Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles - First time flying Turkish

Had a few questions, since this is my first time flying Turkish, though looking forward to the trip. My SO and I will be traveling ORD-IST-BOM R/T in early Feb.

- Any best seating suggestions? I'm a little confused exactly what aircraft we'll be in, since the reservation page and seat maps show this differently, but all in either A330 and 340. We're in 8JK and 16JK on the US flights, but seats to India can't be reserved until a week before, I was told. Also told exit rows can only be booked at the airport. Do exit rows have more legroom on TK, and is there restricted recline on some of them?

- I'm also *G, and definitely looking forward to the lounge at IST. What about departing ORD - since its a later departing flight, not sure which * lounge will be available - any experience here?

- I saw that it mentioned somewhere on the web site that there are connections allowing content from iPod's (or other USB devices) to be watched through the personal screens. Is this available in regular Y, and are there any special connectors needed?

- Are transfers at IST pretty simple (I do little international flying, and have not connected in Europe for a long time).

- Anything else that's good to know?

- Lastly, when I originally booked the reservation, they had my name as first name and last name, but when adding my secure flight info. when actually paying for the ticket, they said my middle name needed to be added to the ticket. That's fine, but when I see it, my first and middle name are combined, looks like this on the site: Firstmiddle LAST. Is this going to be an issue, either with security at any point, or with getting credit to my FF account (UA Mileage Plus)? I called back, and the agent said that's just how it shows up in the system and they can't put any spaces there. But would be more confident if others see the same thing, and that's just how it is.

Above all, really looking forward to this trip - I've heard excellent things about Turkish these days.

I flew with TK to Hong Kong this month and I was on their new 777. The new 777 has a USB port. I'm not familiar with their Airbus aircraft so I can't really answer your question.

TK is a good airline to fly with, especially Y. Their food was good - even Mr. Nacho looked forward to their food (he hates plane food).

IST is a pretty simple airport and the do gate security. I don't have any status with any airline so I can't tell you about lounge at IST but I do hear good thing about the IST lounge.

If you really want the leg room, why not reserve bulk head seats? Those you can reserve in advance, and it based on first come first serve basis.

Their amentity kit is the best I have received for Y. The even got lip balm on, which was great - I was so touched when I found about about it the first time I got it. My lip was so dry and hurt and it didn't get any better on a plane, and I forgot my lip balm.

It's not a brand name one but it did the trick!

One negative thing about TK is that it's great when things go smoothly, but it can be really when things go wrong, e.g. delay flight, lost/damage luggage. TK is very stingy in compensation for lost/damage/delayed baggage. My bag was delayed for more than 7 days and TK will only reimburse me USD 50 for emergency stuff.

Then when we got our delayed bag it was totally damaged, and the first thing they said was, 'I can issue you a letter for your insurance company'. I told them no because since the bag was so damaged I'm entitled to a new one, also I can't just file multiple claims for my travel insurance (my policy has a yearly limit on how much you can claim, also I shouldn't need to do all the paper work when my bag was obviously unusable). After some struggle TK gave me a replacement bag.

While at transit at IST, I saw a luggage car dropped a bag, and then 5 car passed by and no one pick up the bag...... I guess it happens all over the world.

My advice is to equip yourself with travel insurance that cover your needs.

Have a good trip!

A few more things:

If you are confused about which Airbus is in use, then so are they - substitutions are common.

The A330s do indeed have iPod port in Y.

The legroom throughout longhaul Y is decent - 33/34 inches. If the seat map looks empty when you check in online, you may want to risk it and grab opposing aisle seats in a middle section.

The food is definitely better than most other carriers - nice menu with Turkish dishes, smoked salmon appetizers, etc.

Had a few questions, since this is my first time flying Turkish, though looking forward to the trip. My SO and I will be traveling ORD-IST-BOM R/T in early Feb.

...
...
- Are transfers at IST pretty simple (I do little international flying, and have not connected in Europe for a long time).

- Anything else that's good to know?

- Lastly, when I originally booked the reservation, they had my name as first name and last name, but when adding my secure flight info. when actually paying for the ticket, they said my middle name needed to be added to the ticket. That's fine, but when I see it, my first and middle name are combined, looks like this on the site: Firstmiddle LAST. Is this going to be an issue, either with security at any point, or with getting credit to my FF account (UA Mileage Plus)? I called back, and the agent said that's just how it shows up in the system and they can't put any spaces there. But would be more confident if others see the same thing, and that's just how it is.

