Turkish Airlines is a leading carrier in Turkey that was founded in 1933. The company reaches more than 120 countries worldwide.
It operates services to as many as 352 destinations, namely in Europe, Africa, Oceania, Asia, and the Northern and Southern Americas.
The Turkish Airlines company offers passengers an unforgettable travel experience. You may have read in the reviews on Turkish Airlines about its excellent set of amenities, including food service, a children’s play area, free Wi-Fi, and even private suites to relax.
In this review, we will cover everything you should know about the company, from its booking process to its loyalty programs.
Booking Process
The company provides flexibility in terms of the booking process. Whether you prefer booking flights online, using a mobile application, or speaking to an employee directly, Turkish Airlines offers several options for the sake of passengers’ needs and convenience.
Website
Using the airline’s official website, you will be pleased with its user-friendly interface and convenient layout. The simple search function lets you quickly enter the departure and arrival destinations, dates, and details on passengers. As for the payment methods, these include credit/debit cards and bank transfers.
From our experience, we can say that the website is rather convenient and offers many useful insights. However, it is also important to understand that if you need some specific information (T&Cs or compensation information), you will have to spend some time searching. In some customer reviews, passengers claim it was hard to contact the Support Team. Yet it seems that this is not a common thing for the airline.
Mobile App
If you belong to people who are always on the go, there is a Turkish Airlines app for your convenience. This seamless alternative is available for both Android and iOS users. You will appreciate its stylish interface, color palette, and easy navigation.
As for the customer reviews, the Android app is scored 5, while the iOS app is scored 4,6. Overall, people are satisfied with the application. There are two downsides that we found: glitches that happened during the payment session and the inability to navigate between boarding passes (when there are two bookings for different days).
Search for flights, book tickets, and monitor reservations using the application with ease. In addition, features such as mobile check-in, flight updates, and digital boarding passes are at your disposal.
Phone
Some people prefer human assistance to any other communication tool; if you are one of those, you can book the flight via the call center. The support team representatives will gladly assist with your flight reservation, ticket details changes, or special requests. See the “Help center” section on the website to find the contact number for your region.
Airport Experience
Since its foundation, Turkish Airlines has put customers first and strives to provide them with a flawless and top-notch experience. The company integrates organized check-in processes, efficient baggage handling, attentive security screenings, and well-managed boarding procedures.
Check-In Efficiency
Regarding check-in variants, the Turkish Airlines company offers several options to meet your needs. Passengers can complete check-in online (via the website or the app) from 24 hours to 90 minutes before the actual time of departure. It is better for you to arrive at the airport not later than two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. Sticking to these rules, you will have enough time for the security and baggage drop procedures.
Bag Drop Convenience
Those passengers who checked in via the official website or mobile app can use the baggage drop counters that are available at the airport. It is really convenient as it makes the handing over of checked baggage smooth and straightforward. You can also check your luggage via the check-in desk right at the spot after the online check-in.
The airline’s administration asks passengers to pass the luggage check-in on time due to time limits for this procedure. The check-in point closes 45 minutes before the aircraft departs for international flights and 30 minutes — for domestic flights. If you know that you have access to baggage after calculating its weight on the website, you need to come earlier to pass the payment process.
Security Screening
Security standards are one of the areas of focus for Turkish Airlines. Just as in cases with any other airline, the airport authorities are in charge of the security screening. It presupposes luggage screening and, if needed, a manual check. Normally, the entire process is organized and efficient, however, holidays can prolong the procedure.
The passengers, on the other hand, should also familiarize themselves with the applicable security regulations. That is why you must come to the airport on time, so there is enough time to pass the required procedure without stress. Besides, the website indicates that certain items are not allowed to be carried, including guns, toxic chemicals, explosives, knives, etc.
Boarding Procedure
Typically, the boarding procedure starts 45 minutes before the aircraft departs. As for Turkish Airlines, the company follows a well-organized boarding process by passenger status and seat rows to achieve an efficient and structured boarding experience. However, families with kids will normally board flights first.
One of the convenient options we would like to mention is the opportunity to board your flight with the Apple Watch. For this, you will need to download the Turkish Airlines app first and add it to your device. After this, you need to create the e-boarding ticket from the airline’s app using the “Boarding Pass” function. That’s it! Now, you can use the QR code for the boarding pass on your Apple Watch.
Flight Experience
It is of big importance for Turkish Airlines to deliver a top-tier flight experience with a major focus on caring and attentive cabin crew, cabin comfort, and diverse onboard amenities.
Cabin Comfort
In economy class Turkish Airlines, you are free to enjoy cozy seating with headrests and enough legroom to ensure a relaxing time during the flight. The business class also offers lie-flat seats; thus, you have a restful atmosphere for long-haul flights. The overall cabin is thoughtfully designed so that you feel tranquility and comfort despite the chosen class.
