I don’t make this statement lightly, but I’d like to nominate a contender for the title of “world’s worst purpose-built business class seat” (I’ll have to update my list!).
In this post:
Royal Jordanian’s odd staggered business class seats
In recent times, Royal Jordanian has been modernizing its fleet with Embraer E190/195-E2s, which are large, latest generation regional jets.
The airline flies these planes on some rather long missions, including flights to Europe that are approaching five hours. For example, I just flew on the E190-E2 from Amman (AMM) to Frankfurt (FRA), and I was onboard the plane for a little over five hours.
Historically, Royal Jordanian’s previous generation Embraer aircraft had business class seats in a 1-2 layout, compared to the 2-2 layout in economy, which is what you’d expect for such a plane. However, the airline has decided to introduce a new product on its latest jets, in a 2-2 configuration… with a catch.
The seats are staggered, which is to say that the window and aisle seats are offset from one another, with the window seats essentially being halfway between the aisle seats. I imagine the intent here is twofold:
- To offer business class passengers a little more privacy, compared to sitting immediately next to one another
- To make the seats a little bit wider than standard economy seats, because the way they’re staggered allows the width to be increased slightly (but not by much)
So in order to get into the window seat, you need to step over the person in the aisle seat. Even when the seat is fully upright, it’s a tight opening you have to enter through.
The seats have a shell design, so to recline your seat you slide forward, and then there’s basically no opening between seats.
Was this seat better or worse than I was expecting?
Like I said, this was my first time flying in this configuration. I had seen pictures of it, and I’m a huge product geek, so I had wondered if maybe it’s actually better than I had assumed, or something.
I’ve gotta say, I wasn’t impressed at all. My opinion is that this is the worst purpose-built business class seat out there. In other words, I’m not going to say this is worse than business class on intra-Europe flights, as there is marginally more width, and significantly more legroom in this layout.
What stood out to me the most isn’t how the seats feel rather tight, or how it’s difficult to get into the window seats. Instead, what stood out to me is how damn awkward it is to sit in the window seat. You literally feel like you’re being watched by the person seated in the aisle seat.
That’s not because they’re eavesdropping, but because they’re seated inches behind you, so it’s almost like you’re on display for them. Making it even more fun is that on Royal Jordanian it’s often going to be an air marshal or deadheading pilot staring at you (or in the case of my flight, both were in my row). I’m not sure why they couldn’t at least put little privacy partitions between seats, because this is infinitely more awkward than having someone seated next to you, in a more traditional layout.
As Royal Jordanian modernizes its fleet, it’s really disappointing to see the airline move in this direction. Not only is the Embraer business class hard product way worse than before, but my much bigger issue is that these planes are flying much longer flights than before.
In the past, they’d mainly be used for short hops within the region, while now they’re operating some of the longer missions to Europe, replacing planes with much more comfortable interiors.
It almost feels like Royal Jordanian realizes that most service from Europe to Amman is on European carriers with the typical intra-Europe business class, so that’s now what the airline is trying to compete with. It’s less than ideal, for sure, and I’d avoid this product in the future, especially if traveling alone.
If I did have to travel in this product, I’d choose the aisle seat in row three, so that no one is looking at you (though one of those two aisle seats is typically blocked for an air marshal).
Bottom line
Royal Jordanian decided to get creative with its business class business class hard product on new Embraer jets, and not for the better. The airline has introduced a staggered business class product that I had never experienced before.
Obviously the intent is to maintain the 2-2 density, while offering a bit more privacy compared to standard economy seats. However, I think this product really misses the mark. It’s not terribly comfortable, but what bothers me much more is how awkward it feels.
What do you make of this strange Royal Jordanian Embraer business class seat?
Now imagine you’re the BA team, thinking this stepping-over-business passenger experience belongs on your A380 flagship.
I flew this in J in November 2024 when I believe they were bringing these planes on. Seemed really weird but as I was flying AMM-CAI and my other option was EgyptAir I wasn't going to complain... LOL
Lay flat is lay flight. As a bonus, u can get your head caressed by the person you in row you are decking back to…or caress the head of the person laying into your row.
Maybe can even figure out some 69 action??!!
I have already taken this new jet (in business class) a dozen times, as RJ operates it to most Gulf destinations frequently. Ofc, definitely not my favorites, but willing to be on board as long as RJ biz is widely and readily available for Aslaka's cheap redemption (tbh, it's better than MS very old B737 biz in many cases anyway). Whenever I take this RJ jet, I always try to choose the "first row on...
I have already taken this new jet (in business class) a dozen times, as RJ operates it to most Gulf destinations frequently. Ofc, definitely not my favorites, but willing to be on board as long as RJ biz is widely and readily available for Aslaka's cheap redemption (tbh, it's better than MS very old B737 biz in many cases anyway). Whenever I take this RJ jet, I always try to choose the "first row on the window", then I (a female, 5'6 tall) could fully stretch my legs to the front wall, which was actually quite comfy and cozy. It depends on cabin crew too, but recently my RJ AMM-BEY/CAI on RJ A320neo has been much more pleasant than AMM-Gulf cities (longer routes) on this E195-E2 jet (also A320neo available depending on schedule for these routes).
I agree, that's a weird configuration. Certainly better than the European style business class, which on the Embraer mostly does not even involve seat blocking. But I think the usual 1-2 configuration on Embraers' regional jets (including the older ones in the RJ fleet) makes much more sense.
That doesn't look very comfortable - I had been considering RJ for an upcoming trip (with that aircraft) and I think I'll do something else...
