After less than 24 hours in Hong Kong, it was sadly time to head home, my last 2 trips hear have had me confined to the airport spotting, hopefully next time I have more time free to visit the city again, wonderful place.
View of my hotel and the taxi’s all lined up by colour
The visibility had been really poor, quite a contrast to my last visits, the locals blame China
After parting company with Brewox after 6pm, I headed back to my room, did the usual jobs in the hotel and checked out, I could hear many Australian voices in the hotel lobby,though it a bit odd, later discovered this was the Qantas grounding, something that would affect Brewox the next day, PH was too affected, though thankfully TK came to his rescue, LH saved Brewox.
A short walk and I arrived at terminal 2 just after 8pm. Check-in for RJ183 was in zone N tonight, both business class counters were busy, I was directed to an empty economy check-in counter.
The check-in process was painless and conducted by a pretty disinterested contract employee, both boarding passes and lounge invitation in hand I headed off to clear security.
Normally I give myself plenty of time, especially so when having to go via terminal 2 as it takes longer, what with getting the train etc, however today was not the case and because I was running later than I usually like, everything seemed to be taking longer, like clearing security etc etc.
Arrival into T1 was done by 20:30, with boarding starting at 20:45 that gave me just a few spare minutes to check out the lounge and grab a drink before heading to the gate.
FIDS
RJ use the Travelers Lounge, I guess because it is cheaper than using a OW partner lounge.
The lounge has a cash bar, however I have a stamp on my boarding pass which allows free drinks.
Lounge pass
Entry is quick and I find somewhere to drop my bags before taking a wander.
It’s a cash bar for booze but I found some in a fridge towards the rear
Hot food section
I had a quick drink before heading off to the gate, not much lounging time unfortunately so I can’t really comment on the lounge apart from it seemed quite poorly lit and lacked any views of the ramp.
I passed an A380 gate on the way, this evenings KE flight would use this later, it’s not arrived yet, too early.
I’m sure this would have been a better lounge
29-10-2011
RJ183
HKG-BKK
A330-223 JY-AIE Built 2008
Seat 3A BusIness Class
1st Flight on this aircraft, 7th A330-200 flight flight
Sch Dep 21:30 Sch Arr 23:25
Act Dep 21:24 Act Arr 23:16
in December 2009 she was stored before entering service some 5 months later with RJ.
I arrived at gate 17 at just the right time, passengers were already forming queues for the two respective business and economy jetways, there were just 2 passengers ahead of me in the business class line.
I had been in line just moments when the business class boarding started, I was halfway down the jetway before the actual boarding call was made.
Stepping aboard JY-AIE I was kind of greeted by a FA, no smiles or warmth felt, through the flight she gave the feeling of being just slightly aloof. Also of note, her outfit was not like the rest of the crew so I assume she was the top dog so to speak, if so, not so great, more on this later.
Turned right and headed down the very narrow aisles to row three for my seat, 3A.
My seat to BKK and on to AMM.
Legroom
Power
Limited view outside
Across the cabin
RJ's A330 fleet are kitted out with 24 JCL seats in a typical 2-2-2 layout. The seats themselves are not flat bed, but recline into an angled bed when put in bed mode. The seats themselves are quite comfortable and the cabin ambience overall is fine, not bright and flashy more dull calming mixes of earthy tan and browns with blue and gray too, quite relaxing.
I have to point out that the aisles are very narrow which makes it quite difficult to wheel your bag behind you, it's easier to pick it up and carry it sideways.
On each of the seats a good sized pillow could be found along with a decent blanket, the quality looking pretty similar to the ones BA provide in Club World.
Safety card and various magazines are protected in this plastic cover, similar to LH
After a few more J passengers entered the cabin, welcome drinks of OJ, water and I assume apple juice were offered, these again by the none too friendly FA.
The last cabin door closed at 21:17, the passenger count in J being 15 of 24 seats.
Prior to push the crew came around to take post departure drinks orders, I ordered a glass of merlot, menu’s were also distributed.
Those that travel this route frequently will know the meal well!
New overhead signs
Push back occured a few minutes ahead of schedule at 21:24
One for our many Finnish friends
a fairly lengthy taxi out but no holding, we turned onto the active and accelerated down the runway. The take off run was pretty rough, very bumpy and the cabin fixtures and fittings shook a great deal, wheels up @ 21:41.
