Even though the Turkish Airlines 777 will not win any awards for privacy or even comfort in business class, the stellar soft product onboard makes it one of my favorite business class products.
Turkish Airlines 777 Business Class – Still A Leading Soft Product
I flew from Los Angeles to Istanbul on the 777-300ER on Turkish Airlines, which has the notorious honor, along with Emirates, of having middle seats in business class.
While the 2-3-2 configuration is not ideal in terms of privacy, I must concede that I increasingly appreciate these business class seats because your feet are not constrained in a small footwell, which is perhaps the main advantage of these seats.
I still greatly prefer the more private business class seats on the Turkish 787-9 or A350-900 (or the new ex-Aeroflot A350s), but these are not a dealbreaker (though admittedly, I’ve never actually sat in a middle seat).
What makes Turkish Airlines special is the catering and once again, Turkish did not disappoint. Dinner began with a mezze appetizer, fresh-baked bread, soup, and salad…a meal in itself.
But the main course was even better, a perfectly-cooked salmon with ratatouille and potatoes.
Dessert included a decadent cake and fresh fruit, along with chamomile tea, which helped me to fall asleep and sleep soundly for the next five hours.
Before landing, even though it was now afternoon in Istanbul, breakfast was served. Breakfast began with a large fruit plate and hot croissants and other breads along with yogurt, cheese, and chicken breast.
Fresh squeezed orange juice and superb coffee, including espresso-based specialties like cappuccino were available.
…and of course, Turkish coffee.
Once again, that was enough, but then came a main course…a delicious omelet with potatoes, cooked tomato, and spinach.
With the exception of a brief period early in the pandemic when virtually all meal service was cutback, you never go hungry in Turkish Airlines business class.
Another thing I love about Turkish Airlines business class is the free high-speed internet, which worked well during this flight and kept me connected and productive.
Lastly, I’ve noticed over the years that service has greatly improved on Turkish Airlines. The language barrier used to be quite bad and as a result service was often compromised. I think that as many flight attendants have matured in their roles, they have cultivated their English skills and the result if far more personalized and friendly service to English-speaking passengers.
CONCLUSION
All-in-all, a great experience on Turkish Airlines and a carrier that I am loyal to because it places such a high value on in-flight dining. Flying is so much fun when you can enjoy a decadent meal in the air versus simply food to fill your stomach so you can fall asleep.
Overall, Turkish Airlines remains a great choice for intercontinental travel and I hope to fly TK again soon.
I have flown Turkish business class a few times most recently in February on the 777-300ER from Dulles. Always a pleasure and not having a seat mate was even better.
We fly from Los Angeles to Istanbul every two years with Turkish airlines , by far this is the best airline in the World .
Hello @matthew
I agree with the improvement of service quality in Turkish airlines, even though my reference point is more back of the bus. This was sometimes a weak spot for them but it does seem that the flight attendants and have settled in their role or at least taken the pandemic downturn to refine their flow and comfort level. I found them pro active in job duties, passenger requests and cabin monitoring and management throughiut the flight.
Again this was all on economy class which , I feel, is a better indicator of service quality to be expected from the airline.
That’s an interesting perspective. Should airlines be judged by economy class first? It actually appeals to more of the masses to have regular reviews in economy. Not sure of any blogger out there that’s doing it though. God knows if I was an aspirational blogger I wouldn’t if given a choice of what to review. But I do see it as a better standard to judge an airline when considering the majority that use it.
Check out a website called flight-report.com. They have dozens of people reviewing flights in all classes, all over the world. And it isn’t a site like TPG where they shill credit cards, it’s basically a site anyone can contribute to by making an account and posting trip reports.
On the way to fly their “new” A350?
Not this trip. This was some weeks back.
As you pointed out, I really started appreciating these seats! I can sleep for hours, and turn around with no problem at all I’ve flown on TK’s 787 a couple of times and it’s so cramped! I really hope they never updated the seats on 777 to match the 787 interior.
The soft service is excellent, and can’t be matched by any US or European carrier.
I couldn’t agree more with you! Their 787 seats are the most ridiculous thing one could have ever invented! I arrange my flights according to the 777 schedule. I wish I could see the designer and ask him in details how did he come up with such useless parts?
Yeah the food is still good, but definitely is outpaced by both Qatar and ANA.
Thought the Ana catering was rubbish when I flew them a couple of times in March 2022. Maybe too “authentic” even though I love Japanese food. Just wasn’t tasty.
As Matthew says below, give them another chance. Everyone has an off-day. Both their Japanese and Western options are usually well regarded. Heck even their corn soup is simple but surprisingly delicious.
True! I’ve flown them a few times pre Covid and it was delicious. I loved the seats and crew. But it’s all a bit tired now. I guess that’s why they’re updating their fitout!
My flight on Turkish was not enjoyable. I flew to Istanbul from Houston on May 10th, in business class. Electrical problem delayed out flight an hour and a half. No electricity in two rows, including mine. Nor was there sound on video screens. 12+ hours unable to enjoy my sleeper seat or hear sound on video screen. I should have flown coach…smh. All Turkish did was sent me a 40% off code for a future flight that expires December 31, 2022. Never again will I fly with them.
Give them another chance. Everyone has an off-day.
Terrible. Did you know the seat would not recline while still on the ground? If so, I would have gotten off unless they fixed the issue. If you checked a bag, they’d have to unload it, which gives you leverage.
“All Turkish did was sent me a 40% off code for a future flight that expires December 31, 2022. Never again will I fly with them.”
Can you mail me the code?
