Planning your journey with the Royal Jordanian Baggage Policy flag carrier and a member of the oneworld alliance, requires a clear understanding of their baggage policy to ensure a smooth and cost-effective trip. Whether you're traveling in Economy, Crown Class (Premium Economy), or Business Class, allowances vary significantly, and knowing the rules for carry-on, checked baggage, and special items is essential to avoid unexpected fees at the airport. This guide provides a detailed overview of Royal Jordanian's current baggage policy.
Carry-On Baggage: Your Essential Cabin Companions
All passengers are entitled to one standard carry-on bag plus one personal item, regardless of cabin class.
- Standard Carry-On Bag:
- Size: Maximum dimensions of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm (22in x 16in x 8in), including wheels and handles.
- Weight: 7kg (15 lbs) for Economy and Crown Class passengers. Business Class passengers enjoy a higher allowance of 10kg (22 lbs).
- Personal Item:
- Size: One small item such as a handbag, laptop bag, purse, or small backpack that fits under the seat in front of you.
- Weight: No specific weight limit is published, but it must be easily stowed.
Crucial Carry-On Considerations:
- Strict Enforcement: Royal Jordanian, like most airlines, enforces carry-on size and weight limits rigorously at the gate. Bags exceeding the limits will be tagged and checked into the hold, potentially incurring fees.
- Liquids: Adhere to the standard IATA cabin baggage liquid restrictions: containers must hold 100ml or less, fit into a single transparent, resealable 1-litre plastic bag, and be presented separately at security.
- Essential Items: Pack vital medication, important documents (passports, visas, itineraries), valuable electronics, jewelry, and fragile items in your carry-on luggage. Checked baggage can be delayed or mishandled.
- Laptops & Electronics: Often subject to additional security screening, so ensure they are easily accessible.
Checked Baggage: The Core Allowance
Checked baggage allowances are primarily determined by your cabin class, fare type, and route. Allowances are generally more generous for Crown Class and Business Class passengers and those traveling on higher-tier Economy fares.
- Business Class:
- Typically includes two checked bags.
- Each bag has a maximum weight of 30kg (66 lbs).
- This generous allowance applies to most international routes.
- Crown Class (Premium Economy):
- Typically includes one checked bag.
- Maximum weight per bag is 23kg (50 lbs).
- Applies to most international routes.
- Economy Class:
- This is where it gets critical: Allowances vary hugely by fare type purchased.
- Economy Basic / Lite Fares: Often include NO free checked baggage allowance. Each bag must be purchased.
- Economy Standard / Saver Fares: May include one checked bag (max 23kg).
- Economy Flex / Full Fares: Typically include one checked bag (max 23kg).
- Economy Plus: May include one checked bag (max 23kg).
- Important: Always check your specific fare rules during booking or in your booking confirmation. Allowances can also differ slightly for routes within the Middle East region compared to long-haul international flights.
Baggage Specifications:
- Size: Each checked bag must have a combined length, width, and height (L+W+H) not exceeding 158cm (62in). This includes wheels and handles.
- Weight: Standard checked bags are limited to 23kg (50 lbs). Bags weighing between 23kg and 32kg will incur an overweight fee. Bags exceeding 32kg will not be accepted.
- Number: You can check more bags than your free allowance, but each additional bag incurs a fee.
Excess, Overweight, and Oversized Baggage Fees
If you exceed your included free baggage allowance, you will need to pay for additional bags, overweight bags, or oversized bags. Fees are significantly higher when paid at the airport counter compared to pre-paying online.
- Online Pre-Payment: Substantially cheaper. Always check the "Manage My Booking" section on the Royal Jordanian website or app to add bags in advance.
- Airport Payment: The most expensive option.
- Fees Vary: The exact cost depends on:
- Route: Fees differ for Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
- Bag Type: Standard excess, overweight (24-32kg), oversized (over 158cm but under 203cm).
- Payment Method: Online vs. Airport.
- Cabin Class: Fees may differ slightly between Economy, Crown, and Business.
Illustrative Example (Fees can change - ALWAYS CHECK CURRENT RATES ONLINE):
- Adding a 23kg bag online on a Middle East route might cost ~$50-$80 USD.
- Paying for the same bag at the airport could cost $120-$200+ USD.
- An overweight bag (e.g., 28kg) paid online might be ~$100-$150 USD.
- An oversized bag fee is usually higher than a standard excess bag fee.
Special Items: Sports, Musical Instruments, Pets
Royal Jordanian has specific rules and fees for non-standard items:
- Sports Equipment: Items like golf clubs, bicycles, surfboards, skis, snowboards, and diving equipment are accepted but incur special handling fees. These fees are separate from standard baggage fees and vary by item and route. Bicycles must be in a protective case. Always declare these during booking or check the website for specifics.
- Musical Instruments: Small instruments (e.g., violin, guitar in a soft case) may be considered part of your carry-on allowance if they fit within the size and weight limits. Larger instruments usually require checking as special baggage with an additional fee. Hard-shell cases may be required.
- Pets: Royal Jordanian allows cats and dogs to travel in the cabin (subject to strict size, carrier, and fee restrictions) or as checked baggage in the hold (in approved kennels, with significant fees). Birds and other animals have different, often more restrictive, rules. All pet travel requires advance booking, valid health certificates, and proof of vaccinations. Check the detailed pet policy well in advance.
Proactive Tips for a Smooth Baggage Experience
- Know Your Fare: This is paramount. Log into "Manage My Booking" on the Royal Jordanian website with your booking reference to confirm your exact free baggage allowance. Don't assume it's the same as the person next to you.
- Pre-Pay Online: If you need extra bags, overweight bags, or are unsure if your bag meets the weight limit, pre-pay online. The savings are substantial. Use the baggage calculator tool if available.
- Weigh and Measure at Home: Invest in a luggage scale. Checking your bags before leaving for the airport prevents stressful repacking or surprise fees.
- Pack Essentials in Carry-On: Medication, documents, valuables, electronics, and a change of clothes should always be in your carry-on bag.
- Clear and Durable Labels: Ensure your name, address, and phone number are securely attached to the handle of every checked bag, both inside and out.
- Check the Official Website: Policies, fees, and allowances are subject to change. Always refer to the official "Baggage" section on the Royal Jordanian website for the absolute latest information before your trip. The "Baggage Calculator" is a useful tool.
- Arrive Early: If you have complex baggage (multiple bags, special items), arriving at the airport well before the recommended check-in time (3 hours for international, 2 hours for domestic) is advisable.
- Consider Crown Class: If you frequently travel long-haul and value baggage allowance, the extra comfort and included bag of Crown Class can offer good value.
conclusion
Royal Jordanian's baggage policy rewards those who plan ahead. While Crown Class and Business Class offer generous allowances, Economy passengers must carefully select their fare type or be prepared to pay for checked baggage. Rigorous enforcement of carry-on limits and significant cost differences for airport payments make checking the policy and pre-paying online essential. By understanding the rules for your specific route and fare, weighing your bags at home, and utilizing online services, you can ensure your baggage travels as smoothly as you do with Royal Jordanian. Always verify details on their official website before departure.