Inside Iberia’s A350 “NEXT”: Sleek Design, Privacy Doors & Premium Comfort
Lately, Iberia has rolled out its new A350-900 Business Class on more and more planes – they’re calling it the “NEXT” cabin. It’s a smart bid to attract more high-paying travelers on their long-haul flights.
These seats come with top-notch design features for privacy, service that has been upgraded, plus exclusive access areas at airports. But does this all add up? We review from check-in to touchdown.
Airport Experience
Even before you get on your flight, your journey can be improved. At several big airports there are Iberia check-in desks reserved for business class passengers. Think Madrid Barajas, London Heathrow (T5), Buenos Aires’ Ezeiza, and Bogotá.
This can make a real difference. Queues are shorter than in the main hall. Online check-in via Iberia’s app is straightforward.
You may also find that at security and passport control, there’s a dedicated fast-track lane – saving time. At some airports, such as Ezeiza, there are now also e-gates which can speed up the process further.
Lounges vary between destinations, but all have comfy seating and a good range of food. Take the Sala Velázquez in Madrid. Here you can help yourself to a hot and cold buffet, enjoy a drink, take a shower, use free Wi-Fi, or simply relax in peace and quiet while waiting for your flight.
At Heathrow, those flying with Iberia can enjoy the British Airways Galleries Lounges. Passengers here have access to showers and can take their pick from a range of hot dishes while enjoying views of the runway.
In Buenos Aires, the lounges used by LATAM (and other airlines) are smaller, although they are still clean and comfortable places to wait for your flight. Indeed, “functional” might be the best way to describe them: don’t expect designer furniture or luxurious.
Comfortable Seats
In the NEXT cabin, there are 31 seats in total. These come with privacy doors and are from Recaro’s CL6720 line. They’re arranged across eight rows in a configuration that staggers 1-2-1.
If you’re traveling alone, some seats have direct aisle access. Others are ideal for couples because those in the center can form a pair with no seat next door.
When your seat turns into a bed, it’s approximately 76 inches long and 23 inches wide: sheet, blanket, cover, and pillow provided. You’ll find an armrest on one side that folds away completely to give you extra sleeping space, but note that the foot cubby is slightly narrow.
Storage is well-planned on this aircraft. Every seat features handy overhead lockers, a cupboard by the shoulder, and a drawer with a bottle-holder. You also get a fold-away tray table along with numerous plug points, including USB-A, USB-C, and AC – but no personal air vents or under-seat storage in some rows.
All seat controls (and the power outlet and IFE remote) are grouped together for easy reach. Passengers also seem to appreciate design tweaks such as fewer central overhead lockers on NEXT routes, which can make the cabin feel more spacious.
The cabin has a minimalist Spanish feel with lots of whites and greys. There’s warmth from wood effects plus storage cupboards in red. One thing passengers notice is that the walls feel wider at armrest height – about four inches more, reviewers say.
And because there are no overhead lockers along the middle in some configurations, it can seem more open. Lighting is gentle. Although it doesn’t change much during the flight, it does help reduce glare and eye strain.
Dining
When flying in Business NEXT on Iberia, meals are decent with good quality overall. Soon after departure, there’s usually a multi-course dinner consisting of a starter followed by a choice of main courses and dessert or cheese.
Starters might be octopus timbales or grilled artichokes over walnut puree. Main courses could include grilled beef fillet with rosemary jus, pan-seared pollock. Or there are vegetarian dishes such as four-cheese ravioli. For dessert, there might be Tres Leches cake plus various fruit-based ice creams.
Pre-arrival or pre-departure, passengers receive a hot towel service plus something to drink. Champagne, water, and juice are offered. On early morning and late-night flights, expect breakfast. It includes omelets, fresh fruits, breads from an artisan bakery, and different spreads.
Iberia takes advantage of its Spanish roots as well, offering a good choice of wines from Spain and drinks that frequently showcase regional flavours. The airline serves beverages in appropriate stemmed glasses and meals on real plates, using plastic tableware only when necessary.
In‑Flight Entertainment
IFE on the A350 NEXT is provided through a Panasonic NEXT 4K touchscreen that is approximately 18.5 inches in size. Passengers can control it either by touching the screen or using a remote.
There are more than 180 different movies and TV shows available, as well as music, plus interactive maps for those who want to chart their journey. Bluetooth headphone support means you can use your own wireless earbuds with the system or choose from the noise-cancelling over-ears provided.
Wi-Fi is offered in a choice of two packages: messaging access is free for business class travellers and Iberia Plus members, while browsing or streaming will cost you extra, although prices were not specified.
The tray table is large and stable, and there are clever storage areas for devices and small personal items.
Amenity Kit
Iberia’s amenity kit may be simple, but it is chic. The beige cloth bag with patterned lining holds a comb, eye mask, socks, dental kit, facial mist, earplugs, lip balm, and hand cream. All from Germaine de Capuccini.
You also get comfy bedding. A decent mattress topper, soft pillow, and blanket that helps make long flights conducive to sleep. Add traditional touches such as hot towels and regular snacks/drinks on board for those travelling in premium cabins.
Bottom Line
Iberia has really upped its game with the A350 NEXT Business Class compared to the old product. On long flights, travellers now get sliding privacy doors, direct aisle access, flatter beds, and better storage to make resting easier.
If you want a comfortable private space that doesn’t require lots of attention, if you’re after a great business class seat for those long trips but don’t care about added extras, then this could be perfect!
The best bit? These flights can sometimes be found on Simply Business Class at prices that are significantly lower than standard fares. In fact, there have been deals where they are up to 50% off!
