Flight to Madrid left at 06.20 and was on a clean Airbus. A decent hot breakfast was provided with excellent bread and olive oil. The FAs were efficient and attentive. The aircraft departed and landed on time. Madrid Barajas airport is modern and well-equipped and the transfer was managed well. My partner and I had seats with an empty seat between which is the Iberia norm.

The fliight back left promptly at 13.15 and in terms of seating was the same. However it was only one third full in business and the FAs did not have enough pillows for more than four passengers which was very poor. Lunch was bizarre - there was a fixed starter of a chicken salad with a choice of fish or veal as a main course. It was served on one plate with a chunk of inedible veal (my partner's choice) or fish on the same plate as the main course. The fish although the rather odd choice of dogfish was good. The bread and oils were also good as were the cheeses. But what a strange and unattractive way to serve a meal. The flight was on time.