TalkBoard Topics - Forum suggestion: Iberia Plus

I'd like to open up discussion relating to the merits of establishing a dedicated forum for the purpose of discussing Iberia and the Iberia Plus frequent flyer programme.

For those not familiar with Iberia, it is Spain's largest carrier, a subsidiary of IAG (which also owns British Airways) and a member of the oneworld alliance. As recently confirmed by Willie Walsh, CEO of IAG we can expect Iberia's brand and Iberia Plus to continue as independent entities for the foreseeable future thus neutralising speculation Iberia Plus and the BAEC might combine into a single FFP.

According to Wikipedia, IB's has a fleet of approx 200 aircraft, including subsidiary Vueling and franchisee Air Nostrum, serving approx 120 destinations (82 international + 38 domestic).

Also traffic between Europe and South America is lucrative and is expected to grow significantly. IB's presence in South America is very strong so interest in the airline by FTers may increase accordingly.



Will the forum be (or is it now) beneficial to FlyerTalk?
Discussion of IB currently has a home in the Other European Frequent Flyer Programs (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/other-european-frequent-flyer-programs-469/) forum.

However, given Iberia's position in oneworld and as a codeshare partner to 24 other carriers you often need to cast your net beyond this forum to unpick information relating to Iberia products and service standards.

If you conduct a search using the term "Iberia" on the BAEC forum, it generates over 500 results; 497 on the AAdvantage forum; 500+ on oneworld; and 497 on OEFFP. To emphasize the challenges FT members currently face when researching information on Iberia, I am presently working on a project (in the BA forum) building a database of lounges (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/british-airways-executive-club/1147091-ba-lounge-database.html) eligible passengers may use when travelling on BA. There are several examples where BA has an agreement to use IB operated lounges. Naturally, FT was my first port of call when it came to researching IB lounges and I was fortunate to uncover hundreds of posts, each contributing particular nuances which is invaluable for a researcher. Where did I find this information? Well, on the AA and BA forums principally.


Will the new forum benefit a relationship with FlyerTalk? E.g., does the forum provide value for FT members, such as a friendly ear highly placed in the company
I strongly believe there is enormous potential for an expert knowledge-base to grow and flourish. However, to achieve this a critical mass needs to be afforded an opportunity to group in one forum. Using the BAEC forum again as an example, much of the resource information has been constructed via group contribution. This process has been relatively organic largely thanks to the strength of ownership and commitment individual member's give to the BAEC forum. It is very difficult to engender such devotion when the forum is generic such as the case is with OEFFP and Iberia.


Is FT the best place to discuss this subject?
Without a doubt, yes


Is there a passionate following? This is essential in order to provide dedicated expert helpers to get questions answered.
Difficult one to answer. I sense a passionate following towards IB reading the BA and AA forums. If a dedicated forum is to take off and sustain itself a passionate following is needed - better still if it is home grown as this will allow travellers from all corners of the globe to benefit from the expertise and familiarity users of this airline week in/week out can offer.


Is a critical mass of posts and readers anticipated or existing? We need adequate traffic to keep everyone visiting frequently. One living forum is more valuable than two mostly dead ones.
Discussion on IB is fragmented at present. This fragmentation should reduce if IB is given a home of its own.


Is this the best place on FlyerTalk for this subject? This is the classification issue. The answer depends primarily on achieving and maintaining critical mass. It also depends on whether or where the discussion might (or does) occur in the absence of the forum.
I hold to the belief members will contribute more and more if they are more certain of receiving feedback. An IB forum, if established, may start off slowly but the information and discussion will be easier for members to find, follow, and add their own contribution


For proposals to split a forum, is the split expected to improve the signal to noise ratio? Why?
I believe it will improve navigation, reduce search time and server load but chief amongst which, I hope a dedicated Iberia forum will highlight the airline and its FFP thus attracting new members and positively fostering discussion and expertise to develop at a higher rate than is possible with the status quo.

This is, of course, the opinion of one FTer, ie. me :) I'd welcome the thoughts of TB and the membership at large relating to this suggestion.

Thanks for completely answering the above questions. Would love to see more support & thoughts from others. But off the bat, I can see myself supporting this...

Just saw this & won't be on for another couple of days (or shouldn't be due to real work!), but will definitely take a look at this when back. Also appreciate the OP doing some of the homework to help us make a decision.

Would also like to see other FTers chime in re: their thoughts.

Cheers.

I think this would make sense.

