Turkish Airlines business class consistently receives accolades for being among the top ways to fly in comfort to Europe, the middle east and beyond. Bloggers rave about the comfort, and unparalleled service, particularly within its esteemed Business Class and onboard chef. Nestled within the confines of its newer lavish cabins on the 787 and A350s, passengers are treated to an experience that transcends mere transportation, akin to a journey through the clouds. Yet, the reality is, Turkish Airlines is just alright. Keep reading for more insights.
Boarding
As you step onto the aircraft, a world of opulence unfolds before you. The spaciousness of the Business Class cabin immediately captivates, with its meticulously designed seating arrangements offering the perfect balance of privacy and sociability. Each seat is a cocoon of comfort, equipped with the latest amenities to ensure a rejuvenating journey. Winning several awards for the cabin, I personally do agree. The cabin is great. Especially if traveling alone.
Many bloggers say the foot rest is tight, yet at 5’10 and 175lbs I found the footwell to be fine bother when sitting and sleeping. The seat has enough storage and the space feels well utilized. There are no doors on the cabin, but this is a newer push led by Qatar Qsuites and followed by other airlines around the world. More on this later.
During the boarding process I had the option of one of four non alcoholic beverages including juices and water. I was also provided with a refreshing hot towel before take off.
Turkish Airlines Business Class Seats
At the heart of the Turkish Airlines Business Class experience lies its iconic seats, where comfort reaches new heights. Crafted with the finest materials and adorned with thoughtful features, these seats transcend mere functionality, embodying the essence of luxury travel. Each seat features multiple controls which make it easy to access if laying down or sitting up.
Business class seats feature a pocket with a door which can perfectly hold smaller items like noise canceling headphones, wallets, keys, etc. Near this storage area there is also a retractable mirror. Both power and USB-A power is available within the storage area.
The foot rest is within a cubby hole, but like I said with size 10 feet, I found it to be more roomy than many seats and very comfortable. There is also storage under the footrest perfect for shoes or a laptop or other small items.
The business class lie flat seats are a great product. Window Seats are staggered and only even number seats are actually close to the windows. Middle Seats are also staggered both closer together in a “honeymoon” style vs further apart with workstations/desks between the seats. Both provide enough privacy if traveling alone.
Do note the type of plane you are flying though, as Turkish Boeing 777 and Airbus 330s have not been refreshed with the new seat. The older planes have a much more open cabin design which lacks privacy and even has a middle seat on the B777. New seats are coming to the B777, but are still some time off as Turkish is expected to announce a new cabin design which features business class seats with doors.
Meal Time – The Make or Break
The food on Turkish Airlines is what is supposed to make Turkish business class so special. No journey with Turkish Airlines is complete without indulging in its exquisite culinary offerings. Or so I’ve been told. After 4 flights in Turkish (1 which was during Covid), I am starting to wonder what the hype is all about.
On my flight from Seattle to Istanbul, very little to none of the food had any inspiration from the rich tapestry of Turkish cuisine. Instead, just typical international flavors I’d expect on a U.S. carrier. The most exciting part was the wine list which featured both international and Turkish wines.
I did enjoy that service was done via trolley and there was some effort placed into the set up and dining experience. Even soup is provided for all business passengers, something usually seen only in First. This for sure is a win for business class meal service. The entire service took about 90 minutes. It started with drinks and nuts about 45 minutes after take off and ended with a dessert trolly.
After the main meal business class passengers were left with little to no service. Flight attendants provided snack menus and then hid in the galley. They would provide refills of drinks or snacks when requested, but always seemed bothered when asked.
Before landing a breakfast service was provided. I skipped this meal as we were landing at 5pm in Istanbul and eggs are always disappointing on a plane, and I wasn’t in the mood for american french toast. Overall, a total bust when it came to food.
After 12 hours, I left the flight really confused by what the other bloggers love about Turkish Airlines meals. I initially was optimistic though, as I was flying from an outstation to Istanbul, I was hopeful my next flight would be better. Afterall, it was going to be an 8 hour flight to Southern Africa. My expectations were busted with another lackluster meal, not because the presentation wasn’t great, it was just the lack of Turkish flavor and cuisine. Everything was very bland and just disappointing for an airline that comes from a place with such great culture and food scene.
Entertainment and Connectivity
In the digital age, staying connected is essential, even at 30,000 feet above ground. Turkish Airlines has limited free wi fi available to all customers. Business class passengers and Turkish Airlines miles and smiles members can receive unlimited free wifi.
| Pass Type | Complimentary Quota |
| Business Class Passengers with Miles&Smiles Elite or Elite Plus Membership | Unlimited Internet |
| Business Class Passengers | 1 GB and Unlimited Messaging |
| Miles&Smiles Elite or Elite Plus Members | 400 MB and Unlimited Messaging |
| Miles&Smiles Classic Plus Members | 250 MB and Unlimited Messaging |
| Miles&Smiles Classic Members | Unlimited Messaging |
As I am not a Turkish Airlines Elite flier, I only had 1 GB of complimentary internet. It was easy to log in with my last name and seat number and lasted me the majority of my flight. It was perfect for email and surfing the night, but not for working.
Turkish Airlines recognizes the need and offers a comprehensive suite of entertainment to keep you and guests of all ages engaged throughout the journey. Their inflight entertainment also includes the latest blockbuster movies to curated music playlists and interactive games. There’s something for everyone to enjoy no matter your age.
Turkish Airlines Business Class Product
Turkish Airlines business class amenities and products are quite nice. The airline provides a few extra which are not seen everywhere. When boarding there are amenity kits, noise canceling headphones and sleepers on every seat. The slippers are great for walking around the aircraft without the need of taking on and off your shoes and the come in a shoe bag, perfect for reutilizing later.
Each guest receives a renowned Italian brand Ferragamo Amenity kit. These are very functionable and great for being reutilized for future trips designed by one of Italy’s top designers. The bags contain plush socks, an eye mask, and earplugs made from recycled plastic. The toothbrush is made from wheat straw, and the brochure is printed on stock certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
Inside the Ferragamo Amenity kit are Ferragamo skin care products to help you arrive fresh at your destination. These include lip balm, face hydration mist, and hand and body lotion. Need additional hand lotion, visit the Turkish airlines inflight lavatory for Molton Brown hand lotion.
Another perk of flying Turkish Airlines business class is their turn down service. After dinner flight attendants make each guest bed placing a thin pad over the sheet and provides a heavier and more comfortable blanket and places a pillowcase on the seat pillow. Turn down service is more typical in first class and only done regularly by the world’s top airlines.
Also remember, Turkish Airlines does not offer pajamas. Business class pajamas are not common outside of a few airlines and routes. So dress comfortably or pack something to change into.
Bottom Line
Turkish Airline business class is a step above many airlines. For long haul flying I find the experience to be good, but not great. The business class cabin is beautiful and I really find the seat design to be comfortable. Turkish amenities and little extra such as candle light dinners in the sky are fun. Yet not groundbreaking.
Turkish Airlines offers decent services with a fantastic business class lounge in Istanbul. On all of my Turkish Airlines flights, staff have been non engaging and more robotic than pleasant. Going through the motions, but not doing anything extra to make the flight special. The food, not worth writing about. Maybe I’ve just had bad luck and purchased business class tickets on the wrong route. Regardless, after 4 flights over 2 years I can say I’m not impressed. Fly Turkish Airlines business class for the hard product (B787 and A350 only) not the staff or food.
