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JetBlue will fly to Spain for the first time. See how its Airbus A321neo compares to the country's flag carrier Iberia.

A JetBlue A321neo on the tarmac in Amsterdam.
JetBlue just expanded its international network and will go toe-to-toe with Spanish carrier Iberia to Madrid.

Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images

  • JetBlue will launch new international flights from Boston to Edinburgh and Madrid in May 2025.
  • The new routes are part of a major network restructuring to boost revenue.
  • JetBlue will compete with Iberia on the Madrid route, with both using A321neo family jets.

JetBlue Airways is redrawing its route network β€” and there is some good news for Europe-bound flyers.

JetBlue announced plans to launch two new transatlantic flights from Boston to Edinburgh and Madrid in May 2025. It will be the airline's first flight to Spain β€” bringing its total European destinations to five.

The struggling carrier will compete with just one airline to Madrid: Spanish flag carrier Iberia. Both will fly an Airbus A321neo family jet on the route, meaning travelers can expect a smaller plane across the Atlantic.

The new routes are part of a larger restructuring plan to bolster revenue. JetBlue has not turned a profit since 2019, largely due to high costs and failed deals with American Airlines and Spirit Airlines that hampered its expansion.

The airline announced over 50 route cuts in 2024 and ended service to 15 underperforming airports. It's nowΒ refocusingΒ on the Northeast US and Florida, with additional flights to Europe and the Caribbean.

It's also deploying high-dollar Mint-business-class equipped planes to more high-demand markets, including the new Spain route.

Here's how JetBlue and Iberia's business and coach cabins compare on the seven-hour trek to Madrid.

JetBlue has more premium seating on its Airbus A321neos.
Mint business class onboard JetBlue Airways' new Airbus A321neoLR β€” JetBlue Airways Airbus A321neoLR Tour
According to JetBlue's website, it flies both Mint-equipped A321neo variants across the Atlantic, but most use the A321LR.

Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

JetBlue flies its A321neo and A321LR variants across the Atlantic, the latter is a lower-ranged predecessor to Iberia's A321XLR and is more premium-heavy. They host 160 and 114 seats, respectively.

Each is equipped with lie-flat Mint seats, front-row Studios, and extra-legroom economy seats β€” the remaining are regular coach seats. Half of the A321LR cabin is premium seating.

Iberia has a higher-capacity A321XLR with 182 seats: 14 in business class and 168 in economy.

Iberia's smaller business class doesn't have doors.
The Iberia business class cabin.
Iberia is launching its second A321XLR flight to Washington, DC, in January.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

JetBlue and Iberia chose the same seatmaker for their A321neo business class cabins, but Iberia did not install a sliding door. Mint has doors.

This goes against an industry-wide trend, with many global carriers, such as Korean Air, Air India, and Turkish Airlines, adding the popular feature.

Business Insider toured Iberia's A321XLR business class in November and found the angled seats and large wings offered more than enough privacy. Iberia likely wanted to save on costly weight and best optimize the cabin's already limited space.

The Spanish carrier also lacks a designated 'Studio.'
JetBlue Airways Airbus A321neo
JetBlue Airways' A321LR Mint Studio.

Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

To cater to more business travelers, JetBlue installed a front-row "Mint Studio" on its A321neos, complete with a companion seat and extra storage. The seat is an upcharge.

Iberia did not include the extra-revenue option, meaning travelers have less choice in business class.

You'll otherwise get the usual business-class perks on both.
JetBlue and Iberia business class collage.
JetBlue (left) and Iberia (right). Both business class cabins are in a 1Γ—1 layout with direct aisle access.

Taylor Rains, Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

Because the seats are otherwise exactly the same design, travelers can expect similar comforts. This includes a lie-flat recliner, storage, and an inflight television. Both also include meals, linens, and an amenity kit.

Iberia's 18.5-inch screen is bigger than JetBlue's 17-inch one in regular Mint, though the Mint Studio hosts the largest overall at 22 inches.

However, JetBlue does not offer Bluetooth connectivity. Customers on Iberia can connect their own wireless headphones to the business-class screens β€” and that goes for the economy cabin, too.

Both have nice economy cabins.
JetBlue and Iberia's coach collage.
The JetBlue (left) and Iberia (right) seat designs are different, but they offer largely the same perks.