Above all, really looking forward to this trip - I've heard excellent things about Turkish these days.

Transfer:
I think IST can feel a little chaotic even for the seasoned traveller. I can be very crowded. Signage isn't the best either.
I am not sure where the ORD flight arrives, but usually departure is one floor above arrivals. Access to departures are via staircase, and they check BP's here; thus a very crowded spot.


Good to know:
It can be very warm in the cabin, so dress casual with layers that can be easily dropped!

Turkey is not an European country ;)



Names:
I have 3 "first" names, so I have had BPs with them all squeezed into one, just like yours. You will be fine in security, as long as they are all in the passport. They might look at it for a while before they decipher it.

It might be trouble for crediting miles automatically, if they UA checks for matching first name. My FF program only checks first few letters of first name, so even BPs with FirstSecondThirdName credits automatically. And there is always retro claim if it fails.

Transfer:
I think IST can feel a little chaotic even for the seasoned traveller. I can be very crowded. Signage isn't the best either.

Good point! You need to get a silly little sticker on your passport at the transfer desk to be let through to departure level. There is a *G priority line for this. You may have to show a printout of your entire itinerary.

If you want to take a shower in the lounge, go straight to the concierge to put your name on the waiting list.

And don't bother trying to bring any water bottles onboard - they will be confiscated at gate security.

Best thing of all: The sour cherry juice. I can't get enough of it - on board, in the lounge, straight with ice and (if you don't mind the FAs looking at you like you're mad) with vodka. My theory is that the gate security exists to prevent people like me from pilfering as many cans of this stuff as we can carry.

Thanks for all the tips everyone. Looking forward to the trip - I leave on Wed.

Looks like I'll be in all 330's now - when I called to get seats on the phone for the IST-BOM segment earlier this week, that's what they said for the ORD flight.

Just one more question. How long do you need to be at the gate prior to flight in IST? I now understand they do security at the gate there, and want to make sure I get to the gate early enough, but also, maximize my time in the CIP lounge first. Layovers both directions are 2-3 hours.

Hi

I am considering flying Turkish DUB-IST-SIN in Septemebr as other airlines seem to have no Business Class availability for my dates.
Can anyone update me on the version of the A330 that they are currently flying?
Some reviews are mixed so I'm not sure what to prepare myself for!

Thanks

Thanks for all the tips everyone. Looking forward to the trip - I leave on Wed.

Looks like I'll be in all 330's now - when I called to get seats on the phone for the IST-BOM segment earlier this week, that's what they said for the ORD flight.

Just one more question. How long do you need to be at the gate prior to flight in IST? I now understand they do security at the gate there, and want to make sure I get to the gate early enough, but also, maximize my time in the CIP lounge first. Layovers both directions are 2-3 hours.

They don't call flights but if you keep an eye on the departure screens and leave when they go from "WAIT IN LOUNGE" to "BOARDING" you should be fine. It's a big terminal though so if you're not a brisk walker you can always leave at the boarding time listed on your BP which will be earlier.

Thanks for the info. I've also observed that Turkish can be a good source of *Alliance award seats from Europe to Asia -- and even from the USA to Asia.

It sounds like there's no reason to avoid flying them. I'm actually thinking of stopping off in IST on a CO-issue award for a long weekend before continuing my trip.

It sounds like there's no reason to avoid flying them. I'm actually thinking of stopping off in IST on a CO-issue award for a long weekend before continuing my trip.

Oh, you absolutely should if you can, especially if you haven't been before - beautiful and fascinating city!

Oh, you absolutely should if you can, especially if you haven't been before - beautiful and fascinating city!

I actually have been to IST once before, but I certainly don't mind returning!

It's nice that CO/UA allows int'l stopvers and transits across Europe (including IST) on Asia tickets.

Flew TK LAX IST NRT in december. Using the returns from LAX in two weeks. here's a quick summary of my knowledge.

If you're booked coach have 200 cash on hand for each passenger to get into comfort. It's basically domestic first class. I can't guarantee this policy, but that's what happened on my flight.

