I had four sectors for a recent return trip between ARN and HKG (to celebrate my Birthday and Lunar New Year)

I lucked out on my first flight between ARN and IST when I got the sensational Ibtissem as hostess with the mostest.
In post #16, Safak shared an interview with a TK FA who discusses her role and the kind of service philosophy that she aspires to deliver from a Turkish heritage background. It all seems well and good and very worthy, I listened but did not expect my flights to showcase much of what was presented.
And then I met Ibtissem, the living embodiment of this hospitality ideal. What a treasure! From the welcome, to the initial drink, the food presentation, the top ups, and those extra queries and conversations that make a good flight truly special. Wow. Wow. WOW! I practically skipped off the plane, restored body and soul from such a delightful experience. Might not have been a conventional show of love for Valentine’s day but it was as meaningful as it ever can be.

That was definitely the high point, and it was a world class high.

Next flight (IST-HkG) was good, met my baseline on what I realistically hope for and went above a little as I had a couple of requests I needed help with and these were accepted and complied with patiently and graciously (for instance wanting a herbal tea but the cabin was too dark - person next to me was asleep - for me to see and navigate the menu avoiding the dreaded cloves and aniseed in the assortment of hot wellness drinks). Flight was pleasant and satisfactory.

I am already trying to forget the return long haul flight HKG-IST

And the final flight between IST & ARN was fine (but immediately blown away by a great experience with Alison at the cabin helm on the BA flight to LHR)

Given that there was no way to add my Star Alliance membership number to the booking (neither in advance nor at the check in desks) and had to make a claim retroactively, it means I can’t travel on TK with Gold *A status. This is another reason to dampen any desire to fly again soon with TK.

If the impossible was possible and I could book knowing I’d get someone of Ibtissem’s caliber in the cabin, I’d be already planning my next trips with TK.