One thing to comment on was the cabin lights were not dimmed for departure, it always seems a little odd when this does not happen plus it plays havoc on trying to take pictures outside.
Quick look at the IFE
Just after 10pm our drinks were distributed along with a small bowl of nuts, I do like the way the RJ crown is featured on the glasses and dinner ware.
Headsets were passed out, cheap looking I must say, hot towels were passed out after this, they we a bit more 'fluffy' than the BA ones I am used too, nice.
Table linens were placed for those wishing to take the snack on this short hop, meal trays then placed.
One of the FA's came around offering white wine then the lead FA came around offering top ups of the red. I had decided the red was corked and suggested she opened another bottle, it was clear she had no idea what corked meant,she explains to me it was a fresh bottle! I did dry to explain but to no avail, I asked for champagne to replace the red, after that she continued to offer top ups with the same bottle to the other side of the cabin, hmm.
The champagne arrived a few minutes later, I'd pretty much finished the meal by then.
The meal itself was only a snack but was ok, I left the prawn thing as I'm not into those, buy the rest went down well.
Meal trays were soon cleared away, the FA tried to take my water and champagne too though I managed to save the these.
The glasses were almost empty but I had to ask for them to be topped up, she was looking to remove them, I did get top up’s in the end.
Galley area, not keen on these fake wooden floor finishes on planes
I must have dropped off as next thing I recall was a crew call and decent start.
Wheels touched down at 23:16, some 4 minutes later we pulled up gate E9.
Once on stand passengers who were continuing to Amman were asked to remain on board and if they had changed seats to return to the one printed on their boarding pass.
It was also advised that there would be a crew change, hopefully that bode well for a more friendly crew on the next leg, I had found this set to be rather reserved, lacked any warmth or charm and were not particularly attentive to their passengers.
The cleaning crew came aboard and did their usual sweep and tidy of the aircraft where required, to be fare they had little to do in J as nobody had made a mess or changed seats, I must add most of the female cleaners were really hot!
ba319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8264 posts, RR: 56 Reply 1, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks ago) and read 9476 times:
Plane cleaned and new crew set the boarding process started, time now 23:52.
29-10-2011
RJ183
BKK-AMM
A330-223 JY-AIE Built 2008
Seat 3A BusIness Class
2nd Flight on this aircraft, 8th A330-200 flight flight
Sch Dep 00:30 Sch Arr 04:15
Act Dep 00:30 Act Arr 04:50
New passengers en mass arrived aboard, the almost empty first leg would change to nearly a full house, all but one of the J seats were taken once boarding was complete, Y looked packed to the rafters too, seems RJ are doing decent business on this sector, though competition is intense and fares can be very low if routing via the Gulf/Middle East.
Pre-departures drinks were again offered, Same options as before, I took water, I have to comment these tumblers RK use have a good weight about them
Menu’s were the next items to be passed out closely followed by amenity packs, these arriving sealed in a clear plastic bag.
closely followed by amenity packs, these arriving sealed in a clear plastic bag.
The bag was quite nice, contents were just the usual, nothing special, shame there was no pen in there.
The economy airbridge was moved, leaving the last of the late arriving Y passenger enter via door L1, funny how they looked around the J cabin for their seats before being ushered further down the plane by a FA.
Door L1 was closed at 00:28 and we pushed back just 2 minutes later, quite impressive.
Flight time was announced as 9 hours 34 minutes, then the safety demo was played as we taxied out to the active, after the video was finished the cabin lights were dimmed.
AIE rolled onto the active, a brief hold and then the engines spooled up and the brakes were released, airborne at 00:47.
Not sure why, never realized this sector was this long
Once the crew were released mood lighting was turned on, it seemed to slowly pulse to begin with, quite soothing actually before settling into a continuous setting.
Others, including my seatmate, had decided to call it a night already
Hot towels were soon passed around before table linens being laid out for those wishing to eat, no drinks run before the meal.
Linen detail
My meal tray was passed out by the lead FA, I thanked her and she replied enjoy, no smile or anything.
