TK J - Good value but second rate product....
Mar 5, 2017, 10:37 am
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CPH
Programs: UAMP S, TK M&S E (*G), Marriott LTP, IHG P, SK EBG
Posts: 11,095
I have never been able to get a shower at the lounge between 10pm to 12am. Have been flying with them for quite a few times and this has always been the case - always go downstairs and ask and the answer is always a 2 hours wait.
The A330 J is a huge disappointment - I used miles to upgrade so in a way I didn't pay for that. If I pay real cash for a J ticket I think I'll go for QR or UA Polaris. No wifi on board both ways (I guess they only have it on the 777s - but on the way to KUL they announced there will be wifi
). The 777 is a lot better however the 2-3-2 config is just ridiculous.I did get wrong meal - they claimed that I ordered SFML which I didn't (somehow they messed up) and I ended up having to eat that.
Last time I flew IST-IAH J, my main course never arrived - ok I don't care as I wasn't hungry but it's still unprofessional.
During dessert the chef told me that they have Tiramisu (which wasn't on the menu) and I picked that (it obviously doesn't look like the Tiramisu I'm used to) and turned out to be cheesecake. This was for both in and out bound IST-KUL (different chef).
Mar 5, 2017, 10:52 am
#18
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: ZRH / YUL
Programs: UA, TK, Starwood > Marriott, Hilton, Accor
Posts: 7,295
Mar 5, 2017, 12:13 pm
#19
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 926
There are a number of A330s which are leased and some other that still have the angled-flat beds. However the last time I flew KUL (or BKK,SIN), I got always the full bed latest J product that we all know on all legs which is a very decent J product. Certainly not inferior to what QR, EK has currently on offer at the moment. AFAIK, they will be introducing new J products soon and TK would have to follow. Actually I prefer the new TK A330s to the TK 777s as they have a more intimate J Cabin and of course the 2-2-2 layout. I guess everyone has a different perspective. Regarding service lapses, On my first SQ J flight, I was skipped the main breakfast course which I still remember. TK is no SQ in terms of service quality for sure, but when there are no irregularities, I would still rate them on par with the ME2 minus QR.
Mar 5, 2017, 5:47 pm
#20
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,470
Mar 6, 2017, 9:49 am
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CPH
Programs: UAMP S, TK M&S E (*G), Marriott LTP, IHG P, SK EBG
Posts: 11,095
On the way out, we could see the wifi but couldn't connect to it. On the way back, even the crew confirmed that there's no wifi although they announced that there was.
Mar 6, 2017, 4:55 pm
#24
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: TK*G (E+), IHG Plat Ambassador
Posts: 7,884
You of course know that UA Polaris is limited to a single B77W aircraft and a single lounge (at ORD).
I have to congratulate UA for its brilliant marketing strategy, though (currently I am at UA Int Lounge at SFO
- no Polaris experience in sight).
PS. I know that some Polaris elements like Saks pillows and duvet are available on all long-haul flight, but still...
PS. Sorry for OT'ing
I have to congratulate UA for its brilliant marketing strategy, though (currently I am at UA Int Lounge at SFO
- no Polaris experience in sight).PS. I know that some Polaris elements like Saks pillows and duvet are available on all long-haul flight, but still...
PS. Sorry for OT'ing
Mar 6, 2017, 4:58 pm
#25
Join Date: Jun 2008
Programs: TK*G (E+), IHG Plat Ambassador
Posts: 7,884
Mar 7, 2017, 9:05 pm
#26
Moderator: Alaska Mileage Plan
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 12,318
Mar 9, 2017, 4:21 am
#28
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Accra
Programs: Skywards Gold, TK Elite +, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 222
Mar 10, 2017, 1:42 am
#29
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Turkey
Programs: Miles and Smiles Elite Plus
Posts: 184
It is insane to think you need to bring water from the lounge to the aircraft.
I have been flying TK economy and business for the past 30 years of my life and I have never been refused water. The worst case scenario would be that the staff is too slow, and you can get up from your seat on the way to the toilet and grab a few bottles yourself from them. The fact is, if you are flying business especially, you can ask for any kind of drink you want at any moment except take off and landing in TK and they will get it for you, if they don't, call the cabin chief and tell them the crew is not doing their job.
It is true that cabins can be insanely hot.