Taylor Rains, Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

The 3Γ—3 economy cabins offer adjustable headrests, an inflight screen, extra storage slots in the seatback pocket, and linens.

JetBlue's 10.1-inch screen is smaller than Iberia's 12-inch Bluetooth one, but JetBlue travelers can connect their phone as a remote. JetBlue also offers free WiFi, while Iberia's is only free for messaging.

Iberia's seats recline up to four inches, while JetBlue's recline three inches. Thanks to Airbus' wider narrowbody cabin design, both coach options offer 18 inches of width.

Iberia has less legroom and fewer extra space seats in coach.
JetBlue and Iberia economy cabin collage showing legroom and extra legroom seats.
JetBlue (left) and Iberia's (right) regular legroom and extra legroom seats.

Taylor Rains, Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

JetBlue has several rows of "Even More Space" seats to target flyers willing to pay extra for more legroom. The US carrier also offers an industry-leading 32 inches of legroom β€” beating out rivals like Delta and United.

Iberia's 40-inch-pitch extra legroom seats are only in the bulkhead and exit rows, meaning taller travelers have limited options for more space. The legroom is 30-31 inches, putting Iberia on par with US mainlines.

Avoid certain rows if you want a window.
Economy class onboard JetBlue Airways' new Airbus A321neoLR β€” JetBlue Airways Airbus A321neoLR Tour
One of the misaligned windows on JetBlue.

Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

Iberia does not have a window in row 39. The windows in rows 22 and 23 on JetBlue's A321LR and rows 23 and 24 on its A321neos are missing or misaligned.

If you pay extra for a window seat with hopes of a view, it's best to avoid these rows.

JetBlue doesn't offer hot meals in economy anymore.
Flying JetBlue Airways from New York to London β€” JetBlue Airways London Inaugural Flight
One of the hot meals JetBlue used to serve on its flights. Don't expect this grandeur anymore.

Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

In October, JetBlue stopped serving hot meals in economy on transatlantic flights in an effort to cut costs. Cold meals are now served, like a crepe for breakfast, a chicken grain bowl for lunch, or a pesto pasta salad for dinner.

Still, the meals come included in the fare β€” something that distinguishes JetBlue from other low-cost options like Norse Atlantic Airways where food costs extra.

Iberia customers can expect hot meals in coach, which is in line with what mainline carriers offer across the Atlantic.

Don't miss the hidden lavatory on Iberia.
The lavatory at the aft of Iberia's A321XLR covered by a grey flight attendant jumpseat.
One of Iberia's three aft lavatories is hidden behind a flight attendant jumpseat.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Coach travelers on Iberia share three lavatories in the aft cabin, but the high-capacity cabin means the queue can get long and crowded β€” especially if the third one is overlooked, as can be the case.

It's located behind the flight attendant jump seat.

The A321neo narrowbodies offer convenience that widebodies don't.
JetBlue Airways Airbus A321neo
JetBlue Airways' first Airbus A321neoLR.

Thomas Pallini/Insider

Airbus' new long-ranged jets are changing the way people fly to Europe. Some people may worry about the smaller plane, but it has its benefits.

The tinier cabin may be cozier, plus deplaning and boarding are much quicker thanks to fewer people β€” and may be a saving grace during tight layovers.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Why airlines are all-in on new single-aisle planes for transatlantic flights

The inside of a JetBlue A321neoLR with blue lighting.
A JetBlue A321neoLR at the Paris Air Show in June 2023

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

  • Airlines are using more narrow-body planes across the Atlantic, opening new routes for flyers.
  • New single-aisle planes offer cost efficiency, smaller capacity, and flexible cabins.
  • The Boeing 757 used to be the main transatlantic workhorse but is losing market share to Airbus.

New narrow-body planes designed for long-haul flights are changing how people fly.

This evolution has been largely propelled by the Airbus A321neo family, smaller planes that can flyer further than previous single-aisle aircraft. Its longest-ranged variant, the newly launched A321XLR, can fly up to 11 hours nonstop and carry up to 240 people.

These planes are popular with airlines because they can connect profitable cities that previously required a high-capacity wide-body plane like the Boeing 767 or Airbus A330. Flexible cabins mean airlines can offer different cabin configurations, like all-economy or a mix of business and coach.

Airlines can also earn extended-range allowances that govern how passenger jets can safely fly over the open ocean.

