In an era where many carriers are stripping back service to boost margins, Turkish Airlines remains a fascinating outlier. It is one of the few global airlines that still attempts to evoke the “Golden Age” of travel, where the journey is as significant as the destination.
As an editorial team with over 15 years of experience analyzing European aviation, we have watched Turkish Airlines grow from a regional carrier into a global juggernaut that flies to more countries than any other airline. But glossy marketing often hides the reality of the passenger experience. Does the actual flight live up to the hype?
This guide provides a deep, “insider” look at the Turkish Airlines Business Class experience, dissecting everything from seat selection strategies on specific aircraft to the legendary dining service that consistently wins global awards.
1. The “Hard Product” Dilemma: Choosing the Right Aircraft
One of the most critical aspects of booking with Turkish Airlines is understanding that not all Business Class cabins are created equal. Your experience on a Boeing 777 will be vastly different from that on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Knowing the difference before you book is the key to a comfortable flight.
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner & Airbus A350-900
These aircraft feature the airline’s most modern product.
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Configuration: 1-2-1 layout.
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The Seat: These are private “pods” with high walls, offering excellent privacy. Every passenger has direct aisle access.
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Best For: Solo travelers and business professionals who need privacy to work or sleep.
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Pro-Tip: If you are flying on the A350, keep an eye out for the “ex-Aeroflot” configurations that Turkish Airlines acquired. These often feature enclosed suites with doors, widely considered the best seats in the entire fleet.
The Boeing 777-300ER
This is the workhorse of the long-haul fleet, but it features an older design.
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Configuration: 2-3-2 layout. Yes, this means there is a “middle seat” in Business Class.
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The Seat: While it lacks privacy, the seat itself is incredibly spacious. Unlike the tapered footwells of the modern 787 pods, the 777 offers a massive, unrestricted ottoman that allows you to sleep freely without cramping your feet.
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Best For: Couples and families. The open design feels less claustrophobic, and sitting side-by-side is easier for conversation.
The Airbus A330
Often used on shorter long-haul routes (such as US East Coast to Istanbul or flights to Asia), the A330 usually features a 2-2-2 lie-flat configuration. It is a solid, comfortable option, though it lacks the technological bells and whistles of the Dreamliner.
2. The “Soft Product”: Why the Flying Chef Matters
If there is one reason to choose Turkish Airlines over its European competitors, it is the catering. The airline partners with DO&CO, a premium catering company, to provide what is arguably the best food in the sky.
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The Flying Chef: On long-haul international flights, a chef in full whites (including the toque) is on board. While they don’t cook from scratch, they are responsible for precise plating and preparation, ensuring your steak isn’t a rubbery, grey slab.
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Candlelight Dining: Service begins with a faux-candlelight setup, setting a mood rarely seen on commercial flights.
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The Meze Trolley: Forget the pre-plated appetizer tray. In Business Class, a trolley rolls down the aisle laden with fresh Turkish meze—creamy hummus, smoky babaganoush, marinated artichokes, and fresh feta. You point, and the chef plates your selection right there.
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Turkish Coffee & Tea: The experience concludes with traditional Turkish coffee and a piece of lokum (Turkish Delight).
3. The Istanbul Hub: A Destination in Itself
The Turkish Airlines Business Lounge at the new Istanbul Airport (IST) is a massive, 60,000-square-foot sanctuary. It is frequently rated as one of the top airline lounges globally.
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Live Cooking: The lounge is dotted with stations where chefs prepare fresh pide (Turkish pizza), grilled meats, and manti (Turkish ravioli) on demand.
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Amenities: You will find a golf simulator, a cinema, a museum-grade art gallery, and private nap rooms.
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The Shower Suites: If you have a long connection, the shower suites are spacious and come with high-end toiletries. They are the perfect way to reset before your next leg.
Pro-Tip: Istanbul Airport is enormous. If you have a tight connection (under 90 minutes), we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers “Missed Connections.” A reliable policy from a provider like World Nomads or Allianz can save you thousands if a slight delay causes you to miss your onward flight.
4. Business Class vs. Economy: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
| Feature | Economy Class | Business Class |
| Seat Pitch | 31-32 inches (Standard) | 75-78 inches (Fully Flat Bed) |
| Privacy | Low (3-3-3 configuration) | High (1-2-1) or Medium (2-3-2) |
| Dining | Standard Tray Meal | “Flying Chef” Multi-Course Service |
| Baggage | 2 x 23kg (typically) | 2 x 32kg + Priority Handling |
| Lounge Access | Paid or Elite Status only | Full Access to Istanbul Business Lounge |
| Wi-Fi | Paid packages available | Complimentary (usually 1GB) |
For travelers on a budget, Turkish Airlines Economy is still one of the best in Europe, offering decent legroom and better-than-average food. However, for flights over 8 hours, the lie-flat bed and the ability to arrive rested make Business Class a compelling investment.
5. Pros and Cons: An Honest Expert Assessment
Pros:
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Gastronomy: The food is genuinely restaurant-quality.
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Connectivity: Turkish Airlines flies to more countries than any other airline, making one-stop connections from Istanbul incredibly convenient.
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Amenity Kits: Often branded by luxury houses like Ferragamo or Lanvin, these kits are practical and stylish.
Cons:
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Cabin Temperature: Like many European carriers, the cabins are often kept quite warm. We recommend dressing in light layers.
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Inconsistency: The difference between a new A350 and an older 777 is stark. You must check the aircraft type before booking.
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Ground Service: While the lounge is spectacular, the boarding process at Istanbul can sometimes be chaotic and disorganized compared to hubs like Singapore or Zurich.
6. Expert Recommendations for Your Trip
To make the most of your journey, a little preparation goes a long way.
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Check Your Aircraft: Use tools like SeatGuru or the airline’s booking engine to verify if you are on a 787 (privacy) or 777 (space).
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Bring Your Own Entertainment Backup: While the In-Flight Entertainment (IFE) selection is vast, the noise-canceling headphones provided (usually Denon) are good but not perfect. We always travel with a personal pair of Bose or Sony noise-canceling headphones for guaranteed silence.
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Stopover in Istanbul: If your layover exceeds 20 hours, investigate the “Stopover in Istanbul” program, which often provides a free hotel night for Business Class passengers. For shorter stays, booking a hotel in the Sultanahmet district via Booking.com allows you to see the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque during a long layover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Turkish Airlines have First Class?
No, Turkish Airlines does not have a First Class cabin on its long-haul flights. They phased this out years ago to focus on a premium Business Class product that rivals many competitors’ First Class offerings.
What is the Turkish Airlines premium economy review?
Turkish Airlines does not currently offer a Premium Economy cabin. They previously had a “Comfort Class,” but this was discontinued. You can choose between Economy and Business Class only.
How is Turkish Airlines rated for safety?
Turkish Airlines is a Star Alliance member and adheres to strict international safety standards. It holds a 4-star rating from Skytrax and frequently wins “Best Airline in Europe” awards.
Is Turkish Airlines Business Class good for families?
Yes, especially on the Boeing 777-300ER. The 2-3-2 configuration means you can sit next to your children easily, unlike the isolated pods found on many other modern airlines.
What is the Turkish Airlines First Class ticket price?
Since there is no First Class, you should look for Business Class fares. Prices vary wildly by season, but a round-trip ticket from the US to Europe/Asia typically ranges from $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the route and booking window.
Are the reviews on Turkish Airlines reliable regarding the food?
Absolutely. The “Flying Chef” service and DO&CO catering are widely considered the gold standard for business class dining. If you are a foodie, this is the airline for you.
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