The tiny airport of Jerez de la Frontera (XRY) is a 6 minute train ride from the station in downtown Jerez. A short walk through the parking lot brings you to the airport terminal, which is charming because of its small size and lack of people. I was through security in less than 5 minutes and waited for the Iberia flight to Madrid (MAD) in front of gate 2. There are only 6 gates and around 8 flights a day.


Check-in area, Jerez de la Frontera airport (XRY)


Iberia Express plane with Oneworld branding


Taking off from Jerez de la Frontera

As this was an award using Avios from the Iberia Plus programme, I was able to choose my seat for free and I opted for an emergency exit row seat. Of course, me the big travel expert managed to sit down in 9A instead of 10A (the emergency exit row), but that was soon corrected. In fact, for the record, I can state that 9A was a much more comfortable seat than 10A in the emergency exit row and there was adequate legroom. The flight was smooth and pleasant, high above a parched landscape baked by the hot sun. I slept for most of the way, but I didn't miss anything because apparently there was no service in Economy class, not even a run of the BoB trolley. Passengers in business class, on the other hand, were served a small meal. Circling over and landing at Madrid Barajas airport was surprisingly turbulent. On this flight, I was in "Blue" class, which is a special offer using reduced points in Economy class. Iberia Plus has a unique feature, where you can combine Economy and Business cabins on one ticket.

Rating 7.5*
Aircraft 319
Seat 10A
Registration EC-KHM


Seating in economy class on Iberia Express


Part of the Buy on Board menu with Iberia Express


Dry and parched landscape near Madrid