RIX-IST

Arrived to airport a bit earlier. Discovered that checkin starts 2 hours prior.

Check-in
Firstly huge Russian travelling family blocked the whole BC counter for about 15 minutes. Then, I got my turn. Agent was very surprised to see my BD*G card and consulted the supervisor about it. Finally they got it into the system (haven't got the miles yet) and I my boarding card.

Lounge
The non-schengen lounge of RIX was one of the emptiest I have ever seen. I was the only sole there during the next about 90 minutes. It has free wireless (just ask for the password from the loungelady). Some snacks (cookies, olives, pickles, bread, butter..) and drinks are available. Also has toilet inside, but not shower.

Gate
Very close to the lounge as this area of the airport is pretty small.

Inflight
It was a nice B737-800 they use also for other longer European flights and also Middle-Eastern flights (once I was to DXB with this). I was in 6A, the first row of economy with lots of space. Business class on this plane has special seats, reminding me domestic F seats onboard various US airlines. There was about 30% load, so pretty empty. Flight was on time and with nice service. Menu given with two choices. I had chicken with some beef-meatballs. Usual salad. chocolate cake.

Postflight
Almost one hour long queue on arrival for immigration.. the good side was that at least I did not have to wait for the bag, as it was already waiting for me on the belt



IST-RIX
Upon the entry to the airport there is security check, which might take up to 15 minutes.

Check-in
Dedicated counters for business class and StarGold passengers. There was no queue, so no need to wait. Was surprised to see my BD*G card. Asked agent if it is B737-800 like in the schedule or A320 like while doing a booking, while assiging the seat. Agent said that Boeing, I was happy with my 5A then.. (as on B737-800's first 5 rows have actually true business seats, similar to US domestic first). Got also lounge invitation for TK *G lounge (I was travelling in Y). Priority luggage tag assigned without asking. Got also stamp on the boarding card, which enabled to use fast-track immigration (there was *G sign on that line too, so probably should also work when flying other *A airline)

Lounge
Usually I have been in Istanbul's Millenium lounge, which is contracted by most of other airlines, incl. KL, AF, OK, SK.. etc. So, it was my first time to use TK lounge ever. The entrance looks all right, next to the reception there is also a room for bags and overcoats. After the entrance, there is a "golden room" with Atatürk portrait and some sofas and a wall with some crystal displays. When going further, on the left there is PC-room, where I guess was approx 8 PC-s with free internet access (facebook was blocked on those, but flyertalk not). In addtion, the whole lounge is having free wireless coverage as well. Left of the PC-room there is section for toilets and showers. I did not try the shower, but tried to use a toilet.. as there was only 3 cabins.. then I guess sometimes it can mean long waittimes. There is also special room for kids (first time I see something like this in the lounge), and for praying too. And a dedicated quiet room. The biggest room is with windows, and it contains big AD-screens and sofas, with small tables around.. and food tables. I was there in the morning, and the food part reminds me somehow canteen.. it was a bit messy.. and the selection was not my taste, but I could manage to finally get a bowl from the souptable, to get some cerals in, from a machine that was not working that well, and top this with the last traces of fruit yogurt. Drinks were nothing special either. I would say, that if you are flying with *A airline that allows to access Millenium lounge, go there instead, as over there it is somehow cosier, and way better food and drink options. I took also some photos of the longe, which I hope to upload later.

Gate
On the way, grab a free newspaper from the THY newspaper stand in the middle of the transit area. Extra security prior to the gate, usually they love to let people to switch on their laptops but this time somehow I did not have to do it. Boarding started on-time.

Inflight
I discoved that the checkin agent had been wrong. It was not B737-800 but A320 with domestic seating arrangement (i.e. all seats the same) The flight was pretty empty.. I would say 2 out of 6 seats in the row was filled. Even though the flight had inflight entertainment system onboard, they did not
switch it on to show a movie or enable people to listen music channels. Two passengers in front of me were listening to music on their cellphone pretty loud, so I could enjoy it as well a bit, as the songs were pretty good. Inflight service started at cruise altitude. Beforehand a menu was given, so people could think if they are more into vegetable pasta or chicken-breast. Both were accompanied by shrip salad and pear-chocolate cake. I took chicken. It was nice piece of meat with some greens and mashed potatoes. Ca 50min before arrival, they asked to set everything to landing position. Landed ontime.

Post-flight
Had to wait about 20 minutes for the bag to arrive, but it was all right, Of course, despite having priority tag my bag was one of the last ones on the belt. So typical European approach (I miss the arrivals in Asia, where usually priority means priority)