Starter, all in all quite enjoyable, though the ‘burger’ roll is a let down, it’s far too low rent to be on a JCL meal tray
Once those wishing to eat had their trays tumblers were filled with water from a bottle then white wine was offered before the red coming around, I took the red, this time it was fine.
The main meal options were served from a trolley, quite a nice idea as you can see what each of the dishes look like along with choosing which vegetables and or rice you wished to have, if any.
Whilst I like the idea, night time cabin mood lighting is not the best when it comes to looking at the dishes.
I took the beef which was very good for beef on a plane, the potatoes were a tad under cooked, otherwise a good meal, the only drawback being the small wine glasses and the inattentive service from the crew, in particular the lead FA who seemed to be serving my aisle.
As other passengers awoke they were given their meal trays, however not once did she glance at the rest of the passengers to see if they want anything else, I managed to catch her and ask for more water and wine though by the time it arrived my meal was finished, most of it eaten without a drink of any kind to hand. Yes I could have used the call button to get attention but I'm not a fan of that, in JCL, service should be more attentive.
Mains were cleared and a choice for desert was offered, I too one, it was suggested I took the other too, our FA was seemingly thawing out and suggested the other one was nicer, both were ok, I'm not a big desert fan really.
Trays cleared I set the seat into bed mode and listened to some music.
Cabin during the night
Still a while to go
Toilet with a view, fine in the air but take caution when using on stand
Getting there
The lights were gently raised, a sign breakfast was to be served, good, getting hungry again.
Unfortunately there were no smells of food being warmed in the ovens, breakfast was a cold affair
Fruit juice was offered along with tea and coffee. Apart from the dodgy ‘burger’ bun, breakfast was fine if a little disappointing.
Meal service items were cleared away and the cabin preparations began for arrival, it was still very dark outside so pictures were useless.
Descent was smooth and wheels were down at 04:50, a little behind schedule but with my long layover here, no problem!
Lights of a quiet terminal
On stand
.
Despite the early hour the jetway staff were ready and within minutes I was off the plane.
Following the transfer passengers signs I had a small security check before I was airside. As you might imagine, it was pretty quiet at this time – I headed straight to the lounge.
ba319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8264 posts, RR: 56 Reply 3, posted (1 year 2 months 2 weeks ago) and read 9452 times:
29-10-2011
RJ111
AMM-LHR
A330-223 JY-AIF Built 2008
Seat 1K BusIness Class
1st Flight on this aircraft, 9th A330-200 flight
Sch Dep 11:15 Sch Arr 14:55
Act Dep 11:24 Act Arr 14:45
in December 2009 she was stored before entering service some 5 months later with RJ.
Despite being airside, there is another security screening to clear before a final passport check, which then leaves you in the gate area holding pen.
Given the number of people already here and the lack of seats for everyone, this was going to be a full flight. From what I have read, it seems RJ do better on this route than BD.
Boarding started at 10:51, the process was a little chaotic with no organization, I finally alighted through door L1 to a much friendlier welcome than the previous welcome.
Being on the other side this time I crossed through the galley to take my seat, 1K for this flight.
The seat already had a small pillow on it, it was smaller than the previous flight, I guess they have day and night flight pillows on RJ.
Legroom shot
View outside my window
Being a day flight and a packed cabin, every JCL seat was taken, as was Y I suspect given the number of passengers who travelled through the cabin, I reduced the photo taking on this sector.
Service started with a welcome drink, which I forgot to photograph! Then newspapers, amenity kits handed out, different to the last flight, much smaller and a bit ‘girly’ if you ask me
Pretty basic contents, toothbrush and paste, socks and eyeshades, well it was a day flight, though some moisturizer would be a good addition to the kit.
And the headsets for the IFE.
Prior to push the captain gave a brief welcome and advised the flight would be around 5 hours or so.
Push back occurred a few minutes behind schedule at 11:24, followed by a fairly long taxi to the active runway
Lining up on 26L
Rolling
Wheels up @ 11:42
Beautiful day for flying
Shortly after departure the cabin crew came through taking drinks orders, returning shortly afterwards with your chosen options, I took red wine and some sparkling water, the drinks came with a small bowl of nuts too.
Quite relaxing, not long enough to enjoy it!
Todays menu
Time for lunch, tables were dressed in crisp white linen
View outside
Nice fresh salad for starter
Beef for the main
And very good it was too!
