transatlantic · 8h 20m · 6,555 km

Charlotte to Madrid

2 airlines · 2 aircraft ranked

In business class, Iberia's Business Plus (A330-200) leads the field with a 7.4/10.American is the only carrier offering premium economy on this route, scoring 4.5/10.

How we score → Last updated June 2026

Quick pick

Best business class:strong pick

Fly Iberia. It has 3 more inches of legroom and a wider seat (26" vs 21").

If fares are comparable, this is the better cabin.

Best economy:strong pick

Fly Iberia. It has a wider seat (18" vs 17").

If prices are similar, go with this one.

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1
Business PlusIberia · Airbus A330-200 · 2020 cabinBest on route
Lie-flat · 1-2-1 · 78" pitch · Paid Wi-FiAvg. reliabilityPoints: Chase UR, Amex MR, Bilt
Full power outlets + Wider seat + Mattress pad
7.4
Very good
Seat 7.4·Amenity 7.5
2
Flagship BusinessAmerican · Boeing 777-200ER · 2015 cabin
Lie-flat · 1-2-1 · 75" pitch · Paid Wi-FiAvg. reliabilityPoints: Citi TYP
5.9
Average
Seat 5.9·Amenity 6.0

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Data verified June 2026

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Airlines on this route

Route insights

  • In business class, Iberia's Business Plus (A330-200) leads the field with a 7.4/10.
  • American is the only carrier offering premium economy on this route, scoring 4.5/10.
  • In economy, Iberia's Turista (A330-200) leads the field with a 4.8/10.

Frequently asked

Which is better in business: American or Iberia on CLT-MAD?

Business Plus (Iberia, A330-200) beats Flagship Business (American Airlines, 777-200ER) in business, scoring 7.4/10 vs 5.9. The deciding factor: AC outlet vs no power.

Which is better in economy: American or Iberia on CLT-MAD?

Turista (Iberia, A330-200) beats Economy (American Airlines, 777-200ER) in economy, scoring 4.8/10 vs 3.6. The deciding factor: 18"-wide seats vs 17".

What are the best seats in American Flagship Business on CLT-MAD?

Best: True window seats in odd rows for best privacy. Avoid: Even-row window seats face the aisle. Concept D herringbone — direct aisle access but no door. Pre-retrofit; Flagship Suite upgrade scheduled 2027+. 18-inch IFE is larger than 787 variant.

What are the best seats in American Premium Economy on CLT-MAD?

Best: Window pairs for 2-across privacy. Avoid: Inner center seats. 2-4-2 layout. 12-inch IFE. Enhanced meals with alcohol.

What are the best seats in American Economy on CLT-MAD?

Best: Main Cabin Extra rows for extra pitch. Avoid: Last rows near lavatories. 3-4-3 economy. 10.6-inch IFE. Main Cabin Extra available for additional legroom.

What are the best seats in Iberia Business Plus on CLT-MAD?

Best: Even-numbered window seats (2A, 4A) position the console between you and the aisle for better privacy. Avoid: Odd-numbered aisle-adjacent seats sit practically in the aisle with minimal privacy. 19 Stelia Solstys seats in 1-2-1 staggered. No doors. Mattress pad, duvet, and full-size pillow. 15.4-inch screen. WiFi transitioning to free Starlink in 2026.

What are the best seats in Iberia Turista on CLT-MAD?

Best: Window pairs in 2-abreast sections (A-B or H-J) avoid the 4-abreast center block. Avoid: Inner seats in the 4-abreast center section. Last rows near rear galley. 269 economy seats in 2-4-2. No premium economy on this aircraft. 31-inch pitch. Complimentary meals on transatlantic flights.