Turkish Airlines Review

Is Turkish Airlines a good pick for your next flight? In short: yes. The airline gets strong reviews for service, a huge route map, and an economy cabin that often feels better than most. You get tasty Turkish food, comfortable seats, and generous baggage rules. No carrier is perfect, but Turkish Airlines usually offers a high-quality trip that makes long flights easier.

This full review looks at every step of the journey with Turkish Airlines, from booking to landing. You’ll see why many travelers choose it, where it shines, and where it could do better. Whether you fly often or you’re planning your first overseas trip, a clear view of how Turkish Airlines works can help you decide if it fits your plans.

What Makes Turkish Airlines Stand Out?

Turkish Airlines has built a strong place among global carriers by sticking to a full-service model and focusing on the passenger experience. Unlike many rivals that charge for every extra, Turkish includes a lot in the ticket price, even in economy.

Key Facts about Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines, Türkiye’s flag carrier, offers a complete trip at a single fare. That usually includes checked bags, seat selection, meals, and alcoholic drinks. Long-haul economy tickets often come with 30 kg of checked baggage, while short-haul flights offer 25 kg. This setup gives real value compared to airlines that add fees for each item.

You can see the airline’s quality in many areas, from well-known catering to comfortable cabins across classes. The recent move from the name Turkey to Türkiye is part of a wider national rebrand that the airline carries forward as the country’s flag carrier.

Awards and Industry Reputation

Turkish Airlines is not just popular-it’s highly awarded. It has been voted one of Europe’s best by Skytrax for years, and Irish travel trade groups have echoed that view. Business class often scores near the top worldwide, beating large names like Emirates and Virgin Atlantic in some rankings. Skytrax has also given multiple awards for best business-class catering worldwide, showing the strength of the onboard food service.

The airline also gets credit for sustainability, winning ‘Most Sustainable Flag Carrier Airline’ from World Finance’s Sustainability Awards 2024. These awards point to strong service and a focus on responsible operations.

Destinations and Route Network

Route network is where Turkish Airlines really stands out. It flies to more countries than any other airline, serving 130+ nations. With Istanbul as the main hub, you can reach most regions-Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas-often with simple connections.

From the U.S., popular spots include Athens, Cairo, Berlin, much of Eastern Europe, and Mumbai. Istanbul’s location helps with quick links and offers stopover programs that let you see the city during longer waits.

Booking and Check-In Experience with Turkish Airlines

The trip starts with booking and check-in, and a smooth process makes travel easier. Turkish Airlines usually does well here with clear rules and multiple ways to check in.

Online Booking: Ease and Transparency

The website is easy to use, and it clearly shows what each fare includes. Unlike many low-cost carriers, Turkish includes checked bags, seat selection, meals, and alcoholic drinks in most tickets. That helps you plan costs with fewer surprises.

Deal hunters can watch the site’s “deals” page or set fare alerts, which can be helpful for business class sales. Turkish Airlines Holidays, launched in the U.S. this spring, sells packages in 60 countries and can save money by bundling flights and hotels.

Check-In Options: Online, Mobile, and Airport

You can check in online, via the app, or at the airport. Online and mobile options save time. Airport check-in is usually smooth, though there are reports of long waits at some locations, like a 2.5-hour line at Seoul Incheon. That seems rare, but it can happen. Having multiple options gives travelers flexibility.

Baggage Policies and Allowances

Economy passengers enjoy generous baggage rules, especially on long-haul routes.

With many airlines cutting allowances or charging high bag fees, Turkish’s policy adds clear value-great for long trips or anyone who packs a bit more.

What to Expect at Turkish Airlines Departure Airports

Airports shape a big part of any trip. With a giant hub in Istanbul, Turkish Airlines offers services that make the pre-flight and connection experience smoother.