I spent the rest of the flight watching some TV on the iPhone, sipping back the wine and enjoying the scenery outside.
The last few days had been quite a journey, around the world in five days, 6 flights, 3 nights in hotels, 2 nights on planes, so this last segment was just about sitting back and chilling, savouring those moments from the previous days, what a journey!
Cloud, must be getting closer to home!
The crew on this flight had been much more attentive that the previous flights, as a result the overall service impression was much better.
Descent
Wheels down on 27R @ 14:55
No report complete without an A380 or two, these of course sat grounded due the QF strike action.
Taxi to our gate at terminal 3 was pretty quick as was disembarkation, thanking the crew has I hightailed it to immigration, where the queues were huge, it took a good 20 minutes to clear them.
Summary
I have mixed feelings on RJ, three flights, three sets of crew, one better than the other two.
I need to try them again as I quite liked them, the food was good and you would not go hungry but the crews need to be more pro-active in the cabin to ensure their passengers are happy, drinks, hard or soft are topped up and just be ‘there’.
All in all, a thumbs up and I look forward to the time I need to step aboard a Royal Jordanina plane again.
I do hope you have enjoyed this series, the next adventure will follow soon.
Feel free to drop a line, comment or question, always like some feedback.
Good to get a bit of background history on the individual aircraft.
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): and were not particularly attentive to their passengers.
Shame, as this can spoil the experience. While not all passengers want much attention the crew do need to keep an eye open and anticipate who will. But it is good to read that
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 3): The crew on this flight had been much more attentive that the previous flights, as a result the overall service impression was much better.
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 1): Menu’s were the next items to be passed
Interesting that cognac is listed under liqueurs and unnamed. The meals look simple but appealing.
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 2): Last plane spotted before leaving the lounge
Wonder why the Iraqi Airways plane is unpainted? It is quite amazing how many aircraft are just sitting around at AMM, and have been for years.
abrelosojos From Venezuela, joined May 2005, 4918 posts, RR: 55 Reply 5, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 6 days 21 hours ago) and read 8971 times:
Welcome home! Your odyssey finished off on quite a good note. The food on RJ looks great - too bad the crews were so poor. To me, that decides the flight.
fabianbrimfield From Australia, joined Nov 2011, 35 posts, RR: 0 Reply 7, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 6 days 20 hours ago) and read 8806 times:
Great TR. I almost flew RJ in J on HKG-BKK, but there's so much competition on that sector, there were far more interesting options... EK, PIA, CX, TG...
FlyingFinn76 From Finland, joined Jun 2009, 1705 posts, RR: 41 Reply 8, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 6 days 12 hours ago) and read 7848 times:
Hi Mark,
Great conclusion to your haphazard RTW trip. RJ looks decent, although a notch down from the big players. But I guess the ticket prices reflect that and they got the job done so no worries.
Doesn't look bad at all. I like Asian lounges because of this - you always have something substantial to eat instead of the boring snacks you get in Europe (and let's not talk about the US).
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): Stepping aboard JY-AIE I was kind of greeted by a FA, no smiles or warmth felt, through the flight she gave the feeling of being just slightly aloof. Also of note, her outfit was not like the rest of the crew so I assume she was the top dog so to speak, if so, not so great, more on this later.
Oh no, that first contact is very important and often sets the mood and scene for the whole subsequent flight. A real shame, but good that they had the crew change at BKK.
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): Just after 10pm our drinks were distributed along with a small bowl of nuts, I do like the way the RJ crown is featured on the glasses and dinner ware.
Classy. No dishware was accidentally dropped in your bag, was it?
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): it was clear she had no idea what corked meant,she explains to me it was a fresh bottle!
Hmm, that's quite bad. But then again I've heard waiters in top restaurants that had the same problem and started arguing with the customer so I guess that happens... Still some more training for the crew would be good in a premium cabin.
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): The meal itself was only a snack but was ok, I left the prawn thing as I'm not into those, buy the rest went down well.
That looks very good to me (love all kinds of seafood, especially jumbo prawns!) and about right for the duration of the flight.
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): Galley area, not keen on these fake wooden floor finishes on planes
Me neither. It looks so faux and out of place.
