BACKGROUND Royal Jordanian flies once a day between Jordan’s capital, Amman, and London Heathrow, on a two-class A330 aircraft. Flight RJ112 departs Heathrow at 1605, arriving at Queen Alia International airport at 0015, a five-hour flight. Return leg RJ111 departs Amman at 1115, arriving at 1445.
CHECK-IN On arrival at Heathrow Terminal 3 I went to the dedicated Crown Class check-in desk, where I was seen to immediately. I went through fast-track security, where the queue was minimal. On the return journey, Queen Alia International airport has a separate check-in lobby for Crown Class passengers, with its own passport control.
THE LOUNGE Crown Class passengers use the British Airways Galleries lounge in Zone F. On the return flight, passengers use RJ’s Crown Lounge at Queen Alia, which is very comfortable and well-appointed – with en suite bedrooms (from US$50 for four hours) for longer layovers – but looking a little dated. However, there’s a buzz of expectation about the new Crown Lounge facilities in Queen Alia’s upcoming Foster and Partners-designed US$800 million terminal – due to replace the current terminal early next year.
BOARDING I boarded 30 minutes before take-off, my jacket was taken to hang in a wardrobe and I was offered a pre-take-off choice of water, apple or orange juice.
THE SEAT The shell seats aren’t fully flat but the 168-degree recline is comfortable enough for five hours. I didn’t sleep, but there is sufficient space to relax or doze with a 62-inch (157.5cm) pitch and 21-inch (55cm) width. There’s also room to work – the fold-out table is adequate for an iPad, laptop or notes. Each seat has a magazine rack and a cubby hole – for me, there’s never enough stowage on a flight, and these seats are fairly frugal for storage space.
WHICH SEAT TO CHOOSE? The A330 has 24 Crown seats across four rows in a 2-2-2 configuration (A-C, D-G, H-K), which means the middle seats (D and G) offer aisle access without stepping over another passenger/being stepped over when the seats are fully reclined. For that reason, I’d recommend one of these.
THE FLIGHT We took off on time, and once airborne, a full bar service was provided. The wine list included Moët and Chandon champagne and a Laroche Chablis. There were also two Jordanian wines on offer, a white Machaerus and a red Vin D’Ammon.
The in-flight entertainment system offers a wide choice of films, TV shows, music and games shown on fold-out ten-inch screens. Computers can be charged via USB and universal plug sockets. Comforts include blankets, pillows and amenity bags with Salvatore Ferragamo products.
Dinner was served about 90 minutes after take-off, with linen, decent cutlery and crockery. A highlight was the variety of fresh Arabic mezze appetisers, which you choose from the trolley. Desserts included delicious Arabic ice cream. Service was efficient and friendly, with drinks and coffees when requested.
ARRIVAL We landed on time. Immigration and baggage reclaim were reasonably quick – despite having to put reclaimed suitcases through an X-ray scan.
VERDICT As a good flag carrier should, Royal Jordanian offers an international standard of premium product and service, while retaining the personality of its home country. The seat product is fine for the length of flight; RJ operates A340s with larger seats for its North American flights.
Factfile
- PLANE TYPE A330
- CONFIGURATION 2-2-2
- SEAT WIDTH 21in/55cm
- SEAT PITCH 62in/157.5cm
- SEAT RECLINE 168 degrees
- PRICE Internet rates for a return business class flight from London to Amman in November ranged between £1,941 and £3,007 depending on flexibility.
- CONTACT rj.com
Paul Revel
