Review of Iberia Premium Economy

Since 2017, Iberia has been steadily introducing its Premium Economy product across the majority of its long-haul fleet. As Spain’s flagship carrier, Iberia primarily serves transatlantic routes, linking Europe with the Americas—including key destinations in the United States and Latin America.

As a vital member of IAG (International Airlines Group)—alongside British Airways and Aer Lingus—and the oneworld alliance, Iberia enables travelers to collect and redeem Avios points across all IAG carriers and oneworld partners.

Frequent flyers with elite status in oneworld programs benefit from enhanced privileges when flying with Iberia, even in Premium Economy or Economy, such as priority boarding and access to select lounges. Notable airline partners include American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Qantas, Qatar Airways, and Royal Air Maroc.

Iberia’s main operations hub is Madrid-Barajas Airport, with flights departing from the striking Terminal Four. The terminal’s award-winning architecture impresses, though the expansive layout and satellite gates mean passengers should prepare for extensive walking—especially under the bright Spanish sun.

An automated train links the primary and satellite terminals, separating Schengen and non-Schengen departures. Moving walkways are helpful, but tight connections can still be challenging if a terminal transfer is required.

Check-in is streamlined, with a dedicated Premium Economy counter distinct from Economy and Business Class. While Premium Economy fares do not include lounge access, oneworld Sapphire and Emerald members can enjoy the lounges both at Madrid and in many global destinations.  

The Madrid lounges feature panoramic apron views—partially obscured by architectural elements—and offer both hot and cold food, an open bar, and thoughtful amenities such as a nap room with dimmed lighting and a family play zone. Shower suites are available for freshening up. Wine aficionados will appreciate the curated Spanish wine bar with tasting notes. However, unless you hold top-tier oneworld status, lounge access is not included in the Premium Economy ticket.

Premium Economy passengers receive priority boarding as standard, ensuring a smoother transition onto the aircraft.

Iberia’s long-haul aircraft feature the latest Premium Economy seats, arranged in either 2-3-2 or 2-4-2 layouts. Middle seats are best reserved for those traveling together, while the paired window seats offer the greatest privacy. Bulkhead rows provide extra legroom, although carry-ons must be stored overhead during takeoff and landing.

Expect a generous 94 cm (37 inches) of pitch and seat widths between 44 and 47 cm (18–19 inches), depending on the aircraft. The seats recline up to 18 cm (7.1 inches) and include adjustable headrests and footrests for added comfort. While not fully lie-flat, these seats offer a marked improvement over standard economy, with ample space to stretch out. Convenient features include dedicated bottle holders and expansive high-definition entertainment screens.

Each seat is equipped with a fold-out tray and a secondary side table for drinks or personal items, as well as individual power and USB outlets—essential for long-haul productivity and entertainment.

During our recent journey, the cabin temperature was noticeably warm, though a plush blanket and pillow are provided at every seat. The Premium Economy section is separated by curtains, but lavatories are shared with Economy and located toward the rear, which requires a short walk.

Complimentary advance seat selection is reserved for Flexible Premium Economy fares; other passengers may incur a fee.

The Businessclass flight search features detailed images, videos, and seat maps for most airlines and aircraft, so you can evaluate seat pitch, width, and recline before booking your next journey.

While Iberia is celebrated for Spanish gastronomy, Premium Economy meal service closely resembles that of Economy, with only subtle enhancements.

Shortly after takeoff, passengers receive a single-tray meal featuring a choice between a meat or vegetarian main, a simple salad, dessert, and a warm bread roll. Bread refills are occasionally offered post-meal. The flavors are pleasant but not particularly memorable for this cabin tier.

Flight attendants do not routinely offer mid-flight service, so passengers seeking additional beverages should proactively request them. Before landing, a light cold meal is served, tailored to the time of arrival, though options are limited and there is typically no menu choice.

Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice, including vegetarian, low-calorie, kosher, halal, and children’s meals. Orders can be placed online or by phone for convenience.

Upon boarding, Premium Economy guests are offered water or orange juice. Once airborne, a curated selection of Spanish red and white wines is available, alongside a range of soft drinks, coffee, and tea. Hot beverages are typically served after the initial drink round. Spirits and liqueurs are not complimentary in this class. Each passenger receives a bottled water following the main meal service, a thoughtful touch for long flights. 

Our experience with Iberia’s cabin crew in Premium Economy was mixed. While some crew were approachable and courteous, others appeared more reserved and less attentive. Service levels in this cabin are not notably distinct from Economy, and passengers should not expect the personalized attention found in Business Class. Engaging with the crew often results in a warmer experience, but proactive service is not a defining feature here.

The expansive HD screen in each Premium Economy seat offers a robust library of films, TV series, documentaries, and multilingual music. The highlight is the interactive 3D flight map, allowing passengers to zoom and rotate the view for an immersive journey update. Bulkhead seats have screens that deploy from the armrest and must be stowed during takeoff and landing.

Noise-cancelling headphones are provided and represent a significant upgrade over Economy offerings.

High-speed Wi-Fi is now available on nearly all long-haul Iberia flights, with pricing based on data usage. While speeds have improved with new satellite technology, bandwidth can fluctuate during peak times.

The Businessclass flight search includes up-to-date details on inflight WiFi and entertainment options for every flight.

The provided blanket is plush and comfortable, while the pillow is similar in size to that offered in Economy. Each Premium Economy seat features a compact amenity kit containing essentials such as socks, a dental set, and an eye mask. Products remain unbranded and basic but serve their purpose for overnight flights.

For families, bassinets can be reserved in advance for infants, available at select seats on long-haul routes.

On intra-European flights, Iberia does not operate a dedicated Premium Economy cabin. However, when widebody aircraft are deployed on short hops, selecting Premium Economy seats can provide extra comfort at no additional cost. Medium-haul flights typically include a hot meal service similar to long-haul Economy, ensuring a consistent onboard experience.

Iberia, in alignment with other IAG carriers, is on track for net zero carbon emissions by 2050. By 2025, the airline has pledged to reduce CO2 emissions per passenger kilometer by 10%. Onboard and in lounges, recycling and waste reduction programs are in place, and passengers can voluntarily offset their flight’s carbon footprint by contributing to certified climate projects.

The Businessclass flight search provides detailed CO2 emission data for each itinerary, and our advanced scoring system favors environmentally advanced aircraft.

• Enhanced seating with superior space for legs, arms, and personal comfort
• Large, high-resolution entertainment screens and quality headphones
• Serene, intimate cabin environment with fewer passengers

Explore our full review of Iberia Business Class