A two hour flight in the middle of the night on a regional jet. My expectations were high…
I’m being facetious, of course, but my RJ flight from Amman to Kuwait absolutely shocked me…in a good way.
Royal Jordanian 644
Amman (AMM) – Kuwait (KWI)
Saturday, June 04
Depart: 01:05 AM
Arrive: 03:10 AM
Duration: 02hr, 05min
Distance: 735 miles
Aircraft: Embraer ERJ-195
Seat: 4A (Business Class)
My flight was originally scheduled to be operated by an Airbus A320, but stepping out onto the tarmac, it became quickly clear that I would not fly on an A320 to Kuwait. Instead, it was an Embraer ERJ-195.
No problem, as this regional jet has a comfortable 1-2 seating layout in business class. I like having a private “A” seat and scored a seat in the last row, four.
A very friendly FA greeted each passenger, offering Arabic coffee.
We took off and nuts were served with choice of beverage and hot towel.
We’re talking about a sub-two hour flight in the middle of the night. I thought this ramekin of nuts was more than enough. But no, the meal had not even begun.
A tray with an Arabic mezze + seafood appetizer with fresh green salad and warm bread roll appeared. What a great meal, I thought, for such a short flight. I also appreciated the real salt & pepper grinders and German salad dressing.
As I leaned back in my seat, the FA stopped by and offered me a main course. More food? Really? I took it and am glad that I did: it was one of the better chicken dishes I’ve ever had on an airplane.
But wait, there’s more! Finally, dessert appeared: chocolate cake. I had a cup of tea with it. Talk about a great meal.
That still left me with an hour to nap before arriving in Kuwait. We landed on time in Kuwait City.
CONCLUSION
What a pleasure this flight was. Perhaps my expectations were too low, but they were blown out of the water. Royal Jordanian is great for regional flying in business class.
Glad they have an oven on this plane, it sometimes feels like not many airlines do.
Also, note these seats also have an astray as well…
They did, but I did not smell anything. Only on that ME flight from DXB-BEY.
Frankly, I always travel with RJ and the crew have been always helpful, understanding and professional. Sometimes I travel business class and the same service that you got in your trip, I get always and even better if you are travelling to US.
As for economy the food is good too and I really like how they serve the hummus in tube which I found it very hygiene and practical. What I can say is, although their planes are old, the staff always do their best either for economy passengers or business class passengers and even they help passengers with children more. Thank you RJ and keep the good work.
Matthew
Great write up as always.
Know that you were pleased and excited about the unexpected elements of the flight.
Make the review even better – please proofread it. There are a couple of gems.
When you approached the salt and pepper grinders and salad dressing did you salute them? Address them on a first name basis?
Uh oh. This will not go over well with Matthew……….
Oh boy. This will not go over well with Matthew. Thin skin syndrome.
Hi Sheree, thank you for the feedback. I’ve made the corrections.
Thanks, Matthew. I always enjoy reading your reviews, and they are even better when the correct words appear!
Thanks, Matthew. I always enjoy reading your reviews, and they are even better when the correct words appear!
Just curious, has all this Middle East flying placed you in SSSS hell?
Matthew–Thank you for this review. Another stunning example of what is possible on a short flight (and on an RJ, to boot). I remember in the 90’s Swissair cooked eggs to order for breakfast in F on a one hour flight! I know US airlines and crews are not set up to deliver this level of service, but it is good to know that someone is still doing it.
Just out of curiosity, does anyone have a reason why so many flight operations in the Middle East and Africa are conducted at such ungodly hours of the night? It seems to be pretty common for flights to be departing at 1, 2 or 3 am in that part of the world. Always seemed odd to me.