Introduction
Flying long-haul can be exhausting, but upgrading your seat can change the entire experience. If you are planning a trip across the Atlantic or to Asia, you might be considering turkish business class. Turkish Airlines has built a massive reputation over the last decade, often winning awards for its food and service. But does it really live up to the glossy advertisements?
In this guide, we are going to dive deep into what you can expect when you step onto a Turkish Airlines plane. We will cover everything from the seats and the entertainment to the legendary “Flying Chefs.” Whether you are a frequent flyer or saving up for a special trip, this review will help you decide if this airline is the right choice for you.
Key Takeaways
- Dining is a Highlight: Turkish Airlines is famous for its “Flying Chefs” and candlelit dinners in the sky.
- Lounge Access: The lounge in Istanbul is considered one of the best in the world.
- Seat Comfort: While comfortable, seat types vary significantly depending on the aircraft (Boeing 777 vs. 787).
- Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is often available for Business Class passengers, but speeds can vary.
- Amenity Kits: You receive high-quality kits often branded by luxury designers.
Why Choose Turkish Business Class?
Choosing an airline for a long trip is a big decision. You want to make sure your money is well spent. Turkish business class is often praised for offering a luxury experience at a price point that is sometimes lower than other major European carriers like Lufthansa or British Airways. The airline flies to more countries than any other airline in the world, making it a very convenient option for connecting flights.
The biggest draw for many people is the soft product—this means the service and the food. While some airlines cut back on meals, Turkish Airlines goes all out. The crew is generally attentive, and the overall vibe is one of traditional Turkish hospitality. If you value a good meal and a warm welcome, this airline starts off strong.
Additionally, the geographical location of Istanbul makes it a perfect hub. It splits the difference between East and West perfectly. If you are flying from New York to Bangkok, or London to Cape Town, a stopover in Istanbul breaks up the journey nicely. Plus, if your layover is long enough, you might even get a free hotel stay or a tour of the city.
The Check-In and Ground Experience
Your turkish business class experience starts long before you get on the plane. At major hubs, you will find dedicated check-in counters. This means you don’t have to stand in the long economy lines. The carpets are red, the staff is polite, and the process is usually very swift. You get an increased baggage allowance, which is great if you are a heavy packer or plan to bring back lots of souvenirs.
Priority boarding is another perk. You are among the first to board the aircraft, giving you plenty of time to settle in, stow your bags, and enjoy a welcome drink. The airline usually serves their signature lemon-mint drink or fresh juices before takeoff. It is a refreshing way to start the journey and sets a relaxed tone for the flight ahead.
However, the ground experience can vary depending on the airport. In Istanbul, it is world-class. In smaller airports, you might just get a dedicated lane and a contract lounge (a lounge shared by multiple airlines). It is always good to manage your expectations depending on where you are flying from, but generally, the priority treatment makes the airport stress much lower.
The Famous Istanbul Business Lounge
If you are connecting through Istanbul Airport (IST), you are in for a treat. The turkish business class lounge is legendary. It is massive, spanning two floors, and feels more like a luxury hotel lobby than an airport waiting room. There is so much to do here that some people actually hope for a longer layover just to enjoy it fully.
One of the best features is the live cooking stations. You can get fresh Turkish pide (pizza), grilled meats, manti (ravioli), and simit (sesame bagels) straight from the oven. There is also a massive dessert station filled with baklava and cakes. Beyond food, there are roaming masseurs offering free neck massages, a golf simulator, a cinema area, and even private sleeping suites if your layover is long enough.
Table: Istanbul Lounge Features
|
Feature |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Dining |
Live cooking stations, fresh Turkish pastries, extensive buffet |
|
Relaxation |
Private suites (conditions apply), roaming massages, showers |
|
Entertainment |
Golf simulator, cinema room, library, kids’ play area |
|
Storage |
Secure lockers for carry-on luggage |
|
Work |
Business center, meeting rooms, high-speed Wi-Fi |
It is worth noting that the lounge can get crowded during peak hours. Because it is so popular, it sometimes feels a bit chaotic. However, because it is so huge, you can usually find a quiet corner if you look hard enough, perhaps near the piano or the tea garden area.
Seat Configurations: Boeing 777 vs. 787
This is a critical point for travelers. Not all turkish business class seats are created equal. The airline operates a mixed fleet, and the experience can differ drastically depending on whether you are on an older Boeing 777 or a newer Boeing 787 Dreamliner or Airbus A350. It is very important to check your aircraft type when booking.
The Boeing 777 usually features a 2-3-2 configuration. This is a bit old-school. It means if you are in a window seat, you do not have direct aisle access—you have to step over your neighbor. The middle seat in the center block is also less than ideal for solo travelers. However, these seats are incredibly wide and offer tons of legroom. If you are traveling as a couple, they are actually fantastic because you can sit together easily.
