Turkish Airlines Review: Comfort and Service

As someone who has flown over 70 international airlines in the last two decades, I can confidently say Turkish Airlines sits in a unique position. It’s not a Gulf carrier like Emirates or Qatar, and it’s not a traditional European airline like Lufthansa or British Airways. It blends East and West, not just culturally, but in how it delivers comfort and service.

In this review, I’ll break down every aspect of the Turkish Airlines passenger experience, seat comfort, cabin service, inflight meals, lounges, reliability, and value. I’ve flown Turkish Airlines across short-haul, medium-haul, and long-haul routes, in both Economy and Business Class. This article isn’t just data-driven; it’s experience-backed.

What Is Turkish Airlines Known For in Passenger Experience?

Turkish Airlines is the national flag carrier of Türkiye and has built a reputation for three things: extensive global connectivity, excellent food, and high hospitality standards. As of 2024, the airline flies to over 290 destinations across more than 120 countries, the most of any airline in the world.

It has won “Best Airline in Europe” by Skytrax multiple times, most recently in 2022. The carrier is also rated 4 stars by Skytrax, consistently recognized for its in-flight service, lounges, and Business Class product.

This blend of wide coverage and onboard quality makes Turkish Airlines a strong contender, especially for international travelers looking for efficient East-West connections.

How Comfortable Are Turkish Airlines Seats in Economy and Business Class?

I’ve flown in both cabins repeatedly, and the seat comfort is where Turkish Airlines shows interesting duality, standard in Economy, exceptional in Business.

Economy Class Seat Comfort

  • Seat Pitch: 31–33 inches (depending on aircraft type)
  • Seat Width: Approximately 18 inches
  • Recline: Up to 6 inches
  • Configuration: 3-3-3 in Boeing 777; 3-3-2 or 3-3-3 in A330; 3-3 in narrow-bodies like the 737

The cushioning is decent, headrests are adjustable, and most long-haul seats have individual IFE screens and USB ports. However, compared to Qatar Airways (with 32” pitch and more padding), Turkish Airlines feels a little tighter, especially on flights over 8 hours.

Business Class Seat Comfort

This is where Turkish Airlines shines. The lie-flat beds in long-haul Business Class offer:

  • Bed Length: 188–193 cm (around 74–76 inches)
  • Seat Width: 21–22 inches
  • Privacy: Privacy divider between seats in most configurations
  • Features: Massage functions, reading lights, noise-cancelling headphones

Aircraft like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 offer newer Business Class cabins with fully enclosed suites. However, older aircraft like the A330s still feature a 2-2-2 layout without direct aisle access for all.

That said, I’ve had some of the best long-haul sleeps on Turkish’s Business Class, even if the product isn’t the most modern. The mattress pad and comforter add genuine sleep value.

What Services Does Turkish Airlines Provide Onboard?

Turkish Airlines provides a surprisingly rich onboard service offering, especially on long-haul flights. Here’s what stands out:

In-Flight Entertainment (IFE)

The “Planet” entertainment system offers:

  • Over 1000 hours of movies, series, music, and games
  • Available on individual touchscreens with remote controls
  • Multiple language options
  • International and regional film catalog

The screen responsiveness is solid, and the interface is intuitive. However, newer aircraft like the A350 and B787 have noticeably better screens than older A330s.

Wi-Fi Access

  • Business Class & Miles&Smiles Elite members: Free unlimited Wi-Fi
  • Economy Class: Paid plans available, starting from $2.99 for messaging or $14.99 for streaming

The speed is generally enough for browsing and emailing but becomes sluggish during peak flight hours.

Charging Options

  • USB ports: Available in almost all long-haul Economy seats
  • Universal power outlets: Present in Business Class and in newer Economy Class cabins

What Is the Quality of Turkish Airlines’ In-Flight Meals?

If there’s one area where Turkish Airlines consistently outperforms its peers, it’s food.

Economy Class

  • Hot meals even on short-haul international flights
  • Choice of two mains on long-haul routes
  • Turkish mezze, freshly baked bread, and desserts are included
  • Complimentary non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages

On my last Istanbul–Bangkok flight in Economy, the grilled chicken with bulgur and vegetables tasted like it came from a restaurant, not an airline galley.

Business Class

  • “Flying Chef” concept onboard most long-haul routes
  • Multi-course meals with à la carte options
  • Signature Turkish dishes like mantı, grilled sea bass, and lentil soup
  • Served on porcelain with metal cutlery and wine pairing

Meals are catered by Do&Co, the Austrian company renowned for high-end airline catering. This partnership sets Turkish Airlines apart in the Business Class culinary category.

