On board the world's first Airbus A321XLR, the aircraft that could revolutionize transatlantic travel
There's a new plane in the sky that you might fly on your next trip to Europe.
The Airbus A321XLR (which stands for extra long range) is the world's longest-range single-aisle commercial aircraft, with a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles (just over 5,400 miles). It will open up new possibilities for mid- and long-haul travel, particularly across the Atlantic.
Spanish carrier Iberia is the launch customer of the new jet type. It recently received the first of eight A321XLRs it has ordered from European aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the remainder of which will be delivered over the next 15 months.
Although Iberia has been operating training and familiarization flights within Europe for the past week or so, the plane operated its first long-haul flight from Iberia's hub at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) across the Atlantic to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) on Thursday, and TPG was on board to try out Iberia's all-new business-class seat after attending a media event to show off the plane.
TPG booked a flight from Madrid to Boston on Iberia's A321XLR that was originally scheduled for a few days after the inaugural, though the airline eventually let us change our ticket (which cost just 34,000 British Airways Avios and $152 in fees, taxes and surcharges) for free to the first flight.
Given that's the standard off-peak redemption requirement for this flight, hopefully, we'll see more awards open up as the jet goes into regular service.
Here's what the experience was like and what passengers can expect on board.
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Airbus A321XLR basics
The new XLR has a range of 4,700 nautical miles, longer than any other single-aisle (or "narrow-body") aircraft thanks to new technology that includes a third fuel tank. Airbus also claims the jet burns 30% less fuel per seat than previous generations of aircraft from competitors.
To put that top distance into perspective, from New York City, this plane, at maximum range, could travel virtually anywhere in Europe nonstop, including as far as Istanbul and much of South America.
In comparison, the previous Airbus A321LR variant ("LR" stands for long range) can only fly a maximum of 4,000 nautical miles with a full load of passengers, baggage and cargo. Given the complicated logistics and potential safety issues of doing so, it's unlikely either plane would operate flights to its maximum distance.
Some other airlines, including Aer Lingus, JetBlue and Scandinavian Airlines, have operated the A321LR across the Atlantic for several years. However, the variant's comparatively limited range means these carriers have only been able to fly the jet on specific routes between Western Europe and the northeastern United States.
The XLR changes this calculus. With 15% more range than the LR, the XLR can fly well beyond the edges of North America and Europe, opening up routes and frequencies that weren't possible with earlier A321 models, including "thinner" routes where demand might not justify operating a wide-body aircraft with a longer range.
With the XLR joining its fleet, Iberia should be able to optimize some seasonal routes and continue operating some routes year-round by strategically switching aircraft types.
Destinations like Boston and Washington, D.C. — via Dulles International Airport (IAD) — have enough passenger demand in summer to warrant wide-body services on the airline's larger jets, like the Airbus A330 and A350. However, the airline might not have previously operated these flights during the winter months, when transatlantic demand drops sharply.
The XLR can easily operate a 3,410-mile flight like Madrid to Boston with a full cabin (which, for Iberia's version of the jet, means having only 182 seats on board). During the winter months, it's much easier to fill than the 292 seats on the carrier's wide-body Airbus A330-300.
In summer, with wide-bodies operating high-demand existing routes, Iberia could even consider new long-haul routes, with the A321XLR capable of flying as far as the Midwest or parts of Canada from Madrid, though the airline has not announced any plans to do so at this stage.
Iberia isn't the only airline hoping to capitalize on the XLR's capabilities. Twenty-five carriers, including major players like American Airlines, United Airlines and Air Canada, have already ordered 500 frames, keeping the Airbus production line busy for many years.
Fellow International Airlines Group member Aer Lingus should be the second airline to receive the A321XLR, with the first of six on order to be delivered early next year, though Airbus is experiencing production and delivery delays.
Rather than extend seasonal routes to year-round operations like Iberia has indicated it will do, Aer Lingus plans to use the aircraft to launch new routes from Dublin to Nashville and Indianapolis, two possibilities that might not have been priorities without this jet's unique characteristics.
Iberia A321XLR business class
In business class, Iberia has installed 14 Thompson Aero Vantage Solo seats in a premium 1-1 configuration across the first seven rows of the aircraft. These seats recline to lie-flat beds and offer direct aisle access, though they face away from the windows, a decision that may not be popular with all passengers.
Travelers who have flown JetBlue's A321LR Mint to Europe will be familiar with this cabin layout and seat design, though Iberia has opted not to include sliding doors on its seats, so they feel less private than JetBlue's version.
The seats in the first row are not a type of premium business-class suite like JetBlue's Mint Suites. Instead, they're regular business-class seats with a small additional surface for more storage.
My seat initially felt snug around the waist and shoulders, though not uncomfortably so, and was about 23 inches across.
The gray and beige color scheme of the cabin also felt muted, though it does match the tone of the cabins on the airline's other planes. Occasional pops of bright red lend some color to the space.
While the seats do not seem to have much storage at first glance, several open compartments, including large spaces below the footwell and under the window, become apparent once you sit down. I was ultimately impressed with the amount of storage offered.
USB-A and -C charging ports, along with a universal power plug, were available in a console running alongside the armrest, making it easy to keep devices charged.
