Royal Jordanian/Qantas vs Etihad to Jordan

RJ are fine. They've recently been privatized, which has helped things a lot from the bad old days - on their Europe-Amman routes nowadays (things might be different on their Asia-Amman routes), planes are modern, interiors are new, everything works, service is European-standard, etc.

Etihad, though, it must be said, are excellent - but then again there's that quality difference between Europe-Abu Dhabi and Asia-Abu Dhabi services. Flying Etihad might also mean an extra stopover in Abu Dhabi. RJ fly nonstop to Amman from Bangkok, KL and a couple of other places.

RJ are simple and basic. They aren't great with service or bookings but it is passable especially if you just call the office in Amman directly. I have flown the BKK-AMM on RJ before and it was comfortable, but there is no personal IFE and the seats are a little squashed. But overall I was impressed because it was a well priced ticket.

I have flown with them twice and was totally satisfied with their services. On time, polite, helpful, decent food.

Thanks. Both airlines require a stop from Australia. I'd like to have a stopover. Actually that is probably a better question as quality wise i've flown in some dodgy planes in Africa and the Americas.

The thing is do I stop in Abu Dhabi or do I stop in Hong Kong, Bangkok or Mumbai? Is Abu Dhabi worth a few days?

Or a week in Abu Dhabi and maybe go visit Muscat in Oman for a few days as well If thats possible.

Edited by: Justin23

Abu Dhabi's fine for a couple of days if you've not been to the Middle East before, but if you can spare more time and go to Muscat that would be by far the better option.

I hate to say it, but as a stop-over destination, Abu Dhabi sucks. Big time.

Any of the RJ stops would be a better bet.

But, if you are free to take a week or more, then I agree with Vicky - a week in Oman would be great.

So really it would come down to whether you'd rather have a frenetic bustling city as a stopover with RJ, or a much more chilled and relaxed time in Muscat / Oman with Etihad.
Costwise, Oman or the UAE would probably be by far the most expensive option.

I've flown both RJ and Etihad. Etihad I hated!!! I think I just got them at a bad time. Apparently they were upgrading their entertainment systems so we had NO entertainment (not even radio) from AD to BKK!!!! and again AD to LDN!!! I was not happy. In apologising they said it was because they were upgrading for our future but its not like most people do the flight regularly enough to be - oh thats ok then. They also took forever to get the lights off/settle the plane down on night flights. It was 3 hours after take off (which had been about 10pm I think - but can't remember) - before the lights were off (every other long haul flight its been about 1 hour - even if they take your trays in the dipped lights). I just felt so trapped, bored and frustrated the whole time. The food was great and there were echoes of a great service to come but I was not happy!

The main thing I guess is both have a good safety record!

Genghis!! Abu Dhabi does not suck big time. It's a cool, hip, happening place.
Well ok, perhaps that's a bit of an exaggeration, but surely the OP could spend a couple of happy days in AD without too much difficulty...?

I have flown RJ (December 1992/January 1993) and Etihad (December 2007/January 2008) I can't comment on the lack of entertainment that #7 experienced with RJ since I don't use ANY inflight entertainment system on ANY airline however both airlines were safe and comfortable fights with excellent cabin service. When I flew RJ, the partner was Singapore Airlines so I had an aircraft transfer in Singapore and there were no issues. My flights with Etihad involved a flight delay and transfer in Abu Dhabi. I opted for a stopover at the Abu Dhabi Transit Hotel and Etihad were excellent in organising this. Since I only wanted a bed and a shower I can't comment on the options of AD as a stopover destination.