Turkish Airlines has an enormous reach with flights to 130 countries. That’s the most of any airline in the world at the moment. It’s also well-regarded. From its food to its inflight entertainment, it’s an airline that offers a premium product while also publishing some very attractive airfares, especially for Business Class. That means it can be a great way to fly long-haul, and even within Europe (if you don’t mind going a little out of your way). Here’s what to expect – and how to make the most of it – if you decide to fly with them.
Why should you consider flying with Turkish Airlines?
With such a comprehensive route network and a tendency to offer low airfares, it’s not unlikely that Turkish may appear among the top choices on your next international airfare search. This is true of both Economy and Business Class.
And if you’re into food while flying, Turkish Airlines will keep you happy. Their catering is consistently good, in all classes. They even have onboard chefs who work alongside flight attendants to ensure the preparation and presentation of food in Business Class is up to standard.
If you’re booking Turkish, the trick is to know what you’re getting and choose your flights wisely, a calculation that may vary depending on what you value, and whether you’re travelling solo or in a group.
Onboard experience
Turkish Airlines seems to make an effort to provide an elevated experience onboard whether you’re up front or in the cheaper seats. The result is generally a flight that feels like a step up from what many other airlines offer.
Business Class
When flying in Business Class long-haul with Turkish Airlines, you can expect the following: lie-flat seats, amenity kits with the essentials and in cases that are great for gifting or reusing, free Wi-Fi up to 1GB, extensive meal service (you won’t go hungry) and a wide range of beverages, and lounge access at every airport along your journey.
Within Europe, you won’t get bedding, and you’ll get a pared down amenity kit, but you’ll get most everything else.
Economy Class
If you’re used to the likes of United Airlines or Air Canada economy class, Turkish Airlines will likely be a pleasant surprise. Here’s what to expect: legroom on the better side of average (76 to 84 cm depending on aircraft) and little amenity kits with some basics like eye mask, toothbrush and socks.
Service
The service experience on Turkish Airlines can vary quite a lot – from super attentive and friendly crews to those who are simply getting the job done but offering nothing extra. This inconsistency is unfortunate. However, relative to all airlines, I’d say Turkish manages a service that’s better than the global average on the whole.
Wi-Fi
There is Wi-Fi on many Turkish Airlines aircraft, but it can be costly. However if you sign up for the Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles program, you can get a package with unlimited messaging for free. In Business Class, 1GB of data is free, but you’ll have to pay for anything beyond that.
Choosing the right aircraft for a long-haul flight
The short-haul fleet is generally a lot more similar with recliner Business Class seats akin to domestic First Class in Canada and the US, just generally with a much better soft product (food, service) compared to most North American airlines.
Boeing 787
On 787 flights, you’ll get the airline’s most recent Business Class seat, which is very private and offers direct aisle access to everyone. It’s not as spacious as some competitors, however, and if you’re travelling as a pair, most of the seats onboard will have you sitting some distance apart, making chatting difficult.
Boeing 777
Airbus A330
Airbus A350
Business Class seat selection tip
On the aircraft with Turkish Airlines’ latest Business seat (A350 and 787), if travelling solo the best seats are the even-numbered ones along the sides (A and K) – because these are further from the aisle than the odd-numbered seats and offer more privacy as a result. If travelling as a pair and you don’t need the window view, go for odd-numbered seats in the centre (E and F), which are the closest together.
Other things to consider
Here are a few things I’d keep an eye on when booking with Turkish Airlines.
Turkish Airlines loyalty program
It’s probably worth signing up for the Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles program just for the free inflight messaging alone. It takes only five minutes, after all. However, most travellers will be best served using a Star Alliance mileage program from where they’re based to actually earn miles for the flight.
Istanbul Airport connections
Turkish Airlines’ mega-hub, the relatively new Istanbul Airport (IST), tends to split opinions. It is so big that even connections you’d previously have considered ‘safe’ for time may have you rushing. However, it is a serious improvement over the old Ataturk Airport without a doubt, which was becoming seriously over-crowded and showing its age.
Istanbul stopover programs
It can be worth considering taking advantage of Turkish Airlines free stopover offerings. These come in two forms.
If you have a connection of between six and 24 hours, Touristanbul offers free city tours and experiences as an alternative to spending 8 hours in the terminal. You simply go to the relevant desk after arriving at Istanbul Airport and ask for the tour options.
If you have an overnight stop with a connection of at least 20 hours, Turkish will even put you up in a hotel free of charge. For this one, you need to apply at least 72 hours before.
This can be a nice added value on a trip, getting to see a bit of Istanbul before heading onward to your final destination, or perhaps on the return before heading home.
This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others. Find more perspectives in our user reviews below.
