Turkish Airlines
 

We're considering a less expensive flight to Italy on Turkish Airlines. Does anyone have comments about Turkish Airlines?

I flew them from Bangkok to Saigon in Business Class a few months ago. They wanted everyone to board the plane 1 hour prior to takeoff. I stayed in the lounge and they sent somebody to come get me. Get on the plane and we sit there for another 30 minutes prior to takeoff. No drink offered while I sat there. No choice of meal was offered. They just gave everyone an Asparagus and Salmon sandwich and a small piece of Chocolate Cake. Had to ask for a drink. Flight attendants didn't really seem interested in serving people.

I will say the seat was comfortable and is completely flat in sleeping mode (didn't use it though).

Not likely I would fly them again unless it was a really great price.

I've never flown them, so my experience is zero. I question, though, how representative a fairly short hop from BKK to SGN is going to be. An airline's long-haul service is going to offer a lot more amenities.

My flight was the continuation of the Istanbul-Saigon flight.

Yes, but the final, short leg of a longer journey. I'm saying that amenities will not be the same on a short hop as they were on the longer flight. Personally, I wouldn't dismiss them out of hand based on that experience. :)

We have flown with them three times and our daughter more than that. No complaints at all.

The OP asked if anyone had experience flying on Turkish Airlines. As I said, the seat looked like it would be good for sleeping, but didn't use it. The lounge experience has nothing to do with the length of the flights. And the lack of being offered a drink prior to takeoff has nothing to do with the length of the flights. Flying in Business Class, I would expect to be offered at least a drink of water, but that didn't happen, even while sitting there another 30 minutes after I boarded. I do have experience flying with them, so that's what I provided.

we flew them from Moscow to Istanbul and they were fine.

i flew RT LAX-IST and was delighted with everything. The planes seemed brand new, too. Great food and comfort.

I've flown Turkish several times CDG to IST and JFK to IST, always in coach.

Standard cramped economy seats, but excellent service. Many drinks, wine complementary, they have my favorite visne (sour cherry juice). Decent meals.

They are strict about security and boarding procedures. Maybe you annoyed them by thinking they didn't apply to you.

Turkish airlines always has much lower prices (on Kayak) than
other airlines from the US to Europe. So, I've been reading this
thread wondering why...but many folks seem to have had decent experiences. Anyone have any ideas why they are so much cheaper?
(I'm a bit of a nervous nellie, when it comes to flying)
Thanks.

I had to cancel two flights on Turkish Air and they refunded 100% of the ticket cost immediately. I was impressed.

We flew from IAd to IST and back on Turkish air. We went over in biz class and it was very nice. We returned in economy and it was fine. The seats had footrests which were nice to have. I would fly them again if it was a convenient route.

Flew to Istanbul from LAX in comfort class. Really excellent value at $900+US. It's a biz class seat (not a sleeper, but reclines 8 inches, with foot rest and lots of leg room) and very good food service. The airline's U.S. service leaves a lot to be desired though. Offices are open 9-5 Monday-Friday. Their phone agents can book flights, but can't take credit cards to pay for changes over the phone. You have to go to a ticket office located in LA or Chicago. Since I live in S.F. Bay area, this was impossible. They suggested that I have a friend go to Ohare in Chicago to stand in line and pay for my change. Really???? They eventually handled this by fax for me. They also do not have their own gate areas at LAX, so since there's no departure lounge with enough seats, you end up standing in line- in boarding groups - for an hour prior to boarding. Having said that, the flight service in comfort class was very good and I highly recommend.

If you can get a ticket to IST from LAX for around $900 then standing in line is a small price. However the cc problem wouldn't be very welcaome. We liked TA when we flew with them.

Best flights we have had in recent years were Turkish air RT from DC to IST. Most comfortable seats and best food we have had on any airplane in three or four years. Wish we could use them all the time.

Check our their lounge in Istanbul. It is the best.