Iberia

On a recent trip to Spain, I flew Iberia, experiencing the airline’s revamped economy-class cabin on my way to Pamplona, via Madrid, from New York.

Check-in was quick, efficient and friendly. Iberia recently upgraded all onboard cabins, and the interiors are new and fresh. I had a carry-on, and easily stored my belongings in the overhead space directly above my seat. My exit-row aisle seat afforded me the opportunity to stretch out and get some rest; a provided pillow and blanket made me doubly comfortable. The flight from New York to Madrid departed at 5 p.m., meaning by the time I was tired, about 6 hours into the flight, we were only about an hour or so from landing. I didn’t get much sleep on that leg of the flight, but I still felt refreshed upon landing.

Dinner and breakfast were served in flight; I opted for the chicken selection with a glass of white wine. Two menu choices were offered. Breakfast was fruit, yogurt and pastries served about one hour before landing.

A nine-inch personal touch-screen stored in the armrest of my seat offered an array of movies, TV shows, games and music selections. Headphones were distributed. In addition to reading, I spent most of my time onboard watching movies and TV shows. As I was headed to Pamplona for Running of the Bulls, I eagerly watched a documentary on the event, Encierro.

It seems like it takes forever to navigate Madrid airport; our flight landed early and I made my way to the other terminal to await my Pamplona-bound flight. I answered emails using the airport’s complimentary WiFi, and was soon boarding another Iberia flight to my final destination.