On the Ground: Arrival at JFK via the AirTran was quick and comfortable. Royal Jordanian shares Terminal 8 with American Airlines, and Crown Class passengers and Royal Plus members receive full access to American Airlines’ T8 lounge. Crown Class travelers can check bags curbside, obtain boarding passes and complete immigration processing without waiting in the regular queues, which speeds the check-in experience. The T8 lounge at JFK offers a broad selection of food and beverages and provides a spacious, well-organized environment even during busy periods. Private work booths are available for business travelers who prefer a quieter, more private place to work.
Pre-Flight: On board, Crown Class crew attended to passengers immediately. As I stepped onto the plane, an attendant offered to take my carry-on and escorted me to my seat, which was already prepared with a pillow and blanket. The attentive welcome helped me relax right away. A second flight attendant presented a warm towel and an amenity kit, then took a moment to open the kit and describe its contents, many of which were organic products made in Jordan. Newspapers were distributed throughout the cabin, though most were in Arabic. Overall, the staff and cabin set a welcoming tone, and as I settled into the fully adjustable seat, the stress from the long drive to JFK began to fade. It felt like the start of a very pleasant journey.
In-Flight: Royal Jordanian’s Airbus A340 Crown Class cabin uses a 2-2-2 configuration with leather seats that recline to a fully flat position. When extended, the bed measures just over 83 inches, providing ample space to stretch for tall passengers, including those around 6 feet 1 inch. Each seat features a foldaway touch-screen monitor and an extensive on-demand entertainment library with Hollywood blockbusters, classics, short films and documentaries. Although the screen itself is modest in size, the variety and quality of programming compensate for it; I was pleasantly surprised to find a sports documentary about one of my favorite professional cyclists. Royal Jordanian’s in-flight entertainment felt current and easy to use compared with other carriers I have experienced.
Shortly after takeoff, the crew presented the evening’s dining options and offered a tasting of onboard wines. Crown Class dinners are served as four courses, thoughtfully paired by the airline’s menu planners to create balanced flavors. About an hour into the flight, dinner service began with fresh breads and sliced vegetables. Main course choices included salmon with dill sauce, rosemary chicken, and petit filet with sautéed mushrooms. I chose the filet and accepted the attendant’s recommendation to pair it with a Calvet red wine. Dessert featured a selection of pastries and Arabian-style ice creams.
Following the meal, I stowed the monitor and slept for the remainder of the flight, which speaks to how quiet and comfortable the cabin environment was.
The Experience: Royal Jordanian is marking its 50th anniversary. While some newer Gulf carriers may attract more attention, Royal Jordanian remains a long-established and respected carrier with a loyal customer base thanks to consistent quality and attentive service. For travelers continuing beyond the Middle East, a stopover at the recently updated Queen Alia International Airport in Amman is worth considering. The terminal’s architecture is attractive, and Crown Class amenities there provide a comfortable and pampering experience.
GT CHECKLIST
- Less than 10 minutes for check-in
- Friendly and helpful agents
- Priority tagged baggage
- Airport lounge
- 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
- Slippers
- Lie-flat seat/bed
- Turn-down service
- In-flight menu with three entrée choices
- Top-shelf wines and liquors