Thanks for the kind words, everyone!

The award routing back left something to be desired. I was routed BCN-MAD-LHR on IB intra-Europe business (i.e. Y with an empty middle seat). Delays and uncommunicative service (especially regarding delays) made this part of the trip less than stellar. On with the pics!

Check In - Iberia Business class at BCN
There was no line and this went smoothly. Unfortunately, there was no priority security line, but on an early morning departure, there wasn't enough foot traffic for there to be an issue.


BCN Lounge
There are a number of lounges throughout the large terminal, but little to no signage. You have to ask at the info desk where they are, and they direct you to the one closest to your gate. The BCN-MAD flights all leave from the far end of the terminal, and there's a sleepy little lounge there. View is of the road, not of planes.


There is no wifi (you can get 15 free minutes from the airport-wide network) and one ancient computer for everyone to share. Big letdown there, especially given how the line to use it grew after the numerous delays that day.


It was morning, so first I got an espresso from the self-service automated machine.


My flight's delayed, you say (or they didn't say it, but boarding never came and the attendant just kept on telling me "10 more minutes")? I will open up a bottle of cava, then!


Bathroom visit - note the gallon of cologne. Odd.


Finally, on the plane. Legroom was unspectacular.




Chicken wrap "snack" was ok.


View from the window:


Due to the late arrival, my multi-hour planned tour of the MAD lounges couldn't happen - I ran to my gate and got there with minutes to spare. Nice terminal, though!


Same legroom as before:


Had a lot of fun on this flight talking with an AA EXP/Concierge Card member over our cod and wine.


Last view of Spain: