Founded in 1933, Turkish Airlines has grown from a small regional carrier to a leading global airline. With its hub at Istanbul Airport, one of the world’s most modern and efficient airports, Turkish Airlines connects over 300 destinations across more than 120 countries. This extensive network makes it the airline with the largest route network in terms of countries served, providing unparalleled access to Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
The airline’s fleet is among the industry’s youngest and most technologically advanced, consisting of over 350 aircraft, including state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A350s.
Turkish Airlines’ Business Class sets a new standard for luxury and comfort in the sky. Business Class passengers enjoy exclusive amenities, including gourmet dining curated by world-class chefs, a personal in-flight entertainment system with a wide selection of movies, music, and games, and access to premium lounges.
Miles & Smiles is Turkish Airlines’ loyalty program, packed with great value for those who love to earn and spend miles. As a proud member of the Star Alliance network, Miles & Smiles gives you the power to accumulate and use miles across a roster of partner airlines, including giants like United, Lufthansa, and Swiss International, as well as Air New Zealand, ANA, Austrian, Ethiopian, SAS, and Thai. Whether you’re flying economy or business, your elite status with Miles & Smiles unlocks a suite of premium perks.
In this article:
Airport Experience
A few years ago Turkish moved its entire Istanbul operation to a gleaming new airport terminal with natural light, beautiful architecture and plenty of space. This was designed to handle the airline’s many flights and connecting passengers. Those starting their trip in Istanbul will find lots of check-in counters and security lanes – with some dedicated to those in the premium cabin. Waits are rarely long, and once through security, there is plenty of duty-free shopping and dining to entertain you.
The journey begins the moment you arrive at the airport. Skip the queues with dedicated Business Class check-in lanes, staffed by friendly and professional agents who will handle your luggage and boarding pass efficiently. This translates to more time for you to relax in the exclusive Turkish Airlines lounges, a network boasting over 60 locations worldwide. Here, you can unwind in unparalleled comfort, savor delectable refreshments from an extensive menu, or prepare for your meeting with access to high-speed Wi-Fi and business amenities like printers and dedicated workstations.
Overall Score: Turkish Airlines’ Business Class airport experience is a masterclass in streamlining the travel process. Dedicated check-in lanes, priority security lanes, and priority boarding ensure a time-saving and stress-free journey. With all these perks, Turkish Airlines’ Business Class airport experience earns a perfect 10 out of 10, making it a top choice for discerning business travelers.
Baggage Allowance
Turkish Airlines Business Class passengers are provided with an extensive baggage allowance, ensuring they can travel with everything they need. Business Class travelers are entitled to check in two pieces of luggage, each with a maximum weight of 32 kg (70 lbs). This totals an impressive 64 kg (140 lbs) of checked baggage, accommodating even the most extensive packing requirements.
In addition to checked baggage, Business Class passengers can bring two carry-on bags, each weighing up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs), as well as a personal item such as a laptop bag or handbag. This ensures that all essential items are within easy reach during the flight. One frequent traveler mentioned, “The carry-on allowance in Business Class is extremely generous, making it convenient to keep important items close by.”
Priority baggage handling is another significant perk for Business Class passengers. Upon arrival, their luggage is among the first to be delivered at the baggage claim, reducing wait times and ensuring a swift exit from the airport.
For those traveling with sports equipment or special items, Turkish Airlines offers additional allowances and flexibility. Items such as golf clubs, skis, and musical instruments can be checked in without any hassle, thanks to the airline’s accommodating policies. A sports enthusiast shared, “Traveling with my golf clubs was a breeze; Turkish Airlines made the process seamless and stress-free.”
These comprehensive baggage allowances and the added benefits of priority handling and special item flexibility underscore Turkish Airlines’ commitment to providing an outstanding travel experience for their Business Class passengers.
Lounges
Nestled at the crossroads of East and West, Istanbul Airport is not just a transit point but a gateway to luxury, especially for travelers with access to the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge. This exclusive lounge is a sanctuary of comfort and elegance, featuring private suites that offer a peaceful escape during layovers. Let’s explore the perks, limitations, and overall experience of these hidden gems.
Located on the international departures floor, the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge is a haven of amenities designed to make your layover as comfortable as possible. Here, travelers can indulge in:
- Television, Newspapers, and Magazines: Stay entertained and informed with a variety of media options.
