What to expect ORD-IST
Jan 26, 2011, 4:29 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 819
What to expect ORD-IST
Pardon my ignorance, but I have never flown Turkish Airlines before. I am looking at two possible agendas involving TA. One is ORD-IST, what will I have in coach in terms of food/bevereges? Are free alcoholic bevereges served, if not what is the cost (I can't find anything on their website). The second is an agenda on US, connecting in FRA to Turkish Airlines for the 3 hr. flight to IST. I see I will get 1 meal, but again, what is the beverege situation...thanks
Feb 1, 2011, 11:57 am
#3
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 246
Take ORD-IST nonstop on TK
In November I flew TK ORD-IST-AYT and back in economy; it was one of the best long haul experiences I have had. I have flown DL, NW, and LH long-haul, and TK was heads and shoulders better.
The food on TK is superb, and on flights originating in Turkey, the food isn't just good for airline food it is actually good food. I had eggplant on my IST-ORD flight and actually enjoyed it.
Beer and wine is available as well as hard liquor. The gentleman sitting next to me was trying to get a little sleep and had about three glasses of scotch for free.
The inflight entertainment is excellent, with plenty of movies and TV shows to pick.
TK's biggest problems, outside of a very congested and delay prone IST, are on the ground. Their IT is pretty terrible, which effects customer service. My AYT to IST flight was delayed and the gate agent was unable to tell me the status of my IST-ORD flight. Also the inability to change seats online is cumbersome. They also have a number of last minute subs, when I checked in for my AYT-IST-ORD flight the seat map claimed the AYT-IST leg was on a 738, it was on a 321.
But based on the in-flight product, TK wins over all American and most European carriers.
The food on TK is superb, and on flights originating in Turkey, the food isn't just good for airline food it is actually good food. I had eggplant on my IST-ORD flight and actually enjoyed it.
Beer and wine is available as well as hard liquor. The gentleman sitting next to me was trying to get a little sleep and had about three glasses of scotch for free.
The inflight entertainment is excellent, with plenty of movies and TV shows to pick.
TK's biggest problems, outside of a very congested and delay prone IST, are on the ground. Their IT is pretty terrible, which effects customer service. My AYT to IST flight was delayed and the gate agent was unable to tell me the status of my IST-ORD flight. Also the inability to change seats online is cumbersome. They also have a number of last minute subs, when I checked in for my AYT-IST-ORD flight the seat map claimed the AYT-IST leg was on a 738, it was on a 321.
But based on the in-flight product, TK wins over all American and most European carriers.
Feb 10, 2011, 4:21 pm
#4
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: YVR - Vancouver, with most winter weekends in Whistler.
Programs: Aeroplan 35K, Alaska MVP, Marriott Titanium / Lifetime Platinum, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 4,609
I'd have to second that comment about their IT being terrible, and that it does affect their customer service.
I'm unable to get seat assignments for an ITIN that is now less than 60 days out. These segments are on the ORD-IST route.
I keep getting told to call back in a week, and that it will be open for assignment.
I'd be less likely to book a 13hr flight segment again, if I knew that I would be ending up in the middle.
I'm unable to get seat assignments for an ITIN that is now less than 60 days out. These segments are on the ORD-IST route.
I keep getting told to call back in a week, and that it will be open for assignment.
I'd be less likely to book a 13hr flight segment again, if I knew that I would be ending up in the middle.
Feb 10, 2011, 5:17 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Europe
Posts: 1,503
Like discussed hundred times at this forum - TK swaps it's planes o a daily basis. What comes to reserving a seat i have had few international flights recently and i have always managed to reserve seats during reservation. This with reservations like 30 days advance.
You don't need to call to the call center to see if theres plane assigned, just try to make dummy-booking on the days that you are scheduled to fly and try to reserve seats on the final page. If it's possible then, it's possible to change seats and get correct seating via callcenter.
You don't need to call to the call center to see if theres plane assigned, just try to make dummy-booking on the days that you are scheduled to fly and try to reserve seats on the final page. If it's possible then, it's possible to change seats and get correct seating via callcenter.
Feb 10, 2011, 9:00 pm
#6
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: YVR - Vancouver, with most winter weekends in Whistler.
Programs: Aeroplan 35K, Alaska MVP, Marriott Titanium / Lifetime Platinum, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 4,609
Yes, sadly I booked on a credit card reward ticket on RBC Avion (Canada) so my ITIN is not accessible on the TK webpage.
The perils of flight rewards!!
The perils of flight rewards!!
