I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal. (2024)

Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options. Homepage

Newsletters

Subscribe

Travel

Review by Kaila Yu

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal. (1)

  • I flew 22+ hours in Turkish Airlines'business class and stopped at its Istanbul airport lounge.
  • The food on my flights and in the airport lounge really blew me away.
  • I had a great experience and found my seats to be comfortable, too.

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal. (2)

Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read preview

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal. (3)

Thanks for signing up!

Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go.

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal. (4)

Advertisement

I love flying in business class, but I don't often buy my seats outright because they can cost four figures.

I like upgrading to business class by booking flights using frequent-flyer miles and credit-card points. If that's not your thing, good news: Some data suggests flying business class is slightly cheaper than it was a few years ago (even though economy airfare costs are rising).

Recently, I used points to book a business-class flight with Turkish Airlines from the Maldives to Los Angeles. If I'd booked with cash, the one-layover flight would've cost me more than $4,690.

Here's what it was like spending more than 22 hours traveling in business class with Turkish Airlines.

Advertisement

The check-in process was extra fast because I was flying business class.

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal. (5)

The hotel I stayed at in the Maldives had a representative at the Velana International Airport who helped me walk through security.

This was a huge bonus, and even better, business-class passengers had their own line for security.

The check-in and customs process went quickly for me, though I passed economy travelers waiting in a long check-in line.

After making it through security, I had access to an airport lounge.

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal. (6)

The Turkish Airlines lounge in the Maldives had plenty of items available for breakfast, including pastries and sandwiches.

I didn't eat anything because I knew Turkish Airlines would have delicious food on the flight, and I always overeat when flying business class.

Advertisement

My seat was in the front row of the business-class section.

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal. (7)

This leg of the flight was on an older Boeing 777-300, with seats in a two-three-two configuration.

Advertisement

I was excited to get the business-class amenity kit.

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal. (8)

Turkish Airlines partnered with the luxury fashion house Ferragamo for its business-class toiletry bags filled with products such as recycled-plastic earplugs, an eye mask, Ferragamo toiletries, and a wheat-straw toothbrush.

I also received comfy socks and slippers. During the flight, many passengers, including me, removed their shoes and put on the provided slippers.

After settling into my seat, a flight attendant came by with a selection of juices and lemonade.

Advertisement

My first meal was a solid selection of appetizers.

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal. (9)

I enjoyed the set appetizer plate I got that featured local delicacies such as smoked beef, cheeses, olives, a fruit salad, a raspberry smoothie bowl, homemade apricot jam, and butter.

Advertisement

I chose a Turkish specialty for the main course, and it didn't disappoint.

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal. (10)

The main course was the homemade Turkish-style börek, a layered pastry with spinach and potato. It was nicely flaked and savory with creamy potato.

So far, the flight had been eight hours and 15 minutes. I went to sleep right after my meal.

Advertisement

About two hours before landing, the lights came on, and I got another meal.

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal. (11)

This time, I got a selection of Turkish meze. For my main, I chose the grilled-chicken brochettes with bulgur, tomato, and peppers. The chicken was smoky and tender.

For dessert, I had a mascarpone and passion-fruit tart.

Then, I had a 16-hour layover at Istanbul Airport.

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal. (12)

I had the option of leaving the airport and staying at a hotel provided by Turkish Airlines. Instead, I headed to the private Turkish Airlines airport lounge.

Advertisement

I quickly saw why the lounge has a prestigious reputation.

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal. (13)

This Turkish Airlines business-class lounge is often listed as one of the world's best airline lounges, and it was easy for me to see why.

It's a sprawling space measuring 60,000 square feet with ample seating, eateries with chefs, resting rooms with beds, and even shower facilities.

Advertisement

The lounge was easy to enter and leave.

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal. (14)

To get in and out of the lounge, I just scanned my boarding pass.

This eliminated the annoying wait I sometimes encounter at check-in counters when there's a rush of customers at airport lounges.

Advertisement

Even the baggage storage area of the Turkish Airlines lounge looked stunning.

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal. (15)

The area for baggage storage was eye-catching, stylish, and smart.

The transparent storage containers seemed to make it even easier to find your bag if you forgot your locker number.

Advertisement

The bathrooms were incredibly spacious, too.

