Iberia ‘Next’ Suites: How to Find the New A350 Door-Suites

Hi there! I’m Eden Thomsan. If you’ve followed my journeys over the years, you know I’ve spent my fair share of time sprinting through terminals to catch connections. These days, I’m all about the "slow travel" life—finding the most comfortable way to get from point A to point B so the journey feels like part of the vacation.

There is nothing quite as disappointing as paying for a premium cabin only to realize you’ve booked an older, outdated product. Recently, Iberia made waves by introduced its 'Next' Business Class Suites on the Airbus A350. They are stunning, private, and feature those highly coveted sliding doors. But here is the catch: not every Iberia A350 has them.

In this guide, I’m breaking down everything you need to know to ensure you land in a suite with a door rather than the legacy seats. If you need personalized help booking these specific cabins or navigating complex international itineraries, feel free to reach out to the travel experts at +1-833-894-5333.

What Is Iberia Business Class?

Iberia is the flagship carrier of Spain and a key member of the Oneworld Alliance. Operating out of its beautiful hub at Madrid-Barajas (MAD), Iberia serves as the primary bridge between Europe and Latin America, as well as a major player in North American trans-Atlantic routes.

Historically, Iberia Business Class has been known for being "solid but standard." Their long-haul fleet, consisting of A330s and A350s, offered staggered lie-flat seats that were comfortable but lacked the cutting-edge privacy of competitors like Qatar Airways or British Airways. The introduction of the 'Next' Suite represents Iberia's aggressive move to compete with the world's best premium cabins.

What Are Iberia ‘Next’ Business Class Suites?

The 'Next' Suite is Iberia’s latest evolution of the A350-900 cabin. While the core seat is based on the Recaro CL6720 platform, Iberia has customized it to feel like a private sanctuary.

Key Features of the ‘Next’ Suite:

• Privacy Doors: Each suite features a sliding door that creates a fully enclosed space.
• Enhanced Personal Space: The footwell is wider, and there is significantly more lateral storage for your gadgets and bags.
• Next-Gen Tech: Expect 4K entertainment screens, Bluetooth audio connectivity (so you can use your own AirPods), and high-speed USB-C charging.
• Modern Aesthetics: The cabin features a sleek, minimalist design with wood-grain accents and warm mood lighting that mimics the Spanish sunset.

Iberia Old Business Class vs. ‘Next’ Suites

It’s important to distinguish between the two. If you walk onto an aircraft expecting a door and find an open-aisle seat, it can dampen your spirits.

The old seat is still a lie-flat bed, but it lacks the "cocoon" feeling that the Next Suite provides. For solo travelers, the difference in privacy is night and day.

Which Iberia Aircraft Have the ‘Next’ Suites?

This is where travelers often get tripped up. Only the newest deliveries of the A350-900 (often referred to as the "A350 Next") feature these suites.

Iberia began receiving these upgraded aircraft in late 2022. Aircraft delivered prior to that date maintain the older configuration. Because airlines rotate aircraft based on maintenance and demand, you cannot simply assume that because you are on an A350, you have a suite.

Currently, Iberia has no immediate plans to retrofit the older A350s or the A330 fleet with these doors. This makes the "Next" Suite a specialized product found on a subset of the long-haul fleet.

How to Identify ‘Next’ Suites Before Booking

Since Iberia doesn't explicitly label flights as "Next Suite" in the search results, you have to be a bit of a detective. Here is my step-by-step checklist:

1. Check the Seat Map: This is the most reliable method. Open the seat map during the booking process. If the Business Class cabin shows a 1-2-1 layout where the seats appear slightly more "boxed in" or have a distinct staggered pattern that looks different from the A330, look closer.
2. Count the Rows: The new A350 configuration typically has a slightly different seat count than the older version.
3. Use Third-Party Tools: Sites like ExpertFlyer or SeatGuru (though use the latter with caution as it updates slowly) can help. Look for "A350-900 (New Configuration)."
4. Look for the "Door" Icon: On some advanced booking engines, a small icon or text description may mention a "closed suite," though this is rare on the main Iberia site.

Pro Tip: If you are unsure, call +1-833-894-5333. A travel specialist can look up the specific aircraft tail number assigned to your route to give you the highest probability of getting the new cabin.

Routes Most Likely to Offer Iberia Next Suites

Iberia prioritizes its "flagship" routes for the new A350s. If you are flying from Madrid (MAD) to these cities, your chances are much higher:

• Madrid to New York (JFK)
• Madrid to Mexico City (MEX)
• Madrid to Buenos Aires (EZE)
• Madrid to Santiago de Chile (SCL)
• Madrid to Chicago (ORD)

Lower-demand routes or those served primarily by the A330 (like Boston or Miami on certain days) are less likely to see the Next Suite.

Best Seats in Iberia ‘Next’ Suites

If you’ve confirmed your flight has the Next Suites, here is how to pick the best "real estate" on the plane:

• For Solo Travelers: Choose the "A" or "L" seats in even-numbered rows. These are "true" window seats where the seat is flush against the window and the console is on the aisle, providing maximum privacy once the door is shut.
• For Couples: Choose the center "E" and "G" seats (honeymoon seats). You can lower the divider to talk, and with both doors closed, it feels like a private room for two.
• Seats to Avoid: Row 1 (bulkhead) offers more foot room but can be noisy due to proximity to the galley. The last row of Business Class is also prone to noise from the Premium Economy cabin behind it.

The Onboard Experience

The 'Next' Suite isn't just about the seat; it’s about the atmosphere.

• Sleep Quality: The door significantly reduces "aisle anxiety"—that feeling of someone bumping into you or watching you sleep.
• Dining: Iberia has revamped its catering, focusing on fresh Spanish ingredients, tapas-style appetizers, and excellent Rioja wines.
• Quietude: The A350 is already one of the quietest planes in the sky. When you combine that with the acoustic dampening of a suite, the "white noise" of the engines is barely a whisper.

Is Iberia Business Class Worth It Without ‘Next’ Suites?

Yes, but with caveats. If you find a great deal or are using Avios (points), the "old" Business Class is still a very competitive product. It’s a full lie-flat bed with direct aisle access.

However, if you are paying full retail price specifically for the "Suite" experience, you must verify the aircraft. I wouldn't pay a $1,000 premium just for the door, but I would certainly choose Iberia over a competitor if I knew the Next Suite was guaranteed.

Iberia Next Suites vs. Competitors

How does it stack up against the "Big Three" of Oneworld?

• vs. British Airways Club Suite: Very similar. Both use a door system. Iberia’s cabin feels slightly more open and less "cluttered."
• vs. Qatar Qsuite: Qsuite is still the gold standard due to the "quad" configuration and higher-end finishes, but Iberia is a very close second for trans-Atlantic hops.
• vs. Delta One Suites: Iberia’s A350 is newer and generally feels more spacious than Delta’s older A350 suite installations.

Common Mistakes Travelers Make

1. Assuming All A350s Are the Same: As we've discussed, this is the #1 mistake. "A350" does not equal "Suite."
2. Not Monitoring Aircraft Changes: Airlines can swap planes at the last minute. Always re-check your seat map 24 hours before departure.
3. Booking Through Third Parties Without Seat Maps: Sometimes Expedia or Chase Travel won't show the detailed seat map. Verify on the Iberia website using your PNR (booking code).

FAQ: Iberia Next Suites

What are Iberia ‘Next’ Suites?

 They are Iberia’s newest Business Class seats featuring sliding privacy doors, 4K screens, and increased storage, available on select A350-900 aircraft.

Do all Iberia A350s have doors?

 No. Only the newer A350-900s delivered from late 2022 onwards feature the Next Suites. Older A350s have the legacy staggered Business Class seats.

How can I tell if my flight has Next Suites?

 Check the seat map during booking. Look for the specific suite layout and 1-2-1 configuration, or call +1-833-894-5333 for assistance.

Are Next Suites worth the price?

 Yes, for the increased privacy and upgraded technology. They offer one of the best sleep environments currently available on flights between the US and Spain.

Can aircraft change after booking? 

Yes. Airlines may swap aircraft for operational reasons. Always keep an eye on your seat assignment leading up to your departure date.

Conclusion

The Iberia ‘Next’ Suite is a game-changer for travelers looking to cross the Atlantic in style. It bridges the gap between traditional business class and first class by offering a level of privacy that was once unthinkable. However, the "hidden" nature of these suites means you have to be a savvy traveler to find them.

Don't leave your comfort to chance. Use the tips in this guide to verify your aircraft, and if you ever feel overwhelmed by the technicalities of booking, reach out to the pros at +1-833-894-5333.

Would you like me to help you compare Iberia's Next Suite fares for your upcoming travel dates?