Turkish Airlines (TA) is one of the top airlines in the world, and Türkiye has some of the most modern and efficient airports, including the world's largest airport—the Istanbul Airport—which is located at the Çatalca-Göktürk-Arnavutköy area, in the European side of the city, 40km from Taksim and 52km from Kadıköy.
Set in the middle between Tayakadin and Akpinar village, it serves more than 350 domestic and international destinations in 110 countries, while its duty-free area is one of the largest (if not the largest) worldwide.
Turkish Airlines has weekly return flights from Montreal and Toronto, and you can’t go wrong by upgrading to business class. The 10-to-11-hour flight is a breeze, and you’ll be well taken care of by attentive and service-focused flight attendants and staff.
Upon boarding, you’re greeted by a flight attendant who directs you to specially designed seating that brings flight comfort to another level. Passengers are offered the choice of mint lemonade, raspberry juice, orange juice, and water. Next, you are provided with comfortable slippers, superior performing noise-canceling headphones from Denon, and an attractive, functional Versace amenity kit that comes in a variety of seasonal colours with moisturizing cosmetics and amenities. The kit includes a facial mist, body lotion, lip balm, a set of fuzzy socks, ear plugs, a sleeping mask, and a dental kit.
Your lie-flat seat has fully adjustable armrests that open via a touchpad seat control panel into a 193 cm bed (I’m 6’2” and was lying completely straight with lots of room). Other amenities include in-chair massage with adjustable head support and comfort cushion on the seat back, a reading lamp, power supply, and the facility to screen off your own private area, an adjustable and rotating 51 cm tray table, an 18" IFE screen with adjustable angle, a touchpad IFE remote control with 4" screen, universal power outlet and USB charging units, adjustable privacy screens, an exclusive mirror, closed and locked storage, and a suit hanger. There are multiple entertainment options, including great movie selections. However, if you need to work, TA Business Class provides complimentary Wi-Fi, a big bonus for business travelers.
Once you get settled in, an attendant will offer you a card menu with various spirits, beers, and champagne, along with an excellent selection of Turkish and other white, red, and rose wines. Throughout the flight journey, TA’s ‘flying chefs’ serve some of the finest Turkish and world cuisine on stylish porcelain tableware. It truly is a first-class gastronomy experience in the sky. Business Class passengers can enjoy their meals at their leisure any time on the night-time intercontinental flights from/to Istanbul. Alternatively, you can easily book these selections online before your flight.
TA Business Class passengers can avoid airport queues by checking in at dedicated TA Business Class counters. TA Business Class entitles customers to an extra baggage allowance and provides a priority baggage label allowing for quicker baggage collection upon arrival.
The Turkish Business Class Lounge at Istanbul airport is an absolute dream for any weary traveler. The lounge screams comfort and the customer service is exemplary. As you wait for your flight departure, you can make use of the massage service, take advantage of the many entertainment options, or sample the delicious menu offerings which include fresh Turkish gastronomy like kebabs, grilled meats, pasta, delicious soups, flat breads, dumplings, and baked goods. There are numerous beverage offered.The baklava and coffee selections are to die for.