Flying long distances, especially with a family, is always an adventure, but not always the most glamorous one. After booking a last-minute trip to Jordan with my family, I found myself on a 27-hour flight with Royal Jordanian, the national airline of Jordan. Though the price was right, at just under $4,000 for four tickets, the experience left me with mixed feelings. Here’s a detailed look at my journey, what worked, what didn’t, and why Royal Jordanian wouldn’t be my first choice for another long-haul flight.
The Flight Booking: Affordability and Accessibility First
In typical fashion, I booked the cheapest flights available for our family vacation, which included four legs of the journey. Our trip involved flying from Washington, DC, to Amman, then continuing on to Cairo, before returning to Amman and heading back to Washington, DC. The price of these flights was significantly lower than most other options, especially for a non-stop route from Washington, DC to Amman, which Royal Jordanian had recently launched. Given that my priority was value over luxury, I was content with the deal, though I had little knowledge of the airline’s services.
First Impressions: A Less-Than-Ideal Start
The first thing that struck me when I boarded the plane was the condition of the seats. They didn’t look particularly modern or well-maintained. The bright red blankets tied with ribbons offered a slight touch of color, but the overall ambiance felt a little tired. As someone who often travels economy on long-haul flights, I was accustomed to seeing worn-out planes, but the seats on Royal Jordanian seemed especially lackluster.
That said, the seats themselves were surprisingly comfortable. Despite their outdated appearance, the 17-inch-wide seats were adequately padded and reclined enough to offer comfort for the duration of the 11-hour flight. I also had sufficient legroom, which is often a concern when flying economy on long-haul flights. The pillow and blanket provided were decent, but there was one glaring omission—there was no amenity kit, which many other airlines provide even in economy. For example, on recent long-haul flights with Turkish Airlines and Etihad Airways, I received small but useful items such as an eye mask, lip balm, and hand lotion, which enhanced my in-flight experience. The lack of this small luxury on Royal Jordanian made the flight feel somewhat more basic.
In-Flight Meals: Disappointing and Lackluster
When it comes to flying long distances, one of the things I look forward to (albeit with low expectations) is the in-flight meal. Unfortunately, Royal Jordanian’s meal service did not meet my hopes. I received a veggie sandwich that was far from fresh—stale and lacking in flavor. While it was accompanied by a small salad, fruit, and a roll, the entire meal felt underwhelming. I was hoping for something more flavorful, but I simply ended up eating it to avoid going hungry.
What was even more disappointing was the absence of complimentary snacks. Even though not every airline offers snacks on long flights, most of the major carriers I’ve flown with have at least provided something to nibble on between meals. On my Royal Jordanian flights, however, no snacks were offered at all. As a parent, I was especially disappointed by this oversight as I rely on small snacks to keep my kids content during long flights. The lack of these simple comforts made the flight feel less accommodating.
Entertainment and Amenities: A Mixed Bag
While the in-flight meal was forgettable, the entertainment options were more pleasant. The plane’s seatback screens, though small, had a solid selection of movies and games to pass the time. I’ve been on long-haul flights where there were no seatback screens at all, so this was a welcome feature. However, some of the films were outdated, and the games offered little more than basic puzzles. Despite this, I was still able to find enough to watch to help the hours pass more quickly.
However, I did find the lack of additional amenities a bit troubling. I’m used to receiving at least a basic amenity kit on long-haul flights—something that helps make a long journey feel more comfortable and adds a small touch of luxury. The absence of such items on Royal Jordanian’s economy class felt like a missed opportunity to elevate the overall experience.
The Airport Experience: A Bright Spot
One of the highlights of my journey was my time at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, the hub for Royal Jordanian. The airport itself was modern and welcoming, with plenty of natural light and well-designed spaces that made the time spent there comfortable. I was fortunate to have access to a fantastic lounge, thanks to my Priority Pass membership, which I obtained through a travel credit card. The lounge offered a great selection of food and drinks, making it a pleasant place to relax before catching my connecting flight.
The Bottom Line: Not the Best, But Adequate
Overall, my experience flying with Royal Jordanian was not unpleasant, but it wasn’t exactly memorable either. The seats were comfortable enough, and the entertainment options helped pass the time. However, the lack of in-flight amenities, snacks, and a satisfying meal left me feeling somewhat underwhelmed. I would recommend Royal Jordanian to anyone seeking a budget-friendly option for long-haul travel, but I wouldn’t choose it again for a premium experience. The airline did get me to my destination safely, which is the most important thing, but it fell short in providing the comforts and conveniences that make long flights more enjoyable.
Though I would be open to trying Royal Jordanian’s business class on a future trip if the price were right, I’ll likely choose another airline for my next long-haul flight. For those planning to fly with Royal Jordanian in economy, I recommend packing your own snacks, comfort items, and perhaps even an amenity kit to ensure a more pleasant flight.