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal. (16)

The lounge bathrooms were large, with tons of hand-washing stations. They were never crowded, and I rarely saw anyone inside other than an attendant.

Well-lit vanity areas with seating were also nice additions to the bathrooms. They seemed like good places to reapply makeup or fix hair.

Advertisement

During my long layover, I even took a shower.

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal. (17)

Showers are available on a first-come, first-served basis in the lounge.

I didn't wait in line when I showered at about 5:30 a.m. It was refreshing to shower in the airport after a long day of traveling.

Advertisement

Above all, the food options in the lounge blew my mind.

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal. (18)

The wildest part of the layover was the food: I'd never seen anything like it at an airport lounge.

I passed at least five live cooking stations in the lounge, many of which featured Turkish specialties. I even saw someone making pastries from scratch.

Advertisement

A coffee station had a barista making drinks to order.

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal. (19)

The lounge had various coffee drinks available to order and an impressive selection of Turkish teas. I recommend trying the Turkish coffee, of course.

Advertisement

I ate so much while I waited.

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal. (20)

I ate constantly (probably every 30 minutes I was awake) during my layover just because there was an overflowing abundance of food.

The salad bar was well-stocked and I especially enjoyed the stations serving traditional grilled meats. The Turkish beef patty I ate was perfectly cooked, and I got it hot off the grill.

After eating, I found a reclined lounge chair and napped through the night.

Advertisement

Eventually, I headed to the second leg of my flight.

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal. (21)

I was excited to board my flight's longer, 13-hour leg on the newer Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

I had my own plush, private window seat, and no one was seated next to me as I headed from Istanbul to Los Angeles.

Advertisement

Breakfast was my favorite meal on this flight.

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal. (22)

I boarded at 7 a.m., and breakfast service started shortly after takeoff.

I'm not usually a huge fan of yogurt, but it was gorgeously displayed on my plate I ate every bite. For my main entrée, I selected the eggs Benedict, which was OK, but the eggs seemed overcooked.

Advertisement

Before the lights turned down in the cabin, a flight attendant came to make my bed.

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal. (23)

The best part of business class is undoubtedly the lie-flat seats that can be customized to any incline.

For turn-down service, a flight attendant added a mattress pad and a velvety blanket to my seat.

Advertisement

Again, I enjoyed even more food.

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal. (24)

Turkish Airlines really stands out for its food offerings, in my opinion.

I really enjoyed selecting appetizers from a meal cart of options. On this flight, I chose the Caesar salad, shrimp salad, roasted eggplant, and cauliflower soup. I especially enjoyed the savory soup.

For my main entrée, I ordered a pasta dish with shrimp, which was heavily cheesed to my liking.

Advertisement

Overall, Turkish Airlines really impressed me — especially when it came to food.

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal. (25)

I loved the flight, especially the last leg with the plush seats. The meals I ate throughout my travel journey were impressive, and I can see why the airline has been nominated for several food awards.

I would fly with Turkish Airlines again and revisit its Istanbul lounge just to eat.

Read next

Travel review Flying

More...

Advertisement

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal. (2024)

FAQs

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal.? ›

The food and airport lounge were unreal. I flew 22+ hours in Turkish Airlines' business class and stopped at its Istanbul airport lounge. The food on my flights and in the airport lounge really blew me away. I had a great experience and found my seats to be comfortable, too.

Does business class get lounge access on Turkish Airlines? ›

Business Class passengers can enter the Turkish Airlines Lounge Business regardless of card type. 2. Passengers with Miles&Smiles Elite Plus, Miles&Smiles Elite, SAG, PLM and CORP cards can enter the Turkish Airlines Lounge Miles & Smiles section. Passengers can also use Miles to purchase entry into this Lounge.

Does flying business class get you lounge access? ›

Business and first-class passengers often get free access to airline lounges, as do elite members and some U.S. military personnel. You will need your photo ID, boarding pass and qualifying credit or membership card, if applicable. The access policy varies by airline.

Is the Turkish Airlines lounge open 24 hours? ›

Opening Hours

24 hours daily Note: Due to peak seasonal activity it is expected this lounge will see an increase in the number of guests. Therefore, access may be periodically restricted due to space constraints.

