Other Middle East and Africa Frequent Flyer Programs - RJ Trip Report BEY-AMM-FRA/MUC-AMM-BEY in J

I was able to score two U (reward) seats through QF on RJ. Can't wait till we depart this Monday. I will update this thread as I go.

After much search into availability on Malev, Alitalia and even BMI (codeshare with BA), RJ came as the last minute but most convenient option.
Layovers in AMM are less than 45 minutes each way, I am looking forward to this transit thinking it might just be something from the amazing race.

I called RJ's desk today to check that the seats and special meals were confirmed. Also I was scared we might be bumped off AMM-FRA because the flight shows as zeroed out in J. Everything seems to be in order as I was told we could check in as late as 75minutes at BEY.

To be continued...

.....

BA6501, thanks for the reminder. I didn't have much time to write about anything; here is what happened.
We arrived to BEY almost 2 hours before departure. Check in was swift, took less than 2 minutes. The agent told us there would only be 1 passenger with us on the short flight to AMM.

We got into the Cedar's lounge for a coffee; meet a couple of MP's who were on their way to Europe, my father had a chat with them having known them personally for at least 25 years. Anyhow, we were called to the plane about 35 minutes prior to take off. It was gate 19 (which is a fair walk from the lounge). As we were approaching the departure area they called our names for the flight (sheesh there were still 25 minutes to departure).
The area was bascially empty; we had our boarding passes scanned and proceeded through the bridge to be greeted by a clean cut/shaven security officer (RJ's) who first asked to see my passport, but upon seeing my father behind me, welcomed us with a smile and said no need to see anything since you're with him (no, he doesn't know him).

Anyhow, the E95 was an interesting plane, it had 4 rows, 3 seats each 1-2 configuration. We were row 2; the only other passenger in J was this lady who was heading to UK (overheard the conversation between her and the security officer who settled in the single seat 1A).
A welcome drink was offered, orange or apple juices. Opted for the OJ which was ok. Then quickly the empty glasses were snapped away as the door was shut closed, and the plane was pushed back (5 minutes prior to scheduled departure time).
By the way, that morning, it was stormy around BEY; this made an intetersting take off (felt like the plane was skidding as were accelerating down the runway (departure to the south then right hand bank west, then another north, then east etc, you get the picture).

For about 30 minutes after take off, nothing happened, seat belt sign was still on. Staff were still seated (I began to wonder whether we'd be offered anything prior to landing as we were now over Syria and soon to cross the Jordanian border!).
I also smelled cigarettes; I couldn't figure out where the smell was coming from, but I had a feeling it would be the cockpit because it was coming from the front.
It was so intense than on our next flight all my clothes smelled like smoke.

Anyhow, 30 minutes into the flight we had cleared the storm presiding over Lebanon (it was one hell of a take off by the way, very bumpy and shaky; felt like we were spinning around and dropping down; lots of negative G forces there), the seat belt signs were switched off (it was blue skies all over) and the attendant quickly jumped out of her jump seat, brought around a tray with 3 plates on it. Each plate had a Zaatar croissant, a plain croissant and a sweet pastery thing similar to croissants. The lady in the front declined the offer, but me and my father took it (the attendant seemed annoyed that we opted to eat!). We asked for a coffee and a tea that came to our seat within seconds. The plates and glasses were cleared in less than 5, and by the time I got to the toilettes door to wash my hands, the pilot declared we would be descending and to return to the seats etc etc.

Descent was swift, landed far away from the terminal and taxied around the terminal to a remote stand, right next to the A319 which would be taking us to FRA (we could've just walked 30 metres to the next bridge/stairs, but no, we were bussed (J passengers in their own bus) to the terminal where we walked in mazes (or sort of), through passport checks, security and the gate, back to the same point at which the bus dropped us off, then back onto another bus (this time with Y passengers) to the mentioned A319 (a gut feeling that came true).

We were rushed to board the flight; this A319 was not painted in black, but rather white with the normal RJ logo/tail etc (I will upload photos later by the way, I have snapped everything pretty much). Now this flight is a different story to the first one, perhaps because the first was disappointing that I wasn't expecting anything, or perhaps it really was a great flight (not kidding).

TBC :)

Our AMM-FRA flight was running late. Economy was full, Business had 4 empty seats (configuration is 2-2, 4 rows on the left, 3 rows on the right, a total of 14 seats). Seats were exactly MEA's J, but wrapped in grey leather. This particular plane was almost new, so with a new smell.
Each seat had a blanket and a square pillow, both wrapped in plastic; the flight attendant (lady dressed in RJ's famous Abaya) welcomed us at the door, without seeing or asking to see our boarding passes!

We settled into our seats 4A/B; then we were offered the same pre-take off drinks, followed by a hot towel, then menus were distributed. Our flight today would be 4 hours 39 minutes! We eventually got pushed back and this time we were late by 15minutes roughly.

After take off, it was again another 20-30 minutes of waiting until seat belts were switched off. Meal service will take away 2 hours of the flight, but what a service. Everything was served with a smile, that lady (think her name was Mirna) had a genuine smile and endeavored to make everyone feel at home. Having flown Emirates almost exclusively in the past 8 or so years, this was a refreshing change (not that I've encountered crew like her before, but this attendant was special).

Now there was a surprise; the Diabetic meal I had ordered for my father was not loaded onto the flight. The other flight attendant (a young male) came to my father and apologized formally, saying he is really sorry but he will be happy to do whatever he can.

Our AMM-FRA flight was running late. Economy was full, Business had 4 empty seats (configuration is 2-2, 4 rows on the left, 3 rows on the right, a total of 14 seats). Seats were exactly MEA's J, but wrapped in grey leather. This particular plane was almost new, so with a new smell.
Each seat had a blanket and a square pillow, both wrapped in plastic; the flight attendant (lady dressed in RJ's famous Abaya) welcomed us at the door, without seeing or asking to see our boarding passes!

We settled into our seats 4A/B; then we were offered the same pre-take off drinks, followed by a hot towel, then menus were distributed. Our flight today would be 4 hours 39 minutes! We eventually got pushed back and this time we were late by 15minutes roughly.

After take off, it was again another 20-30 minutes of waiting until seat belts were switched off. Meal service will take away 2 hours of the flight, but what a service. Everything was served with a smile, that lady (think her name was Mirna) had a genuine smile and endeavored to make everyone feel at home. Having flown Emirates almost exclusively in the past 8 or so years, this was a refreshing change (not that I've encountered crew like her before, but this attendant was special).

Now there was a surprise; the Diabetic meal I had ordered for my father was not loaded onto the flight. The other flight attendant (a young male) came to my father and apologized formally, saying he is really sorry but he will be happy to do whatever he can.

Did they give you an Amenity kit? Did seats recline on the FRA flight to 150 -180 degrees?