On the other hand, the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 feature a modern 1-2-1 configuration. This is the gold standard. Every single passenger has direct aisle access and much more privacy. The seats are like little pods. While they might feel a tiny bit narrower than the 777 seats, the privacy and modern tech features usually make up for it.
Comparing the Seat Types
- Boeing 777-300ER:
-
- Pros: Huge amount of space, great for sleeping, excellent for couples.
- Cons: Lack of privacy, window passengers must climb over aisle neighbors, outdated entertainment screens on some older jets.
- Boeing 787-9 & Airbus A350:
-
- Pros: High privacy, direct aisle access for everyone, modern 4K screens, better storage.
- Cons: Footwell can be a bit tight for sleeping, feels less open than the 777.
The “Flying Chef” Dining Experience
Food is where turkish business class truly shines. They have a concept called “Flying Chefs.” These are chefs in white uniforms and tall hats who actually work on the plane. While they aren’t cooking raw steaks from scratch in the galley (safety rules prevent that), they are experts at plating, heating, and presenting the food to restaurant standards.
Dinner service is an event. It starts with a cart rolled down the aisle displaying appetizers. You don’t just pick one; you can point to as many as you want. Smoked salmon, hummus, eggplant salad, prawns—it is a feast. The main courses usually include a choice of red meat, fish, or pasta. The lamb chops are particularly famous and are often cooked perfectly pink, which is rare for airplane food.
Breakfast is equally impressive. You fill out a card before you go to sleep ticking off what you want—smoothies, omelets, Turkish style eggs, honey and cream, fresh fruit. Waking up to a hot cappuccino and a fresh breakfast while watching the sunrise over the clouds is a highlight of the experience.
Beverages and Wine List
To accompany the meal, you need a good drink. The beverage list in turkish business class is extensive. They offer a wide range of international wines, including French and Italian options, but they also feature excellent Turkish wines. If you have never tried Turkish wine, this is a great, low-risk way to do it. The flight attendants are usually happy to offer a tasting.
They also have a full bar with spirits, beers, and liqueurs. Champagne is served freely, often a reputable brand like Taittinger or similar. Non-alcoholic drinkers are not left out either. They have a “wellness tea” menu with various herbal blends designed to help you relax, digest, or wake up. Their homemade lemonade with mint is a signature drink that you absolutely must try.
The presentation adds to the taste. Drinks are served in proper glassware, never plastic. Hot drinks come in ceramic mugs. These small touches make you feel like you are in a restaurant rather than a metal tube hurtling through the sky at 35,000 feet.
In-Flight Entertainment and Wi-Fi
Keeping yourself entertained on a 12-hour flight is crucial. The entertainment system in turkish business class is loaded with content. You will find hundreds of movies, from the latest Hollywood blockbusters to world cinema classics. There are also box sets of TV shows, documentaries, and plenty of music and games.
The headphones provided are usually high-quality noise-canceling ones, often from the brand Denon. They do a great job of blocking out the engine hum so you can focus on your movie. The screens are touch-sensitive and generally responsive, although the newer planes (787/A350) definitely have sharper, brighter displays than the older fleet.
Wi-Fi is another big plus. Business class passengers usually get a generous data allowance for free—often up to 1GB, which is enough for emails, social media, and web browsing for the whole flight. If you burn through that, you can purchase more. The speed is decent enough for messaging and browsing, though streaming video might be a struggle depending on where you are flying.
Amenity Kits and Comfort Items
When you arrive at your seat, you will find a range of goodies waiting for you. The amenity kits in turkish business class are collectors’ items. They frequently collaborate with luxury fashion brands like Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace, or Coccinelle. Inside the stylish pouch, you get the essentials: eye mask, earplugs, socks, and a toothbrush.
But they go further. You also get high-end moisturizers, lip balms, and facial sprays to combat the dry cabin air. The quality of these products is noticeably higher than what you get on many US carriers. On long-haul flights, you also get a pair of slippers and a shoe bag, so you can take your shoes off and get comfortable without walking on the floor in your socks.
Bedding is also a priority. When you are ready to sleep, the crew provides a mattress pad, a fluffy duvet, and a large pillow. This “turn-down service” transforms your seat into a proper bed. The bedding is soft and breathable, helping you get a decent few hours of rest before landing.
Customer Service and Hospitality
Turkish culture is known for its hospitality, and this translates well to the airline. The flight attendants in turkish business class are generally very hardworking and polite. They greet you with a smile and are attentive during the meal services. They aim to please and are usually very quick to respond to call buttons.
However, service can sometimes be inconsistent. Language barriers can occasionally occur, though most staff speak good English. Sometimes the service can feel a bit rushed during the main meal because the crew has so many steps to complete (setting the table, serving appetizers from the cart, serving mains, dessert cart, etc.).