Lounge Access for Business and Status Passengers

Business class and elite status passengers get lounge access. At Heathrow, Turkish customers can use Lufthansa, Air Canada, or United lounges. The highlight, though, is the flagship Turkish Airlines lounge at Istanbul Airport (IST). Combined with the next-door club for loyalty members, it covers about 103,000 square feet and is divided into smaller zones so it doesn’t feel too busy.

Expect many amenities: fresh Turkish dishes like stuffed pide bread, buffets, bars with Turkish drinks and international wines and spirits, nap and work areas, a multimedia room, and private showers. In the U.S., Turkish runs lounges in New York, Miami, and Washington, D.C., or you may use a partner club. The temporary lounge in JFK Terminal 1 may not serve alcohol during renovation; a much larger space is planned for 2026.

Special Services at Istanbul Airport

Istanbul Airport (IST), fully opened in 2019, is modern and huge. Plan for a long taxi after landing and possible bus rides to the terminal. Immigration can look crowded but usually moves fast. There are plenty of places to eat, shop, and relax, and dining is spread across the terminal-more comfortable than the old Ataturk Airport’s busy food court.

You can book a “fast track” meet-and-greet service that includes a cart ride from the lounge to your gate plus quicker security and passport control-very handy given the airport’s size.

Transit and Layover Support

Turkish Airlines is well known for its connection perks. With a layover over 6 hours, economy passengers can join a free city tour (TourIstanbul). For longer waits-usually over 12 hours for economy-you can get a free hotel. Business class customers get an even bigger perk: U.S. passengers can now get a three-night stay at a five-star hotel on qualifying itineraries. These options turn a long wait into a bonus.

Turkish Airlines Cabin Classes Compared

Turkish Airlines no longer offers first class; business class is the top cabin. Economy and business are both strong, with different levels of comfort and extras.

Economy Class: Comfort and Amenities

Economy Class often feels better than expected. Seats have about 32 inches of pitch, a 7.5-inch recline, footrests, and movable headrests. A 187 cm (6.1 ft) reviewer said the legroom was enough even when the seat ahead reclined.

Long-haul tickets include 30 kg of checked baggage (25 kg on short-haul), free meals and drinks (including alcohol), and amenity kits on longer routes. Kits usually have socks, slippers, a sleep mask, earplugs, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and lip balm. Each seat has a personal screen with many movies, TV shows (including live news), and games, plus USB power. Hot towels soon after boarding add a nice touch.

Business Class: Features and Upgrades

Business Class is a major selling point and often offers great value. On long-haul flights like JFK-IST, many Boeing 777-300ERs have a 2-3-2 layout with 49 seats. They’re about 22 inches wide with a 78-inch pitch and go fully flat with light bedding. Not every seat has direct aisle access, but legroom and storage are generous.

A highlight is the “Flying Chefs” service. Chefs in white aprons take orders and help serve meals. Expect meze, soups, mains like beef fillet or grilled seafood, and well-made desserts. Wine lists include Turkish labels, plus spirits such as Glenfiddich and Turkish Raki. Amenity kits are from brands like Ferragamo or Lanvin and add items like body lotion and facial mist. Entertainment includes an 18-inch screen, noise-canceling headphones, a big content library, and a moving map with outside camera views. Bags get priority tags to help them arrive early on the belt. For U.S. customers, the updated Istanbul layover plan offers a three-night five-star hotel stay on qualifying trips.

Premium Economy and Other Options

Turkish Airlines does not run a distinct premium economy class across the board. That said, you can often pay for extra-legroom seats in economy for a bit more comfort. Since economy already includes meals, drinks, and generous baggage, many travelers find they don’t need a separate middle tier.

How Does Turkish Airlines Rate for Seat Comfort?

Seat comfort matters a lot, especially on long flights. Turkish Airlines usually does well here, with decent space and tidy cabins on many aircraft types.

Legroom and Seat Width by Cabin Type

Economy typically offers 32 inches of pitch, which many people find enough. Even taller travelers report their knees don’t hit the seat in front when it reclines. Footrests and movable headrests help with comfort too. While aircraft vary, economy seating compares well to other full-service carriers.

