FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - To Istanbul by Train as the only passenger in a sleeping car (+ IST Lounge, TK A330)
Old Jun 28, 2017 | 9:23 am
  #3  
warakorn
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: PVG, FRA, SEA, HEL
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3. Turkish Airlines Airbus A330-300 Istanbul Atatürk- Berlin Tegel

Before getting to Atatürk Airport - all cars have to pass these security checkpoints (the security are playing with their smartphones all the time - what a waste)





Another security checkpoint before entering the landside departure area / check-in hall (the IS terrorists struck at such a checkpoint on a lower floor last year):





After passing exit immigration and a third security checkpoint, I wanted to rush to the lounge:





And finally found it:





Now, I came really, really early to the airport to enjoy the Turkush Airlines CIP Lounge - but it was a waste of time; the lounge was very crowded; one has to queue for
10 minutes or more to get some warm food; without queuing there was not much to eat to fill the stomach):







I snatched a last piece of freshly baked bread here - however, I was pretty violently yelled at by some strong Arab guy, who apparently has reserved it.
Whatever - I certainly won't be coming back here to this lounge.





To fill my stomach, I had one of these:





This Airbus A330-300 (TC-JOM) would bring me to Berlin:





Boarding was on time - and we got a gate!







The Economy cabin stayed very empty (those, who wanted to snatch four seats for sleep, were in luck; though, I was ok with my window and free aisle seat)





The new A330-300 has mood lighting:





Taxiing to Runway 35L (it only took 20 min, which is very quick for the morning rush hour at Atatürk):







Powerful take off for such a short journey to Berlin:





Complimentary breakfast (finally some real food after the disappointing lounge experience):





Over the Carpathian Mountains of Romania:





The Economy Cabin:





Horizontal Stabilizer:





Approaching Berlin from the southest:





Speedbrakes:





We are flying over the city:





On-time landing on Runway 26R of Berlin Tegel Airport:





Bus deboarding (of course, it is Tegel):








A look into the General Electric GE CF6 engine (I hope no one would throw in some coines there):









Enjoy!
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