Boarding was much delayed, and there was no explanation ( obviously they were waiting for something or someone. ) Passengers were all crowded at the gate with anxiety. On the plane, the crew worked very hard on checking for safety and serving delicious food. They were polite and courteous.
Both my luggages were never sent from Istanbul. After 10 hour flight from DC to Turkey and another 12 hour layover in Istanbul Airport, I would’ve at least expected to find my luggages when I arrived in Addis Ababa, but that wasn’t the case. After 2 hours of waiting at the luggage carousel, we were told that our luggages would be arriving the next day after midnight. I was already so exhausted, that I hated having to come back to the airport the next day. Thankfully, I received both my luggages the following day. It’s just, the whole experience was exhausting.
The check in process at Istanbul airport caused my family a great deal of stress and disappointment due to the following factors: 1) WE HAD TO PAY US$330 for check on bags, despite holding Economy tickets that Turkish airlines website clearly states that flights from Istanbul to Miami had a 2 checked bags allowance. 2) Airport staff not only lacked empathy for senior travelers (75 yrs old and 71 yrs old), but were also rude as well. The supervisor at check it offered "if you don't pay for the bags, you can just remain and sleep at the airport for however long you wish. What a terrible way to treat customers !!! 3) We were bumped from agent to agent to agent FIVE times, showing everyone the communication we received telling us we had the 2 bags entitlement. Two elderly people lugging 4 suitcase around and around the Turkish terminal. Again, what a sad way to treat customers !!! 4) We need a case opened to get a refund for the amount we paid. Something is amiss, screams unethical, and sounds unscrupulous......At First , we were told we must pay for 4 bags. All of a sudden, it became 2 bags, and finally all 4 bags were checked on with payments demanded for 2. Why did it vary from agent to agent???? 5) OVERALL, A TERRIBLE AND SUSPICIOUSLLY UNSCRUPULOUS EXPERIENCE FLYING WITH TURKISH AIRLINES. WE ARE TERRIBLY DISAPPOINTED AND SAD THAT OUR VISIT TO A BEAUTIFUL CITY ENDED IN SUCH A HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE
A fairly standard 2/2 configuration. Boeing 787-9 is modern but the amenities chosen by Turkish for their seats are slightly limited - no in-seat charging, for example. Otherwise, a good flight.
The fully flat bed in business class on the 777 is a little narrow, and the 2-3-2 configuration is now dated, but otherwise a comfortable and pleasant flight. It’s hard to beat the value too.
Everything was great except that everyone were putting backpacks and small bags in the overhead compartment instead under the seat so there was no room for carry on-s
This time my experience was very bad. The Turkish Airlines changed my flight from Erbil to Istanbul from 8:15 AM to 11:20 AM few days before the trip. This made my transit in Istanbul about ONE hour. I have a special needs child and need extra time to navigate the huge new Istanbul airport with a child. To make the matter even more stressful the flight took off about 20 minutes late from Erbil which made our transit even shorter (around 40 minutes). The Turkish Airlines failed me on too many points despite clearly asking for help and as follows: 1. I asked the checking agent in Erbil for seats at the front of the plane to exit first and he stated the closest one is in the middle of the plane and I should ask the flight crew for help 2. I asked the boarding agent in Erbil to ask the flight crew to let us out first since we don’t have much transit time and she said she can’t and they wouldn’t listen to her anyway. 3. When we boarded I specifically asked the cabin crew chief the same request and after some discussion he wanted to get rid of me and said, they will help when we land. I again politely reminded the same person to help us when we exit before landing and this time he stated he would NOT be able to even announce to the passenger to let the people which short transit first and I should just deal with it like other passengers. He also told me to ask for help from the airlines staff at the gate when we get to the airport. This is very rude coming from the Cabin Crew chief. 4. I asked the airline crew at the gate which he had a cell phone to call the gate of my flight to inform them we are on our way and the agent pretended he didn’t speak English… Frustrating 5. I went to the Golf Card station (used to transfer passenger in the large airport) and asked for a ride and the driver there “shooed” me away pretending he doesn’t understand English while looking into his phone constantly telling me “Go this way, Go this way”. I saw first-hand other well able passengers on these cards and Turkish looking families get help on our way … which is clear discriminations. 6. We finally got to the Gate as one of the last people and we didn’t even use the bathroom on our way and made it back to Canada. I am extremely frustrated with the TKY this time and feel discriminated against just because I look from the Middle East despite I am and my child are Canadian. The Turkish Airlines operations failed me on too many points this time.
Internet connection was very weak, did not connect at all. Seat comfort was poor, buttons didn't work properly. Overall not impressed in business class.
I really didn’t like much. A lot of things can be better beginning with crew to seats and food is awful as well.
Everything needs improvement. Old plane, bad interior, business class seats don't function easily / properly, food is awful, chicken / fish were tough & hard, couldn't eat. Avoid Turkish Airlines.
