Comparing Royal Jordanian’s 787 in business class and economy
Quick summary
- Royal Jordanian, a smaller Oneworld airline, offers full-service flights with a network of over 40 destinations and a modern hub in Amman.
- A recent review compared both economy and business class experiences on the airline's flagship Boeing 787-8 between London and Amman.
- Economy class featured comfortable seating, complimentary amenities and a full entertainment system, though space was somewhat limited and boarding was disorganized.
- Business class provided a comfortable seat, extensive drink options and attentive service, but had a lengthy meal service and limited privacy.
What to consider
- Business class seats offer less personal space and privacy compared to some competitors, especially on fuller flights.
- Economy passengers may find the boarding process crowded and seat space near the fuselage tight.
- Meal service in business class can be slow, with extended waits between courses.
What you'll learn in the article
- A detailed comparison of the economy and business class experiences, including specific pros and cons for each cabin on Royal Jordanian's Dreamliner.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
On TPG UK's YouTube channel, we like to cover some of the most popular airlines and journeys in the world. Sometimes, though, it's helpful to take a look at what might be considered an underdog.
Royal Jordanian is one of the smaller Oneworld airlines, yet it's a solid full-service airline with a decent route network of more than 40 destinations. It also has a modern and efficient home hub airport and, for the right routes, a fantastic additional option for using your hard-earned Avios.
British Airways competes on this route with a short-haul aircraft and service, so we wanted to put the experience on board this full-service airline to the test in both cabins.
Liam and I flew on Royal Jordanian's flagship Boeing 787-8 aircraft from London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman, Jordan. I took a seat down the back in economy, while Liam sat up front in business class (dubbed by the airline as "Crown Class").
Watch the full video below:
Need more? Read on for a breakdown of our individual experiences aboard Royal Jordanian's Dreamliner service.
Economy: Nicky Kelvin
Cost: 282 British pounds ($344).
I loved how comfortable the economy seat was. It had a solid recline and came with a complimentary pillow and blanket, making the setup even more comfortable. It was a bonus to have a full entertainment system on a relatively short flight — some competitors on this route do not offer that. The inflight meal was delicious and plentiful, especially the fish main course.
My main complaint is that the fuselage was very close to the side of the seat and encroached on my space, making my spot a little uncomfortable. The boarding process was chaotic, too: We had to wait in line to enter the gate area and again to board the aircraft.
Business Class: Liam Spencer
Cost: 42,500 American Airlines AAdvantage miles plus 253 pounds ($308).
I thought the seat itself was extremely comfortable even though it did not have as much personal space as other business-class products. The fabric was soft, and it felt as if you were sinking into the seat. There was an extensive cocktail menu, and I opted for the tequila-based paloma. It was delicious and ranks as one of the best drinks I've ever had on a plane. Additionally, the cabin crew was friendly, going above and beyond to ensure I had everything I wanted.
The experience wasn't all perfect, though. From starter to dessert, the food service lasted more than two hours. This was largely due to a long wait time in between courses. I also thought that my footwell was fairly narrow, making it hard to get into a comfy position once the seat had been turned into a fully flat bed. While I was lucky to not have a seat neighbor, if I had been on a busier flight, there would have been a significant lack of privacy.
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- May not be a good fit for those who don’t spend heavily on travel or select lifestyle categories
- Earn 100,000 bonus points + $500 Chase Travel℠ promo credit after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
- Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
- $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
- Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
- Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
- Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
- Member FDIC