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I am re-jigging some Spanish itineraries for this summer and autumn, having been royally messed about by IB with my flight times on several trips I have booked with them.
Some alternative options are coming up as Air Nostrum and the departure times are better than the IB services. I was a bit wary in case they are like the (apparently) appalling Vueling, but I’ve now found mixed reviews. Some say it’s a great little airline, etc, a couple said they have a habit of cancelling at short notice and abandoning you!
Two important considerations:
1. Do OW benefits apply on Air Nostrum as they do on Iberia?
2. If I book, e.g. MAN-MAD-VGO, using both airlines, will they interline baggage, and also will any connections on the same PNR be protected in the event of disruption?Gracias in advance!
Are you really looking at Air Nostrum-by-itself flights? Isn’t it just Iberia Express operated by Air Nostrum?
I don’t know, tbh.
If I search on the IB app for MAD-VGO, for example, I get 4 options, 2 say A N below the departure/arrival times and 2 say IB.
If I search VGO-MAD-MAN, in the journey details it says VGO-MAD “Operated by AIR NOSTRUM”, then in those for MAD-MAN “Operated by Iberia Express”.
All flight numbers are IB, however.
I am so exasperated with IB. Initially there was an option to change my times/dates in the app, but it took me a few days to decide what I want to do, and now it’s saying I have to call them to make any changes!
I’ll probably make any new bookings with avios on ba.com because IB cash prices are now through the roof and the gold line is a lot more helpful!
Are you really looking at Air Nostrum-by-itself flights? Isn’t it just Iberia Express operated by Air Nostrum?
Air Nostrum is a private airline that operates for Iberia on a contract basis but adopts many Iberia standards. Iberia Express is a wholly owned subsidiary.
Air Nostrum is actually pretty good, nice crews and decent food but if there’s disruption, they will reroute you if they can but don’t expect any compensation, although that’s not really different to any IB or I2 domestic flight or one not to/from the UK.
No that’s fine, my main concern is whether I’d get my OW checked bag allowance (plus as a lesser priority free seat selection and lounge access) as I would on IB. So if I tuned up at check in with a bag, would they say “Ok, you can have that on the IB leg but you’ll have to pay a small fortune on the Air Nostrum one because it’s not included and you didn’t pre-book it”?!
No that’s fine, my main concern is whether I’d get my OW checked bag allowance (plus as a lesser priority free seat selection and lounge access) as I would on IB. So if I tuned up at check in with a bag, would they say “Ok, you can have that on the IB leg but you’ll have to pay a small fortune on the Air Nostrum one because it’s not included and you didn’t pre-book it”?!
For all practical purposes as a passenger, Air Nostrum is Iberia although that’s not an argument that appeals to Iberia’s solicitors and counsel.
One caveat re bags/hand luggage is that the nature/size of some aircraft means there are limitations on hand luggage but that is specified in Iberia’s guidelines.
I’ve had a few domestic flights from Madrid on Air Nostrum and never had a problem.
BTW At MAD T4 Air Nostrum use gates at one end of the main terminal that’s a bit of a hike from the Iberia Lounge, there are moving walkways that help though.
Thank you! I managed to find a convenient IB departure for one of the changes, now to have a look for the other one.
Flown AGP-MLN with them dozens of times without a problem (weather aside!).
Good to know, @Michael. Though I’ve just been looking at trains and there’s a high speed rail link which takes 4 hours from Madrid to Vigo and costs £34 in first class!
Good to know, @Michael. Though I’ve just been looking at trains and there’s a high speed rail link which takes 4 hours from Madrid to Vigo and costs £34 in first class!
I’d go for that – gorgeous trip and bus 203 goes directly to Atocha from Barajas.
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