Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines is the national carrier of the Republic of Turkey formed in 1923. A decade later, the airline was launched and today, it flies to more than 100 countries worldwide across all continents with its hub being Ataturk Airport in Istanbul. Its expansion is ongoing with new destinations announced on a regular basis.

It has a comprehensive domestic schedule which links people from around the world to all the major towns and cities in Turkey. Its fleet of 332 planes, including cargo planes are Boeing and Airbus with the biggest single models the Airbus 321-200 with 68 and the Boeing 737-800 with 108.

Turkish Airlines has a fully-owned subsidiary, Andaloujet which was founded in 2008 and is based in the capital, Ankara. It flies a domestic schedule as well as flights to Northern Cyprus.

• Turkish Airlines has a route schedule that provides customers with the chance to fly to every continent in the world.

• A regular recipient of awards that recognizes the standards it has set and the maintenance of those standards.

• A fleet of modern aircraft which provide comfort and modern technology for all its passengers.

• Seeks to ensure the whole experience from booking through to airport arrival and the flight itself is one that passengers will not forget.

• Committed  to using the latest technology to minimize any negative impact its operations might make on the environment.

It is possible to make a reservation for a flight 355 days before your intended day of departure. When you make a booking, you have the alternative of checking in online to avoid the queues and also to select your seat if for example you prefer window or aisle, or you are looking for extra leg room. That can be done 100 days before you fly up to 48 hours before your flight and there is a fee involved.

Airport staff is happy to assist every passenger on arrival at the airport and will provide boarding passes and check in luggage as required. Those who have checked-in online need only to hand in their luggage.

You must clear customs and head to the departure gate in good time, and obviously well before the time the gate closes. Your boarding card will have all the necessary information and times may vary from airport to airport.

The entertainment on offer varies with the aircraft. International flights will have the Planet Digital System with touch-screens with channel options controlled either by the touch-screen or a remote control.

Passengers can select from 350 different films and short programmes. They range from romantic to comedy, action to classics and there is plenty to entertain children.

Over 600 CDs cover the musical spectrum with tunes from several different cultures as well as the internationally known favourites. In addition, there are radio channels and game channels.

Wi-Fi is available from your seat so everyone can maintain contact with friends, family and business contacts.

The in-flight magazines keep passengers up-to-date with news from Turkish Airlines, destination and travel information as well as articles on a wide range of topics.

In all cases, you should check the baggage conditions for flying, especially if you have something outside the norm. The free baggage allowances vary with the class of ticket. In addition, there are reciprocal agreements with some countries whereby the allowance is increased; check when you book for your specific allowance.

Checked -In Baggage:

Business Class passengers are permitted 30 kgs. of hold baggage, Economy Class 20 kgs. An additional 10 kgs. is permitted for an infant, such as a collapsible baby carriage. In some cases, those allowances vary and once again, you should check when making your booking.

Sports equipment will be carried free of charge.

Hand Baggage:
Cabin Baggage is defined as anything up to 8 kg and dimensions no greater than 55 x 40 x 23 cm.

Passengers in Business Class can expect a welcome drink and cuisine that will match the best of dining experiences. There is no lack of space and businessmen have every facility to work and keep in touch with colleagues if they so wish.

The menu on offer varies with the length of the flight but the quality is constant. Entrees followed by soup, a Turkish tradition, precede a choice of main course, followed by fruit, cheese and desserts. There is a full bar available, and of course Turkish coffee and soft drinks.

Economy Class passengers have comfortable seats with recliners, ample legroom and a power point to recharge mobile or laptop. There is an adjustable footrest and individual USBs per seat.

Turkish Airlines is determined to ensure passengers enjoy the experience of flying with it. The service begins on the ground where there are lounges at departure and arrival. If you want to refresh yourself after a long flight then the arrivals lounge is just what you need.

The Lounges are free to Business Class travelers and those who are part of the Airline’s "Miles & Smiles" programme at ElitePlus status. There is complimentary food and drink, Wi-Fi, newspapers and magazines, business facilities and a library.

Once on board, you can expect a similar quality of service. All meals are prepared from fresh ingredients and the menus will depend upon the time of day you are flying and the length of your flight. If you need something, just ask. Even on the shortest of flights you will be offered some refreshments while on the long-haul flights, economy passengers can expect a multi-course meal with drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic, hot and cold.