Evaluating Royal Jordanian's Quirky Business Class Seats: Are They Worth It?

Royal Jordanian's Quirky Business Class Seats

When it comes to air travel experiences, the importance of business class seating cannot be overstated. Recently, Royal Jordanian has drawn attention with its controversial business class seating on flights, particularly on the Embraer E190/195-E2 aircraft. These next-generation regional jets are often used for longer flights, typically lasting up to five hours.

Unusual Seat Design

Royal Jordanian has opted to change its business class seat layout from the previous 1-2 configuration to a 2-2 arrangement with a unique twist. The seats are staggered, meaning that the window and aisle seats are not aligned but instead offset. The primary aim of this design appears to be enhancing passenger privacy and providing a bit more room compared to economy class seats.

Challenges of Use

However, this seating design also presents some challenges. To access the window seat, passengers must step over the person sitting in the aisle seat, which can be inconvenient, especially on long flights. When the seats recline, the space between them becomes almost nonexistent, making it even harder to move around.

Flight Experience

Perhaps the most uncomfortable aspect is the feeling of being watched when sitting in the window seat. The person in the aisle seat is almost directly behind you, which severely limits your sense of privacy. If the person next to you happens to be a security officer or flight attendant, it can add an extra layer of tension. From my personal experience, this is not a seat I would want to choose on my next flight.

Cost Comparison

The price for business class tickets on Royal Jordanian flights typically ranges from 20 million to 40 million VND, depending on the timing and route. Compared to other airlines, this pricing is quite competitive for business class, but is the experience worth the money?

Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers

For Vietnamese travelers looking to fly with Royal Jordanian, be aware that you will need a visa to enter Jordan. Flights from Vietnam to Amman usually require a layover in places like Doha or Dubai. The travel time from Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) to Amman (AMM) can take up to 15 hours, depending on layover durations.

The best time to fly to Jordan is from March to May and from September to November, when the weather is more pleasant and not too hot. It's also advisable to carry enough cash for expenses, as while credit cards are widely accepted, having cash on hand can be more convenient when exploring outside.

Final Tips

If you plan to fly business class with Royal Jordanian, I recommend opting for an aisle seat in the third row to avoid that feeling of being watched. However, if you're seeking a more comfortable and private experience, you might want to consider other airlines in the region.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Royal Jordanian's new business class seats offer an experience that may not meet expectations. While designed with the intention of providing privacy and space, they unfortunately create several challenges and inconveniences for passengers. If you're looking for a comfortable flight, be sure to think carefully before booking your ticket!

Article referenced and edited from: One Mile at a Time