You already know what happened after the flight…but here are my first impressions of the flight itself, a 13-hour journey from Los Angeles to Istanbul in the comfort of Turkish Airlines 777-300ER Business Class. The business class seats were...
Trapped in Istanbul Airport!
I had a very pleasant flight to Istanbul on Turkish Airlines, but I’m not pleased with them now… My flight from Los Angeles to Istanbul was delayed by over two hours (mechanical), causing me to miss my connection to...
Next Stop: Istanbul in Turkish Airlines Business Class
I’ve flown Turkish Airlines many, many times over the years, but now I finally get the chance to fly the 777-300 in business class. Yesterday evening was a beautiful winter day in Los Angeles. It was brisk outside…like 52ºF....
50% Off Turkish Airlines Awards to Eastern Europe and Balkans
Turkish Airlines is discounting awards by 50% from its Istanbul hub to destinations in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. Through May 31, 2018 all tickets to the following destinations are 50% off in economy or business class. Bookings must...
A Turkey Dinner from 37,000 Feet Over Iraq
I realized something while searching through my massive archive of airline meal photos today. I’ve had steak, chicken, lamb, pork, fish, lobster, crab, octopus, and even reindeer as a main course on an airplane. But never have I had...
Aeroplan Change Fee: Unethical or Fair?
Aeroplan charged me a change fee that I believe was unconscionable. I am heading to Germany for Christmas this year with my family. We booked tickets via Aeroplan on Turkish Airlines months before the diplomatic spat that has effectively...
How Turkish Airlines Plays Politics with Airline Meals
For this week’s Meal of the Week, I share a delicious little snack I enjoyed on a Turkish Airlines flight from Ercan (ECN) in occupied Northern Cyprus to Istanbul (IST) in 2011. The snack has a deeper political meaning...
UPDATE: Turkish Airlines Offers Refunds, Assures Transit Passengers
Right in the middle of the diplomatic row between Turkey and the United States is Turkish Airlines. The carrier serves nine U.S. cities and is the clear loser in the mutual decision to suspend visa issuance, essentially halting tourism...
The Best Program to Credit Cheap United Airlines Flights
Where you credit your miles is like a game of chess. Singapore Airlines has cut earnings on discount economy class fares on United Airlines. Fares that used to earn 100% of miles flown will now earn as little as...
Turkish Airlines Orders 40 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners
So much for the A380 or 747-8. Turkish Airlines will order 40 787-9s from Boeing, a deal valued at $11 billion on paper. Tourism in Turkey has been hit hard by terrorism in the last two years, but the country...
Turkish Airlines Considers 747-8i
Turkish Airlines is reportedly in talks with Boeing to acquire eight 747-8i jets for use on passenger flights. We’ve heard rumors for years about interest from Turkish Airlines in acquiring 747-8s (and A380s) but past 747 rumors centered around...
Two Reasons I May Start Collecting Citi ThankYou Points
Up to this point I have resisted collecting Citi ThankYou points. But two unique airline transfer partners are causing me to rethink the decision. Citi partners with Turkish Airlines and Qantas. Both provide narrow value and yet may nevertheless be...
Emirates, Etihad, Turkish Electronics Ban Lifted: What’s Next and Why
Good news for travelers to the United States: the electronics ban has been lifted on Etihad, Emirates, and Turkish Airlines. The ban will be lifted on flights from Saudi Arabia in the next couple weeks as well. So what was that...
Review: Turkish Airlines 777-300 Economy Class from Istanbul to Los Angeles
Turkish Airlines excels in business class, but what about economy class? My verdict: a solid flight, but nothing truly special. You’ll be impressed by many of the amenities, but economy class is economy class. Still, a positive verdict overall....
Live and Let’s Fly Weekend Digest: April 23, 2017
Another week, another onboard airline altercation gone viral. I’ve spent most of the day offline today. My goal is to take one day off per week–not always possible, but my wife puts up with a lot during the week so...
Photo Guide: How Turkish Airlines Protects Your Banned Electronics
Ever wonder how the in-flight electronics ban works in practice? Last week I flew from Istanbul to Los Angeles on Turkish Airlines, in part to experience the new in-flight electronics ban. How did Turkish deliver? See my step-by-step guide below....
What Kind of Food Does Turkish Airlines Serve in Longhaul Economy?
With the United passenger ejection story dominating headlines this week, I did not get a chance to put up the weekly Meal of the Week segment on Wednesday. This week, I’ll share pictures of the two meals and one...
Yes, ISIS Could Have Brought My Plane Down
Now I’m even more convinced electronics ban is worthless. Yesterday I flew from Istanbul to Los Angeles on Turkish Airlines. Turkey is one of the eight nations impacted by the in-flight electronics ban. First, I felt very safe flying...
I’m on a 13hr45min Flight Without My Laptop!
Hello from 38,000 feet above Central Europe! I’m on a Turkish Airlines flight back to Los Angeles…a 13hr45min flight…without my laptop…in economy class. Why would I do that to myself? Because I love Istanbul, saw a very cheap fare...
In Solidarity, I’m Flying Turkish Airlines to the USA
It’s a small sign of solidarity with Turkish Airlines against a questionable electronics ban, but I will be flying on the carrier next month from Istanbul to Los Angeles even though it means I will be separated from my...