Despite these minor hiccups, the general consensus is positive. The crew takes pride in the product, especially the food. If you are friendly and polite to them, they will usually go above and beyond to make sure you have a comfortable flight. It feels warmer and more personal than the robotic service you might find elsewhere.
Is It Good for Families?
Traveling with kids in business class can be stressful, but Turkish Airlines handles it well. If you are on the Boeing 777, the 2-3-2 layout is actually a blessing for families. You can sit three across in the middle or two together by the window, making it easy to help children with their meals or entertainment.
The airline also provides special amenity kits for children, often featuring toys or wooden figures. The entertainment system has a dedicated kids’ section with Disney movies and cartoons. The food menu also has kid-friendly options, though it is always smart to pre-order a child meal (CHML) to ensure they get something they will like.
The flight attendants are usually very fond of children and are patient with them. Istanbul airport also has play areas in the lounge, which is a lifesaver for burning off energy before a long flight. Overall, turkish business class is a very family-friendly option compared to airlines with strict “privacy pod” layouts that separate parents from kids.
Pricing and Value for Money
One of the strongest arguments for booking turkish business class is the price. Historically, Turkish Airlines often offers very competitive fares for connecting flights. For example, flying from Los Angeles to Istanbul might be expensive, but flying Los Angeles to Dubai via Istanbul might be significantly cheaper than flying direct or on other carriers.
They also have a generous loyalty program called Miles&Smiles. You can earn miles on Star Alliance partners (like United or Lufthansa) and redeem them for these business class seats. The redemption rates can be quite sweet if you can find availability.
When you factor in the lounge access, the incredible food, the baggage allowance, and the comfort of the seat, the value proposition is very high. It feels like a true luxury experience rather than just a slightly bigger seat. For many travelers, this mix of luxury and value is the deciding factor.
What Could Be Improved?
No airline is perfect. While turkish business class is excellent, there are a few areas where they could improve. The cabin temperature is a common complaint; Turkish Airlines pilots tend to keep the cabins quite warm. If you are someone who sleeps hot, dress in layers and make use of the individual air vents if your seat has them (not all do).
The 2-3-2 seating on the 777 fleet is becoming outdated. As other airlines move to all-aisle access, that middle seat becomes harder to sell. While they are slowly updating their fleet, you still run the risk of getting an older plane.
Lastly, the boarding process at some outstation airports can be chaotic. Even with priority boarding, sometimes the gate area is disorganized, and the priority lane isn’t enforced strictly. This is more of an airport issue than an airline issue, but it reflects on the overall experience.
The Verdict
So, is turkish business class worth it? The answer is a resounding yes, especially if you enjoy good food and service. The “soft product”—the dining, the amenity kits, the lounge—is among the best in the sky. The “hard product”—the seat—is great on the new planes and still very comfortable (though less private) on the older ones.
If you are a foodie traveler, this is absolutely the airline for you. The meal service is theater, and the tastes are authentic. If you are a business traveler who needs absolute privacy to work, you might want to ensure you book a 787 or A350 flight.
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Ultimately, Turkish Airlines provides a unique and memorable experience. It brings the romance back to flying. Instead of dreading the long flight, you might actually find yourself looking forward to the next meal or the next movie.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I get pajamas in Turkish Business Class?
A: Typically, Turkish Airlines does not provide full pajamas on all flights. However, on ultra-long-haul flights, you are often provided with a sleep set that may include slippers and more substantial comfort items. It is best to bring your own comfortable clothes for sleeping.
Q: Is Wi-Fi free in Turkish Business Class?
A: Yes, Business Class passengers usually receive a complimentary data package (often 1GB). Once this is used up, you can purchase additional data packages. However, if you are a Business Class passenger who is also a Miles&Smiles Elite member, you may get unlimited free Wi-Fi.
Q: Can I access the lounge if I have a layover in Istanbul?
A: Yes, if you are flying turkish business class on an international itinerary, you have access to the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge in Istanbul.
Q: How do I know which seat configuration I will get?
A: You can check the aircraft type during the booking process or by using tools like SeatGuru. Look for “Boeing 787-9” or “Airbus A350-900” for the new 1-2-1 seats, and “Boeing 777-300ER” for the 2-3-2 layout.
Q: Are the drinks free?
A: Yes, all beverages, including alcohol, wines, spirits, and soft drinks, are complimentary in Business Class.
Conclusion
Flying turkish business class is an experience that stands out in the crowded aviation market. From the moment you check in to the moment you land, the airline strives to offer a touch of luxury and Turkish hospitality. While the older seat configurations on some planes aren’t perfect for privacy, the incredible dining, the superb Istanbul lounge, and the attentive service more than make up for it.
Whether you are traveling for work or for a dream vacation, upgrading to this cabin ensures you arrive rested and well-fed. It turns the journey into a highlight of your trip rather than just a necessary hassle. For more background on the carrier’s history and fleet, you can visit this link from Wikipedia related to turkish business class carrier details. Safe travels!
