Originally Posted by
number_6
Which is the objective of IB, so they have done a good job in accomplishing it! Also IB has some other great benefits for those based in Spain (e.g. free parking at MAD and BCN, free car wash, and if you reach Emerald, free limo to/from the airport). Lots of other unpublished benefits; but only if you spend lots of money with IB.
IMO benefits are for MAD based, nowadays BCN has only the shuttle service to MAD and intercontinenal connection flights to MAD.
About lounges, well, only Velazquez lounge at MAD T4S has a good service in comparison with the rest,f.e. is the only one with food instead drinks and snacks (MAD domestic, BCN, VLC, LHR, FRA...).
Limo service is for B+ customers starting at MAD and BCN fully paid B+ and Platinum travelling B+ with points/miles, if you are based outside you have nothing.
Free parking the same only at MAD, BCN
Status on IB (Glod and Platinum)gives you the chance to manage everything easy as should be for every customer but this is the policy nowadays, you have a dedicated phone line and almost no restrictions to change a flight even on discount tickets issued without charge.This is the most importat benefit for me because its impossible to contact them otherwise, also baggage claim assistance, hotel acomodation on loosing connections through MAD, upg's, open seats with points when the class is full...
My most recent bad experience was an intercontinental business plus service to DF, I moved to the night flight and expected the standard B+ service but this was pretty downloaded, only one option for dinner, pasta , no amenity kit, very reduced inflight, well, at least I could sleep.Normally they should advert about service restrictions during night operated flights, MEX, BUE and GRU.Next time I'll fly daylight...I'm still waiting for a compensation...