- Snacks and Bar Service: Enjoy a wide range of snacks and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Shower Facilities: Freshen up before your next flight with the lounge’s pristine shower facilities.
- Playgrounds and Worship Spaces: Ideal for families and those seeking a quiet place for prayer.
- Open Buffet and Dining Area: Savor both Turkish and international cuisines in a spacious dining area.
- Comfortable Seating: Relax in plush chairs, sometimes with large-screen TVs for entertainment.
- Workspaces: Equipped with electrical outlets and PCs with internet access, ideal for catching up on work.
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected throughout your stay.
- Assistance: Staff at the entrance can provide flight information and assist with any travel-related issues.
The lounge spans a whopping 5,600 square meters and can comfortably accommodate up to 765 guests. You’ll find it on the airside of the international departures floor, accessible after passing through passport control and heading up the escalators opposite Gate E1.
One of the standout features of the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge is its private suites. These suites provide a tranquil environment where you can rest and recharge in privacy. They are perfect for those long layovers when you need a little extra comfort and peace.
For those flying business or first class, or holding top-tier reward statuses, complimentary spa treatments are available. Treat yourself to a facial or a massage, though it’s best to book early as appointments fill up quickly. Additionally, private bathrooms with showers are available for freshening up.
Turkish Airlines also offers lounges in cities like Bangkok, Nairobi, Miami, and Washington Dulles, ensuring that luxury and comfort follow you wherever you go. These lounges provide a range of amenities similar to those found in Istanbul, making sure your travel experience is consistently top-notch.
The Turkish Airlines Business Lounge at Istanbul Airport sets a high standard for luxury and convenience. Whether you’re indulging in a spa treatment, relaxing in a private suite, or enjoying gourmet cuisine, this lounge ensures your travel experience is nothing short of exceptional. Book your flights with AranGrant and elevate your journey with access to some of the finest airport lounges in the world.
Overall Score: Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounges provide a comfortable and well-equipped pre-flight haven. While lacking the ultimate luxury touches found in some competitor lounges, they offer a solid overall experience with a focus on relaxation and productivity. We award them a score of 8 out of 10.
Cabin & Seat
Turkish Airlines’ Business Class seats are designed for ultimate comfort and style. Enjoy features like in-chair massages, reading lamps, power outlets for charging, and private screens. On long-haul flights, these seats transform into lie-flat beds with armrests. Each seat includes a 20in (51cm) tray table and a cocktail table, along with an 18” screen with touchpad remote controls.
While all long-haul flights offer lie-flat seats, the specific features can vary depending on the aircraft. Here’s a quick guide to some popular Turkish Airlines’ planes and their Business Class configurations:
- Dreamliner (787-9): This newer plane features a spacious 1-2-1 layout, meaning every passenger has direct aisle access – perfect for stretching your legs! This plane is commonly used for flights between Turkey and major US hubs like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
- Triple Seven (777-300ER): A favorite of Turkish Airlines, this plane has a 2-3-2 configuration, so not everyone has direct aisle access. However, you’ll still enjoy comfortable seats and amenities. This plane frequently flies routes similar to the Dreamliner, including Miami, Houston, and Chicago.
- Airbus A350-900: This high-tech plane features seats with one-click adjustments and secure storage. The 1-2-1 layout ensures everyone has ample personal space. This plane often takes to the skies for longer flights to London, Dubai, Seoul, and Los Angeles.
- Newer Boeing (737-900ER): This plane offers a few rows of reclining Business Class seats, ideal for shorter international flights within Europe and the Middle East.
- Airbus A320-200: This smaller plane is used for short hops within Turkey and neighboring countries. Business Class features just two seats per row, equipped with all the latest technology.
- Boeing 737 MAX 9: The newest addition to the fleet boasts larger cabins and luggage compartments. However, the Business Class configuration has three seats per row, so there are middle seats to contend with.
Overall Score: With its focus on comfort, functionality, and competitive pricing, Turkish Airlines Business Class earns a solid 8.5 out of 10. For travelers seeking a luxurious and feature-rich experience at a good value, Turkish Airlines is a strong contender.
Service
Turkish Airlines’ Business Class service can be a mixed experience. Crews range from friendly and proud of their home country to indifferent and shy. While some flight attendants have a strong command of English, others might struggle a bit, but there’s always someone fluent in English available. However, there are fewer attendants who speak the language of the destination, which can be challenging for non-English speakers, such as those flying to Georgia.