In 2024, 39,000 flights between North America and Europe are scheduled on single-aisle planes made by Boeing and Airbus, according to data from Cirium, an aviation analytics company. That's a 14% increase from the previous year and 40% more than in 2019.

Airbus is pioneering this narrow-body shift

Such a focus on single-aisle planes that can tackle long flights has been a boon for Airbus.

JetBlue, for example, started flying between New York and Europe in 2021 with about 400 total flights on its A321neoLRs. In 2024, that figure is set to hit 7,200 in 2024.

The launch of Iberia's A321XLR has added at least another 1,400 flights for 2025, per Cirium, with more to come as the jet is delivered to more airlines.

Such growth has come at the expense of Boeing's 757. The jet has been a transatlantic workhorse since the 1980s but now only represents 23% of flights to and from Europe, down from 82% in 2019.

With no replacement available, airlines are turning to the A321XLR β€” paving the way for Airbus to continue dominating the growing market.

Long-haul narrowbodies are cheaper to fly

Before long-haul single-aisle operations became popular, airlines struggled to fly lower-demand city pairs with widebodies because the bigger planes weren't always full β€” meaning they weren't making money.

This effectively eliminated direct routes to smaller leisure markets, forcing flyers to make one or more stops to reach smaller cities.

New narrowbodies solve this problem thanks to their powerful engines, fuel efficiency, and lighter weight.

United Airlines, for example, uses single-aisle jets between unique city pairs that other carriers don't fly, such as those from Newark Liberty to Malaga, Spain, and Chicago to Shannon, Ireland.

United's SVP of global network planning and alliances, Patrick Quayle, told BI in August that a Boeing 787 or Boeing 767 widebody wouldn't economic make sense in these smaller markets. The carrier plans to expand its long-haul operations with the cost-effective A321XLR.

Meanwhile, Icelandic low-cost carrier Play learned from its predecessor, WOW Air, that using widebody planes in a budget transatlantic business model is difficult because the big jet requires constant high demand β€” prompting Play to use Airbus narrowbodies between the US and Europe.

Single-aisle jets offer versatile route options

One reason mainline carriers like United and Iberia are moving in the single-aisle direction is because it allows them to right-size their routes depending on demand.

Cirium data shows Iberia plans to fly two A321XLRs daily between Madrid and Boston in the summer of 2025, with each carrying up to 182 people.

This allows Iberia to capture the demand without oversizing the route with two 288-passenger A330s or losing out on potential business with just one widebody.

Flying two single-aisle planes across the Atlantic instead of one widebody, for example, could up daily frequencies from one to two and give travelers more flexible options.

Airlines like Tap Air Portugal and Ireland's Aer Lingus switch between A321neo and A330 planes throughout the year, flying the bigger jet during the summer and holiday months, per Cirium.

Single-aisle planes don't always fly long haul. Their versatility, especially the previous generation A321neos and the Boeing 757, allows airlines to efficiently deploy them on short or medium-haul routes.

Delta Air Lines has decreased its 757 transatlantic flying over the years in favor of more domestic routes, per Cirium.

Widebodies don't have the same flexibility, except on a few very high-demand cross-country treks like New York to Los Angeles.

Narrow-body planes can accommodate more flexible cabins

One of the draws of these small but powerful aircraft is their versatility because they can fit into both mainline and low-cost fleets with varying cabin layouts.

Some airlines, like JetBlue and Aer Lingus, equip their A321LRs with business and economy classes. Meanwhile, Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air plans to fly a no-frills, all-economy A321XLR cabin where even water costs extra, and France's La Compagnie has all-business-class A321LRs.

Some flyers may be hesitant to fly on a narrow-body long-haul, but flying on these planes across the Atlantic is not much different from riding in a one cross-country.

Boston to Madrid lasts about seven hours, while New York to Los Angeles is about six and a half hours β€” though most flyers will get more perks on flights to Europe, like hot meals and linens.

Plus, single-aisle flying allows for quicker boarding and deplaning, which may be welcome time-savings for some customers β€” especially during tight layovers.

Read the original article on Business Insider

Airbus' A321 jets are reshaping transatlantic travel. I've toured 3 airlines' business classes — here's how they compare.

JetBlue Airways Airbus A321neo
JetBlue Airways, La Compagnie, and Iberia are among the few airlines that fly lie-flat business class on narrowbody aircraft across the Atlantic.

