Istanbul Airlines

Advantages: cheap flight from Heathrow
Disadvantages: bad food, indifferent service

...I flew Turkish Airlines from Heathrow to Istanbul return, and while I liked the price, the service left a lot to be desired. The stewards were quite indifferent, and the food was terrible - cold pasta covered in hardened cheese. The plane itself was average, seats were ok for a 3 hour flight, but I certainly wouldn't have wanted to sit there for any longer. Plane seemed fairly old, making a lot of noise and shaking a lot for take off and landing. On the plus side, security at check in was excellent, with bags being screened a second time right before getting on the plane. And the plane itself was good for the superstitious amongst us, as there was no row 13, and there was a huge evil eye on the bulkhead! The flight also left and arrived right on time which was an added bonus. I booked on the Turkish Air website, and the only option... Read review

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Advantages: Competitive price, punctuality, comfort.
Disadvantages: Indifferent crew

...London/Bangkok return via Istanbul economy class. . I booked with Turkish airlines because they had the cheapest fare over the new year bank holiday period. This was around 440 pounds including taxes. I was slightly worried after booking as I read several negative comments on various consumer reviews. . Checking-in was quick and simple at Heathrow and baggage was checked through to Bangkok. Transfer at Istanbul was quick and easy. Istanbul is a bright and modern airport, ideal for short transit stop. Flights on all segments were on time. Seating was spacious with 33-34 inch seat pitch, which is a big plus nowadays. There was no individual inflight entertainment and the sound system was faulty on both segments. . I found the meals to be reasonably good and appetizing with complimentary wine and soft drinks. Unfortunately... Read review

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Advantages: New aircraft, quite nice lounge at Istanbul
Disadvantages: Poor business class seat, crew not very friendly

...I’ve flown a few times with Turkish Airlines, at roughly three year intervals, and my opinion of them has changed each time! The first was in 1997, economy class on a five hour flight into Istanbul. I was not really impressed. The service was mediocre, the crew disinterested and if the seat next to me had not been empty I would have been really uncomfortable. The second was in 1999, in business class, and I thought how much they had improved. The seats were wide, comfortable, the food was good and the crew were good representatives of a friendly and hospitable country. Most recently I flew twice in late 2002, again in Business class on the new Boeing 737-800. Unlike many other airlines, Turkish seem to have taken a backward step, at least as far as business class comfort goes. This opinion is about a trip in late 2002 to Istanbul... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Competitive price, punctuality, comfort.
Disadvantages: Indifferent crew

...London/Bangkok return via Istanbul economy class. . I booked with Turkish airlines because they had the cheapest fare over the new year bank holiday period. This was around 440 pounds including taxes. I was slightly worried after booking as I read several negative comments on various consumer reviews. . Checking-in was quick and simple at Heathrow and baggage was checked through to Bangkok. Transfer at Istanbul was quick and easy. Istanbul is a bright and modern airport, ideal for short transit stop. Flights on all segments were on time. Seating was spacious with 33-34 inch seat pitch, which is a big plus nowadays. There was no individual inflight entertainment and the sound system was faulty on both segments. . I found the meals to be reasonably good and appetizing with complimentary wine and soft drinks. Unfortunately... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Lots of Shops and access to some great lounges!
Disadvantages: Restrauants are really expensive!

...Istanbuls Ataturk International Airport is Brand new and has all you'd expect from a modern international gateway. Its easily accessible via the metro straight to the city, and well connected with all parts of the world! Disabled travellers are well looked after, most routes are ramped, have flat travelators and lifts and there are modern disabled toilets. If you need access to GPRS or Wi-Fi technologies, the airport has reception all over and at high speeds. The are tons of shops and perfumes seem to be pretty reasonable(Paco for approx. £9.00). Theres all the standard type of shops and some super designer boutiques for those high rollers! If you've forgotten to get some Turkish delight there is a "god send" shop which allows you to by what i refer to as "touristy" Turkish delight, jelly like in sugar powder and no other varieties (a... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: cheap flight from Heathrow
Disadvantages: bad food, indifferent service

...I flew Turkish Airlines from Heathrow to Istanbul return, and while I liked the price, the service left a lot to be desired. The stewards were quite indifferent, and the food was terrible - cold pasta covered in hardened cheese. The plane itself was average, seats were ok for a 3 hour flight, but I certainly wouldn't have wanted to sit there for any longer. Plane seemed fairly old, making a lot of noise and shaking a lot for take off and landing. On the plus side, security at check in was excellent, with bags being screened a second time right before getting on the plane. And the plane itself was good for the superstitious amongst us, as there was no row 13, and there was a huge evil eye on the bulkhead! The flight also left and arrived right on time which was an added bonus. I booked on the Turkish Air website, and the only option... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful