Last Call: Iberia Business Class 28k (Ends Dec 2)

Stop What You’re Doing: The “Dead” Sweet Spot is Back (Briefly)

If you have been hoarding credit card points waiting for the “perfect” redemption, this is it. For years, the “Holy Grail” of transatlantic travel was flying Iberia Business Class for 34,000 Avios. When Iberia devalued their award chart in mid-2025, raising that price to 40,500 Avios, we thought the golden age was over.

We were wrong. For a very limited window ending December 2, 2025, Iberia has launched a massive award sale. They have slashed redemption rates by approximately 30% on select routes.

This brings the cost of a one-way Business Class ticket from the East Coast to Madrid down to just 28,350 Avios. To be clear: this is cheaper than the old sweet spot. It is arguably the best mileage deal currently available on the market, but the booking window is slamming shut in less than 48 hours.

The Math: Why This Valuation is Insane

I don’t redeem points for “feel-good” vacations; I redeem them for maximum mathematical yield. Let’s break down exactly why this redemption is a statistical anomaly in the current market.

A standard one-way Business Class cash fare from Bostong (BOS) to Madrid (MAD) for these dates currently prices around $1,950. The taxes and fees on the award ticket are approximately $128.

Here is the Calculation of Value (CPM):

• Cash Price: $1,950
• Out-of-Pocket Fees: -$128
• Net Value Gained: $1,822
• Points Required: 28,350

$1,822 ÷ 28,350 points = 6.4 cents per point.

I tried to lookup multiple dates and could not find prices lower than $4,000 as of today, that’s even a much better cents per point but I wanted to be conservative.

This is obviously an exceptional redemption value. However, if you are looking at different dates where the cash price might be lower, you should always check the math. Use our Points vs. Cash Calculator to instantly see if you are getting good value for your hard-earned points.

Most credit card points (Amex, Chase, Bilt) are valued conservatively at 1.5 to 2.0 cents each. Redeeming them at 6.4 cents is effectively tripling the value of your currency. If you transfer 29,000 points from your credit card today, you are purchasing a nearly $2,000 flight for an “opportunity cost” of roughly $435 (based on a 1.5 cent valuation).

Routes & Pricing: Where to Find the 28k Seats

Not all routes are priced equally. Iberia uses a distance-based award chart, so shorter flights cost fewer Avios. To get the headline 28,350 Avios price, you must fly from the US East Coast Zone (Band 5).

Even if you are based on the West Coast, the sale price from LAX (42,350 Avios) is spectacular compared to the standard 100k+ dynamic pricing seen on United or Delta.

Step-by-Step: How to Book Before It’s Gone

Booking Iberia awards can be tricky due to their notoriously glitchy IT system. Follow these exact steps to avoid getting stuck with stranded points.

1. Create an Iberia Plus Account Immediately

Do not try to book this through British Airways. While you can usually book Iberia flights via British Airways Executive Club, this specific sale is often only visible or bookable at the sale rate directly on Iberia.com. If your account is brand new (less than 90 days old), you might face errors transferring points. If possible, use an account that has been open for a while.

2. Search for Availability First

Log in to Iberia and select “Pay with Avios.” Search for one-way tickets to minimize complexity. Look for dates labeled “Blue Class” or “Business Promocional.” If the price shows 28,350, you have found a winner. Do NOT transfer points until you see the seat with your own eyes.

3. Transfer Your Points

Iberia Plus is a transfer partner with:

• American Express Membership Rewards (1:1)
• Chase Ultimate Rewards (1:1)
• Bilt Rewards (1:1)
• Marriott Bonvoy (3:1)

Transfers from Amex and Chase are usually instant, but can occasionally take up to 24 hours. I once had a Chase transfer to Iberia hang in limbo for 6 hours. It was terrifying, but it eventually cleared. Be patient, but move fast.

4. Select Your Seat Carefully

Not all business class seats are created equal. Iberia flies both the older A330s and the newer A350s on these routes.

• The Winner: Airbus A350. This features the new “Next” suites with closable doors (on newer deliveries) or the standard Solstys seats. Both are excellent, lie-flat, and 1-2-1 configuration.
• The Runner Up: Airbus A330. These are perfectly comfortable lie-flat seats, but they lack the privacy and fresh cabin pressure of the A350.

Check the aircraft type on the booking screen before confirming.

Is It Worth Flying Iberia Business Class?

Iberia doesn’t have the reputation of Qatar Airways or Singapore Airlines, but for 28k points, it is unbeatable. The “hard product” (the seat) is solid. You get a fully flat bed, direct aisle access, and decent privacy.

The “soft product” (food and service) is distinctly Spanish. Expect a relaxed pace. The food highlights usually include decent Spanish wines, cheeses, and sometimes a surprisingly good lamb or fish dish. On my last flight from Madrid to JFK, the flight attendant insisted I try three different Riojas before letting me pick one. The service isn’t overly polished, but it’s warm.

For US citizens traveling to Spain, remember to check current entry requirements on the US Department of State website before you fly. Additionally, as a member of the Oneworld Alliance, your flight can earn you status credits if you credit paid segments correctly, though on award tickets, you generally won’t earn tier points.