Anyone who thinks that the subject seat is bad, has never flown CrabAir’s Fat Albert, only to be ‘shown the door’ at 800ft AGL.
Honestly, this looks a lot better than LH's Economy Business Class seating "middle seat free" so let it go..
While this may be a close second for terrible biz class, I still think the 2x4x2 on BA is the worst with that ridiculous foot stool to prop up your legs (folds down from the seat in front of you) and you have to climb over and/or face some stranger in reverse. It was the worst by far.
If you get the window seat, it's actually a pretty nice seat. You get a lot of privacy and a ton of footroom for sleeping
I flew this weirdness from Amman to AlUla. I was sad to be on it for 1.5 hours, I can only imagine 5 hours to Frankfurt
Flying has nothing to do with travel. Flying is about squeezing every last penny and bit of dignity from the victims of flying (nee passengers.) Eventually you will just go to an airport, the airline will drain your bank accounts and then you will return home. Kinda like American medicine.
There is one redeeming feature to this configuration - legroom. Aviance Inter-Americas flights have 2-2 configuration in what they call business class (modified 3-3 in coach) so each seat is fairly wide. BUT the pitch is 31-32 inches which is no better than coach on most airlines. Avianca coach is 28-29 on the IAD-BOG route. How can they call it "business class"? I would rather have the Royal Jordanian legroom. Just a thought.
When you shrink the space down to a couple of inches (as the photos clearly show), the seating has become far too dangerous in a crash. Regular cabin seats are already 20 times more dangerous than the ICAO believes, but this would be far worse than that.
Its interesting how, over the past 25 years or so, out concept of J Class and privacy as evolved. I flew Continental "Business First" A LOT in the late 80s into the 90s. WIDE comfortable seats in a 2-2-2 on a DC10. Privacy ? LOL, a polite nod to the person next to you and either a quiet trip or a new and interesting acquaintance. Flash forward to today and these small looking "coffin seats". The RJ C class seats look tight and awkward. No thanks.
I am surprised that they (seat manufacturer) got this seat certified. Looks to be very difficult to get out of the window seat in emergency situation.
For some reason I thought the seat bottom base was supposed to flip up.
Wonder if Concorde travelers would have preferred this Embraer seating option?
I was thinking exactly the same. How did these get certified in the first place? This is definitely worse than allegris (not a compliment).
If the E195-E2 is a regional jet, so is Franco-Canadian Spaghetti-Os. Death to 2-3 and death to Airbus.
Can we get some sort of Harem Quorum Fatwah on that? After all it’s just a ‘bus!
Alcohol will get you through at least part of the 5 hour journey in the middle seat.
Death to Airbus. Death to Fatty the Great White Whale. Death to Franco-Canadian Spaghetti-Os. And Death to the Airpus Fanboys who denigrate everything Boeing and everything American. No compromise. No mercy.
Lordy. Go easy on the fatwahs, y’all.
Oorah! Motard …. :-)
Okay, let’s look at this product from a premium economy angle rather than a business class angle. I wonder if Ben would be okay with a different label, cause this does seem to be a creative solution for that cabin segment instead of a full on business class. Thanks cause I have been curious about this arrangement for a while.
Woah, never seen that before. Like, it's still the standard 12 seats, but instead of 4 rows of 1-2 it's whatever this is. Does any other carrier have this?
I got to sample this seat on the E2 demonstrator back when this LOPA was first being offered to airlines and I told Embraer back then that it was very inconvenient to access the window seat as a somewhat wider/taller than average person (my trouser pocket got snagged on the armrest and fortunately didn't tear). There's a reason it has only been picked up by a handful of customers including Royal Jordanian and Air Peace.
Bah! Always wild to see Air Peace getting a shoutout on here. As for other African carriers, I’m glad Airlink, Kenya Airways kept its 1-2 configuration E75/90, etc. Did Botswana ever get any? I remember them discussing, but only have seen ATR at JNB/CPT in the past.
Ben’s working overtime to get banned from another MENA country.
I was thinking the same
When can we see surveillance footage of Ben walking around AMM?
LOL! Amman perp walk.
I have to agree with Ben, RJ has to be almost as Bad as Intra European Flights. I Flew RJ Business from BKK to KUL, The seats were torn, Hand rest was broken and Food sucked. I would rather take Malaysian Airlines,much,much better.
How could they achieve air worthiness certification in case of emergency evacuation if path can be effectively blocked when seat is extended
I give RJ points for trying to think outside the box. Like you said, a privacy screen would address the primary issue, at least in my book. Albeit, climbing in and out of the window seat isn't ideal.
Doesn’t sound like RJ is really doing much “thinking”….
Why go with this configuration? On both versions on the E195, they have 12 business class seats, so it isn’t like this configuration lets them squeeze in more seats. What a bad design.
It actually allows airlines fit in more seats.
12 seats in 1-2 is 4 rows at 38" that's 152"
12 seats in 2-2 is 3 rows at 45" (the possible minimum to comfortably configure this seats) that's 135".
So this frees up at least 17" to airlines either to add bigger galley or storage, could also be used to add an extra row of economy (all be it at a very uncomfortable 29") or make existing economy more comfortable like economy plus.
Gosh, RJ is getting a beating today...
Would you take an intra-European business class seat over this?
Apologies, it's my turn to have missed something in the post
Absolutely not. Intra-EU business class is economy class. I don't give two shits if a seat was "purpose built" for the class or not.
Greenie, agreed. If it isn’t lie-flat, it ain’t business class, and if it’s a recliner, that’s premium economy; intra-europe is regular economy 3-3 middle seat blocked sometimes with a meal.
Isnt jordan next to egypt....