Star to GVA. TK or TP?
Jul 28, 2013 | 1:49 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: NYC
Programs: A bunch of pretty little colored plastic cards.
Posts: 334
Star to GVA. TK or TP?
I am heading to GVA in September for vacation after all the summer business class deals expire. I have found two good (Star) business fares on Turkish via Istanbul or TAP via Lisbon. Off the table is a non-Star AMEX Platinum 2 for 1 on Air France because the connection in Paris required a terminal change and the timing was not that great.
I have heard good things about TK and connecting in IST seems to be pretty painless from what I have read. TP via Lisbon had decent connection but the Trans-Atlantic flights appear to be on the non-renovated A340s vs. the A330s. Anyone have good or bad experiences on either? Thoughts one way or the other?
Thanks in advance.
I have heard good things about TK and connecting in IST seems to be pretty painless from what I have read. TP via Lisbon had decent connection but the Trans-Atlantic flights appear to be on the non-renovated A340s vs. the A330s. Anyone have good or bad experiences on either? Thoughts one way or the other?
Thanks in advance.
Jul 28, 2013 | 3:06 pm
#2
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: DCA or IAD (originally DUB)
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM, Hertz PC, Marriott Platinum/Lifetime Gold
Posts: 7,657
Why would you fly to IST (10.5 hours from NYC), transit for 1-2 hours and fly 3+ hours back to GVA?
Surely the simplest routing is LX or UA to GVA? Both have lie-flat seats. LX is superior.
Or take OS via VIE - new seats on TATL and very good soft product?
Surely the simplest routing is LX or UA to GVA? Both have lie-flat seats. LX is superior.
Or take OS via VIE - new seats on TATL and very good soft product?
Jul 28, 2013 | 3:14 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: NYC
Programs: A bunch of pretty little colored plastic cards.
Posts: 334
Because it is a difference of $4,000 total for both tickets and I don't mind the extra time. I'll still get in near the time I would if flying the LX non-stop. The question I posed was not why, but which of the options I posed was better from a service and connection p.o.v. -- from those who might have flown TK or TP and transited via LIS or IST.
Jul 28, 2013 | 3:36 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K2MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,318
Because it is a difference of $4,000 total for both tickets and I don't mind the extra time. I'll still get in near the time I would if flying the LX non-stop. The question I posed was not why, but which of the options I posed was better from a service and connection p.o.v. -- from those who might have flown TK or TP and transited via LIS or IST.
-better seats (true lie flat)
-phenomenal catering (DO & CO I think)
-longer overnight flight (more sleep)
-fantastic IST lounge (among the best *A C lounges anywhere)
-more PQM/RDM for you!
Note that TP is ex-EWR and TK is ex-JFK, not sure if one is easier than the other for you.
Jul 28, 2013 | 5:43 pm
#5
Join Date: Aug 2007
Programs: AA EXP, Amex Plat
Posts: 575
Star to GVA. TK or TP?
TK is GREAT. The lounge in IST is out if this world. Given my experiences on TK, I wouldn't mind flying a little past GVA and then doubling back. I wish US airlines were even half as good as TK.
Jul 29, 2013 | 1:01 am
#6
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: DCA or IAD (originally DUB)
Programs: UA 1K 1.8MM, Hertz PC, Marriott Platinum/Lifetime Gold
Posts: 7,657
But it is also very over-crowded. It was jam-packed when I was there a month ago. Check out the complaints on the TK forum.
Jul 29, 2013 | 6:08 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: NYC
Programs: A bunch of pretty little colored plastic cards.
Posts: 334
My first TP flight isn't til next year - but TK is great (assuming their new seats, which I have to think are ex-JFK). Having read a decent bit about TP, I think TK is the way to go for you:
-better seats (true lie flat)
-phenomenal catering (DO & CO I think)
-longer overnight flight (more sleep)
-fantastic IST lounge (among the best *A C lounges anywhere)
-more PQM/RDM for you!
Note that TP is ex-EWR and TK is ex-JFK, not sure if one is easier than the other for you.
-better seats (true lie flat)
-phenomenal catering (DO & CO I think)
-longer overnight flight (more sleep)
-fantastic IST lounge (among the best *A C lounges anywhere)
-more PQM/RDM for you!
Note that TP is ex-EWR and TK is ex-JFK, not sure if one is easier than the other for you.
Jul 29, 2013 | 6:43 am
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K2MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,318
My final destination on my next big trip before I come home is LIS, so TP makes the most sense (though I'm sure I'll be tempted to connect in FRA/MUC should LH F opens up!)
Even if the UA nonstop from LIS opens up (which I know will have better seats), I'll likely just stay w/TP for the experience as it's a daytime flight (less need for a true flatbed for sleeping) and I'm curious about the catering, crew, etc.
Jul 29, 2013 | 7:41 am
#9
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: HPN
Programs: not anymore! I'm FREE!
Posts: 3,489
All true. But don't expect more than 1 or at most 2 glasses of wine without having to actively ask for it. "Disinterested" would describe the TK cabin crews I've experienced - which boils down to very mechanical, by-the-book service. Don't know how that compares to TP.
Aug 1, 2013 | 1:52 am
#10
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Barcelona, Catalunya
Posts: 2,194
Too late I guess, but did you check which type of plane TK is using between IST and GVA? They have some short haul planes with real business class seats (on A321s). But if you have to fly IST-GVA in a normal economy class seats the shorter TP option looks a lot more interesting. (I know that TK is considered the better airline, but I have never had a problem with TP - I have always enjoyed flying with them.)
Aug 5, 2013 | 8:33 am
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: NYC
Programs: A bunch of pretty little colored plastic cards.
Posts: 334
Too late I guess, but did you check which type of plane TK is using between IST and GVA? They have some short haul planes with real business class seats (on A321s). But if you have to fly IST-GVA in a normal economy class seats the shorter TP option looks a lot more interesting. (I know that TK is considered the better airline, but I have never had a problem with TP - I have always enjoyed flying with them.)
.