Business Class levels up comfort. On the 777-300ER, business seats are about 22 inches wide with a 78-inch pitch and go fully flat with bedding. Even with a 2-3-2 setup, there is lots of personal space, useful storage, and good privacy screens. On the A350-900, seats are also comfortable, with enough legroom even when the seat ahead reclines, according to a 6.1 ft traveler.

In-Flight Cleanliness and Ambiance

Clean cabins help everyone relax. Reviews often mention tidy aircraft and working air vents and controls. Planes look well kept, and the crew’s friendly style creates a calm mood onboard so passengers can settle in and relax.

Food and Beverage Service on Turkish Airlines

Food and drink are a strong point for Turkish Airlines. The airline leans into Turkish flavors and serves meals that feel a level above typical airplane fare.

Meal Quality and Turkish Cuisine Highlights

Food is often described as flavorful and satisfying. Even in economy, you get a printed menu and a choice of dishes. Breakfast might be cheese pie and scrambled eggs, apple oats, olives, and Turkish cheese. Lunch or dinner could be chicken casserole, grilled cod, or bibimbap and kimchi on flights from Korea. Salads with olive oil and lemon dressing feel like something from a café in Istanbul. Desserts may include items like dried apricot mousse.

In business class, the “Flying Chefs” elevate the experience. Expect a meze cart, soups, mains like beef fillet, grilled cod, or cheese ravioli, and desserts such as chocolate fondant and Turkish sweets. Details like minaret-shaped salt and pepper shakers and small LED candles on trays add charm.

Dietary and Special Meal Requests

Special meal needs are generally supported if you request them ahead of time. Crew often handle on-the-spot needs well too; for example, a passenger with a nut allergy was quickly offered chips instead. Choices and substitutions can vary by route and flight.

Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverage Options

Complimentary alcoholic and soft drinks are a nice surprise in economy. Some flights even carry single malt whiskey like Glenlivet. You may also find mint lemonade, sour cherry juice, red wine, and Turkish drinks like Raki or Efes Pilsen. Business class adds Turkish and international wines (such as Suvla Sur), Taittinger champagne, and a wider spirit list. Before landing, fresh juices and smoothies are common.

In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity

Good entertainment and internet access help the hours pass quickly, and Turkish Airlines generally does well here with a wide content library and usable Wi-Fi on many routes.

Onboard Entertainment Systems and Content Selection

Every seat gets its own screen, even in economy, with good resolution and responsive touch controls. Expect new releases, classics, many TV series (HBO and more), music, and games. Live news channels like Sky News and Al Jazeera are a welcome extra. The safety video is creative and easy to follow. In business class, screens are larger (about 18 inches), and you get noise-canceling headphones and a detailed moving map with live camera views. Prayer times also appear on the screen as a cultural touch.

WiFi Availability and Performance

Most long international flights offer Wi-Fi. Business class often gets complimentary access. Speeds are usually fine for browsing and messaging, which is useful for both work and leisure.

Amenity Kits and Extra Touches

Economy long-haul flights include amenity kits with basics like socks, slippers, a sleep mask, earplugs, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and lip balm, plus earphones and a double plug converter. Business class kits from brands like Ferragamo or Lanvin add more skincare items. Hot towels soon after boarding, blankets, and pillows make the trip more comfortable.

Customer Service and Hospitality

People make the difference. Turkish Airlines is often praised for warm, efficient cabin crews and helpful ground staff, though issues can occur at times as with any large airline.

Crew Professionalism and Attitude

Flight attendants are often called friendly, relaxed, and efficient. Service feels natural, not robotic, and crews are happy to help with small requests, from hot towels to drink refills. This genuine approach helps set a positive tone.

Handling of Delays and Issues

While everyday service is strong, some travelers report frustration with complex problems like double bookings or cancellations, saying the airline was strict and slow to fix things. For delays, a few passengers have had better luck seeking compensation from the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority when direct talks stalled. Even with occasional hiccups, crews usually keep things moving and sometimes make up time in the air after late departures.

