FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Royal Jordanian, Crown Class

by fxgallagher

Feb 28, 2014
2014 / March 2014

On the Ground: Arrival at JFK via the AirTran was fast and comfortable. Royal Jordanian shares Terminal 8 with American Airlines, and those flying Crown Class or Royal Plus members get full access to AA’s T8 lounge. Crown Class passengers can check bags at the curb, obtain boarding passes and go through immigration processing without queuing, allowing them to proceed through Royal Jordanian check-in quickly. The T8 lounge at JFK has a large selection of food and beverage items, and the space is open and adequate, even at busy periods. Private work booths are a nice touch for businesspeople who prefer to have a little more room and privacy to work.

Pre-Flight: On board, Crown Class crewmembers attended to my immediate needs. As I stepped onto the plane, an attendant extended a hand to take my carry-on and led me to my seat, which was prepped with a pillow and blanket. The attendant made me feel right at home, and I could already feel my shoulders relax as I eased into my seat. A second flight attendant presented me with a warm towel and amenity kit. She also took a few minutes to open the kit and explain the contents, many of which were organic products made in Jordan. Newspapers were distributed throughout the cabin, although all of them appeared to be Arabic. Overall, I felt welcomed by the staff and surroundings, and as I began to get settled into my fully adjustable seat, I felt the tensions of the long drive to JFK begin to melt away. I got the sense this was going to be a great experience.

In-Flight: Royal Jordanian’s Airbus A340 is a 2-2-2 cabin configuration equipped with infinitely adjustable Crown Class leather seats. When adjusted to the fully flat position, the bed measured to just more than 83 inches, meaning I had ample room to stretch my 6-foot, 1-inch frame and relax for the 12-hour flight. Each seat is equipped with a foldaway touch-screen television and full selection of Hollywood blockbusters and classic movie titles, short films and documentaries. The movie selection more than made up for the somewhat smallish screen monitor; in fact, I was shocked to find a sports documentary about one of my favorite professional cyclists within the library of programming. Royal Jordanian’s IFE seemed to be more advanced and more user-friendly than others I have experienced lately.

Immediately after takeoff, the flight attendant presented the evening’s cuisine options and offered a sampling of some of their onboard wines. Crown meals consist of four courses paired by the airline’s menu planners to create a flavorful, well-rounded meal. Dinner was served about one hour into the flight, beginning with fresh breads and sliced vegetables. The main course selection included salmon with dill sauce, rosemary chicken or petit filet with sautéed mushrooms. I opted for the filet and took the advice of the attendant to pair it with a Calvet red wine. Dessert was a simple array of pastries and Arabian ice creams.

Following dinner, I folded the viewing monitor and slept for the remainder of the flight, which is a testament to how quiet and comfortable the cabin was.

The Experience: Royal Jordanian is celebrating its 50th anniversary. To some, the airline may sit quietly in the long shadow of the newer Gulf carriers, but to many who have been flying to the Middle East beyond the past decade, Royal Jordanian is truly the first and only Gulf carrier. It has a fiercely loyal following because of its commitment to outstanding quality and extraordinary customer service. If you are going beyond the Middle East, I highly recommend a stopover at the new Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Jordan. The architecture inside the terminal is beautiful, and the Crown Class amenities will pamper you.

GT CHECKLIST

  • Less than 10 minutes for check-in
  • Friendly and helpful agents
  • Priority tagged baggage
  • Airport lounge
  • Complimentary in-lounge food
  • Priority boarding
  • Helpful and courteous flight attendants
  • Pre-flight beverage service
  • Pre-flight newspapers and magazines
  • Extensive on-demand entertainment
  • Amenity kits
  • Slippers
  • Lie-flat seat/bed
  • Turn-down service
  • In-flight menu with three entrée choices
  • Top-shelf wines and liquors

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Jun 19, 2025

Avani+ Barbarons Seychelles Reopens on Mahé’s West Coast

Avani+ Barbarons Seychelles reopens on Mahé’s beautiful west coast with a new look and fresh energy. After a full-scale transformation, the resort, spanning 192 guestrooms and suites, now blends effortless beauty with contemporary design, upgraded accommodations and social spaces.

Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive

Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.

Daily
Jun 19, 2025

Field & Stream Co. Announces First Location in Bozeman, Montana

Field & Stream Lodge Co., a newly branded hospitality platform backed by the 153-year legacy and expertise of the Field & Stream brand, opened its first location in Bozeman, Montana in early May 2025.

Daily
Jun 19, 2025

The Spa at Terranea Debuts $4.5 Million Renovation

Located at Terranea Resort, a 102-acre oceanfront resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, The Spa at Terranea recently completed a $4.5 million renovation of its facilities, led by RVD Associates, a Los Angeles-based, full-service interior design firm. The 50,000-square-foot spa boasts new décor throughout, a new entry and lobby, modernized lockers and bathrooms, refreshed treatment rooms and lounge areas, and a revitalization of the outdoor areas.

Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage

Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.

Daily
Jun 18, 2025

Don’t Miss These 5 Exceptional Museums in Budapest

There’s a magic to Budapest that’s hard to define. It may be the light or scents or even sounds — regardless, a great way to get a feel for this beautiful location is through its outstanding collection of museums. Here are a few to consider:

eFlyer Deals
Jun 18, 2025

Thompson Houston Debuts Ultimate July 4 Offer

Thompson Houston redefines Independence Day festivities with a once-in-a-lifetime, ultra-luxury offer. Book the hotel’s Ultimate 4th of July Celebration offer, available exclusively on July 4, and receive a two-night stay in the hotel’s Penthouse Suite.

Seoul: Your Next MICE Destination

Seoul has rapidly become a leading global MICE hub, known for its rich culture, advanced technology and strong economy. As the capital of South Korea, it offers a strategic location in East Asia and a booming cultural influence through K-pop, K-movies, Korean cuisine and K-dramas. With its vibrant atmosphere and business-friendly environment, Seoul is increasingly the top choice for MICE organizers and corporate travelers seeking connection and collaboration.

eFlyer News
Jun 18, 2025

Book Beyoncé-Inspired Rhinestone Ranch Promotions at Conrad Washington, DC

In time for Independence Day and the biggest concert tour of summer, Conrad Washington, DC prepares with exclusive Rhinestone Ranch promotions celebrating Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour at Northwest Stadium.