Royal Jordanian Business Class 787 Review: Oneworld Status, Underperforming Product

Royal Jordanian is a oneworld member airline, which means Alaska Atmos and American AAdvantage members can book its business class at partner award rates. A fresh 5.3/10 review of the 787 cabin on the Bangkok–Amman route is the data point that should inform whether that redemption is worth it.

Why This Comparison Matters

Royal Jordanian occupies a routing niche that few oneworld carriers cover: Asia–Middle East connections with onward access to Amman, the Levant, and African destinations beyond Gulf hubs. For travelers who need that geographic bridge, it often comes up in award searches. The question is whether the cabin product justifies the miles at partner rates — or whether cash on a Gulf carrier is the better path.

What Makes It Different

The hardware is the strongest part of the product. The 787 features Collins Aerospace Diamond flat-bed seats in a 2-2-2 configuration, which are genuine flat-beds with enough width for most travelers to sleep comfortably — particularly in window positions with an empty middle seat. Individual air nozzles (a detail that matters more than it should on long-haul) are present. The standout amenity is unlimited Viasat Wi-Fi with no data cap — a genuine differentiator versus carriers that still charge by the megabyte or impose data limits on business class.

The bedding is quality; the flat-bed functions. On the hardware scorecard, this is a functional but not exceptional oneworld business product.

The Catch / Who It’s For

The service and soft product are where the 5.3/10 rating is earned — and not positively. The review flags: no pre-departure drinks offered, no wine menu or bottle presentation, cardboard bread rolls served at room temperature, and a breakfast limited to carbs and fruit with no hot option. The crew was described as disengaged, with slow beverage service and failure to address passenger disruptions. The IFE system has “strong 2008 vibes” — functional but dated.

The footwell is tight. Power outlets are positioned behind the seat, requiring contortion to use during flight. Lavatory cleanliness was specifically cited as a complaint.

For travelers whose primary need is a lie-flat seat on a geographic routing that no better oneworld carrier serves at an accessible award rate, Royal Jordanian fulfills that functional requirement. For anyone for whom service quality or meal execution is a meaningful part of the business class experience, the product will disappoint.

Source: One Mile at a Time

Content created with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.