P_M

I am considering a flight AUS/IAH/IST/CPT. I was reading some reviews of Turkish Airlines on other boards and a couple of posts stated that TA turns a blind eye to smoking on the plane. I am a lifelong non-smoker who has suffered serious lung disease and there's no way I would even consider a flight with an airline that ignores smoking, especially if it's a long haul.

Assuming the answer to my question above is that smoking is strictly forbidden, then I would like to know about the facilities and smoking situation at IST. I have flown into IST but I did not have a layover, I was just in and out so I don't remember if it was smoky. This time I would have 8 hours in the airport so I need to be sure I won't be exposed to very much smoke if any.

I'm really hoping I can go this route as it's quite a bit cheaper than my other options.

Another question about facilities, I will be in coach so I'm wondering if there is a place where I can shower. A shower would be great but it's not as big a consideration as we the well-being of my lungs.

Thanks in advance.

wally34949

The Turkish Airlines Lounge is one of the best Lounges I've ever been to. I did not see anyone smoking in the lounge. You can also play a game of pool, watch television, or enjoy the wine bar the soup bar the salad bar the fruit bar full liquor bar or have meat cooked to your order.

wally34949

I did not see anyone smoking on my flights from Barcelona to Istanbul and Istanbul to Tel Aviv Israel. My girlfriend flew from Chicago to Istanbul in business class and she did not see anyone smoking.

P_M

Thanks wally. Are you talking about the Prime Class Lounge? I looked into that and the cost is only €34 so that sounds like a good deal. I am also considering going into the city but I will see how I feel when I get there.

rkkwan

Parents flew them last year. Like Wally, main comment is how nice the lounge is. They got in as Star Alliance Gold.

hetismij2

DH flew AMS to IST and said it is one of the better airlines. He thought the food was especially good. No smoking on his flights either.

P_M

Thanks rkkwan and hetismij2, I'm now looking forward to trying Turkish Airlines. If nothing else I will enjoy the Turkish coffee.