We prepared the table on seating features below:
| Economy class | Business class |
| Seats with 79cm of legroom that can recline up to 15cm to ensure a cozy flight46cm-wide seats for more comfortable long-distance travelingMovable armrests to transform middle seats into a bed | Lie-flat flight seats open into a 193cm bedBed width is up to 66cm, plus fully adjustable armrestsTouchpad seat control panel |
Cabin Crew Friendliness
Searching for the customers’ comments on cabin crew attitude, we came upon numerous positive mentions. According to Turkish Airlines passengers, the cabin crew is always friendly, helpful, and polite. Several passengers, especially noted that the employees nicely handle kids on board. No wonder! The airline requires every employee to undergo extensive training to meet high service standards. The training presupposes nurturing professionalism and the ability to manage unexpected situations for the excellent in-flight experience.
Meal and Beverage Options
Turkish Airlines is known for its in-flight dining. You can go through any Turkish Airlines food review and see that passengers are always satisfied with the food service. There is an option to preview meals in a digital menu (for intercontinental flights) before boarding. Besides, you can inform the company about your allergies 48 hours before the time of departure.
Seasonal menus of the award-winning meals from the chefs amaze with variety. See the examples of what the airline offers for different classes:
Economy Class
- Domestic Flights
- Hot gourmet sandwiches with various dressings and fillings (e.g., pesto, Girit ezme, chicken cutlets, feta cheese).
- Vegetarian sandwiches are always available.
- Hot and cold beverages served with meals.
- Selection of regional Turkish appetizers, homemade omelets, a wide bread selection, and grilled dishes (e.g., Adana kebab).
- International & Intercontinental Flights
- Breakfast options: Eggs, homemade muesli, cheese alternatives.
- Dinner options: Local appetizers, pasta varieties, grilled dishes.
- Meals focus on high-protein, fruit & vegetable content with reduced carbohydrates.
- Weekly rotating menu designed by expert chefs.
Business Class
- Domestic Flights
- The latest selections include a variety of regional Turkish appetizers, homemade omelets, a wide bread selection, and grilled dishes (e.g., Adana kebab).
- Hot and cold beverages served with meals.
- International Flights
- In-flight meals crafted by expert chefs, following healthy nutrition trends.
- High-protein, fruit & vegetable-rich meals with lower carbohydrate content.
- Weekly changing menu for variety.
- Intercontinental Flights
- Welcome drink upon boarding.
- Sweet treats available throughout the flight.
- Main courses: Homemade pasta, ravioli, grilled fish, coal-fired kebab varieties, and diverse local appetizers.
- Beverage options: Homemade mocktails, detox drinks made from healthy ingredients, and hot drinks after meals.
- Dine on Demand: Night flight passengers can request meal service at their preferred time.
Operational Performance
Operational performance is crucial for international airlines, and Turkish Airlines emphasizes this aspect as well. Let’s see how the company handles on-time departures, baggage handling, flight cancellations, and delays.
On-Time Departures
Generally, the Turkish Airlines company demonstrates a satisfactory track record of timely departures. Sure, there might be occasional delays from time to time. However, it is not something unique, and any other airline can face the same issue. The company’s commitment to punctuality is a priority. According to Airportia.com, the punctuality record of the company is 90%: its flights arrive within 14 minutes of the scheduled time.
Baggage Handling
Turkish Airlines ensures all checked luggage is available right after the arrival. In case it doesn’t arrive, the company starts searching for it and does everything needed to return the luggage to the owners within 15–30 hours (for international flights). Besides, the company pays compensation for delayed/lost baggage, based on international agreements. Other baggage-related services include the opportunity to take pets and sports equipment with you.
Flight Cancellations and Delays
If you used this company’s service and experienced a delay at a European airport, no need to panic. As per the EU 261 regulation, all flights delayed 3+ hours can get compensation of up to $650 per passenger. You are eligible for compensation only if the reason for a delay falls under the company’s control. Note, however, that the critical factor for reimbursement is the arrival time at the destination, not the delay itself.
Safety Standards
The airline company strictly follows the industry safety standards to ensure passengers’ security. Specifically, Turkish Airlines emphasizes the vital role of the fleet’s technical condition, environmental sustainability, and consumer protection policies.
Fleet Technical Condition
According to the official website, Turkish Airlines has 13 aircraft models at its disposal. It has such models as the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, Airbus A350-900, and Boeing 737 MAX 9. As for the fleet’s technical condition, the company regularly maintains and follows international aviation standards. Doing so can guarantee the optimal technical condition of the fleet.
Environmental Sustainability
We can’t but mention the environmental sustainability aspect in our Turkish Airline review, of course. As an international carrier, the company highly appreciates sustainability and aims at cultivating environmental awareness among the employees. Specifically, the airline adheres to its Sustainability Policy that includes:
- Climate change combat;
- Sustainable growth and profitability;
Considering people and the environment while growing, etc.
Consumer Protection Policies
The airline is committed to protecting customers’ rights with the help of the consumer protection policies. Turkish Airlines operations are governed by the EU 261 regulations that define the rules on compensations and the airline’s assistance in the event of delays, cancellations, and denied boarding.
Route Information and Destinations
The Turkish Airlines international carrier connects Asia and Europe, attracting people who seek new experiences and are eager to discover new cultures. The company operates flights around the globe to 120+ countries. In the “Deals & Destinations” section, you can see the most popular destinations and some information on the country of your choice.
