Reassessing the Business Class Experience on Royal Jordanian

Flight from Bangkok to Amman

I recently wrapped up an exciting journey and after a lengthy nine-hour flight from Bangkok (BKK) to Amman (AMM) aboard Royal Jordanian's Boeing 787-8, I feel compelled to share my impressions of the experience. While there are larger issues in life, my disappointment largely stems from the fact that Royal Jordanian is undergoing significant reforms, particularly regarding service quality.

Space and Seating

The business class on Royal Jordanian's Boeing 787-8 features Collins Aerospace Diamond seats. While these seats are quite comfortable, and I was fortunate to have an empty seat beside me, they still fall short compared to offerings from other airlines. On a positive note, the addition of thick padding has enhanced the sleeping experience for passengers.

In-Flight Amenities

Notably, this flight included free Wi-Fi for all passengers, a service typically reserved for business class. This allowed travelers to stay connected throughout the flight without the need for a login, which was a bright spot in their service system.

Lack of Service Refinement

Despite a few positive aspects, it’s hard to overlook the numerous shortcomings in Royal Jordanian's service. Firstly, there was only one restroom designated for business class passengers, and it was extremely unclean. By the end of the flight, the restroom resembled a poorly maintained public facility, which is simply unacceptable.

Flight Attendant Crew

Regarding the flight attendants, while one older steward was very friendly and attentive, two younger attendants left a less favorable impression. One of them seemed almost indifferent to the passengers. This is not what I expect when flying in business class.

Meal Quality

As for the menu, Royal Jordanian typically offers excellent meal quality on long-haul flights, but this time, the meal was simply a tray of food served after takeoff, without any appetizers, and the service was slow. Breakfast consisted of just four pieces of bread, which was far from sufficient for such a long flight.

Noise Issues During the Flight

Throughout the flight, I also faced challenges with noise from a passenger seated in front of me who was watching videos without headphones. Despite the crew passing by multiple times, no action was taken to address the situation, which diminished the flight experience for others.

Review of the Lounge in Amman

Finally, upon arriving at the Royal Jordanian lounge in Amman, I encountered similar cleanliness issues. The space was completely empty, yet many tables were still littered with trash. This reflects poorly on the attentiveness of the airline's service.

Conclusion

In summary, my business class experience with Royal Jordanian did not meet expectations. While there were some improvements in seating and amenities, the performance of the crew, meal quality, and customer care were significant detractors from the overall value of the trip. A little more effort in cleanliness and passenger care could make a huge difference. If you're considering flying with Royal Jordanian, take some time to think carefully before booking your ticket.

Reference and edited from: One Mile at a Time