Originally Posted by fryfrye

Mrs. Fryfrye and I flew IST-ADB (Izmir) on THY, ADB-ESB on Andalou Jet (Sort of like UAL's TED), and then ESB-IST on THY.

Used CIP lounge for check-in in IST after international arrival. This is a MUST do for any Star Gold. Do NOT go to the Domestic security line, just go straight to CIP lounge, you can check luggage there, and they will transfer you buy bus to your plane with other CIP persons.

ADB-ESB was on Andalou Jet (spelling?) service was minimal, but nice... NO CIP access when traveling this class... didn't even push the issue as ADB airport CIP lounge didn't seem to be that special.

HOWEVER, big HINT for anyone traveling from ESB (Ankara) who is *GOLD, tell your driver to drop you at the CIP curb, its about a 20 meter walk down the road from regular check-in areas... again, you can check bags in the lounge and you will be transfered to your plane...

We used the CIP lounge for IST-BRU flight in THY C.

Priority Tag works well... first bags off on EACH occasion...

I do agree with other reviewers on a few items.

1) THY C on non A3x0 family is pretty bad... even worse than LH C as the seats are pretty beat up even on the newer 737-800s.

2) The Food in Coach, was better than the food in C. Decent sub in Economy, hot meals in C were just ok (dinner service), and down-right bad (breakfast service).

3) VERY inconsistant service from Flight Attendents.. and Ground Staff...