CE- BA or Iberia?
May 22, 2018, 9:45 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2007
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 12,046
I took IB on MAD-BCN in row 1 on a 320. The cabin was older and much tattier than BA's, the seats were much less comfy and the service was much less friendly. One experience is only an anecdote, but I would still be inclined to take BA on 320 vs. IB. 
May 22, 2018, 9:49 am
#5
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Gloucestershire
Programs: BA Gold (ex-GGL, maybe future Silver), Hilton Diamond
Posts: 6,198
Service tends to be better on BA. But BA 777 in the mornings and IB A340 in the afternoons are the way to go to MAD. Apart from that, neither airline is so much better that I'd pay a noticeable amount of money or adjust my schedule to get one over another.
May 22, 2018, 12:04 pm
#8
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold, EK Gold, GF Silver, IC Royal Ambass, Marriott Gold, TK Elite
Posts: 902
If it is a morning flight I would say BA since breakfast will be better. IB's breakfast is not as good as BA's. However, assuming you are going to Madrid, note the BA flight arrives at the terminal 4 satellite which means a train ride to the main arrivals area. From 11.35 onwards (first IB flight not serving breakfast) I personally prefer IB. Better food and wine and faster exit from the airport. Service can be good or hit or miss on both, depends on the day and the crew.
May 22, 2018, 12:18 pm
#10
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: LHR
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 484
Get on the 1320 LHR-MAD flight for a 777 or 787 CW seat or 1850 I think it is for the IB 340 J seat. Have done both and sure beats normal european business class.
You get to try try long haul business class for european fares. 👍
You get to try try long haul business class for european fares. 👍
May 22, 2018, 1:11 pm
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Scotland
Programs: BA silver
Posts: 1,850
great advice everyone. I did wonder why one of the options said change of terminal as all it says is T4 arrival and my ongoing one to LPA is also T4.
13.25 dep from London is probably too late
13.25 dep from London is probably too late
May 22, 2018, 2:31 pm
#14
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,791
Madrid connections
BA has recently moved CE catering to Long on MAD, so the catering differences between the airlines has narrowed, and depending on the menu / preferences / drink choice, BA may have the edge.