As someone who flies for both business and passion, I’ve experienced Turkish Airlines Business Class on various aircraft over the years. But when I flew their A350,a relatively new addition to the fleet,I was curious whether the newer product lives up to the carrier’s growing reputation.
Turkish Airlines has long been known for its soft product: exceptional catering, warm service, and one of the most elegant lounges in the world at Istanbul Airport. But Business Class today isn’t just about good food,it’s about sleep, privacy, tech, and overall comfort. I flew the A350 Business Class from Istanbul to Singapore to find out if it’s truly worth your money,or miles.
What Does Turkish Airlines A350 Business Class Offer?
Aircraft Configuration and Cabin Layout
Turkish Airlines’ A350s feature a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone layout, a major step up from the older 2-2-2 configuration still seen on their A330s and 777s.
- 30 seats total in Business Class
- Full aisle access from every seat
- Seats arranged in reverse herringbone, similar to Qatar’s A350 but without suite doors
I immediately noticed how clean and modern the cabin looked. Light grey finishes, subtle red accents, and an elegant ceiling light strip gave the cabin a refined, understated look. Unlike older aircraft, every seat here felt like a self-contained space.
How Comfortable Is the Seat on the A350?
Seat Dimensions and Design
Each Business Class seat offers:
- Seat width: 21 inches
- Bed length (fully flat): 76 inches
- Recline: Full lie-flat
- Privacy: Moderate (no doors, but angled away from aisles)
I found the seat roomy and functional. While the width isn’t class-leading, the angled design gave me a good sense of separation. My legs fit well in the footwell, even in lie-flat mode. That’s not always a given on herringbone layouts.
Storage and Amenities
Each seat came with:
- A large side storage shelf
- USB-A and USB-C charging ports
- A 110V universal outlet
- A personal reading light
- Large 18-inch HD IFE screen
There’s also a mirror, headphone holder, and bottle storage, all easy to reach without standing. While there’s no sliding door like Qatar’s QSuite, the shell offers solid shoulder-level privacy.
Bedding and Sleep Comfort
Once in bed mode, the seat was long enough for me to stretch out fully (I’m 6’1”). The crew provided:
- A mattress pad
- Plush pillow
- Thick, quilted blanket
The cabin stayed cool throughout the flight, and I managed to sleep uninterrupted for nearly seven hours. Lighting was dim, and window seats (especially in even-numbered rows) are quieter and more private.
What Are the Amenities and Entertainment Options?
In-Flight Entertainment (IFE)
Turkish Airlines offers its Planet IFE system on the A350 with:
- Over 500 movies and shows
- Multiple languages including Turkish, English, Arabic, Hindi, and Russian
- A responsive touchscreen interface
- An interactive flight map with 3D viewing
- Noise-canceling headphones,decent quality, but not premium brand
Wi-Fi Connectivity
Wi-Fi is available across the entire A350. As a Business Class passenger, I received:
- 1 GB of complimentary internet
- Speeds fast enough for email, social media, and light browsing
- Streaming wasn’t flawless, but I could watch YouTube on 720p
Amenity Kit
The Ferragamo-branded amenity kit included:
- Hand cream, face mist, lip balm
- Socks, eye mask, toothbrush, toothpaste, and earplugs
The design was stylish and practical,definitely one of the more elegant amenity kits I’ve received recently.
How Is the Turkish Airlines Business Class Food and Beverage?
Dining Experience
Turkish Airlines’ food has always been a standout, and that reputation held strong on the A350. Menus were distributed before takeoff, and meal orders were taken promptly. I had the choice of:
- Three main courses
- Multiple appetizers and sides
- Turkish and Western desserts
- Made-to-order breakfast choices
The Do&Co catering is excellent, both in presentation and taste. I chose:
- Appetizer: Turkish mezze platter,hummus, ezme, stuffed grape leaves
- Main course: Grilled sea bass with pilaf and roasted vegetables
- Dessert: Hazelnut cake and baklava
Every dish was plated beautifully and served with real cutlery, linen napkins, and a touch of ceremony.
