Royal Jordanian Airlines, the flag carrier airline of Jordan, is known for its modern fleet, excellent service, and extensive route network, connecting passengers to over 50 destinations worldwide. One common query travelers have when booking with the airline is regarding their seating arrangements: *Can you choose seats on Royal Jordanian?* The answer is yes, but like many airlines, the process and options depend on several factors, including the type of ticket you’ve purchased, the flight route, and your membership status in the Royal Club loyalty program. In this article, we’ll provide a detailed, step-by-step guide to understanding how the Royal Jordanian seat selection process is done that ensure a smooth and comfortable journey.
Overview of Royal Jordanian Airlines
Before delving into the specifics of seat selection, it’s helpful to know a little more about the airline itself. Royal Jordanian, founded in 1963, is Jordan’s flagship airline and is headquartered in Amman. The airline primarily operates out of Queen Alia International Airport and offers flights to over 40 destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.
Royal Jordanian is a member of the Oneworld alliance, meaning it provides seamless connections with other major airlines and offers a wide range of benefits to frequent flyers. The airline is known for its commitment to quality service, safety, and comfort, ensuring that passengers have a pleasant experience from booking to landing.
Understanding the Royal Jordanian Seat Selection Process
Seat selection is an essential part of the flight booking experience for many passengers. Whether you prefer a window seat for the views, an aisle seat for quick access, or extra legroom for comfort, being able to choose your seat in advance can significantly enhance your overall flying experience. Fortunately, the Royal Jordanian seat selection process is unique, flexible, and diverse. The seats it has to offer range from complimentary choices on some tickets to paid premium seats.
Let’s break down on how the Royal Jordanian seat selection process works:
1. Seat Selection During Booking
When you book a flight with Royal Jordanian, you’ll typically have the option to select your seat during the booking process. This is available on the airline’s website or through the Royal Jordanian mobile app. The availability of seats and any associated costs will depend on several factors, such as:
Cabin Class: Passengers flying in Crown Class (business class) often enjoy complimentary seat selection, including access to premium seats. Economy Class passengers may also select seats, but some seats, especially those with extra legroom, may come at an additional cost.
Ticket Type: Some economy fare types may include free seat selection, while others, such as the most restrictive or discounted fares, may require a fee for choosing a specific seat. It’s important to check the terms of your ticket during booking.
Availability: If you’re booking closer to the departure date, the selection of available seats may be more limited, especially for popular routes or during peak travel seasons.
2. Royal Jordanian’s Seat Map
Once you’ve entered your flight details, you’ll be presented with the seat map. This interactive map allows you to see all available seats and make your selection accordingly. Different colors or icons will indicate which seats are available, which are reserved, and which come with additional charges, such as extra legroom seats located near the exits.
The seat map is divided into several sections:
Regular Economy Seats: These are standard seats that are available to all passengers. Some are offered free of charge, depending on the ticket class and fare type.
Preferred Seats: These seats are often located in the front of the Economy cabin, allowing for quicker deplaning. They may also have a little extra legroom or a more convenient location. There may be a fee to book these seats, especially if you are flying on a standard or discounted fare.
Extra Legroom Seats: These seats, typically located at exit rows, provide more space to stretch out. They are highly sought after, and Royal Jordanian charges a fee for these premium seats, even for passengers flying in Economy Class.
Crown Class Seats: For those flying in business class (Crown Class), the seats are much more spacious and comfortable. Crown Class passengers generally have the luxury of selecting any seat in the business cabin without an additional charge.
3. Paid Seat Selection
For Economy Class passengers flying on basic fares or on tickets that do not include free seat selection, Royal Jordanian allows you to choose your seat for an additional fee. Prices for paid seat selection vary depending on the route, the specific seat chosen, and the ticket fare type. Exit-row seats and those with extra legroom are often more expensive compared to standard seats.
4. Seat Selection After Booking
If you didn’t select your seat while booking and desire to do the same afterwards, you can still select or modify your seat up to a few hours before the flight’s departure. Here’s how:
- Online Check-In: Royal Jordanian allows passengers to check in online starting 24 hours before their flight’s departure. During online check-in, you can select or change your seat, subject to availability. If you haven’t yet chosen a seat, it’s a good idea to log in early to secure your preferred spot.
