How good is Turkish Airlines really?
Вставка
- Опубліковано 15 лют 2024
- Join me on the 12-hour long-haul from Istanbul to Caracas with Turkish Airlines in business class (plus a peek at the 3 hour hope from Stockholm to Istanbul as well). This is my first long-haul with Turkish and my first time on their 787 Dreamliner. I already know I don't love IST as a connection point, but I'm undecided on Turkish Airlines itself - is it as good as the hype suggests, or is there room for improvement? During this flight I found myself comparing TK to Qatar Airways quite often. Watch the video to find out who does it better! Also, stick around to the end to learn more about entry requirements to Venezuela and how it's a lot more simple than it's made out to be online (and info is hard to come by!)
Flight information:
January 21, 2024 | TK223
Boeing 787-9 TC-LLH [age: 4 years]
Flight time: 11h40m
How I booked it:
This was a simple paid roundtrip business class fare ARN-CCS-ARN. It cost $2,800.
Follow me on TikTok for content you won’t find elsewhere: / airedition
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Shot on: Sony FX3 & iPhone 15 Pro Max
Music: Epidemic Sound
Shot, written and edited by Gabriel Leigh, a.k.a. Gabe Leigh.
SECTIONS:
00:44 Arlanda & Amex popup lounge
01:44 The ARN-IST flight
03:40 Boarding the CCS flight
05:35 Cabin first impressions
06:15 Takeoff IST
07:50 Inflight experience
13:08 Landing CCS
14:40 Venezuela entry requirements
#turkishairlines #787 #businessclass
www.buymeacoffee.com/gabeleigh
I love your flight reviews. Smooth, classy and honest. Keep it up!
Much appreciated!
I appreciate honest travel reviews but this is one seems to have too many petty complaints from missing swizel sticks to too much ice on the window. The privilege of travel, especially in a premium cabin, seems to be lost with you.
First: I noted that the missing swizzle sticks were not a huge deal, just something you notice when they go away. In fact in the world of premium cabins I would actually say the details really matter and while this is a tiny detail, it's worth noticing these things, because they speak to an airline's ability to deliver something consistent - and that can be a sign of something much bigger that is or isn't working. Second: the ice on the window wasn't a complaint, just pointing out that's why I couldn't get good landing shots.
Thank you for nother great review. Keep on. Tackar GN
Thanks, will do!
Best flight reviewer on UA-cam. Keep up the good work Gabe
Thanks a lot!
😂havalimani means airport. Some UA-camrs do indeed complain about the size of IST but I don’t really get what it is wrong with walking about max 10-15 min especially after a long flight. It is actually good for health. If you have mobility problems, there is always option for support.
I mean I sometimes walk almost equally when I arrive my hometown airport Schiphol but only in much worse, crowded environment with little corridors, no same floor toilets and bottlenecks but I see not many youtubers complaining about that when it come to Schiphol. I sense some hype following here
With EHAM as my base too, I do agree that IST has an enhanced passenger experience, but after living in Türkiye and frequently transferring IST - with the aim of a minimum of 2 hours in between flights - trust me, the amount of times I almost missed my flight is too much to reflect upon it with a smile, and I walk fast like Dutch pace. Having timed it 5 times - including international and domestic flights - to travel (transfer) comfortably, you need a minimum of 1,5 hours, not taking crowding into account, this is just by distance and low and moderate passenger crowding whilst never experiencing so much stress transferring on f.e. DXB or AUH. I love flying with TK, hands down best hard and soft product on the European market currently, but I avoid transferring IST with less than 4 hours.
Exactly this. To @carlk3989, 10-15 mins is a best case scenario at IST. It’s possible to walk 40 minutes. I love walking, but not when I’m forced to walk while carrying bags and stressed about connections, in an overly warm terminal surrounded by crowds. And have you used the transfer security area? Nightmare, with no premium security lanes. I really don’t understand the people who defend this airport.
@@airedition There was definitely a priority security lane in the transit area in Feb. To the left of the main (?) area and close to the TK transit desk. Not great signage but it’s there.
