Introduction

Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is Morocco’s national carrier and one of the leading airlines in Africa, providing a network that spans the globe. With its home base at Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca, RAM has grown to become a significant player in connecting Africa with Europe, North America, and the Middle East. The airline is known for its competitive pricing, offering cost-effective routes to Morocco and beyond.

However, like many airlines, Royal Air Maroc has received mixed reviews from passengers. Some travelers appreciate the affordability and the convenient flight options, while others criticize the airline for its customer service, baggage handling, and punctuality. In this detailed review, we will explore the complete travel experience with Royal Air Maroc, covering ticket booking, check-in, airport experience, flight punctuality, in-flight comfort, food and beverage services, baggage handling, value for money, and overall experience.

1. Booking & Website/App Experience with Royal Air Maroc

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

The booking process with Royal Air Maroc is fairly straightforward, whether done through their website, mobile app, or through third-party booking sites. The official website, RoyalAirMaroc.com, provides a clean interface with clear instructions for flight selection, fare comparison, and payment processing. Users can select from a range of services, including one-way and round-trip tickets, multi-city options, and flexible date searches.

However, while the booking process is easy, there are some aspects that could be improved:

• Website Navigation: The website is user-friendly, but it can feel a bit dated compared to other modern airlines’ websites. The layout is simple, yet navigation through the various categories (flights, baggage, services, etc.) isn’t as intuitive as it could be. For example, booking complex itineraries, such as connecting flights with different partners, can be cumbersome.
• Mobile App: The Royal Air Maroc app, available on iOS and Android, is functional but limited. It allows users to book flights, check in, and manage bookings, but it lacks some advanced features seen in other airlines’ apps, such as real-time baggage tracking or seamless partner airline integrations. Additionally, some users have experienced frequent crashes or difficulty accessing their booking details through the app.
• Pricing & Promotions: RAM offers competitive pricing, especially on flights from North America to Morocco, and occasional promotions provide discounted fares. However, some users have reported difficulties applying promotional codes or receiving clear communication regarding fare changes.

Despite these challenges, many passengers have found the booking process to be reliable and affordable, making it a solid option for budget-conscious travelers.

2. Check-in Process with Royal Air Maroc

Rating: ⭐⭐ (2/5)

The check-in process with Royal Air Maroc can be a hit-or-miss experience, depending on the airport and flight route. While RAM offers online check-in 24 to 48 hours before departure, not all passengers report a seamless experience.

• Online Check-in: Online check-in is generally available, but many users report difficulties with the system. Some passengers have mentioned receiving error messages or issues accessing their booking, leading to frustration, particularly for last-minute travelers. Others have stated that the process can be slow, requiring repeated attempts before the system finally works.
• Airport Check-in: The check-in counters at major airports, such as New York’s JFK or London Heathrow, tend to be well-organized, and staff are available to assist with any queries. However, at smaller airports, passengers have reported a more chaotic experience, with fewer staff on hand to help. Long queues at counters and baggage drop points are common, especially during peak travel periods. The lack of sufficient staff during busy hours is a recurrent complaint.
• Baggage Issues: One area that frequently garners criticism is the handling of checked baggage. Some passengers have reported delayed or lost luggage after checking in. This becomes even more problematic if there are layovers at other airports, where passengers often report a lack of communication about the status of their baggage.

3. Airport Experience for Royal Air Maroc

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Royal Air Maroc operates from a range of international airports, including Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport (CMN), one of the busiest hubs in Morocco. Here’s a breakdown of the airport experience:

• Casablanca Airport: While Casablanca’s Mohammed V is a major hub, it has received mixed reviews from passengers. The airport can be crowded, and there have been complaints about long security lines and a lack of seating areas in some terminals. Passengers flying with RAM often have to navigate a busy airport with limited assistance available for non-Moroccan travelers. The airport’s lounges, which are accessible to business class and some loyalty members, are basic, with limited amenities such as food options and seating comfort.
• Lounge Access: For premium passengers, access to the airline’s lounges is provided, but these lounges are not particularly impressive when compared to other airlines’ premium services. Lounge conditions have been reported as crowded, and in some instances, cleanliness and comfort are lacking. Some travelers have mentioned that the lounges at major airports feel more like waiting areas than comfortable spaces to relax before a flight.
• Other Airports: For other airports where Royal Air Maroc operates, such as JFK in New York or Paris Charles de Gaulle, passengers have reported a generally positive airport experience, but with some variations in efficiency and amenities. Large international airports may be well-organized, but the airport infrastructure at smaller hubs can be lacking.

4. Punctuality of Royal Air Maroc

Rating: ⭐⭐ (2/5)

Punctuality remains one of the weaker aspects of Royal Air Maroc. While some flights depart on time, there are many reports of delays, sometimes lasting several hours. Passengers have noted:

• Flight Delays: Royal Air Maroc has a history of delays on both short-haul and long-haul flights, with some passengers experiencing unexpected delays, sometimes with little explanation from the airline. Weather-related delays are common, but there are also complaints about delayed departure due to internal operations, such as aircraft maintenance issues or poor planning.
• Missed Connections: Passengers flying on connecting flights have reported issues with tight layover times, which often result in missed connections due to delays in their inbound flights. In some instances, this has led to extended waiting times or rebooking challenges.
• Last-Minute Cancellations: Another recurring complaint is the frequency of last-minute flight cancellations, particularly on regional routes. Passengers who have experienced cancellations often express frustration over the lack of proactive communication from Royal Air Maroc, making it difficult to rearrange plans.

