errrr, thanks for the explanation!

So I think we are in agreement that it's perfectly reasonable for the airline to keep the key strategic seats out of the pool that punters can reserve in advance - if for no other reason than it avoids upset and disappointment if they have to be given up to the protocol folk, and the original booker allocated elsewhere.

The wide range of those entitled to access these precious seats clearly irks you, but with TK's alignment with the national administration I think the status quo is inevitable.

And in a similar way, with even my glib understanding of Turkish society, I'm not at all surprised that pilots are able to work the system to their advantage - and that of friends and family. I'd prefer it were not the way it is, but I recognise it's not something likely to change overnight.

AND at the end of the day I'm not going to get exercised over row 1 seating. A bit of extra shelving and maybe more room for restless feet doesn't come close to compensating the angst and anxiety I witness in these threads. And for those few who see row 1 as an affirmation of their status, i'd suggest getting things into perspective.