I Love The Turkish Cuisine Aboard,One Of The Best In The Industri.Great Trip Report
No way, I was on the exact same flight to CCS 21st Jan in business as well! 😂And just as I was about to finish the video, 16:00 I see you took a video of me at the Venezuela sign, this is hilarious! 😂 Btw. great video Gabe! I also tried to film a review on this exact same flight, and I quite liked it.
Oh wow, what are the odds!
Thank you for nother great review. Hope to greet you some day in El Yaque, Margarita. Saludos.
Thank you! I need to get to Margarita for a longer stay for sure!
You deserve a million subs😊
Thank you!
Hy Gabe your avior videos are great_and after more than 35 yrs being a longer time in Venezuela iam happy to see, the people are the most friendly and the country still exist like I remember.... Thank you for all. Kai
Thanks a lot! Fantastic country.
Always love it. Many many homes LAX to Istanbul. İst is the best world airport. It's not even close.
This same seat is used on Singapore's regional layout787 and A350 aircrafts. Singapore just puts more space in between rows I think.
Oh that’s interesting if SQ spaces them further apart!
Great video Gabe. Where can you get the Flightradar24 merch you wear?
It’s only for people who work with them, alas!
Great review gabe, how did you book this flight , which website?.also u your reviews can u try and mention the load factors. Thanks mate
Ok will keep that in mind! I booked it on the Turkish website.
Did you find Venezuela to feel safe Gabe? There is such a steady stream of Venezuelans into the USA these days, how did you find the quality of life there?
I did yes! The quality of life I saw is a very particular one, in wealthier neighborhoods etc. A lot of Venezuelans are having a rough time still. However the days of shortages of basic goods are over, from what I could see. My friends there live relatively normal lives.
Tehran to Caracas is an interesting pairing, especially when Iran air flew it with a 747sp. I believe monocle has an article on it.
Super interesting yeah.
12:07 That's enough ice to wipe out the dinosaurs 😂
😂😂
I hear from lots of people that the situation in Venezuela (although not ideal) has improved a lot.. is this true? I ask as a tourist
Very true. See my latest video for more info, just published Friday!
I just found out the non FR24 channel you have! I found out that TK have a triangular IST-HAV-CCS. From ARN, going to these caribbean countries (Cuba and Venezuela) is not that directly accessible and TK has quite a good price compared to competitors. Actually the ME3 have quite a really good model towards Asia, as a suggestion for FR24 is to see the (shrinked) long range network of ARN.
I enjoy business reviews but I guess will endure Economy for the time being, as the difference pays quite a bit at destination! Prior to sending the comment, I also checked TK's Asian destinations and they are more economical in some cases as well as providing long interesting layovers; if that is to be part of it!
Thanks, glad you found the channel! Yes they also serve CCS via HAV. Interesting one for sure.
I've only been to IST once but I was underwhelmed with the whole experience. Lounge didn't have proper booze and in the AM the food options were small. Airport is so big but they need a people mover.
Yeah!
never would have thought that istanbul would have the same robo voice in the airport as newark lol
There are some airport robo voices that travel far, inexplicably!
My impressions of Turkish closely match yours, they're notable for their network and the food is usually pretty good, but it doesn't match the highly polished service flow of Singapore or the ME3.
Yep! 👍
Hi! You were in business class but waited for the long line to board. Is there a priority line for Business Class or do they share with economy? About the windows, it's disappointing that they lock the windows. I love to look out the window sometimes, even when it's night and especially the sunset and sunrise. I hate to bother them to unlock it for me. ☹️ Also, the seat by the window, i don't like how the wall is built with the chair, blocking an entire window, which doesn't make sense cause people want the window seats to look out. If not, they would get seats in the middle. So this is disappointing to me with Turkish Airlines cause i was planning to fly Turkish Business Class and the last leg of the trip had these seats. 😖 Thank you for the great review!
There is generally a priority line for business class but in this case it wasn't marked, seemed to be just one long line! Which is a poor effort not to put markers out. Since by the time I'd finished the 30 minute walk from the lounge, that huge queue had already formed haha. I very much agree about the 787 and the fact that crew can lock the windows, can't stand it, but I always ask them to open if they do lock it. They don't always say yes! As for the chair having that thing that blocks the window, it's unfortunate, but I found it was easy enough to look out, just slightly annoying! Thanks for the comment.