Thomas Pallini/Insider

  • Airlines are increasingly using Airbus A321neo family planes for transatlantic flights.
  • These single-aisle aircraft offer efficient long-haul economics for routes to Europe.
  • JetBlue, La Compagnie, and Iberia offer lie-flat business class on these narrow-body planes.

More airlines are flying single-aisle Airbus A321neo family planes across the Atlantic.

The aircraft are a popular choice because of their favorable long-haul economics. They can efficiently fly routes that may not have the demand to fill a widebody and still be profitable for airlines.

Because the planes can cross oceans β€” with the longest-range variant, the A321XLR, flying up to 11 hours nonstop β€” many airlines have equipped them with lie-flat business class to optimize comfort (and revenue).

I've seen three examples of these transatlantic premium Airbus cabins: JetBlue Airways, French boutique airline La Compagnie, and Spanish flag carrier Iberia.

Iberia is nice, but it and La Compagnie lack a flyer-favorite perk, while JetBlue offers the most amenity-heavy business experience.

All three have lie-flat seats, but prices vary.
Collage of lie-flat beds on Iberia, JetBlue, and La Compagnie.
The lie-flat narrowbody beds on Iberia (top left), JetBlue (top right), and La Compagnie (bottom).

Taylor Rains, Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

La Compagnie is a small, all-business-class airline that serves Paris, Nice, and Milan from the US with A321neoLRs. It offers many cost-friendly fares, with roundtrip tickets starting at $2,500,

Iberia's new A321XLR will cost customers up to $5,000 or more roundtrip, depending on the season.

JetBlue's A321neoLR offers some discounted Mint fares to London, but other destinations are typically at least $3,000-$4,000.

Only JetBlue offers privacy doors.
JetBlue Mint with doors vs. Iberia business class without doors.
JetBlue (top) and Iberia (bottom).

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

La Compagnie and Iberia don't sport the sliding door that is standard at every JetBlue Mint seat. The privacy perk is increasingly popular on wide-body premium seats.

The French carrier's 2Γ—2 layout would make one impossible to fit, while Iberia carefully designed its 1Γ—1 cabin to be private without one. It has angled seats, high walls, and large wings.

Forget about privacy on La Compagnie.
Flying on La Compagnie all-business class airline from Paris to New York β€” the loungers.
Half of La Compagnie's 76 business class seats do not offer direct-aisle access like JetBlue and Iberia.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

La Compagnie has the most awkward layout of the three. The 2Γ—2 layout optimizes the space, but it means flyers could be sleeping right next to a stranger on a full flight β€” and the window seat can't freely access the aisle.

There is a small divider between seats, but it doesn't do much to block travelers from one another. The airline is largely meant for families and couples, so you may not have an unknown neighbor.

Iberia lacks extra-space seats at the front.
Mint business class onboard JetBlue Airways' new Airbus A321neoLR β€” JetBlue Airways Airbus A321neoLR Tour
JetBlue's front-row Mint Studio comes at an extra fee.

Thomas Pallini/Insider

Two of JetBlue's 24-person Mint business class seats are designated as the extra-large "Studio" with a companion seat to dine or meet with another traveler.

La Compagnie offers more legroom in its exit rows and bulkhead. This provides more ease for the window passenger if climbing over an aisle seatmate.

Iberia's smaller 14-person business class does not have any extra-large seats available.

Iberia has a Bluetooth television.
Viewing the red Iberia television from the row one business class.
Iberia and JetBlue's screens are moveable, while La Compagnie's is stationary. The Spanish carrier's TV helps with privacy.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Iberia's 18.5-inch television has Bluetooth built-in, allowing travelers to connect their own wireless headphones to the screen.

JetBlue provided customers on its inaugural flight from New York to Paris in June with a free AirFly Pro Bluetooth audio transmitter, but it doesn't come as the standard β€” future travelers need to bring their own.

La Compagnie's 15.6-inch screen also didn't have Bluetooth. All three did have a remote, with JetBlue's Studio having the largest screen at 22 inches. Its regular suites boast a 17-inch television.

Storage on La Compagnie is minimal.
Collage of La Compagnie, Iberia, and JetBlue business class seat storage.
La Compagnie (top) has minimal tabletop space, and it is shared by two people. Iberia (bottom left) and JetBlue (bottom right) offer more overall storage.