While I cannot answer each specific question the OP has posed (and answered,) I do believe that the creation of a new IB forum would be only beneficial. IB is a major airline, as the cornerstone of the BA/AA/IB alliance, as well as a major airline in Oneworld. We're not talking about a small, run of the mill airline, but rather a true airline with a sizable FFP, and definite traffic on FT.
I personally have looked for the right place to post questions about IB, and generally posted in the "Other European Airlines" forum. The title always has to include "Iberia" as a disclaimer. Searches there are difficult because IB is a major player in that forum, but questions are random as there's no fluidity when it's a part of a forum and not its own.

In short, I truly believe FT and the FT community would benefit from the creation of an IB forum.

Just my $.02

I would definitely support the creation of a dedicated Iberia thread. Particularly since the inaugaration of the new terminal T4, Madrid - and by extension Iberia - has become a serious alternative for TATL routes connecting to and from other European destinations. Like most other airlines, Iberia has its pros and cons but an important tool for the traveller is knowledge and an Iberia thread would give the opportunity for the collective flyertalk experience to be better shared.

The IberiaPlus frequent flyer program also seems to be increasingly offering new promotions and point earning opportunities so it would be good to have a specific thread to post information about these too.

I look forward to continued discussion here about the possible formation of an Iberia forum.

In general I lean towards the creation of new airline or hotel forums without making those who request same jump through a lot of hoops in having to justify them.

I'm a bit harder to convince, however, on creating new forums that aren't targeted at the core values of FT.

But I think this request has some definite merit.

I also consider that this new forum would be a good thing. We can even dream on someone from Iberia to join us here (or just listen to our feedback on the airline and its pros&cons) to make the airline more customer and frequent flyer-friendly than it is at the moment.

I am one of those spanish Iberia-avoiders due to its lack of consistency and what in my opinion is one of the worst FF programs (for us that fly cheap-economy)

regards

Personally I would greatly appreciate an IB forum and would visit it daily.

Currrently I scour the AA, BAEC and Other Euro forums for news on IB. A dedicated forum would makes things so much simpler - and perhaps encourage people to post more about their experiences with all things IB then they do so now.

(I'm an LAX-based "AAer" and IB's new LAX-MAD is one of the few oneworld options to fly direct LAX-Europe - thus IB has become very important to me).

I would definitely appreciate an Iberia Forum and am always surprised there isn't one (especially when there are 3 forums for Air France/KLM and a few other non-existant programmes)

I think that most people who are looking for information are scouring the AA and the BAEC forums, there is at least one question per week regarding Iberia on the BAEC. A search on the BAEC forum for "Iberia" brings up 500 threads

Currently I try and keep the below thread up to date on the BAEC, it doesn't warrant a sticky on the BAEC, but I always try and push people towards it to stop them opening the usual threads of "cant select a seat/got seat shifter/cannot checkin on line/no priority X/which seat should I pick/what luggage can I take"

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/british-airways-executive-club/1171788-guide-flying-iberia-codeshares.html


I'm a bit harder to convince, however, on creating new forums that aren't targeted at the core values of FT.

I don't know what the core values of FT are as I cannot find them, however when clicking "About flyertalk" it says the following:

Just choose a forum and you can get to the business at hand: conversing about programs, how to make the most of your miles and points, general travel, airports, destination and dining information.

This is currently not possible for anyone flying the largest operator from Europe to South America and Spain to North America.

I am likely to be flying Iberia more from now, assuming I ma not put off by my first flight to MEX from LHR via MAD in a month or so. I came to look up people's views about seats etc., and was quite surprised not to find a dedicated forum.

would be most welcome.

dutch_122

Will fly Iberia in August for couple intra-Spain and European destinations and it was hard to search and gather the information that I would need.

I don't understand why it hasn't been created, earlier.

I think this would be a good idea. There are a lot of post about Iberia in the other European airlines form (more than for many airlines, and also now on the BA and AA fora too). A home for Iberia on FT would make sense.

This would be welcome, I'm always amazed that there is not an IB forum when smaller airlines have a dedicated forum. I'd support this.

Thank you to those on TB and indeed others who have commented thus far.

Is there any additional evidence/analysis/body of support TB is seeking in order to progress this further?

Spain is struggling financial, more people should visit Spain. I support you OP.

It makes sense, particularly now that they are getting linked closer and closer to BA/AA and there is a real sense of using MAD as a big hub (beautiful new T-4 Terminal and the ability to do a lot more operations without some of the nimby challenges of LHR).

