P_M

I posted this in the Airline Forum but I don't have any responses yet so I will give it a try here. C'mon Turkey experts, I know you are out there.

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.

lincasanova

They were voted best airline in Europe. My daughter raved about her flight with them and other friends have been very happy.

I was only in IST to catch a flight so was not concerned about any of those amenities there. I hope someone else can tell you more or look at the airport website for all information.

lincasanova

http://www.sleepinginairports.net/europe/istanbul.htm

ceeast

We just arrived Saturday in Paris from IAH via IST. I did not notice smoking in the plane or at the airport. It was a very long flight, although not as long as yours will be, but couldn't resist the price. Service was great on the flight from IAH to IST. The seats on the Airbus 320 from IST to CDG were really small and as hard as any airline seat that I have sat on. That flight was only 3 hours although we were nearly 45 minutes late due to having to add extra fuel (I didn't complain). If you have a little extra time to rest up the price probably makes it worth it.

P_M

Thanks to both of you for your info and the link is very helpful.

otherchelebi

Do not worry about the possibility of anyone smoking on a THY flight. THY is very, very strict on the subject and so are the Turkish authorities at any public spaces in the country.

THY used to have free tours of the city for long transfers. You should check that. Otherwise, an hour at a Turkish bath with a massage or at the fitness center of a decent hotel in the city could be an alternative to a shower at the Airport hotel, considering your eight hours.

geetika

The no smoking policy is enforced very strictly by almost all the major airlines, I haven't seen anyone smoke on a flight in more than a decade, actually can't even remember the last time I saw this happen. We too flew IST-CDG on Turkish this June and I agree with ceeast that it wasn't the most comfortable of flights. But since at that time French air traffic controllers were on strike we were just happy the flight wasn't cancelled and we were able to make our connection at CDG

progol

I'm very partial to Turkish Airlines.

My husband and I were flying home from Istanbul to NYC on 9/11/01 and were in the air when the attacks took place. We were only an hour from departure, so we had to return to Istanbul. Turkish Airlines took care of everyone who did not have places to return to, paying for all 4 nights at the Renaissance Hotel as well as the phone calls that we all made. We were stunned by that generous gesture at a time we were all in shock.

To keep it on topic -- even then, I noticed no smoking.

Sorry if I went too off topic here, I just had such a strong memory wash over me in thinking about the experience, and wanted to share it.

P_M

Thank you all for the info, I'm so glad to know Turkish is a good airline and it's a relief not to worry about smoking. I should know better than to listen to people on other chat boards.