Istanbul can be seen in a day. It's amazing. I've been twice on stops. My next stopover will likely involve seeing Ephesus and Troy if possible. Turkey wasn't on my list of countries to explore initially, it makes a great impression.

If you have status, you need to see the Lounge. It's absolutely incredible.

Smaller Hotels in Istanbul's old city can be inexpensive but very nice. Transportation is inexpensive and abundant.

If you're roaming on your cell double check you have a good rate with your carrier. I think mine didn't have a good rate in place.

yes they cobine first and middle names. Bayan Last FirstMiddle

So, embampbe, how was your flight?

I will be traveling business class from IAD to IST and contemplating booking either LH or TK. LH would require connecting through FRA whereas TK has direct, non-stop flights. Have flown LH several times to Europe so somewhat familiar with their flights. However, never taken TK before so checked both Skytrax and FT forums for reviews. Reviewers on Skytrax basically trashed TK but FT posters seem to have a much better opinion of TK. Makes me wonder why.

Taking a direct, non-stop flight from IAD to IST offers obvious benefits but I'm loathe to do that if TK is really that chaotic, disorganized, rude, dismissive and frequently subject to delays and cancellations. And paying that much to sit in old, worn seats for 10-11 hours doesn't seem like a good value for my money.

If anyone has flown on business class, especially on this route but not necessarilly so, I would so much appreciate hearing from you. Please provide details on both the positive and negative aspects of your flight.

Thank you all in advance. I seldom post on FT but find its posters' views always helpful.

TK flies with A330 or A340 to IAD. Best-case scenario you will get one of the best lie-flat business-class seats in the sky, with great food and very good entertainment. Service of the staff can be hit or miss. Worst-case scenario you will get same angle-flat seats that LH uses on their A330 or B747.

I would choose TK in a heart-beat:
- direct route
- great lounge in IST on your way back to IAD
- much better food
- possibly much better seat
- fewer chances of delays due to weather, if you are flying in winter.

Maybe because Skytrax is frequented by rookies and is heavily influenced by the airlines which ............."support" them.

CaAlex, while much of what you say is right, you do realize that IST has had a hell of a lot of snow the last 3 weeks and flights in/out of ISt have been as badly effected as anywhere else.

CaAlex, while much of what you say is right, you do realize that IST has had a hell of a lot of snow the last 3 weeks and flights in/out of ISt have been as badly effected as anywhere else.

Yes, but the query was for a r/t IAD-IST, so the weather in IST, good or bad, is a given. At least by taking a non-stop you take the weather in FRA out of the quation.

If there's a snow issue in Europe, you have much better chances for IST not to be affected, statistically IST never has snow. I live very close to IST as a region and I can tell you that the recent -20 degrees temperatures and 3-6 meters of snow are not typical winter events...

It's not the snow I worry about but the ever increasing traffic at IST. The lodos winds are more effective in messing up things here than actual snowfall. I'm expecting a difficult summer ahead...

Not sure why the assumption of issues with THY. It is a fabulous airline. Having flown it many times on international flights (and again shortly) I have never had a bad experience. This past fall I flew ORD-TLV on a US carrier and longed for THY! Hope to never fly coach on a US carrier long haul again!

Not sure why the assumption of issues with THY. It is a fabulous airline. Having flown it many times on international flights (and again shortly) I have never had a bad experience. This past fall I flew ORD-TLV on a US carrier and longed for THY! Hope to never fly coach on a US carrier long haul again!

Like many here, I'm flying TK for the first time in 10 days. [FRA-IST] On a "what to expect" basis: Will there be a meal? What about alcohol? Free/none/cost? Thanks

Yes - one of the best offerings in Y
Yes
Free

Like many here, I'm flying TK for the first time in 10 days. [FRA-IST] On a "what to expect" basis: Will there be a meal? What about alcohol? Free/none/cost? Thanks

I flew TK about three weeks ago SIN/IST/MAN and return, also for the first time. What is relevant to you is my experience on IST/MAN and is what I'm reporting below. Note that I flew economy; you didn't mention class of service but given your question I assume that you will be too.

