FX Excursions

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

Royal Jordanian, Crown Class

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.

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
May 30, 2023

Play in the Sand at North Myrtle Beach

Just north of the city of Myrtle Beach in coastal South Carolina, North Myrtle Beach has grown from a tranquil farming region into a prized leisure destination. Way back in 1737, landowner William Gause built a tavern that became a welcome stop for vacationers and others traveling along Kings Highway, a route stretching from Boston to Charleston. Today, this sunny, friendly beach town is a popular endpoint all on its own.

Plan Your Escape to Arizona

Indulgent escapes are made even more enjoyable by fast, easy access — and that’s what Arizona offers. Quick, non-stop and direct flights to one of two international airports put all the luxury of The Grand Canyon State within easy reach.

April/May 2023
May 30, 2023

Embrace the Power to Make Environmental Change as you Travel

News of climate change and its impact on the Earth and our environment has been harsh, to say the least. In fact, the American Psychological Association defines the term “eco-anxiety” as “a chronic fear of environmental doom.”

Daily
May 30, 2023

Sample the Cuisine of Distinguished Chefs at Cayo Levantado Resort’s 5-Star Dining

Cayo Levantado Resort recently announced a selection of dining options available to guests upon opening June 1. With an emphasis on rich cultural traditions and fresh local ingredients, the resort teamed up with a distinguished team of experts to offer a variety of gastronomic possibilities. The resort’s restaurant invites travelers to sample world-class cuisine crafted with the soul of the Caribbean. Keep reading to see how each restaurant brings its own flare to the dining experience.

Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler

Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler

Daily
May 30, 2023

Rocco Forte Hotels Raises the Bar for Summer 2023 Travel

Rocco Forte Hotels offers travelers new experiences and amenities for summer 2023.

Daily
May 26, 2023

Take Part in These Sustainable Travel Experiences with Explore Worldwide

Taking care of the planet is a growing priority with travelers wanting to ensure there’s a healthy world to even explore. Global travel adventure company Explore Worldwide (a Hotelplan travel group brand) recently formed a climate timely partnership with Klimate and Rewilding Britain, affirming its dedication to both rewilding efforts and carbon removal within the travel industry.

Treasure Every Moment in The Islands of Tahiti

Welcome to The Islands of Tahiti, where every moment is a treasure waiting to be discovered. From the moment you arrive, you will be greeted with warm hospitality, time-honored traditions and an awe-inspiring landscape that will take your breath away.

April/May 2023
May 26, 2023

Expansive Designs and Overhauls Take Airports to the Next Level

Recently, the Federal Aviation Administration announced the availability of $1 billion for airport expansion projects in 2023, awarding grants to some U.S. airports to make improvements to terminals.