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): The cleaning crew came aboard and did their usual sweep and tidy of the aircraft where required, to be fare they had little to do in J as nobody had made a mess or changed seats, I must add most of the female cleaners were really hot!
Markus makes a note to fly this flight in the future!
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): Once the crew were released mood lighting was turned on, it seemed to slowly pulse to begin with, quite soothing actually before settling into a continuous setting.
Looks nice and cozy.
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): Starter, all in all quite enjoyable, though the ‘burger’ roll is a let down, it’s far too low rent to be on a JCL meal tray
Funny, this is exactly what I thought too when I saw the picture. Very odd.
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): I took the beef which was very good for beef on a plane, the potatoes were a tad under cooked, otherwise a good meal, the only drawback being the small wine glasses and the inattentive service from the crew, in particular the lead FA who seemed to be serving my aisle.
You certainly have a thing about small wine glasses on this trip, don't you? Maybe you should start carrying your own huge glasses with you.
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): Unfortunately there were no smells of food being warmed in the ovens, breakfast was a cold affair
Looks far too sugary for my tastes-
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): There seemed to be quite a lot of staff in the lounge so I took care taking pictures, with such a long stay, I did not want to cause any issues.
Ugh, I don't like the fact that the food comes shrink wrapped. Sure it is good for cleanliness and more hygienic but at the same time it feels like a school cafeteria or a petrol station...
Oh dear, every time I read those menus and hope that you'd pick up the dish I'd picked up so I could see what it looks like and always you take my least favorite choice - the beef
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): The last few days had been quite a journey, around the world in five days, 6 flights, 3 nights in hotels, 2 nights on planes, so this last segment was just about sitting back and chilling, savouring those moments from the previous days, what a journey!
Congrats, you earned a little of "me time". It certainly was an interesting journey and quite some flying! Thanks for taking us with you, enjoyed it tremendously!
mxp From Italy, joined Aug 2003, 389 posts, RR: 0 Reply 9, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 6 days 12 hours ago) and read 7841 times:
Hi Mark
thanx for this round the world report
it was interesting to read. In fact i will do one too in june but i will stay away 15 days from Italy
RJ from HKG to BKK will be one of my flights so it was interersting reading it
and a lot of good photos too
Regards
Alberto
ba319-131 From United Kingdom, joined Jan 2001, 8264 posts, RR: 56 Reply 10, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 7802 times:
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 4): Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter):
I can’t really comment on the lounge apart from it seemed quite poorly lit and lacked any views of the ramp.
A plane-spotter's nightmare.
- Indeed correct!
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 4): Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter):
JY-AIE is was not delivered to RJ factory fresh
Good to get a bit of background history on the individual aircraft.
- Thanks, I thought interesting too.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 4): Interesting that cognac is listed under liqueurs and unnamed
- Well noted, I'd not picked that up.
Quoting Quokkas (Reply 4): It is quite amazing how many aircraft are just sitting around at AMM, and have been for years.
- I know, quite a bone yard out there.
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 5): our odyssey finished off on quite a good note.
- Indeed it did, thanks for reading Alex.
Quoting abrelosojos (Reply 5): The food on RJ looks great - too bad the crews were so poor. To me, that decides the flight.
Quoting parton87 (Reply 6): The white cubes with black dots in the fruit bowl looks interesting!?
- It's an odd fruit, has no taste I can detect, always thought it a pointless fruit.
Quoting parton87 (Reply 6): Great reports with nice pictures! But I guess you must felt quit tired when returning home after this long trip with all these different time zones?
- Yes, but straight back to work the next day.
Quoting fabianbrimfield (Reply 7): I almost flew RJ in J on HKG-BKK, but there's so much competition on that sector, there were far more interesting options... EK, PIA, CX, TG...
- Oh yes, lot's of choice on this route, though I needed the safety of one carrier to get me home.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 8): Great conclusion to your haphazard RTW trip. RJ looks decent, although a notch down from the big players. But I guess the ticket prices reflect that and they got the job done so no worries.
- Tue, RJ are cheaper than than EK etc but they were pretty darn good overall.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 8): Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter):
RJ use the Travelers Lounge, I guess because it is cheaper than using a OW partner lounge.
Not impressed. Although your photos from the lounge look quite decent.
- I wish I'd had more time to check it out properly.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 8): No dishware was accidentally dropped in your bag, was it?