Matthew is being too kind on this one. I would be pissed. It’s one thing that the entertainment screens won’t work, but to not be able to lie flat on an overnight flight from the U.S.? I would have pushed a lot harder for more compensation.
So there’s a trick with those seats. It routinely seems like they are broken, but you have to go back to the full upright position and start again. Usually after a few tries it works. Plus, there is a way to manually flatten the seat. In fact, I know how to do it myself.
If you have to do all that just to get the seats to recline or go flat, maybe it’s time to invest in new seats…or get a better maintenance team.
Business Class food is still a shadow of what it was pre-pandemic.
Matthew, do you ever send a copy of these pics to your contacts at UA or AA? I haven’t seen food plated that that in years.
I still prefer the old United seats when they were 2x2x2 and you could sit in the middle and have no one to climb over and a good footwell.
Flew air Kenya with my wife in biz and it was so much more comfortable than so Many modern seats. Simple 2x2x2 with no privacy but who cares when with a partner
That’s great if you are in the middle seats, but if you’re on one of the sides with a window…not always fun.
I choose 777 deliberately as their new seats in 787 are ridiculous. The 777 seats provide space, comfort and the fact I am not locked in a confined area almost like in a shoebox is rather comforting. I am in airplane for so many hours, I don’t need a separate house of my own that makes me think of a medical prison! I am glad Turkish are keeping those seats.
I’ve heard TK keeps their cabin well over heated. That’s a deal breaker for me and makes no sense. If people are cold, they can use a blanket or put on more clothes. I’m
Only allowed to take off so much clothing.
I’ve experienced that in the past, but not on this flight. But there are no individual air vents.
Flew IST-IAD in April in J on the 77W. Excellent product, I really enjoyed it, and agree abt the soft product.
Hate to nitpick — but it would be better grammar to say that TK is a carrier *to which I am loyal* vs “a carrier that I am loyal to”
When we flew from Istanbul to Miami last week. I had a diarrhea and had to go to restroom 40 mins before landing. Flight attendant knew the situation when we first boarded( he approached me since I was not feeling well I guess) . He locked the restroom and he said “didn’t you go to restroom half an hour ago why are you going again? “. At the airport there is about 40 mins walk to the gates and no one was helping my 75 years old mom. Since someone thought the bigger the better! The only advantage is it is direct flight and the food.
When purchasing your tickets online or through the website you can request wheel chair assistance. I am disabled and cannot walk the massive airport. You can request the assistance from the seat or the ramp based on your needs. We also request wheel chair service for my elderly in-laws when they fly ATL to IST. Companions get to go through the designated handicapped lines for security/passport checks and boarding so you save so much time. Those long waits in lines are extremely difficult for the elderly and those with disabilities. On your next flight be sure to request assistance.
Nah. Quite a foodie you are. I prefer more privacy. Less food. But definitely, a foreign airline such as Turkish would be preferable.
I agree about the older Turkish product but the A330 wins over the 777 because the A330 does not have a middle seat!
Flew on the same exact plane from IST to ORD and came away disappointed. Soft product was good but the cabin interior was dated and super worn. Their A350 on the other hand is a top notch product.
Must re-comment; I would feel so open and exposed. A very uncomfortable atmosphere it seems.
7seats in a row. No way a good business class
Also flew recently from IST to LAX and it was a mixed experience. The seats themselves were really comfortable for sleeping but my neighbor in the window seat had to wake me up 4 or 5 times go to the bathroom. Service was top notch though. I slept through the first meal service and when I woke up the FA noticed and proactively came over and offered me a meal. I saw all the FAs doing this for the whole cabin.
Isn’t it aggravating to have a seatmate who deliberately chooses the window then gets up frequently? Annoys me so much!
The Best airline in the world Turkiya airline
I will never fly Turkish Air again . In my return flight from Tehran to Los Angeles, my pre-flight Covid test was a 5 hours older than the regulation (24hour). Instead of offering me a voucher to fly with the next available flight, they canceled my ticket and made me buy another ticket at full price. I fly to Tehran every summer. About 10 years ago I got in the same situation with Lufthansa about my passport expiration date on the return flight. Then Lufthansa offered a voucher to get another ticket at no cost to me so I can fix my passport and get back on my return flight.
I flew Turkish Airline Houston Istanbul in beginning of July 2022 and return on the end of July. First flight was horrible. It seamed that they added an extra row of seats. Seats were so uncomfortable with very little space. Beside that, it was so hot which made fly even worse. I almost fainted several times. When I told server that is too hot in plane ,he turned on AC on my seat and for next hour was ok but after that was back to heat. For over 20 years I am traveling Houston Europe but by far this was most unpleasant experince.
We had a flight in Business Class from Cancun – Istanbul-Vienna ar the end of June 2022. Due to an unexpected drug search before departure we were 4 hours delayed, missing our connecting flight in Istanbul. No explanation or excuse at all.
During the flight I had a severe migraene attack and had to ask for medical assistance. They had to bring me from the plane with a wheelchair. I was promised to receive some medication when arriving at the Business lounge un Istanbul.Unfortunately the first lounge was closed, also the 2nd lounge closed. I was sitting in the wheelchair for 2 hours and although we requested medication and support several times, there was no help. We continued our flight to Vienna, again asking for medical assistance I was shivering because of the cold in the aircraft and my condition, the Stewardess told me that they cannot find the blankets, although other passengers were also complaining about the cold.
Conclusio; in case you get sick on Turkish Airlines don’t expect any help.
Neverthel3ss I like to mention that the flight Vienna-Istanbul-Cancun was perfect regarding quality and service.
Poor attitude of on-board crew, unwelcoming and mismanaged!! and worst food served!! Never again,