Pricing and Fees
Turkish Airlines provides a range of pricing and fee options to satisfy the needs of different passengers. Let us look closer at how the company cultivates transparency and what fees it offers.
Fare Transparency
On the website, you can see that the company offers flights from $532! Of course, the price depends on your destination point. You can see that Turkish Airlines offers transparent fare classes: Economy Class and Business Class. As for the cheaper variant, there are packages like EcoFly, ExtraFly, and PrimeFly. As you may guess, each of these provides diverse services and advantages based on your needs. The Business Class offers “unlimited privileges”, such as an enhanced seating and sleeping area, cocktail table, massage feature, and so much more! Turkish Airlines clearly outlines all the fare rules so that you know what to expect.
Additional Fees
The airline company strives to include the basic services into its fare system, yet some additional services presuppose extra charges. For instance, these can include seat selection, extra luggage, and in-flight services that are not covered by a ticket. Keep in mind that there is a luggage calculation tool on the website to learn about fees and registered luggage regulations in your destination point.
Loyalty Programs
One of the things to know when using Turkish Airlines’ services is the Miles&Smiles loyalty program. It was created to complement frequent customers with diverse benefits and perks. Let us look closer at what it is all about.
Membership Tiers
The program is made of 4 membership tiers:
- Classic: It is an entry-level membership that offers basic benefits only.
- Classic Plus: It presents an entry-level membership + extra privileges (lounge access for domestic flights).
- Elite: This one offers advanced benefits, including extra luggage allowance and priority check-in.
- Elite Plus: The “VIP” tier; it offers the most benefits, such as additional lounge access and guaranteed reservations.
Members of the program can progress through the tiers; they should simply accumulate Status Miles while choosing Turkish Airlines flights.
Earning Miles
There are several ways to earn Miles:
- Flights: Fly with Turkish Airlines and partner airlines (for instance, Star Alliance members).
- Bank Partnerships: Make purchases using Miles&Smiles credit cards.
- Program Partners: Spend with diverse partners, including car rental services, hotels, or health companies.
Redeeming Miles
It is possible to exchange miles for diverse rewards:
- Award Tickets: Use accumulated miles for booking with either Turkish Airlines or partner airlines.
- Cabin Upgrades: Use miles to level up the travel class.
- Shop&Miles: Exchange accumulated miles for services/products using the Shop&Miles platform.
Family Membership
Moreover, the airline’s program offers a Family Membership. It allows passengers to pool miles earned by any family member (who has a Miles&Smiles membership). Thus, it is easier to collect miles fast and get the desired rewards.
Refunds and Ticket Cancellations
When it comes to assisting you with refunds, ticket cancellations, or any other service inquiries, Turkish Airlines provides clear policies.
Customer Service
As for customer service, there are several channels to get in touch with the operator and get help:
- Call Center: A 24/7 assistance for bookings and inquiries.
- Help Center: Detailed information on services, plus FAQs.
- Feedback Form: A form to submit complaints, feedback, and suggestions.
Response Time
The Turkish Airlines company is very attentive to the customers’ needs, so it reacts promptly to all the inquiries. At the same time, you should understand that the response time can vary, depending on the request itself and the current demand. Nonetheless, the airline strives to resolve issues as soon as possible to strengthen passengers’ trust and enhance their satisfaction.
Handling of Issues or Complaints
Turkish Airlines utilizes an artificial intelligence system to analyze your past information and important details to resolve any issue or complaint. The system’s chatbot helps you to get helpful information in your native language, and it is always a pleasant bonus that adds to client satisfaction.
Customer Reviews
As it often happens with airlines, there are mixed impressions from customers regarding Turkish Airlines. It is neither good nor bad. Here, we offer the pros and cons of the company based on different passengers’ reviews:
Pros:
- Extensive range of travel options;
- Stunning dining services;
- Exceptional business class amenities;
- Miles&Smiles program that gives perks and benefits.
Cons:
- Delays and cancellations may happen from time to time;
- Inconsistent cabin conditions.
About Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines was founded back in 1933. It is still a leading carrier in the country. The company boasts one of the largest networks in the world, connecting flight passengers to more than 300 destinations in 120+ countries. Customers admit the airline’s exceptional in-flight services and the professional approach of the crew. Throughout its existence, Turkish Airlines has demonstrated a commitment to perfection via advanced services, continuous expansion, and a client-oriented culture.
Conclusion
With Turkish Airlines, you can reach plenty of destinations worldwide. Our Turkish Airlines review covered the main aspects of the company so that now you have a better understanding of what this airline can offer you. The company offers an impressive range of services, transparent fares, a generous loyalty program, and follows consumer protection policies for your comfort.
The official website of the airline provides you with useful information, and if you still can’t find something, you can always contact the support team to get assistance.
FAQ
Turkish Airlines is a seasoned player in the industry that continually strives for perfection in terms of its services and commitment to safety measures. It offers many destinations across the globe and obtains positive feedback from passengers.
According to the customer reviews, the biggest disadvantages are possible delays and cancellations that may happen and the inconsistent cabin conditions (uncomfortable high temperatures in the Economy class). Also, some may find it disappointing that excess luggage presupposes extra fees.