New York (JFK) to Istanbul (IST) to Dubai (DXB)
On the Ground: Before this trip, many were surprised I hadn’t flown Turkish Airlines before, especially since I’m Turkish. I arrived at the airport early to relax in the lounge before departure. With no one in the business line, check-in was exceptionally fast—under two minutes—so I headed straight to the lounge.
Pre-Flight: I walked through the lounge to see the offerings. The space was clean, tastefully designed and furnished with comfortable chairs. There were plenty of food and drink options and reliable WiFi, so I settled in with a plate of food and a Bloody Mary while answering some emails. Because the flight left late from JFK, I expected to sleep on the plane unless the entertainment proved irresistible.
In-Flight: Boarding began on time and I quickly reached my window seat, which provided generous legroom and useful storage for my carry-on. Shortly after taking my seat I was offered a beverage, and I noticed a bar area up front where an attendant was mixing drinks. I chose a refreshing lemonade before getting comfortable under a thick blanket and exploring the onboard entertainment. After takeoff I started one of several movies I planned to watch on the long-haul segment. The cabin featured creative promotions tied to a blockbuster film, including themed menus, which showed attention to presentation and marketing.
The onboard chef took meal orders and I enjoyed a glass of Chablis Premier Cru Les Joyaux 2013 alongside a grilled Chilean sea bass. The wine list included several tempting vintages. Small thoughtful touches—like an electronic candle at each seat—added charm to the dinner service. Satisfied from a generous meal, I fell asleep easily on the fully flat bed right after dinner.
The Experience: Turkish Airlines’ reputation for awards and hospitality is well earned. Service was attentive and polished, the food reflected cultural flavors, and the crew provided warm, first-class hospitality. During my layover in Istanbul I visited the new business lounge, which felt like a destination itself. It offered a pool table for a bit of friendly competition, large lockers suitable for luggage—popular enough that all were occupied—and amenities such as massages and dedicated nap beds. The buffet selection was impressive, with a standout display of Turkish desserts. Overall, the lounge and inflight offerings exceeded my expectations and represented the carrier and country very well. I look forward to flying them again.