Iberian Business or Business Plus?

[Rae]

Hi all. I've done quite extensive searching both here and on google, but can't find an answer, so I was hoping one of you guys could help.

I bought a RTW business class flight through Qantas, but had to change my BA247 LHR/GIG to IB3161 LHR/MAD (A321) and IB6801 MAD/GIG (A340-300).

I checked out the Iberian website and it seems they have 3 classes, being Tourist, Business, & Business Plus - I couldn't tell if this applied to my particular flights. I have not been allocated a seat number, so I'm trying to work out if I'd be in a frightfully uncomfortable looking Business or a better looking business plus? The Qantas booking simply states business but research indicates it would be business plus.

Can anyone confirm for me either way? Many thanks in advance

 

[alect]

I believe Business Class is short/medium haul and Business Plus is long-haul - intercontinental. So MAD-GIG will be Business Plus while LHR-MAD whill be Business.

There have been some very good reviews of the new IB J (Bus +) - enjoy your flight!

 

[cabbage74]

IB's business plus is used on their long haul flights. The difference is the seat which as you would have seen is similar to QF Skybed. The last I have heard the chances of getting business plus is still up to chance as there is no list of routes that definately have business plus. Sorry I don't have figures of how many planes have the business plus seating so I can't give you any guess on how likely it is.

Mal.

 

[garyjohn951]

Go to the Iberian website and it explains the classes, shows the seats. A340's are done with the Skybeds. A321 are normal Business class beds and short trips

 

[garyjohn951]

Expertflyer shows A340 for the Rio trip.
Seats are AB DH JL [ 6 across ]
Seven Rows. [1 to 7]
Tell your agent the if you want W or I

 

[Rae]

Thanks for your help guys. I'm still somewhat confused because of the titles they give their cabins. If Qantas says business and the Iberia site shows business being the dodgy grey 3 seats then isn't that the case and only first-class on Qantas go to business plus? I'm only concerned about the long-haul flight of course. I've been hassling my husband all night as he remains on the BA direct flight (FF) whilst I had to move to Iberia (paid). I'll stop being mean to him as soon as I'm convinced I'm actually in business plus! haha

 

[garyjohn951]

The A340's only have two cabins, J and Y. The J has skybeds. This is Business class. The beds have only been introduced in the last 12 months, so they heeps newer than BA's old layout.

Yes the 321 has the old style business seats, but as you say they are only on short legs anyway.

 

[Rae]

Thank you SO much for clearing that up for me! Very much appreciated!

 

[garyjohn951]

You didn't indicate when you were flying Mad - Rio. I am flying Mad-jnb on the 15/10 on a 340 in J so will report here what the seating/service/etc is like.

 

[Rae]

Many thanks... would appreciated that! I don't fly until next year

 

[garyjohn951]

Sitting in the Madrid Iberia lounge waiting for my 12.15am flight to Johannesburg. Just finished dinner in the lounge. Like BA and JFK, Iberia offer you the chance to eat prior to flying on late night flights, a great idea.
Shame QF don´t do it on their HK flight out of Melb, would be a winner.