LA: MAD-FRA 220eur rt in J
Oct 25, 2016, 3:57 pm
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Montreux CH
Programs: FB Platinum, M&M FTL, BA Blue
Posts: 11,619
The Iberia Express part of the trip (MAD-TFN) was ok, in a European Business Class sort of way, but you don't get served a whole lot. I was on the flight that left at 11h35, so it was a "brunch" service with a small hot snack of quiche. Business class was one single row in the front and trying to sleep a bit without causing myself permanent back pain was a challenge on those Economy Recaro seats. Service was friendly and proactive, though.
Weather conditions were pretty bad in Tenerife (and still are as I write, listening to the sea thundering and pounding from the banana plantation where I am) so landing was challenging. We were treated to a dramatic go-around, my second in three days, and were told we would probably divert to Tenerife South. But we made it in on the 2nd attempt, and drew up to the terminal in pouring rain and thick fog (bags were delivered soaked). I believe TFN is a scary airport for landings and takeoffs.
Weather conditions were pretty bad in Tenerife (and still are as I write, listening to the sea thundering and pounding from the banana plantation where I am) so landing was challenging. We were treated to a dramatic go-around, my second in three days, and were told we would probably divert to Tenerife South. But we made it in on the 2nd attempt, and drew up to the terminal in pouring rain and thick fog (bags were delivered soaked). I believe TFN is a scary airport for landings and takeoffs.
Oct 30, 2016, 3:57 am
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Montreux CH
Programs: FB Platinum, M&M FTL, BA Blue
Posts: 11,619
The trip back was pretty good, Iberia Express offered friendly proactive service with a decent but unispiring hot meal of cannelloni and salad. There was a 35 minute delay before departure and I couldn't work out what it was because the captain's English was unintelligible.
The MAD-FRA sector the following day was operated by the LAN 787 Dreamliner, no WAMOS Air nonsense this time. Once again, service was fairly friendly and proactive from the all male crew. Baggage claim at FRA was a Latin American mess with a huge wait, which cut the waiting time for my train right down.
A couple of things to note, if anyone has a trip upcoming. A LAN boarding pass does NOT offer Fasttrack security at MAD T4, so leave time for long security lines. Is this normal? Priority services were offered at all other stages of the trips.
Secondly, it's quite a long haul out to the S gates, with an underground train ride and passport control to go through. So leave enough time. The lounge is much better out there, though.
The MAD-FRA sector the following day was operated by the LAN 787 Dreamliner, no WAMOS Air nonsense this time. Once again, service was fairly friendly and proactive from the all male crew. Baggage claim at FRA was a Latin American mess with a huge wait, which cut the waiting time for my train right down.
A couple of things to note, if anyone has a trip upcoming. A LAN boarding pass does NOT offer Fasttrack security at MAD T4, so leave time for long security lines. Is this normal? Priority services were offered at all other stages of the trips.
Secondly, it's quite a long haul out to the S gates, with an underground train ride and passport control to go through. So leave enough time. The lounge is much better out there, though.
Apr 22, 2017, 8:52 pm
#18
Used to be highman123
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 3,541
JUst a heads-up - this deal is back on the LA 787 for many dates. https://www.kayak.com/flights/FRA-MA...02-15/business
Apr 23, 2017, 6:30 am
#22
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NUE
Programs: *G (TK elite+), OW sapphire (QR), ST elite plus (AF). LA black
Posts: 3,674
JUst a heads-up - this deal is back on the LA 787 for many dates. https://www.kayak.com/flights/FRA-MA...02-15/business
Apr 23, 2017, 6:31 am
#23
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NUE
Programs: *G (TK elite+), OW sapphire (QR), ST elite plus (AF). LA black
Posts: 3,674
Since April 6 LATAM passengers can use fast track security in MAD ^
Apr 23, 2017, 8:03 am
#24
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: ORD
Programs: BA, AA, SQ, UA, AC, WS, MR TIT
Posts: 8,658
Apr 23, 2017, 8:11 am
#25
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Central Europe
Programs: DL GM, TK Elite+, ITA Executive, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Silver, Accor Plat
Posts: 196
I struggle to find anything but FRA-MAD - dont seem to be able to get any connections with IB? Used to be a good way to get BA/IB segments....relatively "cheap" and painless 
Apr 23, 2017, 11:49 am
#26
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NUE
Programs: *G (TK elite+), OW sapphire (QR), ST elite plus (AF). LA black
Posts: 3,674
Apr 25, 2017, 12:46 am
#29
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: ORD
Programs: BA, AA, SQ, UA, AC, WS, MR TIT
Posts: 8,658
