On the Ground: Arriving at JFK two hours before departure, signage in Terminal 8 was confusing, but staff made the process smooth. I was directed to the Royal Jordanian counter and greeted by a courteous, professional agent who quickly checked me into Crown Class. I received access to the Crown Class Lounge (shared with American Airlines’ Admirals Club) and two complimentary drink vouchers. My itinerary included an 11-hour nonstop to Amman, a four-hour layover, and a three-hour final leg to Dubai.
In the lounge I used my drink vouchers and found a comfortable, well-appointed space with a full menu, numerous seating areas, several computer workstations, a coffee and pastry bar, and separate men’s and women’s shower facilities. The lounge provided a calm place to work and relax before we headed to the gate about 40 minutes prior to boarding.
Pre-Flight: Boarding the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in Crown Class felt welcoming and refined. The cabin’s warm lighting and spacious design resemble an understated luxury interior. Seats are arranged 2-2-2 and convert to lie-flat beds measuring approximately 21 inches wide and 78 inches long. Even at six feet tall and broader than average, I found the B/E Aerospace seats comfortable for both sitting and sleeping.
Flight attendants supplied cozy blankets, pillows, a dinner menu, and an overnight amenity kit that included slippers. A pre-flight beverage was offered while attendants explained the in-flight entertainment system: a 17-inch monitor with movies, TV shows, games, and multiple connectivity options including USB ports.
In-Flight: The Dreamliner’s quiet cabin and smooth climb impressed immediately. Despite a full load of passengers, baggage, and fuel for the long haul, takeoff was nearly silent and exceptionally smooth. Dinner service began after takeoff with a light salad and salmon appetizer, followed by a full trolley service. The flight attendant was especially attentive and knowledgeable—important for my severe nut allergy—and she confirmed my meal was prepared safely. I enjoyed a beef filet with fresh vegetables; other menu choices included pasta and chicken. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and satisfying.
After watching a film, cabin lights were dimmed and window shades adjusted automatically to reflect time at our destination. Amman is seven hours ahead of New York, so this helped set the cabin for arrival. I managed a couple of hours of sleep in the lie-flat seat, though when nature called during the night I had to step over my sleeping companion since we were seated at the window. For easier aisle access, I recommend selecting one of the center-pair seats.
Upon waking, passengers freshened up; the Crown Class lavatory could be larger but remained clean, bright, and well maintained. Breakfast—coffee, fruit, and an omelet—arrived promptly and was served with the same attentive service as dinner. We landed on schedule and were directed to a dedicated security lane for connecting passengers.
During the four-hour transit at Queen Alia International Airport we used the Crown Class Lounge, which is spacious and comfortable with abundant food options, a full bar, shower facilities, and individual entertainment booths—an ideal transit experience before continuing to Dubai.
For the short hop to Dubai we flew on an Airbus A320. Crown Class service on the A320 was good, but the overall comfort and level of detail on the 787-8 remained unmatched.
The Experience: Royal Jordanian’s 787-8 Dreamliner Crown Class delivers an exceptional long-haul experience. Attentive service, comfortable lie-flat seats, generous amenities, and quiet, modern aircraft design place Royal Jordanian among top regional carriers. If your travel allows a stop in Jordan, the combination of service quality and the option to explore Amman makes Royal Jordanian an appealing choice for travel to the Middle East.
GT CHECKLIST
Less than 10 minutes for check-in
Friendly and helpful agents
Priority tagged baggage
Airport lounge access
Complimentary in-lounge food
Priority boarding
Helpful and courteous flight attendants
Pre-flight beverage service
Pre-flight newspapers and magazines
Extensive on-demand entertainment
Amenity kits provided
Slippers included
Lie-flat seat/bed
Turn-down service
In-flight menu with three entrée choices
Top-shelf wines and liquors available