Thank you to those on TB and indeed others who have commented thus far.

Is there any additional evidence/analysis/body of support TB is seeking in order to progress this further?

Prospero makes some convincing arguments in the initial post, and I see little reason to oppose this idea.

I am in favor of this.

A discussion has been opened among the TalkBoard members, so perhaps some action will be forthcoming. :)

Hopefully more European carriers will have a home here, I can see Iberia on the forum.

Prospero makes some convincing arguments in the initial post, and I see little reason to oppose this idea.

I am in favor of this.

A discussion has been opened among the TalkBoard members, so perhaps some action will be forthcoming. :)Thank you Jackal,

The principal objective I have in mind is hopefully with the creation of an IB forum, its presence will be better suited towards attracting new members (from Spain and beyond) who will bring to FT fresh insight and experience of Iberia and its FFP. This should bring benefits to all FTers and our community as a whole.

Thank you Jackal,

The principal objective I have in mind is hopefully with the creation of an IB forum, its presence will be better suited towards attracting new members (from Spain and beyond) who will bring to FT fresh insight and experience of Iberia and its FFP. This should bring benefits to all FTers and our community as a whole.

Prospero,

I'm an customer service agent for Iberia at Amsterdam Airport, now situated in departures 3 together with the British Airways desk.

If some information needed, do not hesitate, i'm willing to help.


dutch_122

I also agree with the creation of the Iberia Plus forum, especially as
Finnair Plus has one.

As mentioned above, Iberia has the majority of the traffic between EU and South America, now that AA/BA/IB are in Joined business and IAG is the owner of BA and IB, I can see many of the existing FTers to search info on the BA forum for IB, many of us are wiling to fly or learn for IB more but there is not a dedicated forum where we can search.

Minutes ago I answered some questions about IB on the BA board and I believe that now is more suitable to create it as more FTers think that IB is the same airline with BA.This wrong assumption is making them to post their questions on the BA forum.

Regards

Ahem, may I have your attention please: :D

In case you haven't noticed: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/milesbuzz/talkboard-voting-adding-forum-iberia-469.html

:cool:

Ahem, may I have your attention please: :D

In case you haven't noticed: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/talkboard/talkboard-voting-adding-forum-iberia-469.html

:cool:

I assume that's a TalkBoard only thread about the vote itself happening...

I assume that's a TalkBoard only thread about the vote itself happening...

Correct.

There's a thread in the private TB forum where this issue was discussed and a separate thread where the vote is now underway.

Correct.

There's a thread in the private TB forum where this issue was discussed and a separate thread where the vote is now underway.

Glad to hear!

I assume that's a TalkBoard only thread about the vote itself happening...

Only 9 TBers can vote on TB motions. In case you are not familiar with how TB operates, here is the sticky thread that explains it:

What is the TalkBoard and How are New Forums and Other Suggestions Considered? (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/talkboard-topics/918161-what-talkboard-how-new-forums-other-suggestions-considered.html)

SECTION 4: GENERAL OPERATION, VOTING AND PUBLIC NOTICE PROCEDURES

A. General Operating Procedures

i. TalkBoard generally operates under a relaxed Roberts Rules of Order (RRoO). While the TalkBoard does not strictly adhere to RRoO, RRoO serve as a general guide for the President in maintaining order during TalkBoard’s proceedings and in cases where controversy over proceedings occurs. Decisions of the President are penultimate, superseded only by the will of the FlyerTalk Host.
ii. The FlyerTalk Host may halt discussion or nullify recommendations on any issue being considered by the TalkBoard that interferes with the overall operation and well-being of the FlyerTalk web site. The FlyerTalk Host may also reserve certain areas as FlyerTalk Host.

B. Motions and Seconds

i. Any member of the TalkBoard can raise a topic regarding any issue that falls under the above stated mission of the TalkBoard either in the public TalkBoard Topics forum or in the private TalkBoard forum.
ii. A minumim of 48 hours must elapse after a topic has been raised by a TalkBoard member either in the public TalkBoard Topics forum or in the private TalkBoard forum, before any member of the TalkBoard can make a motion regarding that issue.
iii. Points of order regarding whether a proposed motion falls within the purview of the TalkBoard shall be ruled upon by the President based on these guidelines and the FlyerTalk Terms of Service with the advice of the FlyerTalk Host.
iv. Any member of the TalkBoard can second a motion.