- Royal Jordanian Mobile App: The app also provides a seat selection feature. If you’ve already booked your flight, you can log into the app and go to your booking details to select or change your seat.
- Contacting Customer Service: If you’re having trouble selecting your seat online or through the app, you can contact Royal Jordanian’s customer service for assistance. They can help you choose or change your seat over the phone, depending on seat availability.
Special Considerations for Families, Groups, and Special Needs Passengers
Royal Jordanian seat selection policy is designed in a way to understand the needs of passengers traveling with family, in groups, or even those with special needs. The airline provides options and accommodations in these cases:
- Family Seating: Families traveling with children are encouraged to book early to ensure they are seated together. While Royal Jordanian does its best to seat families together, it’s always a good idea to select seats in advance, especially on long-haul flights or during peak travel periods.
- Group Travel: If you’re traveling with a large group, Royal Jordanian offers group seating arrangements. Group organizers should contact the airline to discuss seating arrangements that will ensure the group can sit together.
- Passengers with Special Needs: Passengers with mobility issues, disabilities, or other special needs can request assistance from Royal Jordanian. The airline offers special seating arrangements for passengers who require extra assistance. It’s important to notify the airline in advance so they can make appropriate accommodations, such as providing a seat with more legroom or one closer to the lavatories.
Royal Jordanian’s Royal Club Members: Enhanced Seat Selection Benefits
Royal Jordanian’s frequent flyer program, Royal Club, offers additional perks for its loyal customers, including enhanced seat selection benefits. Depending on your Royal Club status, you may be eligible for complimentary Royal Jordanian seat selection, including access to preferred or extra legroom seats. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits by membership tier:
- Blue (Entry-Level): Members at the Blue level enjoy access to basic seat selection options, although additional fees may apply for preferred or extra legroom seats.
- Silver: Silver members receive priority seating and may be eligible for free preferred seat selection in Economy Class, as well as access to extra legroom seats for a reduced fee.
- Gold: Gold members, being higher-tier members, are often eligible for complimentary seat selection, including preferred and extra legroom seats in Economy Class, subject to availability.
- Platinum: Platinum members enjoy the highest level of seating privileges, including free access to the most desirable seats in Economy Class, such as extra legroom or exit row seats.
The higher your Royal Club status, the more likely you are to enjoy complimentary or discounted seat selection, making it worthwhile for frequent flyers to participate in the loyalty program.
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Seat Selection for Codeshare Flights
If your Royal Jordanian flight is operated by a partner airline as part of a codeshare agreement, the seat selection process may differ. In such cases, the seat selection rules of the operating airline will apply. For instance, if your flight is operated by a partner such as Qatar Airways or American Airlines, you may need to follow their seat selection policies.
When booking a codeshare flight, Royal Jordanian typically provides information on which airline will be operating the flight, and you can use that information to check their seat selection options. If you have any questions about seat selection for codeshare flights, it’s best to contact Royal Jordanian or the operating airline directly.
Royal Jordanian Seat Selection Options by Cabin Class
Royal Jordanian offers multiple cabin classes, and your seat selection options will vary depending on which class you are flying in. The three primary cabin classes offered by Royal Jordanian are Economy Class, Crown Class (Business Class), and Premium Economy (on select routes).
1. Economy Class Seat Selection
Economy Class passengers have several options when it comes to seat selection, though some of these options may come with additional fees. Here’s what you can expect in terms of seat selection within Economy Class:
- Standard Seats: These seats are available for free on most fares, though certain discount or promotional fares may require you to pay a fee for seat selection.
- Preferred Seats: These seats are often located toward the front of the Economy cabin or near the exits. They offer the convenience of being closer to the front of the aircraft, meaning you’ll be among the first to deplane. Preferred seats typically require an additional fee.
- Extra Legroom Seats: For passengers who want more space to stretch out, extra legroom seats are available for an additional charge. These seats are typically located in exit rows or bulkhead rows.
It’s important to note that passengers who purchase higher fare types within Economy Class may be eligible for free seat selection, including extra legroom and preferred seats.
