I’ve flown Turkish Airlines Business Class more than a dozen times in the last five years, on routes across Europe, Asia, and North America. While I’ve experienced both their highs and inconsistencies, I keep returning to them for one main reason: they offer some of the best food, lounge access, and mid-flight comfort you can get without spending a fortune.
If you’re wondering whether Turkish Airlines Business Class is worth your money or miles, here’s everything I’ve learned,based on actual flights, not promotional gloss.
What Kind of Business Class Seat Can You Expect?
Turkish Airlines has a very mixed fleet, and seat type is one of the most important things to double-check when booking. I’ve flown their Boeing 777-300ER, Airbus A330, Boeing 787-9, and Airbus A350-900,and the difference between old and new is significant.
On their 777s and A330s, the Business Class cabin has a 2-2-2 layout. It’s spacious if you’re traveling with someone, but it lacks privacy and direct aisle access from the window seats. The seats do go fully flat, but they feel more like a wide recliner than a true premium suite. I avoid these for solo overnight flights if I can.
Their newer aircraft,the 787-9 Dreamliner and A350-900,have a far better 1-2-1 layout. These offer full privacy, direct aisle access, and reverse herringbone-style seats. The seat shell, the footwell, and the general modern finish make a huge difference. I’ve slept better on these than on some European flag carriers.
For any long-haul overnight route, I now try to choose the 787 or A350. The 777 is acceptable during the day, but it’s not ideal for rest.
How Comfortable Are the Seats?
When it comes to seat comfort, Turkish Airlines is a bit of a two-faced product.
On their older planes, the seats are wide and padded but lack modern ergonomics. I’ve found that while the space is generous,especially shoulder width,it doesn’t translate into the best sleeping experience. The privacy screens are minimal, and I sometimes wake up when a neighbor moves.
But once you step onto the Dreamliner or A350, it’s a different world. The seat design is more cocooned, the padding is excellent, and there’s enough storage space for essentials like headphones, chargers, and a laptop. The lie-flat bed stretches to about 78 inches, and the airflow and lighting on these planes help create a good sleeping environment.
I also appreciate the bedding,you get a mattress topper, a large pillow, and a thick blanket. On long-haul night flights, the crew is usually proactive in offering to make up your bed if you don’t do it yourself.
How Is the Service Onboard?
Turkish Airlines has one of the more balanced service approaches in the industry. It’s formal but friendly,there’s structure, but not stiffness.
Every Business Class flight I’ve taken has started with a warm welcome and a tray of pre-departure drinks,lemon-mint juice, orange juice, and sparkling wine. Crew members are attentive during boarding and make sure everyone is settled before takeoff.
What makes the service stand out is its consistency. Even on less polished routes, the crew is always present, responsive, and polite. You’ll usually receive your menu before takeoff, and they’re happy to answer questions about the dishes or wine pairings.
What I also appreciate is their timing. They’re efficient with meals and don’t disappear for hours mid-flight. If I ring the call button or request something mid-service, I’ve rarely had to wait long.
Is the Food as Good as People Say?
Yes,and I’d say it’s even better than people expect. Turkish Airlines has partnered with DO & CO, one of the most respected airline caterers, and you can tell immediately.
My meals usually start with a mezze platter,think hummus, stuffed grape leaves, grilled vegetables, and warm bread. That’s followed by a creamy lentil soup, a fresh salad, and a main dish like grilled sea bass or lamb kofta with bulgur. Dessert is often a highlight,Turkish rice pudding, baklava, or a cheese plate with figs.
They also offer a real inflight chef experience. No, they’re not cooking from scratch, but the chefs in white coats take your orders and plate the meals with care. It’s a visual and service detail I really enjoy.
Turkish coffee and tea service is available after meals, and it’s excellent. If you’re a coffee lover, their strong Turkish brew with a square of Turkish delight is a perfect touch.
Even mid-flight snacks are worth noting. On long routes, I’ve requested Turkish-style flatbreads, fresh fruit, and even yogurt between meals. It’s thoughtful catering, and it beats almost every European airline I’ve flown.
What Amenities Do You Get in Business Class?
Turkish Airlines does a good job with Business Class amenities. On most of my long-haul flights, I’ve received branded amenity kits from designers like Coccinelle or Versace. Inside, there’s lip balm, hand cream, socks, an eye mask, earplugs, and a toothbrush set.
For overnight flights, slippers are always provided, and on ultra-long-haul flights (like Istanbul to LAX), I’ve been given pajamas,soft, well-fitted, and packed in a drawstring bag.
They also provide noise-canceling headphones. While they’re not top-tier like Bose or Sony, they’re good enough for movies and music. I still prefer using my own for comfort, but it’s great to have them included.
The bedding is high quality,thick, quilted blankets and a pillow that doesn’t feel like a throwaway. Combine that with the Dreamliner cabin’s lower altitude pressure and humidity, and you’re set up for a solid night’s sleep.
How Is Entertainment and Wi-Fi?
The inflight entertainment system is solid across the board. The newer aircraft have large 18-inch screens with a sharp interface and plenty of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and Turkish programs. The variety covers Hollywood, European cinema, and world content, including kids’ programs and some Arabic and Asian films.