Feb 11, 2011, 6:06 am
#7
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Europe
Posts: 1,503
And this changes things how? Like i advised above, make dummy booking @ thy.com and see if there's chance to get seats assigned, if not, try tomorrow. Eventually plane is signed on your route and you can call TK callcenter for a seat reservation. It cannot be done online after reservation is completed without seat assignment exept doing it during online-check in which opens 24h before departure.
Feb 12, 2011, 1:53 pm
#8
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: YVR - Vancouver, with most winter weekends in Whistler.
Programs: Aeroplan 35K, Alaska MVP, Marriott Titanium / Lifetime Platinum, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 4,609
And this changes things how? Like i advised above, make dummy booking @ thy.com and see if there's chance to get seats assigned, if not, try tomorrow. Eventually plane is signed on your route and you can call TK callcenter for a seat reservation. It cannot be done online after reservation is completed without seat assignment exept doing it during online-check in which opens 24h before departure.
Saves calling in.
Thanks for the tip.
May 9, 2011, 4:05 pm
#9
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: YVR - Vancouver, with most winter weekends in Whistler.
Programs: Aeroplan 35K, Alaska MVP, Marriott Titanium / Lifetime Platinum, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 4,609
A Mixed Experience flying TK ORD-IST
A mini trip report on round trip TK ORD – IST return.
I had a mixed experience about the whole ordeal. Some highs and some lows. I have formed the conclusion that TK does not value Star Golds very highly.
I flew TK 6 from ORD-IST on Thursday April 21
On departure, there were no lounges in the ORD Terminal 5 for Star Golds to use for this flight as they were all closed. The TK departure is scheduled for 10:25 PM.
The SAS Lounge closed at 9:30 PM on Thursday nights (open until midnight on Friday and Saturdays).
The Swiss Lounge was closed and only open between 2 PM – 5 PM.
TK business class / first passengers are invited to a separate contract lounge, however this did not help me out as a Star Gold.
When it was time for boarding, there was no priority boarding, and we all did a cow stampede for the plane when boarding was announced. Like owning a microwave, sometimes you forget this benefit how much this helps in getting settled, until you experience boarding an aircraft without priority boarding.
A side story- as previously indicated in other threads, the ORD T5 experience was marginal. Aside from a magazine cart selling chips / water / chocolate bars, there are no restaurants after security. There is a food fair, (it was mostly closed at 9:15PM on Thursday) which was found on the public side. Passing through security, ORD TSA had only 2 screening checkpoints for screening. These pour guys and girls were expected to handle the volume of passengers for 3 widebody jets (SAS, Royal Jordianian, Turkish) all leaving within an hour of each other. There were at least 100-150 people in line to queue with no fast track, Not really TK’s fault but worth mentioning…
The flight itself was good. We were booked in Y class. We were even presented with a menu outlining the food that would be available on our flight- something that I haven’t experienced in a long time. The AVOD was excellent and helped pass the time. I did find myself looking forward to the meals throughout my experience.
On arrival at IST, Ms World Traveller 73 located a priority line for the Turkish Immigration, which always seems to be a long mess. The line was marked for TK’s Elite Plus travelers only. We did see a Star Alliance Logo on a paper brochure stand next to the line dragon, but someone had taken a black felt marker and blacked out the “GOLD” word next to the Star Alliance – suggesting that perhaps Star Golds weren’t welcome??? We asked anyway after they checked our TK Boarding Stubs, we were given access to the line priority.
My return was on TK 5 from IST – ORD on Sunday May 8.
On my return flight, we arrived to the airport late. My bags were tagged to ORD without a priority tag- I wouldn’t have thought anything of it, but since my bags on an earlier TK flight CAI-IST were also tagged without one, I thought it might be a pattern.
I didn’t get the opportunity to use the TK CIP Lounge as it was closed for renovations. However, I had learned that Star Golds were not provided any compensation or alternate lounges during this experience making me wonder whether TK values these top tier customers.
In IST, we had another cow stampede for the plane, although it wasn't as bad as ORD, probably because we were late.
On board, I learned that they had downgraded the aircraft from a Boeing 777-200 to a Airbus 333-300. I had booked the bulkhead seats on the return flight, but I think in conjunction with arriving to the airport late, and the aircraft downgrade, that my selected seats disappeared. Ms World Traveller and I had separate seats (including one middle). She was not impressed by this.
On board and seated, there were many parents and grandparents that were attempting to swap seats with each other, likely having a similar evaporating seat map issue.
We sat in queue at the hold line on the taxi way for about 45 mins, completely stationary. The full reason why was never really explained in English. It was not due to volume as we were completely stationary, despite a push back at the scheduled time.
There were two large lines (80-100 persons each) at ORD Immigration for both US Residents and Non Residents. I used Global Entry (no lines) and was through well ahead of the masses.
