[Anonymous]

[AndresB]

Does anyone know if this aircraft has the new Iberia Plus business class configuration? Particularly on the route Lima-Madrid. Feedback would be highly appreciated.

[sparkyflier]

Iberia do not actually operate the A340- 500 series, but use the 345 code for a A340-600 series to designate that it is the newer or older configuration/seating, but I cannot remember which way around it is!

There was a very similar question on this forum a few months ago, and I know regular and always insightful poster TimFitzgeraldTC had the answer..

I have been on the older seating in J, which is actually comfortable and very spacious, – think 1990s First class style

[TimFitzgeraldTC]

Yep – the 345 code signifies has the new IB Business class product on

[miningguy]

I fly regularly MAD>LIM with Iberia (8 times this year). The planes seem quite old but the cabins are very nicely refurbished. Both Business and Economy Class are excellent with nice food, friendly crew and good entertainment. I would rate their Business way above BA Club. Additionally compared to other routes to Lima i.e. AA and United who fly battered old 757, this is by far the best way to get there from Europe.

One caveat is DO NOT let them take your bags. Everytime I have checked bags with Iberia, they have been left in Lima or Madrid. I therefore always take carry on which for me is a significant burden as I carry quite a lot of specialist equipment for my job. Whilst Iberia’s onboard crew are great, their ground crew in both Lima, Madrid and LHR are just awful with no effort at customer service – especially when one’s bag is missing.

[sparkyflier]

Regarding Iberia and baggage, I once waited for 40 minutes at the belt at MAD airport for my suitcase to come through from London, and that was after a 15 minute walk from the plane, so that is how “efficient” they are with baggage!

The sooner BA fly to more destinations in central/south America the better – I know Lima is on its way from LGW however. It is possible I will need to go to Panama City next year, and I suspect KL will be the first choice..

[miningguy]

During my final attempts to check bags with Iberia, I ceased even waiting for my bag and just went to the Lost Bags counter and filled out the claims forms. On both occasions I did this, I saved time as they had in fact lost my bags.

I am looking forward to the LGW>LIM flight!

[AndresB]

Thanks for all the replies, much appreciated.

miningguy – by “refurbished” do you actually mean the new Iberia Plus business class, not the ancient 2-2-2 configuration with the orange seats? Would be grateful if you could confirm. Thanks!

[Swissdiver]

Well, I flew only a couple of times on IB long haul. It was a A340-300 with the old seats. And I had a couple of great flights although it does not fully recline (not 180 degrees). And from the discussion I had with regular passengers, it seems they do prefer the old business class to the new one as the seat is wider and passengers have more room.

[miningguy]

Immaculate shiny, new flat beds. Just the outside of the plane looks very old….:)

[AndresB]

Thanks, miningguy – things are still a bit confusing, however. According to flightradar, Iberia appears to be consistently operating A346’s from LIM-MAD, which would suggest that they’re using the old biz class.

Do you know if you can actually reserve a seat during the online booking process? This should, in theory, provide a reliable seat map, right?

[miningguy]

Sometimes you can reserve a seat. This time I booked via BA, and to my frustration it will not let me change seat when I am redirected to Iberia.com

That being said however, on all flights I have done on this route, it is the new interior with the fully flat bed in Biz and new seats in Economy.

I fly back to Madrid this Saturday…I will advise if it is different.

[AndresB]

Thanks, that would be great. Look forward to your response.

[TimFitzgeraldTC]

Can always talk to an agent. They can advise what product is on a given flight at time of booking (though could always be plane changed) if unable to do this online before purchasing.

[Swissdiver]

Yep, just call Iberia and ask the agent to book the seat of your choice… And he/she will able to answer your product question.

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