username

I see Saver Business availability using UA miles. TPE-IST-IAH. It makes it a long long trip but I have heard good things about TK. Reading through some stuff here and elsewhere on the web, it seems (and want to confirm with TK regulars):

1 - Business class is not bad - 177 degree almost flat is OK and you won't feel like the slanted flat?

2 - Catering is great?

3 - I will have about 8 hours at IST (0500-1300). It seems it won't fit the free tour schedule and it is too much hassle to get the free hotel. So, maybe just enjoy the airport and lounge (I love exploring airports)? I certainly don't want to miss my connecting flight so probably should not even think about hopping into the city?

4 - Service is not bad?

5 - TK is safe and reliable?

Thanks.

kohswisscheese

1. Yes, J is not bad. I'm sure the product on TK25 TPE-IST is lie-flat (and not flat bed- and I believe there are variations on the 343) but TK34 from IST-IST is on the 77W and will have fully flat J.

2. I've flown TK both Asia-Europe and Europe-US in J and catering is great. Do&Co is amazing. I seemed to have meals with a bit of a Mediterranean flair to them- think along the lines of meat and spices but quality was good.

3. You might want to try both their arrival and departure lounges, both are great and accessible by J pax. 8 hours is enough time to enter the city but the lounges are top-notch and can occupy your time.

4. Service in my experience has been great.

5. In general I've read that you're sometimes delayed out of IST but shouldn't be a big deal. TK should be as safe as any other big airline out there.

Guy Betsy

You might just want to stay in the lounge. The lounge is amazing and they snoozer rooms that are just great. You will only be able to access them when connecting in from a TK to another TK flight.

You will know what I mean when you go to the lounge. You may not want to leave.

TK is safer , better , in so many more ways than United.

rankourabu

There is simply no contest.

The worst part of the trip will be stepping on UA in Houston.

username

Thanks everyone. This is very tempting.... I guess I just have to overcome my fear of flying over/through a more troubled region of the world when I can do a simple TPAC.

LH4116

Don't think there's any danger whatsoever to flying over Iraq or Afghanistan. You're more likely to be killed crossing the street, or going to the supermarket.

username

Agree. Fear unfortunately is not rational in my case....

vincewy

I think most people have watched too much news. It may be more dangerous in your own backyard (ie Detroit)

I've been flying TK/EK/WY to Asia in the last 4.5 years and have not gone back to TPAC ever since (along with TK's more generous status requirements), people don't know what they are missing.

TPJ

I believe there are 4 A340's left and they are all in the non fully flat config.

Otherwise I agree with what was said here...

flyinglan

Can anyone confirm if TK25 is lie-flat business seating?
From Seatguru, it shows as A340 old angle-flat seating.

Thank you.

starflyergold

TK25 is operated by an A340 so no lie flat http://uk.flightaware.com/live/flight/THY25