After a quick pit stop at the Turkish CIP Business Class Lounge, we headed to our gate. As is the case, when traveling with family, it was last call when we reached our gate, 504, to be bussed on to the aircraft. I picked up couple of English newspapers on the gate for my reading later on. Personally I won't mind a remote stand boarding as it affords one the opportunity of checking out other aircraft on the tarmac.
Related Review: Tripping through Scandinavia
Turkish Airlines 1913
Istanbul Ataturk (IST) - Zurich Kloten Airport (ZUR)
Saturday, July 12th
Departure: 1147 hrs (2 minutes late)
Arrival: 1340 hrs local time (on time)
Aircraft: Airbus A320-200
Seat: 6E
Turkish Airlines A320-200, parked remotely at IST
But traveling with family is a different ball game altogether. It's hugely inconvenient and considering the fact it was merely 90 minutes of connection, surprising too.
The cabin crew welcomed us on-board cheerfully and as is the norm these days in Intra-Europe flying, the Business Class was the usual row of seats, with a blocked middle seat. I headed back to my seat in the Economy cabin. The first impressions of the leather-clad seat were positive. It had a comfortable width and enough legroom for a short haul flight.
Turkish Airlines A320-200 Legroom and Footrest
We had the flexible seat configuration divider a row ahead of us, and none of the seats featured personal IFE. There was however a large overheard screen that had the moving map, along with some other entertainment programme in-between.
Turkish Airlines A320-200 overhead screen
We started out push back from the gate at 1147 hrs, 2 minutes behind schedule. At this time, the entire cabin was served Turkish delight sweets. Can never get enough of that delicious savoury. On our way to the runway, I witnessed some interesting aircraft, ones I don't see often in my part of the world.
There was an un-painted aircraft parked, which probably belonged to Turkish Airlines only
Unidentified aircraft at Ataturk Istanbul Airport
After taxing for about 17 minutes, we were third in the takeoff line and soon we were zooming across the runway, and airborne exactly at 1205 hours. Istanbul always offers great views during ascent and this occasion was no different.
Our cabin crew got into action soon after take off and menus were distributed within 5 minutes. I thought that was a great touch by Turkish Airlines, considering it was a short haul, two and half hours flight. Earphones were also offered but I chose to skip them.
After another 20 minutes, meal service for this flight began. In my main selection, I went with Chicken Skewer with Arabic spice, along with sauteed leaf spinach and rice. Smoked Salmon and Vanilla Panna Cotta were the accompaniments, as well as hot bread. For my drink, I of course went with a can of Efes.
Turkish Airlines A320 Economy Lunch Meal
I must also point out that the cutlery which Turkish Airlines gives is this faux steel, which is not as down-market as plastic offered on many international airlines, and not proper steel cutlery as well. It is pretty reliable for stand-alone meals, without making an economy class passenger feel miserable about their food.
I started with warm bread and butter. Call it whatever you may wish but there is something special always about having hot bread with butter. It's an unbeatable combination, which is always satisfying for the soul. I'm a simpleton like that. The salmon was also done well, where as I left the cheese and cracker combination untouched in the tray.
The catering for all Turkish Airlines flights is done by the renowned Austrian company Do & Co. My chicken and rice were lovely as well, with the right amount of spice and taste, but then...
I FOUND A STRAND OF HAIR IN MY RICE
Hair strand in Turkish Airlines economy meal
To say I was mortified, would be putting it just right. After clicking this picture, I called one of the flight attendants and showed her my meal. She was profusely apologetic and took away my meal tray. The flight chef came over after few minutes, apologised and offered me lamb chops or anything else I wanted from business class menu. I politely refused and accepted their apologies. The head flight attendant also came by my seat and I requested her to have a word with their catering team later on. She nodded and promised to look into the matter.
There was of course Vanilla Panna Cotta and I gladly gobbled it up. For an in-flight dessert, it was quite well done. As I finished my dessert, one of the flight attendant brought me a platter of fruits, presumably for the hair-mess earlier.
It was insisted that I accept this small gesture and I accepted it after thanking her. Some industry folks I had a chat with later advised me to "make a big deal" out of the hair issue and write to the management but I was quite convinced it was a one-off issue which should be left to them to investigate and correct. I could see in the crew's body language that they were genuinely apologetic about the goof-up and that was enough for me to let it go.
45 minutes before arrival, the cabin was offered a round of coffee/tea as well.
My favourite thing about landing at any of the swiss ports always is the heavenly views they bring just before landing.
We touched down smoothly on time at Zurich Kloten Airport and exited runway quickly to our gate, and I was glad to come across couple of beauties during this time.
Within 5 minutes of de-boarding the aircraft, we were in the Zurich AirportMetro, transferring on to the main terminal, and in the process of receiving kisses from Heidi, and Moos from Swiss cows.
More pictures and details on my blog
www.vishal1mehra.com