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ROYAL AIR MAROC
Terminal 1 JFK: I was running late, and thankfully check-in for Royal Air Maroc did not take long. I was given a pass to the Lufthansa lounge, which Royal Air Maroc rents out. The lounge entrance is BEFORE you go through security; unfortunately, I did not realize this until after I already cleared. How stupid is that? The idea of a lounge is so passengers can relax before a flight. That can’t happen if you still have to go through security. No one ever knows how long security will take. With only 30 minutes before boarding time, there was no way I was going back through with both my bags just to snag some free drinks, snacks and a comfortable seat.

JFK TO CASABLANCA
The 767-300 plane was two-thirds full. I scored a bulkhead seat in the first row of economy. I had plenty of legroom, and an empty seat in between me and my cool Canadian seatmate. The mostly young and attractive flight attendants passed out small amenity kits with socks, eye masks and headsets to all. It was a nice gesture, but they gave everyone (including yours truly) some serious attitude. And this was before I rang the call button 20 times (just kidding). At least the chicken (or fish) dinner with chocolate mousse cake they threw down without a smile was some of the best coach food I’ve ever had. The breakfast tray of yogurt, a croissant and blueberry muffin served 90 minutes prior to landing was just okay. The best part of the flight (besides – obviously -- landing safely) was that it only took 6 hours and 18 minutes! Who knew Africa was so close?! For more information on Royal Air Maroc, here’s a link to their website. Warning: It desperately needs a revamp.

GETTING THERE
Royal Air Maroc (tel. 800-344-6726) is the only airline from the U.S. offering nonstop service to Morocco (Casablanca). Flights start at approximately $900 roundtrip. To fly more cheaply, try pricing out one-stop service on British Airways or Air France. You can also fly to Europe and then board Royal Air Maroc’s new discount airline, Atlas Blue (tel. 0820-090-90). One-way tickets from London (a 3-hour flight) to Marrakech are as low as $37.

CASABLANCA AIRPORT
When we landed at the Casablanca Airport the plane parked out in the middle of the tarmac. Passengers deplaned using stairs. Actor Laurence Fishburne (who seemed like a nice guy) and the U.S. ambassador to Morocco (I think) both sat in first class, and had private cars waiting for them at the bottom. Meanwhile, everyone else shlepped their bags on the bus to passport control -- which was far from orderly. After getting cut a few times I just muscled my way to the counter – of course, with a smile.

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