Hey guys, today I am talking about my recent trip flying Turkish Airlines business class. Just a year ago they were among the very best but things have definitely changed lately. I was supposed to fly the brand new A350 to Antalya but faced a few surprises. Let us get into exactly what happened mid-flight.
The Unexpected Aircraft Change
I was originally supposed to be flying on their brand new A350 aircraft which I was super excited about. Unfortunately they changed the equipment at the last minute and we had to fly on the older A330 instead.
Walking Through The Massive Airport
One thing you should know about the new Istanbul airport is that it is absolutely vast and you have to walk for what seems like ages to get anywhere. They really need to install some kind of train system to help people get from one side to the other without getting totally exhausted.
Finding The Hidden Underground Lounge
I had to search all over the place to find the Turkish CIP lounge because it is located underground and feels a bit hidden. It took me quite a while to finally track it down but I was glad to get inside before the flight.
Trying The Basic Pre-Flight Snack
Inside the lounge the food options were pretty simple with just a cheese sandwich and a peach drink available. It is not the most amazing spread I have seen but it is definitely better than nothing when you are feeling a little hungry before boarding.
Experiencing The Cool Boarding Process
They actually have a really cool process where business class passengers can board the plane directly from the lounge. We got to ride in these awesome stealth looking buses that take you straight to the aircraft which is a nice touch.
Getting Stuck In An Aisle Seat
Because of the sudden aircraft change I lost my window seat and got shoved into an aisle seat in the middle section. I usually prefer looking out the window during the flight but it was interesting to try an aisle seat for once.
Checking Out The Legroom Space
Even though the older plane would not be my first pick the legroom in this seat is actually outstanding. The seat also folds down into a fully flat bed which makes it quite comfortable if you want to get some rest.
Reviewing The In-Flight Entertainment Screen
The screen for watching movies is okay but it sits a little bit too far away from the seat. You might struggle to fully enjoy a movie on this screen just because of the awkward viewing distance.
Exploring The Bathroom Amenities
I decided to do a quick bathroom review and found some really nice Molten Brown amenities and a reed diffuser inside. They even had some lovely aftershave available which makes the space feel a bit more premium and fresh.
The Disappointing Cold Food Service
I brought my own sandwich from the lounge because the mid-flight service has been reduced to just a cardboard box of cold food. While some folks might not mind a simple cold meal I personally think an airline famous for its food should offer something a bit warmer and more substantial.
Questioning The Value For Money
Turkish Airlines still charges the same high prices for business class even though they are offering much less service right now. Since many other airlines are still providing full meals it is hard to justify paying premium prices for a downgraded experience.
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