Transit and Layover Options in Istanbul

Istanbul is a rich place to connect, and Turkish Airlines’ free programs can turn a long wait into a quick city break.

Connecting at Istanbul Airport

IST is large and modern. Walking distances can be long, but signs are clear, and there are many places to eat, shop, and relax. Immigration looks busy but often moves quickly. Plan a bit of extra time if you want to explore the terminal or book fast track help.

Free Hotel Stay and City Tour Programs

Turkish Airlines’ stopover offers are a big plus. Economy passengers with a 6+ hour layover can join the free TourIstanbul city tour. For 12+ hour layovers (20 hours for Canadians), you can get a free hotel stay. Business class customers with qualifying U.S. trips can get up to three nights in a five-star hotel. These perks turn a wait into a short, fun visit to the city.

Tips for Istanbul Layovers

Use the free programs if you qualify. For the city tour, no booking is needed-go to the TourIstanbul desk in arrivals. For a free hotel, make sure your layover meets the time rules for your ticket type and origin. Short layover and want to head into town yourself? Buses like HavaBus to Taksim are easy, and prices in Turkish Lira are reasonable. Quick hits include Sultanahmet (Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia) and local treats like dondurma at places such as Hakkizade 1846. Leave enough time to get back, since IST is large and security can be busy.

Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles Loyalty Program

For frequent flyers, Miles&Smiles can add real value with miles, upgrades, and status perks across Turkish and Star Alliance partners.

Earning and Redeeming Miles

You can earn miles by flying with Turkish Airlines and with Star Alliance partners. Miles can be spent on flights, upgrades, and other travel rewards. There are also bonus mile offers, including a new branded Visa card that can give up to 40,000 miles as a sign-up bonus. Flexible earning and spending options make it appealing to many travelers.

Status Tiers and Member Benefits

Miles&Smiles has several status levels with growing perks: priority check-in, extra baggage, lounge access, and priority boarding, among others. As a Star Alliance member, Turkish Airlines honors status from partners like United, and your Turkish status can help you on partner flights too.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Turkish Airlines?

Every airline has highs and lows. Here’s a clear snapshot of where Turkish Airlines shines and where it could improve.

Top Advantages According to Passengers

• Huge route network, flying to more countries than any other airline
• Economy that feels a step above: generous baggage (30 kg long-haul), free meals and drinks (including alcohol), comfortable seats, and strong entertainment
• Excellent food, with real Turkish flavors and “Flying Chefs” in business class
• Great Istanbul stopover perks: free city tours and hotel stays
• Friendly, professional crews that create a warm onboard atmosphere

Common Complaints and Weaknesses

• Handling of complicated service issues (like cancellations and double bookings) can be rigid
• Long check-in lines at certain airports at times
• Istanbul Airport’s size can mean long taxi times and gate distances, adding stress to tight connections
• On some 777s, the 2-3-2 business layout means no direct aisle access from every seat

Aircraft Variants to Avoid or Prefer

• Boeing 777-300ER: very comfortable lie-flat business seats, but watch for middle/window seats without direct aisle access
• Airbus A350-900: generally very comfortable in both cabins and a good pick when available
• Some older narrow-bodies (like certain A321neo layouts) may have older-style recline; still roomy but less comfy on longer flights

Checking the aircraft type at booking can help steer your choice, though swaps do happen.

Is Turkish Airlines a Good Choice for Your Next Flight?

Turkish Airlines offers strong value, with a full-service approach that includes checked bags and free meals and drinks in all cabins. The food stands out, especially with Turkish flavors and the “Flying Chefs” in business class. The Istanbul stopover offers can turn a connection into a short city visit. While there can be issues with complex customer service cases and the size of IST can add time to your journey, the airline’s network, service, and onboard product make it an appealing option for many trips.

If you want comfort, good food, and wide route choices at a fair price-especially in business class-Turkish Airlines is well worth a look and will likely deliver a very good experience.