On my recent 50-day, solo adventure Around the World, I chose an airline, Royal Air Maroc, that I had never flown with before for my international business class flight from New York to Casablanca and was not disappointed. Providing the reader with affordable luxury ideas focused on solo travel is the mission of Astrid Solo Travel Advisor. My business class flight experience with Royal Air Maroc was affordable luxury at its best from start to finish and thus, is highly recommended. Here’s my review.
Affordable Business Class Ticket
First and foremost, when booking a flight, I look for the most affordable ticket. My go to flight comparison and booking site is Kayak. I value this site because it shows more flight options at various prices plus it gives you plenty of info to help you decide which flight to book.
I found a one-way business class ticket to Lisbon, my final destination, on Royal Air Maroc for $1,330 and booked it immediately. One-way tickets business class tickets from New York to Casablanca typically cost around $3,200. I knew this was a good deal and snapped it up right away.
Brand New Dreamliner Aircraft
Another attractive feature of the flight I found was it was on boardl a practically brand new Boeing Dreamliner aircraft, a plane I had never experienced to date. This Boeing model is touted as it’s most passenger pleasing aircraft with it’s new features such as extra-large, electronically dimming windows, oversized overhead luggage bins for larger carry-on items, high cabin humidity levels for less flight dehydration, advanced air filtrations systems, smoother ride technology, and last, the airplane is 60% less noisy than it’s other models. All of these cutting-edge, modern features makes for a comfortable flight experience, leaving your refreshed when you reach your destination.
Priority Check In and the VIP Air France Lounge
The flight experience begins with a business class priority check in counter. Next, you are given information as to where the Business Class lounge is located. At New York’s JFK airport, Royal Air Maroc passengers have full access to all services provided in the Air France lounge. After the security-screening gate, I headed for the lounge to relax.
Complimentary Clarins Facial
To my pleasant surprise, I was informed I could indulge myself with a complimentary Clarins facial. I happily obliged. The pre- flight, hydrating facial was extremely pleasant. For a half an hour my face was cleansed, massaged and hydrated with luxurious, herbal creams.
Buffet of French Food and Wine
After my facial, I checked out the excellent French food buffet, selected a few light options and poured myself a glass of French Bordeaux wine. While watching the many planes take off for their destinations in this VIP setting, I leisurely enjoyed my food and drink. A great way to pass the time away during a long layover.
The lounge is tastefully decorated and provides all the latest Wi-Fi and technology needs for the business traveler, and a lounge attendant announces departure times to ensure you don't miss your flight.
Business Class Boarding
Business class passengers board first through a separate jetway entrance than the economy passengers, but not before the handicapped or special needs passengers. My first impression of the plane’s business section was how spacious and attractive it was with its configuration of three rows of three pairs of seats with a total of only 18 seats in the section.
A Flight Steward’s Greeting and Moroccan Music
The steward greeted me warmly and helped me put my heavy carry-on in the spacious overhead luggage bins. Moroccan music was piped in throughout the cabin until we left the gate which was a nice touch that helped to relax me and put me into a Moroccan state of mind.
Passengers were given earphones, a travel kit complete with Moroccan rose water products, a welcome drink and a choice of international newspapers and magazines to enjoy during the fight.
Comfortable, Lie Flat Seats with a Massage Function
I settled into my comfortable leather window seat, which had multiple adjustment features to include a massage function, and sipped my orange juice to prepare for the seven-hour flight across the Atlantic. The seats also have a USB port for charging phones, computers and notebooks, and a high-voltage individual reading light which can be used when the lights are dimmed.
Delicious Moroccan Meal Served on a Linen Placemat
Within the first hour we were served our evening meal on a linen placemat and fine china. Passengers were given the menu to select our entree from one of three options, and then shown an extensive wine list full of French and Moroccan wines.
The first course, which could have been the entree because it was so substantial, consisted of two types of gourmet salads, one with meat and the other with scallops and sautéed vegetables. The wine was poured with this course. Once again, I selected a French Bordeaux as my wine choice.
Being almost full at this point, my second course, a lamb dish with spice-flavored mashed potatoes and cooked down leeks, was served. Both French and Moroccan breads were offered as well. I only ate half of the delicious meal because it was quite filling. Instead of the next two courses, a cheese plate with fruit and a dessert selection, I ordered another glass of the Bordeaux in oder to relax more to sleep for the rest of the flight.
Seat Back TV Screen
On the seat back in front of you is a TV screen where you can watch movies, play games or access the aircraft’s Geovision that lets your know where you are throughout the entire flight which on this flight was almost entirely over the Atlantic Ocean. The on-demand video feature offers 45 programs with current and classical Hollywood movies, Arabic films, commentaries and various television series in several different languages. Passing on the videos, I finished my second glass of wine, adjusted the seat to a fully horizontal bed position and enjoyed a good night’s rest.
Cheese Plate Breakfast Substitution
About an hour before landing, I woke up, raised my window cover and saw the sun’s reflection on the 787-8’s massive engines. I knew we must be close to approaching land. My quiet, smooth, restful ride was soon coming to an end. Shortly there after, breakfast was offered. Instead of the standard meal I asked for the cheese plate I couldn’t eat from my filling evening meal as a substitution for the breakfast fare and the stewardess was happy to honor my request.
Fifteen minutes before landing is when we first hit the Moroccan shore. I am not the type who loves to fly. I only fly because I love to travel, and so when I see land I am always relieved. The landing was ultra smooth. Something that never ceases to amaze me is how these humongous planes can land so smoothly. I must admit I used to hate to fly but now with aircraft like the Boeing Dreamliner I am a much more relaxed, confident flyer.
Mercedes Benz Van Transport to the Terminal
We deplaned and were transported to the terminal in a Mercedes Benz van reserved only for Business Class passengers. Once I went through Moroccan immigration and security I headed to the Royal Air Maroc Business Class lounge to wait for my connecting flight to Lisbon.
Royal Air Maroc Business Class Lounge in Casablanca
The attractive, business class lounge was well-appointed with Moroccan design accents and offered an inviting food selection Moroccan buffet of small sandwiches, breakfast sweets, juices, coffee and tea.
Royal Air Maroc Flight Routes
Royal Air Maroc has an extensive reach both internationally, flying to 50 cities throughout, Africa, Asia, Europe, as well as, in major North America cities and domestically, serving dozens of cities in Morocco. The flight I took is a daily offering from the airline. In early August, Royal Air Maroc will launch a new North American route from Washington/Dulles to Casablanca.
If you are looking for comfort, pleasure and serenity at an affordable price, consider flying Royal Air Maroc. I know I will be selecting this airlines for future flights to Africa, Asia or Europe.
For a little more visual information about Royal Air Maroc view this short video of the Dreamliner Business Class experience.
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Author: Astrid Clements
Astrid Solo Travel Advisor CEO and founder, Astrid, has spent over 40 years traveling around the world. She is passionate about embracing the world’s diverse cultures and sharing with others the global need and personal benefit of cultural literacy. Her focus is on affordable luxury travel that is both substantive and fun! To read more about her and each one of our Solo Travel Advisors, head over to the About page!
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