During flights, service between meal times can be sparse, with flight attendants rarely passing through the cabin. Passengers may need to use the call button or visit the galley for additional requests. Despite these occasional shortcomings, meal service is often praised for its quality and presentation, reflecting Turkish hospitality.
Overall Score: Comparatively, Turkish Airlines’ Business Class service scores 8.5 out of 10. While the meal service and overall amenities are top-notch, consistency in crew engagement and language support needs improvement to match the seamless experiences offered by top-tier airlines like Qatar Airways and Singapore Airlines.
Amenities
Turkish Airlines offers fantastic perks for long-haul business class. Male passengers receive a stylish Hackett London kit bag, while females get a chic Coccinelle kit. Both contain quality essentials like eyeshades, earplugs, socks, and dental kits. You’ll also find day blankets, slippers, and shoe bags to make your flight more comfortable.
Turkish Airlines has stepped up its bedding game, offering a plush pillow, a thick velvet-touch blanket, and a mattress protector. You’ll find Molton Brown or Turkish orange-scented air fresheners and hand lotion in the lavatories. Plus, the hot towels provided before meals add a refreshing touch.
Turkish Airlines goes the extra mile for families with dedicated amenity kits for young passengers and bassinet-compatible seats for infants, which should be reserved in advance to ensure availability. Flying Business Class with Turkish Airlines means enjoying these thoughtful extras that make your journey truly special.
Turkish Airlines’ Business Class passengers on intercontinental flights receive slippers and shoe bags made from 100% sustainable yarn, crafted from recycled cotton and polyester. This eco-friendly initiative achieves 80% annual savings and prevents the consumption of 400,000 cubic meters of water each year.
Entertainment
Experience top-notch entertainment on our large screens, easily accessible with a touch or remote control. The selection of shows and movies depends on your aircraft, with newer models like the Dreamliner or A350 offering a wider variety of options. Enjoy global tunes, the latest Hollywood flicks, short features, sitcoms, and kids’ cartoons. Keep track of your flight’s progress with our 3D inflight tracker. Each seat comes equipped with Denon noise-reducing headphones for your comfort, but they’ll be collected 30 minutes prior to touchdown.
Stay connected in the sky with complimentary Wi-Fi on most Turkish long-haul flights. Business Class passengers get a generous 1 GB data cap, while Miles & Smiles Elite members seated in Business Class can surf to their heart’s content with unlimited data.
Miles&Smiles members, rejoice! You now have access to free and unlimited messaging services on international flights with internet access. Use popular apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, and Messenger. Not a member yet? Sign up before or during your flight to enjoy this convenient perk. You can grab an international newspaper during boarding and find the airline’s inflight magazine in your seat pocket. You can also check out the detailed maps of our route network.
Overall Score: Turkish Airlines’ Business Class entertainment offers a diverse and user-friendly experience. With a vast library, large screens, and on-demand options, it caters to a wide range of interests. While some airlines might have a slight edge in content freshness or headphone quality, Turkish Airlines provides a solid entertainment package. We award them a score of 9 out of 10.
Food
Turkish Airlines offers a variety of meal options for passengers flying Business Class. You can select your main course on their website or mobile app before your travel, at least 48 hours before your flight. The meal options include:
- Red meat selections: Adana kebab, lamb chops, grilled cutlets, and meatballs.
- Seafood and white meat selections: Chicken skewers, chicken breast, salmon fillet, swordfish, and sea bass.
- Pasta and other selections: Traditional recipes from Turkish cuisine and excellent choices from world cuisine.
On night-time intercontinental flights to and from Istanbul, Business Class passengers have the flexibility to enjoy their meals at any time they prefer. The cabin crew will adjust the service time according to the passenger’s meal selection and preferred timing.
It’s important to note that the cabin crew requires a 30-minute preparation time for heating up requested dishes. Therefore, only cold refreshments can be served during the 2 hours before landing.
When it comes to airline food, Turkish Airlines is a standout. Turkish cuisine is renowned for its delicious flavors, and the airline delivers on this front. As a vegetarian, I’m always impressed by their offerings. They serve up great options like cheese, eggplants, fruit, and nuts. The main vegetarian courses are consistently good, making every meal a treat. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just love good food, Turkish Airlines won’t disappoint.
