Reflections from a TK First-Timer
 

Incredible on board catering, very hospitable staff, impressive Istanbul airport, and the TK biz lounge which is amongst the worlds best.

Which brings us to the cabin layout and seating on the A330/B777. A330 tolerable for a shortfall medium flight but 7-across on a B777 with antiquated IFE for a 10 hour flight in this day and age is less than stellar. Any plans on refurbishing and modernizing this cabin to industry standard of 4 across?

Would not hesitate to fly on a B787/A350. In spite of the amazing attributes of this airline, not sure that I would go out of my way to book another flight operating with the B777.

I agree 7 across is not acceptable and there isn't any plans for a fleet vice refurbishment as far as I know. Not for the 2-2-2 either (A333/A343).

I do think that the 6 across is very nice when no adjacent occupant. Abundance of space! But it was probably considered outdated by most some time ago I guess.

There were plans of a refurbishment, which was first reported on Executive Traveller ( https://www.executivetraveller.com/n...ess-class-seat ) but no further investment has been made.

Since TK needs the 777's, especially since they would fly some of them to Russia during the summer, as they own a couple of them rather than financial lease; and since the deliveries for 787's are delayed; I don't think we'll see any updates on this soon.

While I don't love the privacy issues with the 777 I have had the best sleep on a plane on the TK 777. The amount of space is better than most ME airlines, but the privacy... Best if traveling with partners so you can share side.

I couldn’t agree more about the sleep. I have flown this type of seat multiple times on overnight flights with TK (as well as LATAM on their 777 before they reconfigured them and Air China on their A330-200).

I simply get much, much better sleep on those seats than I do on any others.

Absolutely agree.

Folks should really stop reading these bloggers who get excited about 'doors' and other gimmicks while not noticing these coffin seats are bad for sleeping....

Yes the 777 are much more spacious, and I did sleep much better on 777 vs 350.

If you check the BA/UA forums you will see some missed the spacious 2 4 2 Business configuration. They looked packed to me when I saw them but apparently some found them very comfortable.

I don't want to hijack the thread, but I'm planning a trip from Europe to Mexico in Feb 2024 and TK seems to have the best offer. Are you saying that, travelling as a couple, we are likely to get a better night's sleep and a better overall experience on a 777 vs. the 787? (Assuming that TK's aircraft scheduling is reliable this far in advance.)

My experience is yes for sleeping. I’m sure if you worked out the surface area of the 777 “bed” and the 787 “bed” you would find that the 777 one is bigger and less claustrophobic (your feet don’t go into a cubby hole and there seems to be more space around your head). If you are travelling as a couple you can get the 2 seats by the window so you won’t be sitting next to anyone else.

For day flights where you won’t be sleeping my view is more mixed. I like the overall feeling of spaciousness of the 777 seats, but I also like that on a 787 you have plenty of storage space, can reach the TV so you don’t need to use the fiddly remote control and the TV screen is newer and better quality. I also like that you can recline the seat slight and put your feet up on the ottoman (which you can’t on the 777 as it is too far away).

I’ve got some flights later in the year to the Far East that are both night flights and I’m pleased that they’re on a 777 as I’m planning to sleep.

Whilst I don’t like BA’s 2-4-2 configuration, the seats do seem to be very well padded.

Especially if you are not small. I'm small and short and when I saw my seat on the A350 I was thinking "how can someone bigger than me feel comfortable sleeping in this?"

The new seat looks gorgeous but they are not that comfortable to sleep in. yeah there is a locker but I like the ottoman storage in the old style seats. I stuff my bag in the sleeping pod as it was too big to fit into the locker.

If you are travelling as a couple, definitely go for the 777.

I'm excited for my first TK next week as well on the 789. Booked away from the 330/777, solely on looks inside.

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I am 1.90m and she is 1.84, so we're definitely going for the 777 then :)

You’re taller than me at 1.79 so I think you’d appreciate the space of the 777 seats. Just don’t book row 4 as it’s missing a window.

especially if you have broad shoulders... 787 is quite narrow, and seats are hard :(

Another thing these bloggers don't talk about when reviewing airlines is travelling with kids. With young kids, TK's old seats are by far the best in the industry because the kids can take the window seat and a parent can be right next to them, something very hard to do in herringbone seats.

not good for solo travelers.

Regardless those a330/777 seats needs a refresh. IFE is not high res and cabin interior looks 'cheap'

2-2-2 or 2-3-2 is outdated in 2023.

im dead-average for body size and while 787 is slightly smaller than 777, i dont find it less comfortable.

the armrest can be lowered to give more shoulder space.

for couples you want the 2 odd-numbered center seats. even-numbered seats are spaced too far apart.

with infant/children is where i’d prefer 777 - more paired seats compared to 787.

Row 1 on the 787 does have big footwells.

I'll throw my two cents in this thread. Have flown Turkish business on 777, 789 and A350. 777 seats most comfortable. The new seats on 789 and A350 are the most uncomfortable flat bed seats I've ever experienced on any airline. They are uncomfortable as seats and terrible as beds. Really do feel cramped. They do offer a lot more privacy but at a cost in comfort. Aisle access for everyone a plus, but not a deal breaker for me. Lavatories are not well thought out on 789. Food still pretty good but was better 5+ years ago. On recent flights service was fair at best (nothing memorable). I will still fly Turkish when it makes sense for schedule and price but honestly will seek out 777 routes and avoid the 789 and A350 routes.