TRIP REPORT: From Guatemala to Slovenia

TRIP REPORT

Written by Matjaž Nose

I am going to share my Iberia long-haul flight experience in today's trip report. After visiting El Salvador and Guatemala, two fascinating Central American countries, it was time to fly back home. Unfortunately, Iberia doesn’t operate flights to Ljubljana or Zagreb, the closest airports to my home, at this time of year. The next best option was Venice Marco Polo Airport, which is also relatively close to where I live. Since Iberia is the only European carrier offering direct flights to both Guatemala City and San Salvador, and I hadn’t experienced their long-haul operations before, choosing Iberia was an easy decision. I booked my ticket several months in advance, but due to the Christmas and New Year holiday season, the fare was still €1,350 for my Venice-Madrid-San Salvador and Guatemala City-Madrid-Venice roundtrip. This price included one 23 kg checked bag.

This report will highlight my return flight from Guatemala City to Venice.

Guatemala City’s La Aurora International Airport is essentially located within the capital city. My Uber ride from my hotel in Zone 1, near the main square, to the airport took about half an hour and cost only 31 quetzals or approximately €4. The national currency, the quetzal, is named after the quetzal bird, which holds historical significance dating back to Maya times when its tail feathers were used as currency. La Aurora is a relatively small and somewhat outdated airport. It’s quite basic, but I was able to complete my check-in and immigration process quickly and without any hassle. In the check-in area, there are a few restaurants, but they mostly serve fast food. Airside you’ll find shops selling Guatemalan souvenirs and other goods, along with some restaurants and bars. I had already checked in online, so at the airport, I simply had to drop off my luggage, collect my printed boarding passes, and get a baggage tag before heading to security. My seat for the next several hours to Madrid was 44C on Iberia’s A330-200 aircraft. On long-haul night flights, I always prefer an aisle seat. It gives me the freedom to use the restroom or grab snacks from the galley without disturbing other passengers.

Check-in area for Iberia flight

Last Guatemalan coffee before departure

The incoming flight from Madrid arrived about 20 minutes late. It was a seven-year-old Airbus A330-200 (registration EC-MUD) featuring Iberia's standard livery. All passengers, including those continuing to San Salvador, and the cabin crew disembarked here. Passengers with San Salvador as their final destination were required to go through another security check before boarding resumed. Boarding was organized in groups, numbered 1 through 4, for the short 25-minute flight from Guatemala City to San Salvador. A new cabin crew also joined the flight in Guatemala City.

Iberia A330-200 upon arrival from Madrid

Business class seat

Economy class cabin

Safety video

Our “Johannesburgo” aircraft as it was named, departed with nearly a half-hour delay. Shortly after takeoff, we began our descent into San Salvador's Saint Óscar Arnulfo Romero y Galdámez Airport. This airport is larger and more modern compared to La Aurora Airport, even though El Salvador is a much smaller country than Guatemala. We landed at 19:25 on January 6, 2025. Once again, all passengers disembarked, including those with San Salvador as their final destination and those of us continuing to Madrid. I had to pass through another security check before proceeding to Gate 19, which was designated for our Madrid-bound flight. For its Guatemala and El Salvador operations, Iberia runs daily triangular flights on the Madrid–Guatemala City–San Salvador–Madrid route. This route appears to be quite popular, as both of my flights (Madrid to San Salvador and Guatemala City to Madrid) seemed completely full. Of course, the holiday season likely contributed significantly to the nearly 100% load factor. The aircraft used for our route was an Airbus A330-200, featuring a standard 2-4-2 seat configuration in economy class. Other wide-body aircraft in Iberia's fleet include the A330-300 and A350-900. Recently, they also introduced the A321XLR, which is used on routes like Madrid - Boston. For short-haul operations, Iberia relies on A319, A320, and A321 jets.

Given Spain’s colonial history in Latin America, it’s no surprise that Iberia is a major player in this market. The airline serves some destinations that are relatively exotic for European carriers, such as Guatemala City, San Salvador, Quito, Guayaquil, Medellín, and Montevideo. Additionally, Iberia offers multiple daily connections to larger cities like Bogotá, Mexico City, and Buenos Aires.

Flight map for GUA - SAL flight

Stopover in San Salvador

The layover in San Salvador lasted about an hour and a half, with a scheduled departure time of 21:05. I returned to my economy class (clase turista) seat, 44C. This time, a white pillow and red blanket bundle were placed on every seat. The bundle’s paper strap included a QR code that, when scanned, linked to the flight’s menu card. To access it, you needed to input details such as the flight number, date, and cabin class. The QR code also provided information on the flight’s Wi-Fi options. For our flight, a full "Browse & Stream" pass was priced at €22.49, while a four-hour pass cost €13.49. The economy seat was fairly standard, with decent legroom and the usual amenities found on wide-body aircraft, such as a responsive in-flight entertainment (IFE) system and power outlets located between the seats. Passengers were provided with a blanket and a pillow, but no complimentary amenity kits were offered. However, there was an option to purchase their “Pack Wellness” kit for €12.