Drinks and Wine List
- Champagne (no Krug, but a solid Champagne Charles Heidsieck)
- International red and white wines from France, Turkey, Chile
- A wide selection of Turkish teas, raki, and mocktails
- Coffee was fresh-brewed, with Turkish coffee available on request
The wine list was respectable, though not as extensive as Qatar or Lufthansa. Still, the inclusion of Turkish varietals was a unique touch.
How Was the Service?
Turkish Airlines crew are known for their warmth, and this flight didn’t disappoint.
- The cabin manager greeted me by name
- My drink preferences were remembered after the first service
- The turndown service was offered proactively
- Crew checked in frequently without hovering
The service felt natural and culturally warm. It’s not as polished or formal as Singapore Airlines, but it’s authentic and genuine,which I personally appreciate.
What Is the Lounge Experience at IST?
The Turkish Airlines Business Lounge at Istanbul Airport remains one of the best in the world.
- Massive space with high ceilings, open design
- Multiple live cooking stations: pide, Turkish kebab, pasta, desserts
- Private nap rooms, showers, luggage lockers, a business center
- A miniature museum, library, and even a golf simulator
I always arrive early to enjoy this lounge,it’s practically a destination in itself.
How Does Turkish A350 Business Compare to Others?
| Airline | Turkish Airlines A350 | Qatar Airways A350 QSuite | Emirates A380 | Lufthansa A350 |
| Seat Privacy | 7/10 | 10/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Food | 9/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Service | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Wi-Fi | 8/10 | 7/10 | 6/10 | 8/10 |
| Lounge | 10/10 (IST) | 9/10 (DOH) | 9/10 (DXB) | 6/10 (FRA/MUC) |
Turkish holds its own, especially with food and lounge quality. The seat is competitive, though it lacks the privacy of a door. The soft product more than compensates.
Is Turkish Airlines A350 Business Class Worth It?
For most travelers, especially on long-haul routes, yes,it’s worth it.
- Cash prices: ~$2,800–$5,000 roundtrip depending on the route
- Miles: 45,000–67,500 miles one-way on Star Alliance partners
- Great value on routes to Asia, Africa, and South America
If you prioritize sleep, food, and a world-class lounge, this Business Class is an excellent investment. If you need full privacy or expect a QSuite-level seat, you may want to compare options,but this is among the top tier, no question.
Who Is Turkish Airlines A350 Business Class Best For?
- Business travelers flying long haul and needing comfort + connectivity
- Leisure travelers looking for luxury without First Class pricing
- Miles & points enthusiasts leveraging Star Alliance sweet spots
- Food lovers who value onboard cuisine as part of the journey
It’s less ideal for short-haul business hops where service doesn’t shine as much,or for those who value full privacy like QSuite or ANA’s “The Room”.
Pros and Cons Summary
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent food from Do&Co | No seat doors or suites |
| World-class Istanbul lounge | Limited IFE selection on some routes |
| Comfortable flat beds with good bedding | Some aircraft lack consistency (wet-leased planes) |
| Warm and professional service | Champagne, not vintage |
FAQ: Turkish Airlines A350 Business Class
Are all Turkish Airlines A350s the same?
No. Some are wet-leased from Aeroflot or other carriers. Always check the seat map. If it’s 1-2-1 with reverse herringbone, it’s the newest version.
Is lounge access included?
Yes. Business Class passengers get access to the Istanbul Business Lounge and Star Alliance lounges globally.
Can I book using points?
Yes. You can use Miles&Smiles, or book via United MileagePlus, Avianca LifeMiles, or Aeroplan. Look for award seats early.
Is the A350 quieter?
Yes. It’s noticeably quieter than the 777 or A330. The cabin pressure and humidity also help reduce fatigue