- Spanish airline Iberia operated the first transatlantic Airbus A321XLR flight on Thursday.
- The A321XLR's extra fuel tank allows it to fly 5,400 miles nonstop, opening new routes for airlines.
- I toured the jet and was impressed with its lie-flat business class and cozy coach cabin.
Spanish flag carrier Iberia operated the first-ever commercial transatlantic Airbus A321XLR flight from Madrid to Boston on Thursday.
The narrow-body plane's launch represents a new era for long-haul travel. Thanks to its extra fuel tank, the A321XLR can fly up to 11 hours nonstop, opening new routes for airlines between lower-demand cities that were previously unprofitable on larger aircraft.
I toured Iberia's swanky new aircraft, outfitted with economy and business classes, on Friday. I thought the plane's luxe business class was easily suitable for long-haul flights. Economy looked comfortable for a seven-hour trek across the Atlantic, but there are certain seats I would avoid.
I look forward to flying Iberia's new jet one day — especially since I prefer riding on narrowbody planes across the Atlantic and am happy the A321XLR will expand the possible destinations.
The front of Iberia's new A321XLR has lie-flat beds in business class.
The Spanish carrier has equipped its A321XLR with lie-flat beds and plush linens. American Airlines and United Airlines will do the same on their future A321XLRs.
Iberia's cabin features 14 Thompson Aero Vantage Solo seats in a 1×1 layout, meaning every passenger has direct aisle access.
However, the seats are slanted away from the window, which could annoy some flyers.
Iberia's business cabin is similar to JetBlue Mint.
Iberia's transatlantic business class cabin is similar to that of JetBlue Airways'. Iberia's does not sport JetBlue's first-row "Studio," an extra-large space with a companion seat, nor do its seats have sliding doors, as many carriers have added.
Though a door would almost be redundant on Iberia, since it already has large wings and high walls that largely cocoon travelers from their neighbors.
There are power outlets and surprisingly good storage.
A narrow-body plane means airlines have less real estate to fit lie-flat business-class seats, but Iberia cleverly equipped storage nooks below the television and beside the bed.
I didn't immediately notice these until I tried out the seat for myself. I was also happy to see a USB-C port available at each seat.
The large television is equipped with Bluetooth.
Iberia provides a headset to business class passengers, but customers can also connect their personal headphones thanks to the Bluetooth-enabled system.
This is a welcome feature for me since I prefer my AirPods.
I was impressed with the large 18.5-inch television. The screen was crisp, and I liked the extra privacy created when it swung out from the wall.
Economy features padded seats with an adjustable headrest.
Iberia has configured the economy cabin with 168 seats and no premium economy.
Each seat includes a 12-inch Bluetooth-enabled seatback screen, a six-way headrest, up to four inches of recline, and two extra storage slots in the seatback pocket.
I liked the simple color scheme and soft linens. They were better than the flimsy pillow and blanket offered on the long-haul United flights I've been on.
There is no window in one row.
Travelers should be warned that row 39 on Iberia's A321XLR does not have a window.
If you want a window, I'd recommend pre-selecting your seats, even if for a fee.
Don't miss the camouflaged lavatory in the back.
At first glance, it looks like there are only two bathrooms at the back of Iberia's A321XLR — but there is a third covered by a flight attendant jumpseat and not as easily noticeable.
A passenger I spoke with who flew on the flight to Boston told me flyers didn't notice that lavatory, slowing down the line, and he had to point it out to people to use.
Iberia's coach experience would be like flying cross-country.
Some flyers may hesitate to fly seven hours across the Atlantic on a narrowbody plane. However, if you think about it, the economy class experience wouldn't be much different than flying cross-country on US airlines.
For example, American's trek from New York to Los Angeles is six and a half hours on an Airbus A321neo. The coach seats offer about 31 inches of pitch and come with an inflight screen — similar to Iberia's transatlantic experience.
However, Iberia offers some extra comforts for its slightly longer trek, like free hot meals, which are absent from the US domestic flights.
I prefer flying on smaller planes across the Atlantic.
After flying JetBlue across the pond, I prefer the single-aisle experience because boarding and deplaning are quicker thanks to fewer passengers. I also like the cozier feel of the cabin.
The only caveat is space. On widebody planes, the galleys and mid-sections have large areas to stretch your legs or wait for the lavatory.
On Iberia's A321XLR, the little space at the front and aft galleys could be a nuisance for travelers — and will likely make the flight attendants' jobs more difficult as they maneuver the meal service.
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