C. Voting Procedures

i. Once a motion has been made and seconded the President shall post a sticky poll thread in the TalkBoard forum calling the question and announcing the vote. The thread shall be titled "Vote: [summary of motion]". In the first post on the sticky poll thread the President shall post the maker and seconder of the motion as well as the voting deadline and then restate the motion that has been made and seconded.
ii. TalkBoard members may register their vote of yes, no or abstain while the voting period is open.
iii. It is each TalkBoard members’ responsibility to check the TalkBoard forum often enough that they do not inadvertently miss a vote.
iv. A TalkBoard member who is otherwise unable to log onto FlyerTalk due to a suspension may appeal to the FlyerTalk Host for the privilege of access to the private TalkBoard forum for the sole purpose of conducting TalkBoard business including voting on motions.
v. Once a TalkBoard member casts a vote that vote is final.
vi. Regular motions shall be kept open for a period of two weeks from the posting of the sticky poll unless

a. under extenuating circumstances, the President may call for a shorter voting period although in no circumstance shall a vote be open for less than five days.
b. all TalkBoard members have registered their vote.

vii. A motion shall pass if two-thirds of TalkBoard members participating in that vote vote ‘yes.’
viii. At the close of a voting period the President shall formally announce the results in the sticky thread and instruct the Vice President/Secretary to comply with the TalkBoard’s public notice procedures.
ix. When motions containing recommendations for changes to FlyerTalk are passed the President shall communicate that recommendation to the FlyerTalk Host.
(underline mine)

Only 9 TBers can vote on TB motions. In case you are not familiar with how TB operates, here is the sticky thread that explains it:

What is the TalkBoard and How are New Forums and Other Suggestions Considered? (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/talkboard-topics/918161-what-talkboard-how-new-forums-other-suggestions-considered.html)

I was aware. The only reason I asked was because I was confused why jackal posted a link that virtually no one else can see. But I realized it wasn't so we could open it but rather to simply see the link to show the voting.

I was aware. The only reason I asked was because I was confused why jackal posted a link that virtually no one else can see.
I see. I already saw the voting thread so I didn't click on jackal's link because I assume he's talking about that new thread.

I guess jackal meant to post the link to this voting thread in our TB Topics Forum:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/talkboard-topics/1231241-voting-underway-create-iberia-forum.html

It's not the 1st time our devoted TBers "accidentally" post reference links/ threads to their private TB Only Forum, when they mean to provide links to TalkBoard Topics Forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/talkboard-topics-382/). :p:D

I see. I already saw the voting thread so I didn't click on jackal's link because I assume he's talking about that new thread.

I guess jackal meant to post the link to this voting thread in our TB Topics Forum:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/talkboard-topics/1231241-voting-underway-create-iberia-forum.html

It's not the 1st time our devoted TBers "accidentally" post reference links/ threads to their private TB Only Forum, when they mean to provide links to TalkBoard Topics Forum (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/talkboard-topics-382/). :p:D

Exactly. I hadn't seen the announcement by SanDiego 1K yet

I assume that's a TalkBoard only thread about the vote itself happening...

Oops, it was supposed to be a link to the global announcement posted by SanDiego1K. I didn't realize the global announcements' links changed depending on where you accessed it from. :o

Here's an equivalent link that should work for everyone (unless you've been banned from MilesBuzz ;)): http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/milesbuzz/talkboard-voting-adding-forum-iberia-469.html

Oops, it was supposed to be a link to the global announcement posted by SanDiego1K. I didn't realize the global announcements' links changed depending on where you accessed it from. :o

Here's an equivalent link that should work for everyone (unless you've been banned from MilesBuzz ;)): http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/milesbuzz/talkboard-voting-adding-forum-iberia-469.html

No worries! Saw the announcement later anyways, but figured what the link was saying.

I would see this as a subforum to the BA Forum - or this two fori merged. IB is not important enough for an own forum. They have 106 planes. A carrier eg like Air Berlin has 179 (source: Wikipedia.de). Before we concentrate on IB, a Ryanair or Easyjet Forum would be more interesting.

Motion Passed: Create Iberia Forum

On 5 July 2011, the TalkBoard passed 9-0:

Moved by Markie and seconded by jackal:

That the TalkBoard recommends to the Community Director the creation of a forum titled 'Iberia Airlines Iberia Plus'

Voting yes: bhatnasx, Cholula, jackal, lucky9876coins, Markie, nsx, SkiAdcock, Spiff, UA_Flyer

The new forum is at http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/iberia-airlines-iberia-plus-683/

Thank you, all ^