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Iberia launches world’s first A321XLR
Last week, Iberia became the first airline in the world to operate transoceanic routes with the new Airbus A321XLR, a a single aisle narrow-body aircraft. The aircraft has a range of up to 7,500 kilometres in this configuration 15% more than the A321LR. It is also one of the most efficient aircraft on the market, with fuel savings of more than 40% compared to wide-body models.
Iberia has equipped the plane with the new Airspace cabin and two classes, Business and Economy, with a total of 182 seats. The XLR is expected to fly first to Boston and Washington, D.C. (United States).
Having flown on similar single-aisle aircraft, such as Jet Blue and La Compagnie, on a transatlantic flight, I do actually prefer them. For a start, boarding is a lot quicker, and business class has a much more intimate feel than larger cabins.
The airline will add seven additional aircraft of this model in the coming months, which will allow it to incorporate new long-haul destinations into its network and increase capacity in the cities it currently serves.
Since it was delivered to Iberia on 30 October, this aircraft has been making European flights to Paris and Stockholm, as part of the usual preparation of each new aircraft before starting long-haul flights tomorrow.
The A321XLR offers customers the same standards for the business class cabin as wide-body models such as the A330 and A350 in Iberia’s fleet. Its 182 seats are distributed between Business and Economy cabins.
Business class features 14 individual seats, each next to a window and with direct access to the aisle. These full-flat seats can be turned into beds and feature a wide leather headrest, compartments for personal items and are designed to provide comfort and privacy.
Each Business Class seat includes an individual 18.5-inch screen with 4K resolution, offering a crystal-clear image and enhanced tones in dark mode.
Each seat has its own lighting system and its own backlit number during night mode to make it easier to find.
All cabins on the new A321XLR allow customers to connect their own Bluetooth headsets and feature enhanced USB Type-A and Type-C charging ports.
The XL overhead compartments are more spacious, with up to 60% more capacity for hand luggage.
The galleys of the A321XLR also boasts an espresso machine that can prepare a cup of coffee in less than 35 seconds.
Finally, the aircraft has four bathrooms equipped with antibacterial surfaces, motion-sensor taps and pedal-operated waste bins for greater hygiene.
Don’t forget you can use your BA companion voucher on Iberia which usually works out much cheaper in terms of taxes and charges.
IHG launches Black Friday sale with up to 40% off and get 500 points free
The Black Friday offers are starting already. To find all the Black Friday offers in one place, visit our special page here.
IHG One Rewards Members can save 25% on global bookings. On 18 & 19 Nov, members have exclusive early access to this deal in the IHG mobile app ahead of it going live across all IHG channels on 20 Nov. All stays must be completed by 30 April, 2025, at participating IHG Hotels & Resorts properties. The sale covers articipating properties in the US, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, India, Middle East, Africa and Greater China. You will need to sign in to see the deals.
I’d recommend joining IHG One Rewards since it is free and you can save more. Otherwise, from 20 November, you can save up to 17% off your stay when you book by 3 Dec 2024. All stays must be completed by 30 April, 2025, at participating IHG Hotels & Resorts properties.
There’s an even better deal on Iberostar with up to 40% Off at Iberostar Beachfront Resorts. IHG One Rewards members can save up to 40% off at participating Iberostar Beachfront Resorts properties in Mexico, the Caribbean, Spain and more when they book a stay from 21 Nov – 3 Dec, 2024. Most stays must be completed by 20 Dec 2025, while some stay dates vary by location. A list of participating locations can be found here.
You can even get 500 points free just registering for this offer and earn 500 bonus points by downloading the IHG mobile app.
As usual the downside is that the rate is fully re-paid and not changeable or cancellable.
Priority Pass Black Friday sale with 40% off
If you don’t have a Priority Pass through a credit card, now may be the time to consider buying one as the company launches its Black Friday offers with up to 40% off, depending on which package you choose.
Priority Pass members get entrance to over 1,600 airport lounges and experiences worldwide, subject to capacity. In recent years, Priority Pass has added some useful extras such as free spa treatments and restaurant credit, which don’t always apply if you have yours through a credit card.
Here are some of the benefits you can get with the card:
- Complimentary food and drinks
- Sleep pods at select airport locations
- Be Relax spa treatments
- Guests welcome
- Discounts on airport dining and spa treatments
- Secure your space at selected lounges with the option to pre-book for a supplementary fee
- Free membership to the WithU Fitness app (worth £119)
Here are the different levels of membership available:
1 comment
I’ve been seeing some reviews which aren’t complimentary about the economy experience on the Iberia A321neoLR. While both Iberia and JetBlue have 24 business class seats, Iberia has 168 economy seats as opposed to JetBlue’s 114.
The toilet and galley layout, especially at the rear of the Iberia aircraft, seem to be causing problems too.