You can also use the “Planet” IFE system with a touchscreen remote if you prefer.
Wi-Fi is available on most wide-body aircraft and is free for Business Class passengers. I’ve used it for email, Slack, browsing, and even light file uploads. It’s not fast enough for video streaming, but for staying connected, it does the job reliably.
What About the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge?
This is one of my favorite parts of flying Turkish Airlines.
At Istanbul Airport (IST), the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge is world-class. It’s spacious, elegant, and loaded with amenities. From the live cooking stations serving Turkish pide and doner kebab to the self-serve dessert bar and salad corner, the food rivals what you’d get in many restaurants.
There’s also a barista counter, Turkish tea corner, shower suites, nap rooms, a cinema, and even a golf simulator. I usually arrive early just to spend extra time there.
Outside Istanbul, Turkish uses Star Alliance lounges. I’ve used United Polaris Lounges in Newark and Chicago, Lufthansa Business Lounges in Frankfurt, and Plaza Premium Lounges in Asia. While not as luxurious as the Istanbul hub, they round out the experience well.
Which Routes Offer the Best Business Class Experience?
The best Turkish Business Class experiences are on long-haul routes operated by the 787-9 or A350-900. These aircraft offer the new seats and smoother flight experience.
Some of my personal recommendations:
- Istanbul to New York (JFK or EWR) – Modern aircraft, excellent catering, perfect flight length
- Istanbul to Los Angeles (LAX) – Ultra-long-haul with pajamas and full amenities
- Istanbul to Tokyo or Singapore – Strong service and time zone alignment
- Istanbul to Cape Town – Scenic, lengthy route with exceptional meal service
Always verify aircraft type when booking. Turkish’s website and apps usually display the aircraft model, or you can check with tools like ExpertFlyer or SeatGuru.
How Does Turkish Airlines Business Class Compare?
| Airline | Turkish Airlines | Qatar Airways QSuite | Emirates | Lufthansa |
| Seat Privacy | High (1-2-1 A350/787) | Very high (with doors) | Moderate | Moderate |
| Food | Excellent (Do & Co) | Excellent | Good | Fair |
| Lounge (IST) | Exceptional | Excellent (DOH) | Premium | Good |
| IFE & Wi-Fi | Strong | Strong | Moderate | Moderate |
| Bed Comfort | Very good | Excellent | Very good | Decent |
If seat privacy and food are your top priorities, Turkish delivers. QSuite still edges ahead with enclosed suites, but Turkish outperforms many European airlines on food, lounges, and service.
What Do Other Travelers Think?
Most frequent flyers rank Turkish Business Class very highly in online reviews. The airline often gets top marks for:
- Food and beverage quality
- Lounge experience in Istanbul
- Value for money or miles
- Consistency of crew and soft product
Common criticisms include:
- Older 777 and A330 cabin layouts without direct aisle access
- Occasional delays or inconsistent regional flights
- Harder seats for side-sleepers on some aircraft
But overall, the consensus aligns with my experience: Turkish Airlines over-delivers on comfort and culinary experience at a price point that’s often below the competition.
Who Should Fly Turkish Business Class?
Ideal for:
- Long-haul travelers prioritizing rest and food
- Miles & points users seeking high-value redemptions
- Couples or solo travelers (1-2-1 seat options)
- Frequent flyers in Europe, the Middle East, or Asia
Less ideal for:
- Travelers needing full suite privacy (e.g., QSuite or ANA “The Room”)
- Tech-heavy flyers wanting faster onboard Wi-Fi
- Travelers on routes served by 777 with 2-3-2 layout
Is Turkish Airlines Business Class Worth It?
Yes,especially if you care about food, global connectivity, and a relaxing inflight experience. Even when flying on their older 777s, I’ve never walked away disappointed. And on the newer aircraft, I’ve had some of the most restful long-haul flights in recent memory.
Turkish often undercuts competitors on price. I’ve booked round-trips between North America and Europe for $3,200–$4,200, and used Aeroplan or Miles&Smiles to redeem flights for 45,000 to 65,000 miles one-way, depending on the route.
When I weigh the cost against what I actually get,lie-flat bed, world-class meals, lounge access, and free Wi-Fi,it’s easy to say Turkish Airlines Business Class is absolutely worth it, particularly if you’re routing through Istanbul.
FAQ: Turkish Airlines Business Class
Does Turkish Airlines Business Class offer lie-flat seats?
Yes,on all long-haul aircraft. The 787, A350, 777, and A330 offer fully lie-flat beds.
Is Wi-Fi free in Business Class?
Yes,Business Class passengers get free Wi-Fi, though data may be capped on some aircraft unless you’re Elite+.
Is Turkish coffee available onboard?
Yes,offered after meals, along with Turkish tea. One of the airline’s signature touches.
Can I access the Business Lounge with a Business Class ticket?
Yes. All Business Class passengers get access to the Istanbul Business Lounge and partner lounges worldwide.
Are all Turkish Airlines Business Class products the same?
No. 787 and A350 offer the best seats. 777 and A330 have older layouts,less private but still lie-flat.