After our British Airways flight was abruptly canceled at the last minute, we found ourselves scrambling for an alternative way home. With few options available, we ended up purchasing last-minute one-way tickets on Royal Jordanian Airlines at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)—just a few hours before departure. While the tickets were very expensive for economy class, the flight itself turned out to be a solid experience overall.
Check-In & Boarding
Despite the stress of the last-minute booking, the check-in process was smooth and efficient. The Royal Jordanian staff were friendly and helpful, which made the situation a little less frustrating. Security and immigration also moved quickly, and we made it to the gate with time to spare.
Boarding was organized and efficient, and we were relieved to finally have a confirmed way home.
Royal Jordanian In-Flight Experience
Seating & Comfort
We were seated in economy class, and while we expected a tight squeeze, we were pleasantly surprised to find an empty seat between us, which made the long-haul flight much more comfortable.
- Legroom felt slightly more generous than some other airlines.
- Seats had a decent recline, making it easier to rest.
- The aircraft appeared to be a bit older, but it was clean and well-maintained
Food & Service
For economy class, the food was decent but nothing exceptional. The meal service was efficient, and the flight attendants were professional and courteous throughout the flight. While the meal wasn’t particularly memorable, it was perfectly fine for a long-haul flight.
Entertainment System
Each seat had a seatback entertainment screen with a good selection of movies, TV shows, and music. However, the system used the older two-prong headphone jacks, which was a bit outdated. Fortunately, the airline provided headphones and adapters, allowing us to use our own noise-canceling headphones without an issue.
Final Thoughts on Royal Jordanian
Given the circumstances, our Royal Jordanian flight from Amman to JFK turned out to be a solid and comfortable experience. While the last-minute tickets were extremely expensive, the flight itself was smooth and hassle-free.
Pros:
- Friendly and efficient check-in process
- Extra seat between us made the flight more comfortable
- Decent legroom and seat recline for economy class
- Good selection of in-flight entertainment
- Helpful and professional staff
Cons:
- Extremely expensive last-minute tickets
- Older aircraft with slightly outdated entertainment system
Would we fly Royal Jordanian again? Yes—under normal circumstances and at a reasonable price. Despite the high last-minute fare, the overall experience was comfortable and hassle-free, which was exactly what we needed after the British Airways debacle.
