Where service meets comfort: Flying Turkish Airlines

by Preeti Bali

Some flights are simply a way to get from one place to another. Others become part of the journey itself.

This one did both.

My recent flight with Turkish Airlines from Bangkok to Istanbul (with a same day connection to London Heathrow) fell firmly into the second category, and included my first experience of business class, something that made the journey home after a busy work trip unexpectedly special.

I had originally boarded the flight expecting a fairly routine journey home in Economy Class. After several demanding months preparing for an international event, I was simply looking forward to the flight as a chance to relax and enjoy the journey.

Then came the surprise.

Shortly after boarding, I was upgraded to Business Class, something I had never experienced before and it completely transformed the flight.

From the moment I settled into the seat, it was clear the experience had been designed with comfort in mind. The seat itself was incredibly spacious and converted fully into a flat bed, making it possible to properly relax during the journey. Waiting at my seat was a warm blanket, slippers and a thoughtfully prepared amenity kit, complete with lip balm, hand cream, socks and an eye mask, small touches that make a big difference on a long-haul flight.

The cabin itself felt calm and spacious, creating the kind of atmosphere where you can truly settle in for the journey ahead.

One of my favourite moments came once I put on the noise-cancelling headphones. Almost instantly, the cabin seemed to fall into a quiet calm. Between the soft lighting, a warm blanket and a cup of relaxing tea, the outside world slowly faded away. After months of planning and a busy work trip, it was a welcome chance to relax, simply enjoying the flight and the quiet of the journey.

The cabin crew were exceptional throughout the flight. They were attentive without being intrusive, always nearby when needed and quick to assist with anything. At one point I mentioned feeling slightly cold, and a crew member kindly adjusted the cabin temperature, a small gesture that perfectly reflected the level of care throughout the flight.

Long-haul Turkish Airlines flights feature a ‘flying chef.’ Credit: Turkish Airlines

Another standout part of the experience was the onboard dining, something Turkish Airlines clearly takes seriously. Their dining concept is curated by DO & CO, an Austrian catering company, headquartered in Vienna) and on long-haul flights a flying chef is present to prepare and present the meals.

The chef personally came around to discuss the menu and recommend the best dish, which immediately made the experience feel far more like a restaurant than an airline cabin.

For dinner, I chose the fillet of red snapper, which was beautifully cooked and full of flavour. For breakfast, I had a freshly prepared omelette, simple yet perfectly done. Dessert was a potpourri of traditional sweets, including a brownie served with chocolate ice cream, the perfect sweet ending to the meal.

There was also a fresh fruit platter, including dragon fruit and other seasonal fruits, which was a lovely lighter option during the flight.

As a big tea lover, the selection of wellness teas was another highlight. I began the flight with the Relaxing Tea, a calming blend of rooibos, melissa, chamomile, sage, cherry stalk and lavender, perfect after a busy work trip.

The new Istanbul airport. It has an annual passenger capacity of 90 million in first phase and overall capacity of 200 million when all phases are completed. The facility provides flights to more than 350 destinations. Credit: My Savvy Traveller

Towards the end of the flight I switched to the Energizer Tea, a refreshing blend of green tea, mate, sage, mint and ginger, the perfect way to wake up before landing.

The entertainment system was also excellent. The large screen and handheld remote made it easy to navigate whether watching films, listening to music or even playing games, which I ended up doing for part of the journey. News junkies will appreciate the Live TV function, with BBC, CNN and TRT World. If you need to stay connected, Business Class passengers can avail of free inflight WiFi and texting services.

My flight lasted around ten hours, yet it was so smooth and comfortable that it hardly felt like I was flying at all. I also enjoyed a glass of rosé (the airlines features many Turkish wines on its flights in all cabins), which paired beautifully with the meal and added another small moment of indulgence to the experience. (Unfortunately, due to a tight connection, I didn’t have time to visit the renowned Turkish Airlines lounge at Istanbul Airport, so let’s leave that for another journey. However, my business partner reported that the Turkish lounge in Bangkok airport was spacious and even had two massage therapists in a dedicated side room).

Overall, the flight was everything you would hope for from business class and more. What could have been a routine long-haul journey home became a genuinely memorable experience.

Ms. Bali is founder of the UK-based The Media Connector