The food and beverage, in addition to the AVOD was the highlight of the TK experience. However, I was disappointed with the treatment of Star Golds, in the boarding / arrival process, the aircraft downgrades, and the lack of facilities for the departure lounges at ORD and IST. There was nothing shockingly bad about the product, but it did seem to lack a bit of polish.
I think next time Lufthasa if I was ending at IST.
I had a mixed experience about the whole ordeal. Some highs and some lows. I have formed the conclusion that TK does not value Star Golds very highly.
I flew TK 6 from ORD-IST on Thursday April 21
On departure, there were no lounges in the ORD Terminal 5 for Star Golds to use for this flight as they were all closed. The TK departure is scheduled for 10:25 PM.
The SAS Lounge closed at 9:30 PM on Thursday nights (open until midnight on Friday and Saturdays).
The Swiss Lounge was closed and only open between 2 PM – 5 PM.
TK business class / first passengers are invited to a separate contract lounge, however this did not help me out as a Star Gold.
When it was time for boarding, there was no priority boarding, and we all did a cow stampede for the plane when boarding was announced. Like owning a microwave, sometimes you forget this benefit how much this helps in getting settled, until you experience boarding an aircraft without priority boarding.
A side story- as previously indicated in other threads, the ORD T5 experience was marginal. Aside from a magazine cart selling chips / water / chocolate bars, there are no restaurants after security. There is a food fair, (it was mostly closed at 9:15PM on Thursday) which was found on the public side. Passing through security, ORD TSA had only 2 screening checkpoints for screening. These pour guys and girls were expected to handle the volume of passengers for 3 widebody jets (SAS, Royal Jordianian, Turkish) all leaving within an hour of each other. There were at least 100-150 people in line to queue with no fast track, Not really TK’s fault but worth mentioning…
The flight itself was good. We were booked in Y class. We were even presented with a menu outlining the food that would be available on our flight- something that I haven’t experienced in a long time. The AVOD was excellent and helped pass the time. I did find myself looking forward to the meals throughout my experience.
On arrival at IST, Ms World Traveller 73 located a priority line for the Turkish Immigration, which always seems to be a long mess. The line was marked for TK’s Elite Plus travelers only. We did see a Star Alliance Logo on a paper brochure stand next to the line dragon, but someone had taken a black felt marker and blacked out the “GOLD” word next to the Star Alliance – suggesting that perhaps Star Golds weren’t welcome??? We asked anyway after they checked our TK Boarding Stubs, we were given access to the line priority.
My return was on TK 5 from IST – ORD on Sunday May 8.
On my return flight, we arrived to the airport late. My bags were tagged to ORD without a priority tag- I wouldn’t have thought anything of it, but since my bags on an earlier TK flight CAI-IST were also tagged without one, I thought it might be a pattern.
I didn’t get the opportunity to use the TK CIP Lounge as it was closed for renovations. However, I had learned that Star Golds were not provided any compensation or alternate lounges during this experience making me wonder whether TK values these top tier customers.
In IST, we had another cow stampede for the plane, although it wasn't as bad as ORD, probably because we were late.
On board, I learned that they had downgraded the aircraft from a Boeing 777-200 to a Airbus 333-300. I had booked the bulkhead seats on the return flight, but I think in conjunction with arriving to the airport late, and the aircraft downgrade, that my selected seats disappeared. Ms World Traveller and I had separate seats (including one middle). She was not impressed by this.
On board and seated, there were many parents and grandparents that were attempting to swap seats with each other, likely having a similar evaporating seat map issue.
We sat in queue at the hold line on the taxi way for about 45 mins, completely stationary. The full reason why was never really explained in English. It was not due to volume as we were completely stationary, despite a push back at the scheduled time.
There were two large lines (80-100 persons each) at ORD Immigration for both US Residents and Non Residents. I used Global Entry (no lines) and was through well ahead of the masses.
The food and beverage, in addition to the AVOD was the highlight of the TK experience. However, I was disappointed with the treatment of Star Golds, in the boarding / arrival process, the aircraft downgrades, and the lack of facilities for the departure lounges at ORD and IST. There was nothing shockingly bad about the product, but it did seem to lack a bit of polish.
I think next time Lufthasa if I was ending at IST.
May 10, 2011, 9:41 am
#12
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: YVR - Vancouver, with most winter weekends in Whistler.
Programs: Aeroplan 35K, Alaska MVP, Marriott Titanium / Lifetime Platinum, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 4,609
May 10, 2011, 10:05 am
#13
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 926
I am at the brink of saying "to hell with all". Maybe I should see a FlyerTalker shrink
Anyway, still hoping that the competition will force TK to up their game.