Overall Score: Turkish Airlines Business Class dining sets the bar high. With its focus on fresh ingredients, culinary expertise, and elegant presentation, it’s a true highlight of the Business Class experience. While some airlines might offer a wider range of options for dietary restrictions, Turkish Airlines excels in overall quality and innovation. For this reason, we award their Business Class food a near-perfect score of 10 out of 10.
Read also: British Airways Business Class Review
Beverages
The Turkish Airlines Business Class beverage menu features a diverse array of high-quality wines, spirits, and cocktails. Passengers can indulge in a selection of fine vintage wines from renowned wine-producing regions around the world. The spirit selection includes premium vodka, gin, rum, whisky, and cognac, allowing you to savor your preferred libation.
For the ultimate in-flight refreshment, Turkish Airlines also offers a range of signature cocktails, expertly crafted by their skilled cabin crew. Sip on a classic Negroni or a refreshing Turkish Delight while you gaze out the window and enjoy the luxurious comfort of your Business Class seat.
Regardless of your personal preferences, Turkish Airlines’ Business Class beverage offerings are designed to elevate your travel experience and ensure that your journey is truly a highlight of your trip. With attentive service and a commitment to quality, Turkish Airlines sets the standard for exceptional in-flight hospitality.
Overall Score: Turkish Airlines’ Business Class beverage selection caters to a wide range of tastes with a focus on global options and a touch of Turkish flair. While some airlines might offer a slightly more extensive premium selection, Turkish Airlines provides a solid and complimentary foundation. We award them a score of 8 out of 10.
Price
Turkish Airlines Business Class offers a premium travel experience, but the question remains: is it worth the price tag? This section delves into the details of their Business Class pricing structure, highlighting factors that influence cost and providing real-world price examples to help you make an informed decision. Here’s a breakdown of the key influences:
- Route: Prices naturally vary depending on your origin and destination. Flights to major business hubs like New York or London will typically command a higher price point compared to routes within Europe.
- Seasonality: Expect to see higher fares during peak travel seasons and holidays. Consider booking your trip during off-peak times to potentially secure a more attractive price.
- Demand: Similar to other airlines, Turkish Airlines employs dynamic pricing, adjusting fares based on real-time demand. Booking in advance can often lead to better deals.
- Promotions and Offers: Turkish Airlines frequently runs promotions and special offers on Business Class fares. Keep an eye on their website and social media channels for potential savings.
To illustrate the pricing range, consider these hypothetical examples:
- Short-haul Business Class: A roundtrip Business Class flight from Istanbul to Paris might start around €1,800 (US$1,950).
- Long-haul Business Class: A transatlantic journey, say Istanbul to New York, could range from US$3,500 to US$5,000 for a roundtrip ticket, depending on the factors mentioned above.
Remember, these are just starting points. The actual price you pay will depend on the specific details of your trip. Utilize Turkish Airlines’ website or a travel agent to get a real-time quote for your desired route and travel dates.
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Upgrade to Business Class
Turkish Airlines’ Miles&Smiles program offers an easy way to upgrade to Business Class. You can use Miles&Smiles miles to upgrade your economy ticket, with the cost set at 85,000 miles each way for flights between North America and Europe. Elite Plus members receive two upgrade vouchers each year, usable for any economy ticket.
For last-minute upgrades, head to the check-in counter within 24 hours of departure. If there’s a seat available, you can upgrade using your miles, even if your original ticket was purchased with miles.
Upgrading to Business Class gives you access to lie-flat seats, large entertainment screens, power outlets, and 1 GB of free Wi-Fi. Turkish Airlines’ renowned “Flying Chefs” serve gourmet meals on real porcelain, earning them awards for the best business class catering. You’ll enjoy priority check-in, lounge access, and increased luggage allowance. However, upgrades won’t increase your mileage earnings; you’ll still earn based on your original economy fare.
To accumulate Miles&Smiles miles, you can transfer points from Capital One, Citi ThankYou, and Bilt Rewards at a 1:1 ratio or from Marriott Bonvoy at a 3:1 ratio, with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 Bonvoy points transferred.
Read also: Qatar Airways Business Class Review
Overall Impression
Turkish Airlines Business Class offers a truly impressive travel experience, ranking highly in most aspects. With its focus on exceptional food, comfortable seating, and a range of amenities, Turkish Airlines Business Class delivers a memorable travel experience. While some aspects like service consistency and amenity kits, could be improved, the overall strengths make Turkish Airlines a strong contender for discerning business travelers. We award Turkish Airlines Business Class a score of 9 out of 10.
