Iberia Business SJU-MAD: And Another One

Iberia Business Class San Juan to Madrid is part of The Adios Puerto Rico, Hola España Trip Report.

I’ve flown Iberia to Madrid in business many times:

• Iberia Business SJU-MAD: Beware of the Bright Lights
• Iberia Business Madrid Chicago: Solid Sweetness
• Iberia MAD-SJU Business: Great to Fly Direct

And of course, the most memorable time was when I was almost kicked off the flight: Iberia Business ORD-MAD: Mask Jokes Literally Don’t Fly.

This time was different. This time I was relocating to Madrid for the inauguration of my bi-annual residency in a foreign country (see TPOL in Madrid: Why A Second Residency?). To start, I checked in a bag, something that I only do when I return from Shanghai with a suitcase full of new clothes (see Fabric Market Shanghai Prices: How to Bargain (2019 Edition)). Whether I brought too much or too little is a topic for another post.

Masks

On February 8th, 2023, Spain finally removed the mask mandate for public transport including planes. Of course, my flight was on February 7th, 2023. Having learned my lesson from last time, I kept my stupid mask on until the wine was served.

Seats 

I may have learned my lesson about the masks but I forgot to read my post, Iberia Business SJU-MAD: Beware of the Bright Lights. Had I done so, I would’ve asked for seats away from the noisy, busy, bright front row.

Amenities Kit 

I stopped collecting amenity kits years ago. I did keep the eye shades and the socks.

Welcome Drink

As usual on Iberia, there was no welcome champagne, just OJ.

Wine 

Last time I was in Madrid, it was exclusively for wine tasting (see Guns & Butter: Ribera Del Duero, Madrid Travel Guide (Vino Edition)), making me an expert in tempranillo. The choices on the flight and in Spain for vino tinto is Rioja or Ribera del Duero. I started with the Rioja Reserva and eventually settled down with the Ribera Crianza. Both were good choices.

Shrimp & Fish 

I really enjoyed the arugula salad and shrimp. The fish wasn’t dodgy but the movie Airplane always comes to mind when I order it on a plane.

Dessert

I was surprised at the level of detail given to the ice cream sundae. It was much better than the cheese spread.

Sleep 

The plane was a bit hot, but I slept fine. I woke up with one more hour to go.

Breakfast 

There was no hot breakfast but I did have a solid muffin.

Overall 

For 34k points each way (see Iberia Residency Booked: Adios Puerto Rico, Hola España), a direct flight from my permanent home to my second residence can’t be beaten.