- Funny, a couple of the tumblers did
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 8): Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter):
The meal itself was only a snack but was ok, I left the prawn thing as I'm not into those, buy the rest went down well.
That looks very good to me (love all kinds of seafood, especially jumbo prawns!) and about right for the duration of the flight.
- When we travel together next and seafood is served, you can have mine.
Quoting FlyingFinn76 (Reply 8): You certainly have a thing about small wine glasses on this trip, don't you? Maybe you should start carrying your own huge glasses with you.
- You might be right!
Quoting mxp (Reply 9): thanx for this round the world report
- No worries, glad you enjoyed.
Quoting mxp (Reply 9): RJ from HKG to BKK will be one of my flights so it was interersting reading it
byronicle6 From New Zealand, joined Oct 2011, 262 posts, RR: 0 Reply 11, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 7681 times:
Hi,
Thanks for the great trip report!
I flew RJ on KUL-BKK in July 11 on JY-AIE also and your comments pretty much match what i thought of them. Good food and catering, and entertainment but the crew could have been much better. Great photos aswell and it looks like you had a fantastic RTW trip!
airbuseric From Netherlands, joined Jan 2005, 4015 posts, RR: 52 Reply 12, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 6 days 10 hours ago) and read 7628 times:
Hi Mark,
great report for a Sunday evenings read to finish the weekend!
RJ looks quite ok to me, comfortable seat and nice amenities. Shame indeed about the missing pen indeed. I also like those airline branded pens usually
Shame about the crew on the flights from Asia to AMM, you feel not 'important' when the crew is not around so much, and I fully understand that you try not to use the call button. Same here... also me dislikes. But sometimes one time pressing is enough to get attraction of the crew throughout the flight. The behavior you got is under par indeed.
Not on the LHR bound flight then, where they seem to be pretty good.
Another point I dislike is the $15 for shower use? Unbelievable to be honest, since they want to cater pax from Europe to Asia with an AMM stopover of many hours? And then, asking money to use a bit of water and soap... Something in need to change real soon.
btw, interesting to see a few AZ Embraers around for maintenance in AMM, I assume? Not eating sand, like so many others there I hope.
Regards
Eric
"The whole world steps aside for the man who knows where he is going"
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 13, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 6 days 8 hours ago) and read 7471 times:
Very nice Mark - nice to see RJ's Business product after my flights with the in Y - they don't look as wonderful as I'd imagined.
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): Normally I give myself plenty of time, especially so when having to go via terminal 2 as it takes longer, what with getting the train etc, however today was not the case and because I was running later than I usually like, everything seemed to be taking longer, like clearing security etc etc.
Always the way when one's running late
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): RJ use the Travelers Lounge, I guess because it is cheaper than using a OW partner lounge.
Did you try to use one of the CX/KA/QF lounges? I'd be surpised if you were turned away
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): Galley area, not keen on these fake wooden floor finishes on planes
Ooh, I quite like them - better than a nasty lino
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): The economy airbridge was moved, leaving the last of the late arriving Y passenger enter via door L1, funny how they looked around the J cabin for their seats before being ushered further down the plane by a FA.
A lot of people do that. I've seen people with 34F on their bps searching in vain to see that seat number displayed in the first few rows.
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): Starter, all in all quite enjoyable, though the ‘burger’ roll is a let down, it’s far too low rent to be on a JCL meal tray
Not very premium
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): most of it eaten without a drink of any kind to hand. Yes I could have used the call button to get attention but I'm not a fan of that, in JCL, service should be more attentive.
I find a lot of airlines fall down in this respect - TK was awful about serving drinks until I complained. UK airlines are much better in this respect. I'm interested to see how SQ C performs on Tuesday
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): Unfortunately there were no smells of food being warmed in the ovens, breakfast was a cold affair
Carfield From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 1727 posts, RR: 9 Reply 14, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 6 days 8 hours ago) and read 7417 times:
Thanks for the excellent report!
RJ seems to have suffer lots of cutbacks lately and catering has cut much. I find it quite unacceptable to serve a cold snack on the two hours flight from HKG to BKK. I don't expect a fancy dinner, but a hot light meal is necessary especially in J. Who wants dinner at 1am again? Poor catering planning on RJ part. I presume they don't want to serve two dinners... most ex-BKK passengers possibly want a hot dinner.
