants), but the food was probably the worst airplane food I have ever had. I don't know if the crisis means they're scaling back even more on food, but it was really a new low. And I am not a picky eater.

If you book your ticket through American, as a codeshare, you can't get a seat assignment till day of departure, which is a pain in the neck. But I always stick with AA because they are much more helpful and efficient if you need rebooking.

The real plus of that Iberia flight is the early arrival. Immigration is usually empty and you just sail right through, and our bags were on the carousel by the time we got there. Later in the day things get bogged down a bit, in my experience.

My T4 tip -- always take the elevator, some of those escalators go up three or four flights.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

They currently show two flights Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, in June and July departing 1510 and 1635 non-stop, arriving at 0620 and 0740 respectively. That is an addition of one flight on those days.

 

[peregrina2000]

Thanks, falcon, I don't know why I didn't think to check the schedule. Getting into Madrid at 6:20 am is great for the pilgrim who wants to make it to far away Camino starting points on the first day.

 

[mmm042]

Falcon has the correct times. I've always had good luck with Iberia too, Laurie. But boo on the food! I'm with you -- I'm not picky at all, so I'll be curious to see how the food is. I think I last flew Iberia in November 2012.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I still fly Iberia, but they are becoming useless from the Washington, DC area since the merger with British Airways. They REALLY want to route me through Chicago, which on my globe, is the wrong direction when I am going to Spain...

 

[peregrina2000]

Just came back on Iberia to Chicago. The food was really truly inedible, but I'm not saying that distinguishes them from other airlines. Do not get the berengela (eggplant) paremesan -- under any circumstances. But those personal TV screens had a lot of movies on offer -- including The Way!!!! Unfortunately, I didn't notice that until I was about an hour outside Chicago. But I did see Tom Hanks battling Somali pirates. Have a great trip, Melanie.

 

[mmm042]

Thanks for the tips, Laurie! I just may pack my own food. Funny -- Ed and I just watched Captain Phillips last weekend.

 

[Susan hopes]

Does Iberia fly every day to Chicago, or just Thursday, Friday and Sunday?

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Every day but Sunday at the moment.