The airline provided bedding, including a mattress topper, a plush pillow and a comforter, even on the daytime flight.
The seat reclined to a fully flat bed about 76 inches long, which was plenty of space for my 6-foot frame.
The 18.5-inch, 4K inflight entertainment screen folded out of the seat in front, allowing easy access for business-class passengers in and out of their seats. It tilted up and down slightly, which was a thoughtful design touch since it meant that watching content was easy to do in the upright or lie-flat position.
One lavatory with an especially stylish light fixture was available at the front of the aircraft for business-class passengers.
Wi-Fi should be available for all passengers to purchase, though, unfortunately, it was inoperable on the inaugural long-haul flight.
A sturdy tray table swung out from the aisle console and could be adjusted back and forth for additional comfort.
After boarding, smart navy-blue amenity kits from Spanish designer Teresa Helbig that contained basic items like an eyemask, a dental kit and lip balm and hand cream from organic skincare brand Uvas Frescas were handed out.
Business-class passengers on Iberia's A321XLR can expect the full long-haul meal service despite the limited galley space. For the inaugural flight, this started with a fun and (oh-so-)Spanish tapas course of jamon, manchego cheese and quince paste.
A multicourse meal service followed, with options including beef fillet in oxtail juice and handmade mezzaluna pasta. A selection of Spanish cava and other Spanish wines was also on offer.
Before landing, a lighter meal of Spanish tortilla (an omelet-style egg dish) or vegetarian pie was served.
Iberia's A321XLR aircraft also has an espresso machine on board for the business-class cabin, which should help passengers perk up before landing.
There is no premium economy class on Iberia's A321XLR
Despite offering premium economy on its wide-body aircraft, Iberia took the somewhat surprising decision not to install a premium economy cabin on this aircraft despite its growing popularity among travelers.
SAS, for instance, operates a separate premium economy product on its A321LRs across the Atlantic.
According to airline representatives, this decision was not made lightly and was subject to much internal debate. Ultimately, with limited space on the jet and the 14 business-class seats taking up a significant amount of real estate, not to mention the small galley space to prepare and serve meals across multiple cabins, having a premium economy cabin just did not seem like the right fit for Iberia.
Iberia A321XLR economy class
Most of the plane is taken up by the relatively large economy cabin that has 168 seats.
These are configured in a 3-3 layout across 28 rows and are upholstered in an austere gray fabric with bright red headrests.
They are about 18 inches wide with 30 inches of pitch and 4 inches of recline, for the most part.
The headrests can be adjusted up and down, depending on your height and have wings that you can move to cradle your head.
The large overhead bins should allow nearly all passengers to stow large carry-on bags rather than having to check them.
Economy passengers on Iberia's A321XLR will also find USB-A and -C charging ports (though no AC power outlets) and can enjoy entertainment on individual 12-inch, 4K seatback entertainment screens. Iberia Plus members should also receive complimentary Wi-Fi messaging.
The best seats in the economy-class cabin are those in the bulkhead (row 21) and by the emergency exits (rows 28 and 29). These seats provide additional legroom and are about as good as you would find on any airline in economy class.
Three bathrooms are located at the rear of the cabin for those seated in economy. They're equipped with antibacterial surfaces, motion-sensor taps and pedal-operated waste bins.
Due to the fact that they were shared among 168 passengers, I noticed lines forming after the meal service.
Speaking of the meal service, Iberia A321XLR passengers in economy class can expect hot meals and complimentary beverages as well, much as they would on the airline's wide-body transatlantic flights.
What it's like flying the A321XLR across the Atlantic
I was a little apprehensive about taking a seven-hour, 30-minute flight to Boston in a narrow-body aircraft, especially when I realized the seats would be facing away from the windows. Having no working Wi-Fi on this flight also gave me time to ponder the seats and service.
Overall, the experience was very comfortable in business class. It was even comparable to my flight on Iberia's flagship A350 Next cabin to Mexico City last year, although those seats have closing privacy doors.
Still, I found the Thompson Aero Vantage Solo seats to be private and have plenty of storage. The footwell felt larger than on many reverse herringbone seats you'll find on wide-body aircraft.
Compared with the SAS' A321LR business-class experience from Copenhagen to D.C., the inflight experience felt more comfortable, spacious and premium thanks to the more advanced seats and the level of service.
What the A321XLR lacks in space, with only one aisle and limited room to move about the cabin, it makes up for with the exclusive feel of its 1-1 seat layout in business class.
Even the economy-class passengers stopped to admire and photograph the new business-class seats as they boarded, I noticed.
I would happily fly Iberia's A321XLR across the Atlantic again and am excited to see new routes made possible by the jet's next-generation technology. I'm already eyeing Aer Lingus's new Nashville route in 2025.
Related: How to book Iberia flights to Spain (and beyond) using Avios
Bottom line
The A321XLR represents the start of an exciting new chapter for mid- and long-haul travel, especially since it opens up more possibilities for flights between Europe and North America.
As more of these planes are delivered to different airline customers, expect to see seasonal routes become year-round and new routes you might not have expected to launch going into service. Hopefully, we'll see some interesting new seat types in business class and economy, too. But even more importantly, I hope that airlines will make flights on these jets available for mileage redemptions at saver levels on a regular basis.