This week we are taking a walk down memory lane with a vintage first class trip report. I’m sharing photos and brief commentary from a trip I took in the final days of 2010 and first days of 2011 that included many first class flights from five Star Alliance carriers. As we enter a new decade, the goal of this trip report is to examine how airlines have changed over the last one. Although this trip report has never been published, I will not be publishing a detailed, word-heavy review as I do for current trip reports. Instead, commentary will be limited and the focus will be on photos. For the final post, I will summarize, as generally as I can, how premium products have changed over the last decade.
- Prior Segments
Flight #4: Turkish Airlines 777-300ER First Class Istanbul To Bangkok
- This was my first time flying Turkish Airlines First Class and it turned out to be my only opportunity.
- Turkish operated several 777-300ERs with eight first class suites and a business class of herringbone-style lie-flat seats.
- The aircraft were leased from JET Airways (there was even a JET Airways logo on the seat control monitor in the suite).
- Less than a year after my flight, Turkish eliminated first class, introducing “Comfort Class” (premium economy instead).
- Just two years later in 2013, Comfort Class was eliminated as well, leaving Turkish with only two cabins of service, business and economy.
- After arriving in Istanbul, we headed to the Turkish Airlines First Class lounge.
- This was before the opening of the old (massive) business class lounge.
- The lounge was small, somewhat crowded, and had a limited buffet selection.
- We were escorted to the aircraft when it was time to board, but most of the plane had already boarded.
- My first class suite was spacious and classy looking with woodgrain, gold accents, and red upholstery.
- Flight attendants presented menus, slippers, pajamas, and amenity kits prior to takeoff.
- Before takeoff, a choice of drinks and hot nuts were offered.
- Canapés were served immediately after takeoff.
- The feast began soon after – I joined my brother in his suite and we dined together.
- Caviar, appetizers, creamy mushroom soup, and green salad were all wonderful.
- I chose fish for my main course while my brother had the mixed grill (beef koobideh and filet steak).
- Fresh fruit and Turkish pastries for dessert.
- After a meal of that size and a long day behind me, I conked out for the next six hours.
- About an hour prior to landing, I was gently awakened by a flight attendant.
- Breakfast included fruit, yogurt, and an omelet.
- We landed on-time to a hot, sticky afternoon in Bangkok.
- Service was no better than business class, but I again felt the language barrier was to blame, not so much a flight crew who did not want to provide friendly and engaging service.
That’s an impressive presentation for the caviar
Awesome pics. I had no idea TK used to offer a first class.
RIP, Turkish Airlines First Class and Jet Airways…
That seat actually pretty nice. Reminds me of jal but better
I knew TK used to offer First class, but I’ve never seen a report or photos from it. Thanks! That said, I was lucky enough to fly in those seats on TK to BKK, but in business class (after they eliminated first, before they returned the planes).
Thanks Lucas! Glad you got the nice seat upgrade. Frankly, TK’s business class is good enough for me.
Awww. Memories. I flew this a few times when Thai Airways leased these . Great product.
OMAAT has one as well, you have to search for it though.