Does anyone have experience flying with Iberia Airlines?

I have never flown Iberia, but I know people who have, and I did not here overly negative comments. People speak badly about Al Italia and my father recently, and I 15 years ago did not have a bad experience, but it is not over the top fantastic exceed your expectations either. I have heard that Lufthansa is really great, and I flew JAL and was very impressed. My guess is since it is students they won’t know the difference, unless they travel a lot themselves.

The only concern I would have is if they have a bad safety record, I would not give a minute thought to the service, especially if they are on a red eye.

I’ve flown with Iberia Airlines for a couple of times and I actually think it’s the best Spanish airline there is. The only negative comment I’ve heard from some of my friends is that the service wasn’t too good, but there are absolutely no problems with the safety or the planes.
I wouldn’t worry too much if I were you and I hope your son will enjoy his first flight!

@JLeslie We were all hoping for Lufthansa (and a non-stop flight). I’ve heard very good things about that airline. You do have a good point about the students that don’t have experience with flying. Hopefully their first experience won’t be so bad. Thanks for answering!

@coralie Thanks! Your answer makes me feel much better. His instructor also mentioned that their service had terrible reviews. It is a red eye, like @JLeslie mentioned, so service shouldn’t be too much of a problem. :)

@jonsblond glad it helped. Just remind him that it might be a little different than other flights he has been on. Little things like Al Italia offered tea after a meal teh same way we offer coffee, or JAL actually had two menus, an American one and a Japanese one. Maybe go to the Iberian Airlines site and see if they describe international flights? Sometimes they do as part of their marketing, including the seats they will be sitting in, meals offered, etc. Also, the primary language around him might be Spanish, but most of the flight attendants will most likely speak English, or be able to get him someone who does if he needs any help, not to feel intimidated. And, maybe remind him of the basic process so he knows what to expect. You can call the airline to find out if they serve both dinner and breakfast (most likely they do) and little things like wait patiently after eating for them to retrieve the trash, not to ask a flight attendant to collect his trash just because he is finished, recommend he does not have caffiene with dinner, because sleeping will be very important, etc. He has flown before right?

@JLeslie He’s never flown before. He is a little nervous about it since it is his first time. Luckily he’ll be with many of his friends. Hopefully that will help a little.

Oh, I must have missed that he has not flown before. Definitely tell him what to expect I think.

1. He will not be able to get out of his seat for almost an hour from the time he gets on the plane, he should be sure to pee before boarding.

2. There will be symbols that light up letting him know when it is ok to get up.

3. He must be belted with items well under the seat in front of him for the plane to take off.

4. Wear comfortable clothes.

5. When the crew speaks over the loudspeaker listen.

6. Once they reach cruising altitude the flight attendants will start serving drinks, afterwards they will serve the meal.

7. He cannot use the bathrooms up in other sections, sometimes thereis a curtain, mostly you can tell because the seats look different.

8. Keep his seatbelt buckled at all times while seated.

9. His seat number will be on the ceiling over the seats.

10. Not to worry if there is some turbulence while at cruising altitude, the pilot will find his way out of it to get back to smooth air.

Etc.

Unless he is the type to feel like you are being annoying if you tell him too much, you know yor child best. I think he will be fine also. Having his friends will help.