Review of Iberia flight Dallas/Fort Worth → Madrid in Business

To head to our family reunion in northern Spain, I booked a one-way in cash with two stops - Dallas and Madrid. Bilbao was my final destination, and thankfully I was able to check my luggage all the way to BIO at LAX. This review focuses on the longest leg from DFW to MAD. Unfortunately, LAX-MAD doesn't run every day so I had to connect through Texas. This option isn't bad, because the LAX flight leaves at 6 PM, a touch early for a TATL flight since passengers would likely be trying to sleep at 9 PM PT. The DFW-MAD flight left at 9:40 PM, making it a bit easier to get some rest. I was able to access the Flagship Lounge as an international business class passenger.

DFW is an absolutely massive hub for American, so it was nice to see the familiar gold and red livery of Iberia taxiing in from the runway.  

The aircraft was an Airbus A330-300, which was definitely showing its age. On the return I took an A350-900 nonstop back to LAX which felt much more modern. But the business cabin on the A330 was still solid albeit a bit cozy. At my seat (2A) waiting for me was a pillow, blanket and mattress pad/cushion. It was cool to have 2 airplane windows at my seat as well. Playing in the background prior to takeoff and landing was elevator music, which was quite soothing.

After settling in to the full cabin, we were offered a choice of orange juice or water (due to regulations alcohol cannot be served on the ground prior to departure). The tray table was good-sized and easy to access in my opinion.

The monitor isn't the sharpest quality, but is of a decent size. I also appreciated the free wifi for Business passengers. Note the coat hook on the side of the seat as well.

After the pre-departure drink, I perused the menu. Everything looked quite appetizing except the cheese (not a fan of cheese at all, sacrilege I know).

I loved the selection of teas even though I did not partake (I had a decaf espresso after dinner).

Of course, Spain takes tremendous pride in their wines. I sampled the Musgo 2022 Rueda with my meal and the Pedro Ximenez with dessert.

The amenity kit was okay - the zipper broke unfortunately. But it did contain an eye mask, stockings, toothpaste, a toothbrush, hand cream, a comb, ear plugs, lip balm and a wet wipe. 

The screen could either be controlled via touch, or the remote.

I ended up watching The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. The IFE had a good but not great selection of movies, games and shows. Quick shot of Central Texas as we took off.

We received a hot towel prior to dinner which was a nice touch.

The starter was the salmon with edamame hummus with radish and fennel. Delicious! The bread was also served warm with olive oil and butter. Note the cool "Las Meninas" themed salt and pepper shakers! I also liked how IB uses proper wine glasses.

I was stuffed at this point, but I went with the hake fish as my main. It was served with a pumpkin puree and seasonal vegetables. Great flavors here.

Dessert was the apple crumble. Wonderful finish paired with the Pedro Ximenez and an espresso.

This Spanish spirit needs no introduction. Strong, with hints of raisin and chocolate.

Thanks to the lie-flat seat, I was able to get a few hours of rest (although I feel the cabin was kept a touch warm for my liking). I awoke to breakfast and I chose the pancakes. I do think this meal was a bit carb heavy. One of the flight attendants graciously reheated my pancakes as they got cold after a few minutes.

The bathroom was nothing to write home about.

We landed in sunny Madrid a bit ahead of schedule. Soon after, I headed to the Velazquez Lounge to relax before my last flight to Bilbao. Thanks to my dual citizenship, I was able to breeze through passport control.

Comments on the crew - professional service throughout, neither amazing nor underwhelming. All spoke English and Spanish.