What are your thoughts on Turkish Airlines? Have never flown them and wondering if they are good? Thank you
I have not flown with them although I might next year depending on my trip planning. But I’ve seen a number of reviews of Turkish Airlines on this forum and I think every one of them has raved about the airline. In fact a few people have said that it’s their favorite airline to fly.
I’ve flown 1 long haul segment in business class and four long haul segments in economy, paying for extra legroom seats. I was very satisfied with each experience.
Business class was amazing in terms of service and the fact they have their own chef on board cooking to order. It was a real treat for me! I found the lay flat seats narrowed quite a bit in the area where your feet go and that made it a little constraining for this slightly claustrophobic passenger but I doubt others would be bothered.
Economy class was also well done. Meals were not as fancy, but still were tasty. Service was good with lots of opportunities for water through the night.
I would cheerfully fly on Turkish Airlines again.
Before covid I have flown Turkish Airlines a couple of times to India and back in economy. I liked it a lot and thought it was one of the better airlines. Food was good. They had an amenity kit even in economy. I like the new IST airport. I would not hesitate to fly Turkish.
I've flown Turkish Airlines a couple of times over the last year and found them fine. I wouldn't rate them as the best (Singapore Airlines is my favourite) but no major issues. I'm not a big fan of the Marhaba Lounge at IST (big, impressive but with not a lot of food), but on board service and catering is good.
I've found their prices to Istanbul to be very competitive.
I've done at least two dozen flights on Turkish Air. My favorite. Best economy service and food and good seats for economy. Istanbul Airport may be large but it functions so well that large is more than okay. Great airport hotel by the gates if you need it. A+
I've flown Turkish a couple of times in business and I found it to be a great airline. The interior of the aircraft can differ depending on how recent a refurbishment has been but in general I was very happy with the seats I had. The food is great, some of the best I've eaten on board a flight.
Now that British Airways have upset most of their Executive Club members many of us are no longer tied to BA or Oneworld Alliance airlines and are starting to try out other ones and Turkish are now one of my go to airlines particularly for travelling east from the UK.
I flew Turkish R/T business class NY-Istanbul winter 2025. Great. No complaints.
I think they have the best airline food. My only complaint is that they have one Boeing plane (don't remember the model) that is always on the Istanbul to Seattle flight. The seats recline so much that the person in front of you is practically in your lap.
The A350 on the SEA-IST route were built/designed to Aeroflot specifications. My understanding is that due to sanctions Aeroflot could not buy the planes/ take delivery when it came time for delivery. Turkish Airlines then bought them. This configuration also has only 2 rows of extra leg room seats and half of them are in the row designated for bassinets. That is not very many extra leg room seats for a 12 hour flight with 297 economy seats.
I flew on Turkish Airlines in economy from Manchester UK to Istanbul. It's about a 5-hour flight.
The quality of the food, and selection of drinks was very good indeed, and the in-flight entertainment system worked well, and offered a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music and games. The seats were comfortable, with decent legroom. The level of service from the flight attendants was excellent, and they didn't skimp when it came to offering top-ups of the decent wine served on-board.
All in all I was very impressed. It was all very professional, and I wouldn't hesitate to fly with them again in the future.
Despite their excellent reputation, I can't get a 2025 NYT story out my my mind. Among others, the article documented reports of bedbugs on some of their flights, including one from IAD, my home airport. There have been online discussions about the issue, including on this forum. Maybe other airlines have this problem, too, but I haven't heard them. I was disappointed because I had hoped to try Turkish Airlines on an upcoming trip.
Wanderlust58, it the article makes that great an impression on you, then you should avoid Turkish Air.
Then do a google search and avoid the other airlines as well. Here is a start: https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/klm-delta-flight-bed-bugs-lawsuit-atlanta-airport-bites AND https://thejetset.com/travel-news/crewpower/american-airlines-onboard-bed-bug-infestation/ AND https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/lufthansa-austrian-swiss-brussels-lot-ita-other-partners-miles-more/1158323-bitten-bedbugs-744lh.html AND https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WupuFB_ChbI