The entertainment system and full flat seats are as good a business class product as you can find anywhere except maybe the top 2-3 airlines such as Singapore. Some people might not like that the seats are not as private as other airlines, but I personally hate EK business where I can't see my child sitting right next to me. For me if you are a single traveler you would prefer EK type seats with more privacy, and if you are traveling with family you might prefer TK seats.
I agree that the staff needs more training especially with language skills, sometimes they don't listen so well or don't understand you but pretend that they do. This can lead to a lot of confusion.
I like the TK lounge a lot, but hate the fact that it is so crowded.
Overall I think TK still has a great value quality business product. Would I fly Singapore if they have the same route somewhere? Absolutely. But give me TK over any European or American carrier and I will take it every time.
I have been flying TK economy and business for the past 30 years of my life and I have never been refused water. The worst case scenario would be that the staff is too slow, and you can get up from your seat on the way to the toilet and grab a few bottles yourself from them. The fact is, if you are flying business especially, you can ask for any kind of drink you want at any moment except take off and landing in TK and they will get it for you, if they don't, call the cabin chief and tell them the crew is not doing their job.
It is true that cabins can be insanely hot.
The entertainment system and full flat seats are as good a business class product as you can find anywhere except maybe the top 2-3 airlines such as Singapore. Some people might not like that the seats are not as private as other airlines, but I personally hate EK business where I can't see my child sitting right next to me. For me if you are a single traveler you would prefer EK type seats with more privacy, and if you are traveling with family you might prefer TK seats.
I agree that the staff needs more training especially with language skills, sometimes they don't listen so well or don't understand you but pretend that they do. This can lead to a lot of confusion.
I like the TK lounge a lot, but hate the fact that it is so crowded.
Overall I think TK still has a great value quality business product. Would I fly Singapore if they have the same route somewhere? Absolutely. But give me TK over any European or American carrier and I will take it every time.
Mar 10, 2017, 11:24 am
#30
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 926
It is insane to think you need to bring water from the lounge to the aircraft.
I have been flying TK economy and business for the past 30 years of my life and I have never been refused water. The worst case scenario would be that the staff is too slow, and you can get up from your seat on the way to the toilet and grab a few bottles yourself from them. The fact is, if you are flying business especially, you can ask for any kind of drink you want at any moment except take off and landing in TK and they will get it for you, if they don't, call the cabin chief and tell them the crew is not doing their job.
It is true that cabins can be insanely hot.
The entertainment system and full flat seats are as good a business class product as you can find anywhere except maybe the top 2-3 airlines such as Singapore. Some people might not like that the seats are not as private as other airlines, but I personally hate EK business where I can't see my child sitting right next to me. For me if you are a single traveler you would prefer EK type seats with more privacy, and if you are traveling with family you might prefer TK seats.
I agree that the staff needs more training especially with language skills, sometimes they don't listen so well or don't understand you but pretend that they do. This can lead to a lot of confusion.
I like the TK lounge a lot, but hate the fact that it is so crowded.
Overall I think TK still has a great value quality business product. Would I fly Singapore if they have the same route somewhere? Absolutely. But give me TK over any European or American carrier and I will take it every time.
I have been flying TK economy and business for the past 30 years of my life and I have never been refused water. The worst case scenario would be that the staff is too slow, and you can get up from your seat on the way to the toilet and grab a few bottles yourself from them. The fact is, if you are flying business especially, you can ask for any kind of drink you want at any moment except take off and landing in TK and they will get it for you, if they don't, call the cabin chief and tell them the crew is not doing their job.
It is true that cabins can be insanely hot.
The entertainment system and full flat seats are as good a business class product as you can find anywhere except maybe the top 2-3 airlines such as Singapore. Some people might not like that the seats are not as private as other airlines, but I personally hate EK business where I can't see my child sitting right next to me. For me if you are a single traveler you would prefer EK type seats with more privacy, and if you are traveling with family you might prefer TK seats.
I agree that the staff needs more training especially with language skills, sometimes they don't listen so well or don't understand you but pretend that they do. This can lead to a lot of confusion.
I like the TK lounge a lot, but hate the fact that it is so crowded.
Overall I think TK still has a great value quality business product. Would I fly Singapore if they have the same route somewhere? Absolutely. But give me TK over any European or American carrier and I will take it every time.