Cabins
Onboard Services
Onboard services depend on the flight duration, aircraft facilities and cabin class. International flights include the airline’s Planet digital system, which includes a seat-back TV screen which may be either touch screen or controlled by a remote control attached to their seat. Passengers can choose from films, short programmes, music, interactive games and audio books. In-flight connectivity allows passengers to send and receive text messages and emails while in the air. News, weather and destination information can also be accessed while in-flight, and all passengers may watch take-off and landing from aircraft mounted cameras.
News, films and short programmes are offered to passengers on all flights of more than two hours. Music programmes may also be available depending on the type of aircraft.
Economy Class
Seats in Turkish Airlines Economy Class have a pitch of between 29 and 33 inches and a width of 16-18 inches. Many of the newer aircraft used on long haul services include a personal video screen located in the seat back which includes movies, games and TV shows in a range of languages. Most economy seats are set in a 3-3 formation, allowing maximum comfort and close proximity to the aisle for all passengers.
Passengers in Economy also experience the fantastic Turkish Airlines dining options; “International Cuisine” allows each passenger to choose from at least two hot dishes, as well as offering specialised menus for those on a diet or with particular needs. It is advised that you contact the airline at least 48 hours in advance if you require a special menu choice.
Business Class
Seats in Business Class are designed with comfort in mind; as well as wider seats which recline further, passengers may use a coat cupboard for their belongings and a larger tray table. A selection of daily newspapers and magazines are available, as well as ‘Relax Sets’ to ensure that all passengers enjoy their flight. Passengers are also offered a choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks on takeoff.
Dining in Business Class is also a wonderful experience; your meal will be served in stylish dishes and as Turkish Airlines is an environment-friendly establishment, table linens and porcelain salt and peppershakers are used.
According to your flight time, on short haul flights a cold meal or cold breakfast is served, whilst on middle and long haul flights for your main course you can look forward to two (for breakfast) or three (for lunch and/or dinner) choices of "International Cuisine" exclusively prepared for Turkish Airlines. Special taste sensations include multi-coloured Mediterranean salads, delicious French cuisine, Viennese schnitzels, Italian pasta dishes and many other delicacies. A selection of wines, liqueurs, spirits, hot drinks and snacks are also available.
Apart from long haul flights there are a few surprises for European Business Class passengers; if you are a strict vegetarian, you can try the third hot course - a range of pasta dishes. Or, if you prefer to sleep rather than watch movies, you can easily stick a "please don't wake me up" sticker on your seat so as not to be disturbed.
First Class
Passengers who choose to fly First Class with Turkish Airlines will experience a luxurious welcome. Each First Class Suite has a private area of 26 square feet, and privacy is guaranteed by a closing door. An 83 inch flat bed, a 23 inch flat screen monitor and a wardrobe ensure that each passenger is comfortable and relaxed. The VIP table allows the passenger and a guest to sit together, while LED lights mean that the suite can be as bright or as relaxing as necessary. The special first class seats also have 8 massage points for a truly comfortable journey.Baggage allowance
Turkish Airlines fares include a free baggage allowance; this will differ according to which class of travel and ticket type chosen. If you need to carry additional baggage, this can be placed in the hold but you will be charged.
Hand baggage
One bag is permitted, not exceeding 8kg weight or 23 x 40 x 55cm. Hand baggage must be tagged with an official label, which may be obtained from a member of staff at check in or at the gate, or passengers will not be allowed to board the plane.
Hold baggage
Two bags are permitted, with a maximum weight of 23kg and maximum dimensions of 158cm. Passengers travelling with an infant may also carry one fully collapsible pushchair and one piece of luggage with dimensions of 115cm.
Special luggage
Turkish Airlines do carry pets; the animals must have all documentation required from country of origin and destination. Animals must travel in standard boxes of 45 x 35 x 23 cm and cannot weigh more than 6kg in order to travel in the cabin. Animals which require larger transport options must travel in the hold of the aircraft.
Air miles and alliances
Star Alliance
Turkish Airlines is part of the Star Alliance; founded in 1997, the alliance was established by Air Canada, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, United Airlines and Thai Airways. The Star Alliance has grown considerably since then; there are now 27 member airlines, boasting a total of 21,200 daily departures. These flights arrive at 1,160 different airports in 181 countries, carrying over 600 million passengers each year.
Airline members of the Star Alliance are currently: Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Blue1, BMI, Brussels Airlines, Continental Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EgyptAir, Lufthansa, LOT Polish Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Spanair, Swiss International Air Lines, TAM Airlines, TAP Portugal, Thai Airways International, United Airlines and US Airways.
Passengers flying on a flight operated by any Star Alliance partner can earn miles towards Star Alliance benefits as well as earning miles on whichever airline miles scheme they are part of, according to the rules of the individual airlines. Passengers can work towards Star Alliance Silver and Gold Status, gaining benefits such as airport lounge access, priority check-in, preferred seating and priority reservations when wait-listing.
By earning miles through the Turkish Airlines miles scheme, Miles&Smiles, passengers can also become Star Alliance Silver or Gold Status members to gain additional benefits.Check-in
Passengers flying with Turkish Airlines have a range of check-in options.
At the airport, Turkish Airlines has dedicated check-in desks for all flights – these close 60 minutes prior to departure for international travel so please ensure you leave enough time to complete all procedures at the airport.
Some airports also have check-in kiosks where passengers can check in at their leisure; in order to use one of these machines, passengers should have an electronic ticket.
Passengers may choose to check in online; this allows you to print boarding passes and choose your seat before even arriving at the airport. This service is available from 24 hours up to 90 minutes before your flight.Other useful information
Special Fares
On most routes, children pay a discounted rate of the adult fare. Infants under the age of 24 months and travelling on the lap of a parent or guardian usually pay 10% of an adult fare. Infants travelling in their own seat will pay a child fare.
Turkish Airlines also offers a discount of 25% on some flights for disabled passengers and those passengers over the age of 65. For domestic flights, Turkish Airlines offers a student discount. Turkish Airlines can also arrange accompanied travel for minors.
Disabled passengers
Turkish Airlines ensures that all disabled passengers have the required facilities for their flight; they offer assistance while boarding and disembarking, transport of mobility devices, facilities for assistance dogs and meals according to dietary requirements. It’s suggested that you let the airline know of your requirements at least 48 hours before your flight; some passengers may receive a discount on their fare if they provide the relevant documentation when booking.