2. Crown Class (Business Class) Seat Selection
Crown Class passengers, who enjoy the premium experience of Royal Jordanian’s Business Class, have complimentary seat selection included in their fare. Crown Class cabins are spacious, and the seats themselves are designed for maximum comfort, often featuring full-flat beds on long-haul flights.
When flying in Crown Class, passengers can select from a variety of premium seats at no additional cost. These seats are generally more comfortable than Economy Class and offer additional amenities, such as more recline, enhanced legroom, and personal space.
3. Premium Economy Seat Selection
Though not widely available on all Royal Jordanian flights, the airline has introduced a Premium Economy section on select routes. Premium Economy seats offer a middle ground between Economy and Crown Class, featuring more legroom, wider seats, and enhanced service compared to standard Economy.
Passengers flying in Premium Economy typically have complimentary Royal Jordanian seat selection, allowing them to choose their preferred seat without any extra charges.
Special Assistance and Seat Selection
For passengers who require special assistance, such as those with reduced mobility or disabilities, Royal Jordanian offers designated seating options to accommodate specific needs. The airline provides priority seating near the front of the cabin or near exits to make it easier for passengers to board and deplane.
Passengers who require special seating or additional assistance should contact Royal Jordanian customer service team prior to their flight. The airline will work to ensure that appropriate seating arrangements are made to meet individual needs.
How to Modify or Change Your Seat Selection?
If your travel plans change or you simply want to switch seats, Royal Jordanian allows you to modify your seat selection at any time before your flight. To change your seat, follow these steps:
- Visit the Royal Jordanian website or open their mobile app.
- Retrieve your booking by entering your booking reference and last name.
- Navigate to the Royal Jordanian seat selection section and view the available seats on the seat map.
- Choose a new seat and confirm your selection.
If you initially selected a seat that required a fee and want to switch to another paid seat, you may be required to pay the difference if the new seat is more expensive. Conversely, if the new seat is less expensive, you may receive a refund for the difference, though this policy can vary based on the fare conditions.
Tips for Getting the Best Seat on Royal Jordanian
Securing the best seat for your Royal Jordanian flight requires a combination of timing, planning, and knowing what to expect. Here are some tips to help you get the seat that’s right for you:
- Book Early: The earlier you book your flight, the better your chances of getting your preferred seat. Seats tend to fill up as the flight date approaches, especially on popular routes or during busy travel seasons.
- Check-In Early: If you didn’t select a seat during booking, make sure to check in online as soon as it opens—24 hours before departure. This will give you the best chance of getting a good seat, especially if you’re flying on a busy route.
- Consider Paid Seat Selection: If you really want to guarantee a specific seat, such as an exit row seat with extra legroom or a preferred seat near the front of the cabin, it may be worth paying the extra fee. The small investment can make a big difference in your comfort, particularly on long-haul flights.
- Join Royal Club: If you’re a frequent flyer with Royal Jordanian, joining their loyalty program can unlock additional seat selection perks, including free or discounted access to preferred and extra legroom seats.
- Stay Informed: Royal Jordanian occasionally changes its aircraft or seat configurations. Make sure to double-check your seat assignment before your flight, especially if there have been changes to your flight schedule or aircraft type.
Conclusion
Choosing your seat on Royal Jordanian is a flexible process that caters to a wide range of passenger preferences and needs. Whether you’re traveling in business class, as a family, or simply want a little extra comfort in Economy, Royal Jordanian provides a variety of seat selection options, both free and paid. By understanding the Royal Jordanian seat selection policies and using the tips provided, you can ensure a more enjoyable and comfortable flight experience.
FAQs
Royal Jordanian Seat selection may be free for certain ticket types and even for Royal Club members, especially in Crown Class (business class). However, for some Economy Class fares, there may be a fee to select preferred or extra legroom seats.
Yes, you can change your seat after booking, either through the Royal Jordanian website, mobile app, or by contacting customer service. Changes are subject to seat availability.
Yes, passengers with special needs can request specific seating arrangements. It’s important to notify Royal Jordanian in advance so that they can accommodate your needs.
Yes, exit row seats and other extra legroom seats typically come with an additional charge, even for Economy Class passengers.