Special Meals

  • Pre-order 24 hours before flight
  • Options: Vegan, kosher, Hindu, diabetic, gluten-free, low-sodium, halal-certified
  • Quality is well above average, especially for vegan and diabetic meals

How Good Is the Cabin Crew Service on Turkish Airlines Flights?

Cabin crew service on Turkish Airlines is defined by cultural hospitality, professionalism, and consistency.

  • Language Skills: Most crews are fluent in Turkish and English, with additional languages depending on the route
  • Manners: Warm, respectful, and less robotic than what you might find on Lufthansa or Air France
  • Service Speed: Efficient, particularly in Business Class

Skytrax ratings consistently reflect this, giving the airline 4 out of 5 stars for staff service. In my own experience, I’ve noticed the crew remain patient and proactive even during turbulence or service delays.

Is Turkish Airlines Reliable in Terms of On-Time Performance and Safety?

  • On-Time Performance (2023 average): 79%
  • Safety Certifications: IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certified
  • Fleet Age: Modern aircraft including Boeing 787-9, Airbus A350, A321neo

Turkish Airlines operates one of the youngest long-haul fleets in Europe. While Istanbul Airport is prone to occasional weather-related delays, the airline’s safety track record remains strong.

How Comfortable Are Turkish Airlines Lounges?

If you fly through Istanbul Airport, the lounge experience alone makes a strong case for choosing Turkish Airlines.

Business Lounge (Istanbul Airport)

  • Size: 60,000+ sq. ft.
  • Features: Showers, nap pods, à la carte and buffet dining, barista coffee
  • Amenities: Lockers, library, piano lounge, conference rooms

Miles&Smiles Lounge

  • Access: Elite & Elite Plus Miles&Smiles members and Star Alliance Gold
  • Facilities: Similar to the Business Lounge, with slightly fewer food options

The ambience rivals Qatar’s Al Mourjan or Emirates’ Business Lounge in Dubai. It’s a calm, luxurious space for long layovers.

What Is the Value for Money When Flying Turkish Airlines?

  • Competitive ticket pricing, especially for multi-leg itineraries via Istanbul
  • Generous baggage allowance: 30kg in Economy, 2x32kg in Business
  • Free Istanbul stopover program (for eligible international passengers)

Turkish Airlines often undercuts premium carriers like Lufthansa or Air France by 10–20% on equivalent routes. For Business Class, the savings can be significant, sometimes over €1000 less than Qatar Airways.

How Does Turkish Airlines Compare with Other Global Airlines?

FeatureTurkish AirlinesQatar AirwaysEmirates
Seat Comfort (Economy)31–33” pitch32” pitch32–34” pitch
IFE1000+ hoursOryx OneICE system
Business Lie-FlatYes (188–193 cm)YesYes
Culinary PartnerDo&CoQatar CateringEmirates Catering
Lounge Quality5-star (Skytrax rated)5-star5-star

Turkish Airlines competes well with global giants in almost every category, particularly on food and lounge quality. Seat layout and inflight tech are the main areas with variability depending on aircraft type.

What Do Customer Reviews Say About Turkish Airlines?

On Trustpilot and airline forums, Turkish Airlines holds a mixed-to-positive reputation:

  • Positive Comments: High-quality meals, attentive cabin crew, excellent lounges
  • Negative Comments: Occasional delays, baggage mishandling at Istanbul Airport, inconsistent service on regional routes

Average ratings range between 3.8 and 4.3 stars depending on the review platform. Long-haul travelers in Business Class tend to rate it higher than Economy passengers on short-haul flights.

Who Should Choose Turkish Airlines and When?

I recommend Turkish Airlines is ideal for:

  • Intercontinental travelers looking for great food and global coverage
  • Budget-conscious flyers willing to transfer in Istanbul
  • Business travelers who value lounge access and wide seat beds

It may be less ideal for:

  • Those who prioritize punctuality above all else
  • Short-haul travelers expecting Gulf-style luxury service

FAQs About Turkish Airlines Comfort and Service

Is Turkish Airlines good for long-haul flights?
Yes, particularly in Business Class where lie-flat beds and chef-prepared meals are standout features.

Are the seats comfortable for overnight travel?
In Business Class, absolutely. Economy seats are acceptable but less comfortable than Gulf competitors.

How do I get access to the Turkish Airlines Lounge?
Access is granted to Business Class passengers, Miles&Smiles Elite/Elite Plus members, and Star Alliance Gold members.

Can I upgrade to Business at check-in?
Yes, upgrades are sometimes offered at discounted rates depending on seat availability and route.

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