Boarding for San Salvador - Madrid leg of the flight

Pillow and blaket bundle with QR code

After a safety video featuring different Spanish landmarks, we took off on time. About an hour into the flight, the cabin crew began serving meals. There were two main options: chicken stroganoff with mashed potatoes and oven-roasted pumpkin, or cheese ravioli in béchamel and tomato sauce topped with cheese. For dessert, we were served a cream and berry sweet roll topped with dark chocolate. I must admit, the menu descriptions sounded far better than the food itself. I opted for the chicken meal accompanied by red wine. The meal was average, not the worst I’ve had on a flight, but certainly not the best either. The wine, however, was excellent, and the use of metal cutlery was a nice touch. After the meal, tea or coffee was offered as well. Once the trays were collected, we were asked to lower the window shades, and the cabin lights were dimmed for the rest of the flight. Our route took us over Cuba and Bermuda before crossing the vast Atlantic Ocean. After a few hours, we passed the Azores and continued toward mainland Portugal, eventually beginning our descent into Madrid Barajas Airport. The flight itself was largely uneventful, with only occasional turbulence. About an hour before landing, the cabin lights were turned back on, and a pre-arrival snack was served. This consisted of a small sandwich and a muffin, along with a choice of beverages such as juice, coffee, or tea.

Main meal

Rear galley

Flight map of San Salvador - Madrid flight

Pre-arrival sandwich and orange juice

We had very favourable tailwinds during our flight, allowing us to land an hour and twenty minutes ahead of the scheduled arrival time. The total flight time was only 9 hours (for comparison, the same day’s inbound flight from Madrid to Guatemala City took almost 12 hours). We landed at the T4S satellite terminal at Barajas Airport, which is used by Iberia. With plenty of time before my next flight, I made my way to the main T4 terminal, where my final flight was departing. A modern train connects the two terminals, making the transfer convenient. Since I was connecting to a Schengen flight, I first had to clear immigration at the T4S terminal. Later, at the T4 terminal, I also went through a security check. The entire transfer process was straightforward and didn’t take much time.

Parking position at Madrid Barajas airport

Terminal T4S to T4 train at Madrid airport

Terminal T4 of Madrid airport

I had to wait for the boarding gate for my Venice-bound flight to be assigned. Eventually, Gate J52 was announced for our IB681 flight to Venice. The aircraft chosen for the flight was an A320neo, registered as EC-MXY. It was Tuesday, January 7, and boarding was once again organised by groups. I was in Group 3, walking down the jet bridge onto the plane and settling into my window seat in the rear cabin. The aircraft featured three cabin classes: business class, XL economy, and standard economy. The seats in the economy cabin do not recline and have limited legroom. Additionally, there is no complimentary meal or drink service. However, if you're hungry or thirsty, you can purchase food and beverages from their Gastrobar menu.

Our departure was scheduled for 16:35, and we departed on time. Based on what I observed, the flight was about 80-90% full. We first headed toward Barcelona, flew along the French Mediterranean coast, and then entered Italian airspace. During the flight, I tried the Gastrobar service. For €11, I purchased the Combo Gourmet, which included a ham sandwich and a beer. The bocadillo de jamón was delicious, and the Alhambra beer complemented it perfectly. At around 19:00, after almost two and a half hours in the air, we landed at a foggy Marco Polo Airport. From there, it took another three hours to reach my home in Slovenia, completing one of the most fascinating trips of my life.

Boarding for my last Madrid - Venice flight

Ascending from Barajas Airport

Ham sandwich and beer from Gastrobar menu

Arrival to foggy Venice Marco Polo airport

I have no regrets about flying with Iberia. The flights met my expectations, and while the service was average, the main advantage was their direct routes to the destinations I wanted to visit. Additionally, all my flights were on time, so I had no issues with my connections in Madrid.

And at the very end let me write few words on Guatemala and El Salvador. These two countries exceeded my expectations with their stunning landscapes filled with volcanoes and lakes, friendly people, fascinating Maya sites, and so much more. The highlight of my trip was a two-day hike to the summit of Acatenango Volcano, where you can witness the eruptions of Fuego Volcano up close. An absolutely incredible experience!

Christmas time in San Salvador

Flores Island, Guatemala

Tikal, Guatemala

Chichicastenango market, Guatemala

Sunrise from the Acatenango summit with Fuego volcano eruption in the background, Guatemala

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