I was on a 737, I think a -800 on both legs. I had a meal - pretty good (TK seems to take pride in their meals). As info, I ordered and got a low fat. The beer flowed freely although you should be aware it's Turkish, a little light tasting; I vaguely recall harder stuff being available. I got anther beer after the meal service by going to the galley, the crew gave it to me cheerfully. They didn't charge for any of this. Seat pitch was ok, like UA E+ (say 33/34 inch pitch). The entertainment though wasn't great. There was effectively none when I flew IST/MAN (didn't give out headphones either), whereas MAN/IST they did. This I mention because the TK website says some of the 737's have good IFE but I didn't see any on the two aircraft I was on.

Others: if you're *G, the TK lounge in IST has got to be in the top three I've ever been in (this includes the SQ Silver Kris in SIN which people generally seem to love). And as mentioned by other posters, note that IST as an airport seems to have long, long corridors when one connects, and the signage leaves something to be desired.

Short version: I wasn't sure what to expect from TK but I'd definitely fly them again.

I flew TK about three weeks ago SIN/IST/MAN and return, also for the first time. What is relevant to you is my experience on IST/MAN and is what I'm reporting below. Note that I flew economy; you didn't mention class of service but given your question I assume that you will be too.

I was on a 737, I think a -800 on both legs. I had a meal - pretty good (TK seems to take pride in their meals). As info, I ordered and got a low fat. The beer flowed freely although you should be aware it's Turkish, a little light tasting; I vaguely recall harder stuff being available. I got anther beer after the meal service by going to the galley, the crew gave it to me cheerfully. They didn't charge for any of this. Seat pitch was ok, like UA E+ (say 33/34 inch pitch). The entertainment though wasn't great. There was effectively none when I flew IST/MAN (didn't give out headphones either), whereas MAN/IST they did. This I mention because the TK website says some of the 737's have good IFE but I didn't see any on the two aircraft I was on.

Others: if you're *G, the TK lounge in IST has got to be in the top three I've ever been in (this includes the SQ Silver Kris in SIN which people generally seem to love). And as mentioned by other posters, note that IST as an airport seems to have long, long corridors when one connects, and the signage leaves something to be desired.

Short version: I wasn't sure what to expect from TK but I'd definitely fly them again.

Thanks for the great info. I have also heard the TK lounge is grreat, I have US Club membership, which is [I]supposed[I] to get me *G entry, only time will tell. The beer (probably Efes, which I like) is good news as well. Last year I took LH for theses segments and when I asked for something other than wine I was given a very strange frown and response that they did not have vodka.

<snip> The beer (probably Efes, which I like) is good news as well. <snip>

Aha - thanks for refreshing my memory. It is Efes (in blue can), also saw Tuborg or Carlsberg (one of the Danes) on board but noted on the can that it's brewed in Turkey. In addition Efes is readily available in the TK lounge.

First off thanks to all the posters, a wealth of info for first time turkish fliers.

Im looking at lax / bom via ist in busines class which is serviced on the 777 then on the A330-3. I read there are two versions on the A333, can anyone specify how to tell them apart and also what the key difference are? Is business one either that bae compared to US domestic first?

I'm used to AI or USair for this type of itin and their biz class product is mediocre at best in the newest planes of their fleets aka pods.

Flew TK for the first time last Sunday IAD-IST-KGL in C.
I was quite impressed with the food offering but thought that CA could be little more proactive in filling water and other drinks. The flight was on a A340 so it had angle flat seats. While still comfortable, my body has been already too used to the flat seats in other carriers. Hope they upgrade the seats to their A330 and 777 seats soon.

I only had 2hrs for the transit and having heard of horror story, I was afraid of the transit. However, as I had onward ticket, it took me literally 2 minutes to clear the security to departure floor.

The lounge as mentioned by many in the forum was amazing. Apart from the LH F lounge and LH F terminal at FRA, it was the nicest lounge I've visited (e.g.; I found the CIP lounge in IST much nicer then often talked about SKL in SIN).

The flight from IST to KGL was on a 737-800. Again food was good and CA was more attentive this time. The seats were typical US airlines' first class type seats. While they are comfortable, I found them bit too tight for 6+ hrs of flights to Africa. I am not looking forward for my overnight flight on my way back from KGL.

Overall, very present flights and I understood why the people rave about TK. The best of all, the TK flight was $1000 cheaper then SN. :)

p.s. Just realized this was my 500th post. Very slow as I have joined Flyertalk in 2000 but personal milestone nevertheless.