How can I get free access to Istanbul airport lounge? ›

How to Access Istanbul Airport Lounge for Free? Here's how you can get into airport lounges for free: Airline Status or Premium Tickets:You don't have to pay at the Turkish Airlines Miles and Smiles Lounge if you have one of their cards, like the Mile and Smiles Elite or the Elite Plus card.

Is everything free in business class lounge? ›

Usually, business class lounges provide free meals, snacks, and drinks, even alcoholic ones. For a price, certain lounges could also include upscale meal options. Passengers often have free access to Wi-Fi, workstations, newspapers, magazines, baths, and other personal care amenities.

How long can I stay in Istanbul Airport lounge? ›

4 hours 3

Is lounge access free with business class? ›

If the customer changes date of departure the lounge pass becomes invalid. Lounge access is not permitted for passengers booking under Economy Lite for travel within India. Lounge services are complimentary for all passengers booking Business Class.

How do I know if I have access to the airport lounge? ›

The best information regarding airport lounge access is with the kiosk outside the lounge you want to visit. You can present your card to the executive present in the kiosk and they will tell you if your card can be used to access the lounge.

How to get free lounge access? ›

Table of Contents
  1. Airline Status: Elite Status.
  2. Business or First Class Ticket : Premium Class Travel.
  3. Credit Card Benefits : Co-Branded Credit Cards.
  4. Priority Pass or LoungeKey Membership: Independent Memberships.
  5. Airline Alliances: Alliance Benefits.
  6. Pay-Per-Use Lounges:One-Time Fee.
  7. Day Passes: Available for Purchase.
Jun 18, 2024

Does the Turkish Airlines lounge have food? ›

We add pleasure to your precious time with gourmet delicacies, rest/work areas and other special facilities available in our dedicated Lounges for domestic and international flights.

Can I pay to use the Turkish Airlines lounge? ›

Can I use the lounges for a fee? Passengers who do not have access to the domestic lounges through their ticket class or card type can purchase lounge use rights via online channels or our airport sales offices and enter the lounges two hours before their check-in.

How do I access the lounge at Turkish airport? ›

Passengers can access the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge by passing through passport control and taking the escalators located opposite Gate C1. Only passengers traveling on international flights may use this lounge. Amenities Available in the Lounge: Library.

Which lounge is better at Istanbul Airport? ›

Selected as one of the world's top four airport lounges by the international rating agency, Skytrax, the iGA Lounge is a five-star private service hall renowned for its exceptional hygiene and service quality. This is the only lounge at iGA Istanbul Airport that features an outdoor terrace.

Is Turkish Airlines good for international flights? ›

Turkish Airlines is a comfortable airline that offers flights to hundreds of destinations around the world. And while the airline app certainly leaves something to be desired, the flight experience, entertainment options, and free stopover or tour options for international passengers can more than make up for it.

How to get a free hotel room at Istanbul Airport? ›

Economy Class passengers having a connection time of 12 hours or longer and Business Class passengers having a connection time of 9 hours or longer can benefit from hotel service free of charge in case a transit flight with a shorter connection time is not provided for the related travel.

What do you get on Turkish Airlines Business Class? ›

Turkish Airlines business class has plenty of benefits, including priority check in, lie-flat seats, spacious leg room, “flying chefs” and high quality hot food. It also has additional comforts like seat massagers, noise canceling headphones and complimentary Wi-Fi, which few other airlines offer.

Do you get lounge access if you book Business Class? ›

Choose the right class of service

Most airlines will provide lounge access to their international business- and first-class passengers where a lounge exists — though some airports are so small that they don't have a lounge.

Is lounge free for Business Class? ›

Can you get into an airport lounge for free? Generally, accessing an airport lounge for free is only possible if you hold a premium class ticket or have a membership or credit card that grants you access. International business or first-class passengers often enjoy lounge access as part of their ticket benefits.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Lilliana Bartoletti

Last Updated:

Views: 5451

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (73 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Lilliana Bartoletti

Birthday: 1999-11-18

Address: 58866 Tricia Spurs, North Melvinberg, HI 91346-3774

Phone: +50616620367928

Job: Real-Estate Liaison

Hobby: Graffiti, Astronomy, Handball, Magic, Origami, Fashion, Foreign language learning

Introduction: My name is Lilliana Bartoletti, I am a adventurous, pleasant, shiny, beautiful, handsome, zealous, tasty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.