Taylor Rains, Thomas Pallini/Business Insider

La Compagnie had barely any storage space aside from the overhead bin that was big enough to fit bigger items, like a laptop or a small backpack.

Iberia's storage under the television and behind the screen provides more ample storage, as does JetBlue's design. And both have more tabletop space β€” something La Compagnie customers have the share.

JetBlue has a 'do not disturb' sign.
Flying JetBlue Airways from London to New York in Mint business class β€” JetBlue Airways London to New York in Mint business class flight 2021
Iberia and La Compagnie lack this perk.

Thomas Pallini/Insider

JetBlue's "do not disturb" sign tells flight attendants not to wake up passengers, even during a meal service.

It's likely a welcome perk for overnight flights. Iberia and La Compagnie don't have the same feature.

All three offer the usual business-class perks.
Collage of the wireless pad on JetBlue, the amenities on La Compagnie, the food on JetBlue, and the linens on Iberia.
The wireless pad and an example of a meal on JetBlue (top left, bottom right), an amenity kit on La Compagnie, and the linens on Iberia.

Taylor Rains, Thomas Pallini, Business Insider

All three airlines offer the same standard business-class perks, including an amenity kit, hot meals, a tray table, linens, WiFi, and power.

For power, the airlines each have a USB-A port and a universal outlet. JetBlue and Iberia both also offer a USB-C port, and the former includes a wireless charging pad that the other two don't.

JetBlue does not yet have a dedicated lounge.
Entering the JFK chase location.
JetBlue Mint travelers in Boston and New York must rely on lounge access via a credit card for now.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Iberia has its own branded business-class lounges in Madrid. In the US, flyers can use Oneworld partner lounges. La Compagnie offers their travelers lounge access via partnerships.

JetBlue, however, does not have a dedicated lounge. However, JetBlue plans to build airport lounges to expand its premium offerings.

For now, flyers can access airport lounges via a credit card, like American Express or Chase.

JetBlue is my preferred pick.
JetBlue Airways Airbus A321neo
The Studio with the door closed. It also has more storage space than the regular Mint seats.

Thomas Pallini/Insider

Despite JetBlue's lack of a lounge, the cabin seat is the most amenity-heavy with its door and do-not-disturb sign. Plus, its Studio offers more choice.

Iberia is a close second with good privacy and comfort, but I'd personally prefer JetBlue when flying transatlantic for price and amenities.

La Compagnie is awkward but worth splurging on.
La Compagnie's all-business class cabin with blue headrests.
La Compagnie is one of two all-business-class airlines in the world. The other, Beond, has a similar 2Γ—2 layout.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

La Compagnie has the most awkward design, but there isn't a logical other way to configure its planes because it needs to optimize space.

Still, the prices are among the cheapest ways to cross the Atlantic in business class. I think it's a good option for leisure travelers willing to splurge but don't want to pay for more expensive airlines.

JetBlue has more routes to Europe.
Iberia A321XLR on the ramp in Boston.
JetBlue flies higher-demand routes with its A321neoLR, but the A321XLR may open new niche ones.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

JetBlue offers the most A321neoLR routes across the Atlantic with service to London, Amsterdam, Paris, Dublin, and Edinburgh, Scotland, from New York or Boston.

Iberia flies the A321XLR to Boston and, soon, to Washington Dulles.Β JetBlue plans to eventually receive the A321XLR, which could open new European routes, such as Italy and Spain.

La Compagnie indirectly competes with JetBlue in Paris. Instead of flying from New York-JFK to Charles de Gaulle like JetBlue, it flies from nearby Newark to Paris-Orly.

The A321XLR will add narrow-body routes to Europe with lie-flat beds.
Aer Lingus lie-flat business class on its A321neoLR.
Aer Lingus is among the carriers adding more narrowbody lie-flat seat across the Atlantic in 2025.

Aer Lingus

There are a few other narrow-body, lie-flat business classes that I haven't yet seen, like Aer Lingus 'A321neoLR. Starting in 2025, the airline will also fly bed-equipped A321XLRs on routes like Nashville to Dublin.

American and United are among the other carriers planning A321XLR flights with beds in business class β€” with United replacing its lie-flat Boeing 757s with the A321XLR in 2026 and adding new routes.

Read the original article on Business Insider
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