RJ F/As is a mixed bunch and I think the inconsistency is getting worst. BKK to HKG/KUL tend to have the worst F/As, as they worked the turnaround flights and in general, they don't enjoy the trip.
Thanks again sharing... Too bad the observation deck is closed in HKG for renovation now...
767747 From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 1750 posts, RR: 26 Reply 15, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 7357 times:
Great finish to your RTW trip, Mark.
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): Safety card and various magazines are protected in this plastic cover, similar to LH
Interesting to see this. I haven't seen any other airlines showing their aircraft seat-maps. Pretty cool!
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 13): Very nice Mark - nice to see RJ's Business product after my flights with the in Y - they don't look as wonderful as I'd imagined.
I agree with you here. RJ always has impressive advertising, and pictures I've seen of the cabin, etc., has made it look amazing. This report makes it not appear quite as incredible ...
lukeyboy95 From Papua New Guinea, joined Apr 2008, 951 posts, RR: 35 Reply 16, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 6 days 7 hours ago) and read 7314 times:
HI Mark.
Congratulations on the conclusion of this series of reports. Got to say, it was a great selection of interesting carriers, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading.
Somehow I expected a much great wow-factor with RJ, this was a little underwhelming. Lots of little things that probably cost little, but make a difference to the whole service e.g. A warm breakfast and a hot shower. Surly staff are the worst of it. Not bad, not exceptional.
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): The lounge has a cash bar, however I have a stamp on my boarding pass which allows free drinks.
What!? Why on earth were they not using One World lounge, and I am surprised at this cash bar measure in HK given reasonable price for alcohol here.
Quoting ba319-131 (Reply 1): I must add most of the female cleaners were really hot!
I am no expert on identifying aerial views normally on this website, but one view of yours caught my eye. The marina. I thought; hold on, that can't be on the dead sea, and then looking at, I recognised it to be Hertzlia Marina just outside Tel Aviv. I spent almost 2 weeks trying to hitch a boat back to Europe from here on my travels, so I know it all too well! Bought back strange emotions; but there you go - Hertliya Marina, Israel.
lychemsa From United States of America, joined Oct 2009, 905 posts, RR: 3 Reply 17, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 5 days 16 hours ago) and read 6777 times:
It seems you flew over Herzlia. And that white prop plane looks like Arkia. RJ seems like a nice airline. They participate in the BA Avios program so I may take them one day.
ronerone From Jordan, joined Aug 2004, 1541 posts, RR: 54 Reply 18, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 5 days 15 hours ago) and read 6679 times:
Hi Mark,
Well done my friend. An amazing TR, that makes a very strong point! I have been waiting for this TR, as i wanted to compare notes to what i have experienced on RJ last month on CMB-AMM.
To be honest, i was quite shocked at the plummeting quality levels on RJ, in comparison to 2007/2008/2009 when i thought they were at their ultimate best.
Catering on your flights (on all three of your sectors) was so much better than what i got on my 7.5 hour flight in J. The same goes for the amenity kit as well. In fact, the difference is quite ridiculous. However, it does seem that we got the same 'software' as the crew were there but not there if you know what i mean.
I am quite disappointed with RJ, as i expected a lot better out of them. If they want to be a global player, then the momentum should not stop after gaining Oneworld status. To me, it seems that they excelled once upon a time in order to get into Oneworld. But now that they're in, they think they can slack it off. And if they continue like this, they will go back into the legacy days of Alia.
I have yet to hear of, or experience, good service on RJ in Crown Class to and from Asia. However, fly them ex Dubai or London, and they will be on the ball (or close enough). And from your report, RJ continues to fit into this pattern. Quite bizarre, and i can't seem to understand it!
On that note, congratulations on finishing off your RTW! How was the jet lag afterwards?
Thanks for sharing this with us, and always look forward to more!
Cheers,
Roni
A Stop Away From One-Stop, Is Non-Stop : Airbus A340-500
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2212 posts, RR: 14 Reply 19, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 4 days 14 hours ago) and read 6301 times:
Hi Mark
Great report, Thanks for sharing!
