Review of Iberia Premium Economy

Since 2017, Iberia has been steadily introducing its Premium Economy product across the majority of its long-haul fleet. Iberia is a Spanish airline based in Spain, with its main operational hub in Madrid, reflecting its national identity and strong ties to Spanish culture. 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. Iberia offers an extensive network, premium cabin features, lounge access, inflight entertainment, and a variety of seating options, making it a strong choice for international travelers.

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.

Premium Economy class is designed as a middle ground between Economy and Business, focusing on increased personal space for added comfort during long-haul flights, and many travelers weigh up the key differences between Premium Economy and Economy cabins when deciding whether to upgrade.

Premium Economy Class is an increasingly popular choice among travelers seeking a balance between comfort and value. Offered by many airlines, including Iberia, this class bridges the gap between Economy and Business Class, providing an enhanced travel experience without the premium price tag of the front cabin. For premium economy passengers, the journey begins with perks like priority boarding, allowing for a smoother and less stressful start to the trip.

Iberia’s Premium Economy Class—known as “Turista Premium”—is designed to elevate the travel experience beyond what is typically found in Economy Class. Passengers enjoy more legroom and wider seats, making long flights noticeably more comfortable. The upgraded meal service, along with thoughtful touches such as noise-cancelling headphones, ensures that premium economy passengers can relax and enjoy their time onboard. While the cost is higher than standard Economy, the added comfort, service, and amenities make it a compelling option for those who value a better travel experience on long journeys. In this review, we’ll explore whether Iberia’s Premium Economy Class delivers on its promise and is worth the investment for your next flight.

Iberia’s main operations hub is Madrid airport, specifically 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. Flight departure and arrival times are always referenced in local time, making it easier for travelers to plan their journey according to the time zones of both Madrid airport and their destination.

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. It is important to note that Iberia Premium Economy passengers do not have access to airport lounges, which is a common benefit in other airlines' Premium Economy offerings.

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 fleet features modern Airbus aircraft, including the Airbus A350 and A350-900, known for their advanced cabin design and passenger comfort. Iberia Premium Economy cabins are arranged in either a 2-3-2 or 2-4-2 layout, both of which provide more space than the 3-3-3 configuration found in Economy. The 2-4-2 layout, in particular, offers a more spacious environment for flying premium economy. Middle seats are best reserved for those traveling together, while the paired window seats offer the greatest privacy and better views—an important consideration if you’re comparing the best business class seats for couples and families across different airlines. Choosing a front row seat in the Premium Economy cabin provides extra legroom, easier access to amenities, and less disturbance from other passengers.

Expect a generous 94 cm (37 inches) of seat pitch in Iberia Premium Economy seats—about six inches more than standard Economy—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), providing a comfortable seat recline for long flights, and include an adjustable headrest and a supportive leg rest 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 Premium Economy seat is equipped with a fold-out tray, a secondary side table for drinks or personal items, a USB port, and a universal charging point—essential for long-haul productivity and entertainment. Passengers also receive a pillow and a lightweight fleece blanket upon boarding, enhancing the overall comfort of flying premium economy.

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, so it can be worth using specialist tools to hunt down the best-value premium economy flights worldwide before you lock in specific seats.

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 minor differences in the main course options. The food service has been criticized for not being significantly better than Economy, which may influence how you view the broader differences between Business Class and Premium Economy on long-haul routes.

The food service in Iberia Premium Economy includes a main meal, a mid-flight snack, and a pre-arrival meal, but the quality can vary. Shortly after takeoff, passengers receive a single-tray main meal served on proper dishes with metal cutlery, 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.

Drinks, including water, juice, wine, and other drinks, are served in plastic cups, which some reviewers found disappointing compared to proper glassware offered by other airlines. Flight attendants do not routinely offer mid-flight service, so passengers seeking additional beverages should proactively request them. Unlike some other airlines that provide complimentary savoury snacks and a wider range of drinks throughout the flight, Iberia's Premium Economy does not offer savoury snacks or additional complimentary drinks beyond the main meal service, something you’ll notice when comparing detailed premium airline reviews across carriers.

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 present their boarding pass and are offered a welcome drink of water or orange juice, served in plastic cups. Once airborne, a curated selection of Spanish red and white wines is available, and wine and beer are complimentary with meals. Some spirits and liqueurs may require additional payment in this class. A range of soft drinks, coffee, and tea is also available, with hot beverages typically served after the initial drink round. Each passenger receives a bottled water following the main meal service, a thoughtful touch for long flights.

Our experience with Iberia’s crew members in Premium Economy was mixed, which may prompt some travelers to channel their budget into Business Class instead and apply smart tactics for finding cheaper business class tickets. While some crew members were approachable and courteous, others appeared more reserved and less attentive. The service onboard in this cabin is not notably distinct from Economy, and passengers should not expect the personalized attention or enhanced amenities provided to business class passengers. Iberia Premium Economy does not offer dedicated flight attendants, which can lead to slower service compared to business class passengers and other airlines that do provide dedicated crew for their premium cabins. Engaging with the crew members 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, much like the elevated comfort seen in the best business class amenity kits worldwide.

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, though some travelers may prefer to seek out affordable business class flights on comparable routes for a more premium offering.

When comparing Iberia’s Premium Economy to the standard Economy Cabin, the differences are immediately apparent—especially on long haul flights, and these advantages are reflected in curated deals for upgrading to premium economy flights at competitive fares. Premium Economy seats are not only wider but also offer significantly more legroom, allowing passengers to stretch out and settle in for the duration of the journey. The premium economy cabin is separated from the main economy cabin, creating a quieter, more exclusive environment that enhances relaxation and privacy.

Premium economy passengers benefit from an upgraded meal service, which includes a welcome drink and a broader selection of snacks and beverages throughout the flight. The overall service is more attentive, and the cabin crew is focused on ensuring a comfortable experience for every passenger. While the Economy cabin is suitable for shorter trips or travelers on a budget, Premium Economy is the preferred choice for those who want extra space, a more refined atmosphere, and additional amenities on long haul flights. The investment in premium economy seats pays off in terms of comfort, service, and overall satisfaction, making it a smart upgrade for discerning travelers, although those seeking even more luxury can explore sharply priced business class flights worldwide as an alternative.

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

In conclusion, Iberia’s Premium Economy Class stands out as a worthwhile upgrade for passengers seeking a more enjoyable travel experience without the high price of Business Class. The combination of comfortable seats, generous legroom, and enhanced amenities makes a noticeable difference, especially on long haul flights. While it doesn’t offer the luxury of a lie flat seat or the full suite of business class perks, Premium Economy bridges the gap between Economy and Business, delivering excellent value for the cost.

If you’re planning to fly with Iberia and want to arrive at your destination feeling refreshed, booking a Premium Economy seat is a smart choice. The improved comfort, attentive service, and thoughtful extras make it a compelling option for both business and leisure travelers. For those weighing the benefits of premium economy versus economy class, Iberia’s Premium Economy Class is a clear winner for long journeys. We recommend considering this upgrade on your next flight with Iberia to enjoy a more pleasant and restful trip.