May 10, 2011, 10:17 am
#14
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: AA EXP, AAirpass, & CK 2MM, MR Plat Premier, DL Plat, US Plat, UA RECOVERING GS
Posts: 2,620
Once you figure out the TK system they are actually quite good at taking care of premium passengers. I probably did 15+ trips in paid business out of the domestic terminal before I figured out that (1) I could check it at the CIP lounge and (2) I could take the CIP lounge's shuttles to the aircraft as opposed to taking the crammed shuttles for the masses. At no point during any of those trips did any TK employee suggest I use any of their premium services and I only found out about these services after noticing - flight after flight - that the majority of the business class customers showed up later than the public shuttles.
That said, their system for premium passengers is, IMHO, quite good. By reserving bin space and only bringing us in at the last possible moment, you avoid being beaten to death by the Y passengers marching through business class during general boarding.
Services in the international terminal are ok, but not that great. I flew IST-LHR weekly for about 10 weeks and did appreciate the escort from the CIP lounge (now closed for renovation) to the front of the line at the gate security. Ditto for the handful of flights to the US.
All in all the components of a really good ground experience are there, especially considering how easy it is to fly up front on TK for comparatively less money. TK just needs to do a bit more work welcoming new premium flyers in to the fold and showing them the services available.
That said, their system for premium passengers is, IMHO, quite good. By reserving bin space and only bringing us in at the last possible moment, you avoid being beaten to death by the Y passengers marching through business class during general boarding.
Services in the international terminal are ok, but not that great. I flew IST-LHR weekly for about 10 weeks and did appreciate the escort from the CIP lounge (now closed for renovation) to the front of the line at the gate security. Ditto for the handful of flights to the US.
All in all the components of a really good ground experience are there, especially considering how easy it is to fly up front on TK for comparatively less money. TK just needs to do a bit more work welcoming new premium flyers in to the fold and showing them the services available.
May 12, 2011, 3:59 pm
#15
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Oregon USA
Programs: UAL 1K/MM
Posts: 54
I just completed a round-trip on TK that included the ORD-IST and back. Worst flying experience of the past ten years.
1) Leaving Doha, I checked in with three bags. I was first told I would be charged for the third piece. I reminded the agent I was a Star Alliance Gold member and allowed three bags. I was then told the bags would be charged for extra weight. I explained that Star Gold were allowed both an extra bag and extra weight. It took 20 minutes and two supervisors to confirm I was correct.
2) We had a several hour layover in Istanbul. I was disappointed to learn that the Turkish Air lounge there would be closed for two months. Business Class customers were being admitted. Star Gold/RedCarpet Members were being denied. No provisions were made for another lounge or the expense that would be incurred without lounge access.
3) For the eleven-hour flight to Chicago, the remote control at my seat did not work. I could not adjust video sound to be heard, could not adjust the picture so it was bright enough to be seen, and could not turn on or off the reading light. Basically I sat in the dark for the long flight.
4) I noted that the seat belt sign was turned on throughout the entire eleven-hour flight. During dinner service, the attendants skipped my row and my seatmate had to go and ask for a meal. Attendants barked out inquiries to passengers in one-word statements like “Juice?” or “Meal?” and never gave anyone the courtesy of a full sentence. Announcements in English could not be understood. I pushed my call button for help at one point but it was ignored for over an hour.
Hope you have a better experience than I did.
1) Leaving Doha, I checked in with three bags. I was first told I would be charged for the third piece. I reminded the agent I was a Star Alliance Gold member and allowed three bags. I was then told the bags would be charged for extra weight. I explained that Star Gold were allowed both an extra bag and extra weight. It took 20 minutes and two supervisors to confirm I was correct.
2) We had a several hour layover in Istanbul. I was disappointed to learn that the Turkish Air lounge there would be closed for two months. Business Class customers were being admitted. Star Gold/RedCarpet Members were being denied. No provisions were made for another lounge or the expense that would be incurred without lounge access.
3) For the eleven-hour flight to Chicago, the remote control at my seat did not work. I could not adjust video sound to be heard, could not adjust the picture so it was bright enough to be seen, and could not turn on or off the reading light. Basically I sat in the dark for the long flight.
4) I noted that the seat belt sign was turned on throughout the entire eleven-hour flight. During dinner service, the attendants skipped my row and my seatmate had to go and ask for a meal. Attendants barked out inquiries to passengers in one-word statements like “Juice?” or “Meal?” and never gave anyone the courtesy of a full sentence. Announcements in English could not be understood. I pushed my call button for help at one point but it was ignored for over an hour.
Hope you have a better experience than I did.