5. In-flight Comfort & Cleanliness of Royal Air Maroc

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

The in-flight experience with Royal Air Maroc varies depending on the aircraft. The airline operates a mixed fleet, which includes modern planes like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner alongside older aircraft.

• Seating Comfort: On newer aircraft like the Boeing 787, passengers have generally reported good comfort levels. The seats are well-padded, and legroom is acceptable, especially for long-haul flights. However, passengers on older planes have expressed concerns about the comfort of the seats, particularly in economy class. The outdated seats can feel cramped, and some passengers report that they are uncomfortable for longer flights.
• Cleanliness: The cleanliness of the cabin is generally acceptable but not always pristine. While the flight attendants do their best to maintain cleanliness, there have been occasional reports of less-than-ideal conditions, especially on older aircraft. Restrooms, in particular, are cited as needing attention, especially on longer flights.
• Cabin Ambiance: Passengers traveling on the newer Boeing 787 aircraft have praised the quieter cabins and improved air quality. This contributes to a more comfortable in-flight environment, making long-haul flights more pleasant. In contrast, some older planes lack modern amenities and can feel outdated.

6. In-flight Services of Royal Air Maroc

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

In-flight services with Royal Air Maroc are generally adequate but can vary greatly depending on the route and flight duration.

• Food & Beverages: For long-haul flights, Royal Air Maroc provides complimentary meals, including Moroccan dishes like couscous or tagine, as well as standard airline options like chicken or pasta. While some passengers have praised the quality of the meals, others have found them bland or poorly presented. The beverage selection includes soft drinks, wine, and a small variety of spirits. However, there have been complaints about the frequency of beverage rounds, especially on shorter flights.
• In-flight Entertainment: In-flight entertainment is available on most flights, with a selection of movies, TV shows, and music. However, the quality of the entertainment system is inconsistent, with newer aircraft like the 787 offering better screens and a wider range of options. Older aircraft, on the other hand, may have outdated systems or no personal screens at all.
• Service Quality: The quality of service varies. While some passengers praise the professionalism and friendliness of the cabin crew, others have reported less-than-ideal experiences with staff members who seemed inattentive or unhelpful. While RAM staff members are generally courteous, there are occasions where crew members appear to be overwhelmed, particularly on full flights.

7. Baggage Handling of Royal Air Maroc

Rating: ⭐ (1/5)

Baggage handling is one of the most frequent points of complaint for Royal Air Maroc passengers.

• Delayed Baggage: Many travelers have reported delayed baggage after arriving at their destination, particularly on long-haul flights with layovers. Passengers have had to wait several hours, or even days, for their luggage to be delivered.
• Lost Baggage: There have been multiple reports of passengers’ bags being lost during transit, often with limited assistance from the airline in resolving the issue. The process of filing a baggage claim is said to be cumbersome and slow, leaving travelers frustrated.
• Poor Communication: When baggage issues arise, Royal Air Maroc has been criticized for its lack of clear communication. Passengers often feel left in the dark about the status of their luggage, with limited updates or resolutions provided.

8. Value for Money of Royal Air Maroc

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Royal Air Maroc offers competitive pricing, especially on routes from North America to Morocco. Passengers traveling between major North American cities like New York, Montreal, or Washington D.C. and Casablanca often find fares significantly lower than those offered by other international airlines.

• Affordable Fares: For travelers looking to fly to Morocco or other parts of Africa, Royal Air Maroc provides a relatively affordable option, especially in economy class. However, budget-conscious passengers may be disappointed by the additional fees for baggage and seat selection.
• Add-on Fees: While the base fares are lower than many competitors, passengers may find themselves paying for add-ons such as checked luggage, seat selection, or upgrades. These charges can add up, potentially negating the initial cost savings.
• Overall Value: While RAM offers affordable flights, the overall value is impacted by the airline’s inconsistent service quality and baggage handling issues. Passengers willing to tolerate potential delays or baggage issues may find the value proposition reasonable, but others may feel that paying a little more for a more reliable airline is worth it.

9. Overall Experience of Royal Air Maroc

Rating: ⭐⭐ (2/5)

Royal Air Maroc is a mixed bag. It offers affordable prices and access to a variety of destinations, but its shortcomings in service, baggage handling, and punctuality can leave travelers feeling frustrated.

10. Final Verdict of Royal Air Maroc

Rating: ⭐⭐ (2/5)

Royal Air Maroc is a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers, especially for those traveling to Morocco or Africa. However, travelers should be prepared for potential delays, baggage issues, and an inconsistent level of service. For those willing to take a risk for lower fares, RAM may be a good option, but for others who value reliability and a more polished experience, it may be worth considering other carriers.