RJ seems to have a nice product. Good seats and great food
Sorry to hear about the average crew on the HKG-BKK-AMM sector.
deltamartin From Sweden, joined Dec 2010, 1059 posts, RR: 9 Reply 20, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 3 days 12 hours ago) and read 6073 times:
Hi Mark!
Nice report as usual, good read about your experience on RJ!
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter): I had a quick drink before heading off to the gate, not much lounging time unfortunately so I can%u2019t really comment on the lounge apart from it seemed quite poorly lit and lacked any views of the ramp.
palmjet From United Kingdom, joined Nov 2001, 1051 posts, RR: 16 Reply 21, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 3 days 12 hours ago) and read 6043 times:
Hi Mark
Great to see the last instalment and one I was looking forward to.
Strange that in HK, a Oneworld stronghold with CX lounges everywhere, RJ would offer a common user lounge for its premium passengers. The QF lounge in HK is certainly quite pleasant, albeit sans views.
The hardware on board the A330s looked very sound. Shame the the service seemed to be very inconsistent. I guess it's a feature with all airlines these days. I've explored the idea of using RJ on my next trip back to Oz flying with them to either HK or BKK and then down to Aus with QF. Thanks for the great insight.
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter):
The last few days had been quite a journey, around the world in five days, 6 flights, 3 nights in hotels, 2 nights on planes, so this last segment was just about sitting back and chilling, savouring those moments from the previous days, what a journey!
Congrats, that´s what we are looking for here.
Quoting ba319-131 (Thread starter):
I do hope you have enjoyed this series, the next adventure will follow soon.
Sultanils From Belgium, joined Mar 2010, 1188 posts, RR: 29 Reply 24, posted (1 year 2 months 1 week 1 day 12 hours ago) and read 5688 times:
Hi Mark,
Interesting last episode of your (latest) RTW series. There are not too many RJ report around here, so this one is very welcomed. I very much like the livery on their planesn they indeed have something royalish over them with the black and gold. To be honest: I've seen nicer looking business class cabins, the use of colors appeared rather limited. Just some grey and blue monotones, not too inviting. I'm sorry to hear some crews were rather so and so. I'm glad that didn't put you off in maybe choosing RJ again somewhere in the future.
What a rip-off! Some good deodorant performs mircacles in the situations
Sultanils
Make some noise Rolls Royce!
25 SR 103: Another fantastic repot Mark. I was glad to see you post a trip report on RJ as I flew them myself recently and wanted to make some comparisons. Thats
26 Thai744: Hi Mark, Really nice trip report - I'm thinking of using RJ from HKG - BKK as their Biz class is so cheap on that sector and it's good for miles and s
27 The777Man: Hi Mark! Thanks for the last part of this interesting RTW series reports! RJ looks quite good at least the meals although the cold breakfast must have
28 EL-AL: Hey BA, Yet another great report from you. Royal Jordanian JCL looks fantastic, sorry you hear crews weren't so good. You flew right over Israel, the
29 PlaneHunter: Hi Mark, great last part of your impressive series! RJ's J Class product looks decent, but not overwhelming. I agree - but I prefer TV screens being i
30 stipica: Hi Mark ! the end of the trilogy ...ahhh ... but you have a good time and I am more than satisfied with reading material hehehe ... thank you for putt
31 signol: Hi Mark, nice conclusion to your short RTW series. I think that this must be one of the shortest RTW trips I've seen! How tired were you afterwards? W
32 OA260: Hey Mark , Great report on RJ . Shame the crew were a mixed bag. The lady in the traditional Jordanian dress is the Chief IIRC. I like RJ have very ni
33 jrn216: It’s interesting to read a report about Royal Jordanian. I really enjoyed the pictures - the beef dish on the flight to Heathrow looks quite delicio
34 ba319-131: Apologies for the later reply to your comments/questions, I forgot about this report! - Thanks, glad you enjoyed the read. - The crew seems a common t
35 groobster: Thanks for the trip report, it was an enjoyable read!
36 NZ107: Hi Mark, Great finish to the RTW. Interesting to compare with Anosh and Roni's flight with them from CMB-AMM. It's interesting that the LHR sector had
37 ba319-131: - Thanks, glad you enjoyed. - Cheers Nicholas - I know, things are not great at RJ, no quality control. - Indeed, seems the LHR service and I presume
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