You were lucky you got the Dreamliner. The usual B777 is a even more rudimentary....
Right! But maybe okay if you're traveling with someone?
I can barely listen. You’re so attractive! Damn! Great vid
Haha well thanks!
passport bro 🥲
Seems like you got sponsored by qatar airways. Qatar can never beat european companies for total travel time. That's why they're spending so much money on the service to balance the value.
I was not sponsored, it's just a logical comparison. I don't get your total travel time claim - it would depend completely on where you're going from and to, and what service exists from your departing city. If between Europe and Asia, most times airlines are flying via the Gulf anyway. For connecting itineraries in most cases Qatar would be max 2 hours more, usually quite similar to TK, not a big factor for most people. If we're talking about people who have nonstop options from their city to say Asia or Africa, then yes of course Qatar will take longer, and of course Qatar has to offer something extra to convince people to take them instead. However in general this is done with airfares. The service aspect is just a bonus for most people - generally they're going to pick the $2000 business ticket over the $5000 ticket regardless (even including most corporate travel).
Turkish Airlines is the epitome of ‘You get what you pay for’. Decent seats, food is relatively good but cabin service is often meh. But they can survive against the Me3 simply on price, being 30-40% cheaper in some cases. You can tell their crews are not happy; probably due to the political and economic situation back home in Turkey and work culture of the airline in general; they work very long hours and don’t have many rights compared to other countries in Europe. I think they could easily become the next Emirates if their crews were happier, but that’s not something in their control. God help that country because things could turn really ugly if they keep making poor decisions
I think you’re very right about it epitomizing ‘you get what you pay for.’ The problem for me lies in the hype they get. I’d have thought before trying them that they’re among the best in the world. If you know what you’re getting in advance, I’d say the cost to quality ratio is quite good!
My recent experience is that they are not as good as their advertising claims. I flew four flights from Europe to Ethiopia and back. The crews on all these flights were like robots. No smiles, not at all interested in the passengers. The service was basic. They served ‘breakfast” at 3:30 on a 6 hour flight from Addis which landed in Istanbul at 8 o”clock. That was completely unreasonable. The food on the flights was bland and barely palatable. The worst experience was the new Istanbul airport. The airport is extremely large. Taxiing takes for ever from landing to the gate and from the gate to take off. What is most upsetting are the hugely hiked prices of food at the airport. These’s a large variety of food options to chose from, but does a simple sandwich really need to cost €25? There is only one water fountain that I could find and the seating areas were few and overcrowded. They offer one hour of free internet access per passport. After waiting for six hours on each leg of the joyrney at this airport, I don’t think I will be flying Turkish any time soon.
Interesting to hear your experience! The airport really is unfortunate.
I have honestly never heard a grown man complain about so much. It was both comical and annoying. Wonder how you’d handle something that is actually difficult
Don’t be an idiot (and I acknowledge this may be difficult for you). It’s called reviewing. Would you find a review useful if it didn’t point out the negatives? Unfortunately your stupidity is also unoriginal. There are always one or two people who show up not understanding what a review is and accusing those of us who do it of “complaining”. And you make sure to attack me at the same time for good measure. Did someone make you feel bad today so you felt the need to lash out on UA-cam? Also very original. Congrats on that. 👎
F it never flying Turkish and British Airlines business class.
Sucks flight attendants rude service ok. Seats quality and flat bed in business who the hell designed it?
I like BA better than Turkish!
Seats are not designed by Turkish airline
You complain to Boeing or Airbus depending on flying Boeing or AirBus.
😂
فيديو فاشل ماقيمة تصوير طائرة 😂
🥴
Turkish Airlines way overrated, they just OK. Cabin crew just really average
I actually loved the food on Turkish (and in the crowded lounge) + the airport shopping BUT I too didn't like the service in terms of dine on demand. I agree with all your points but im disappointed to hear not much has changed since I became a Qatar fangirl. Thanks for the detailed review! 🩷 At their price point its more than fair.
Thanks! Yeah in the end at that price, I’ll take it. But still useful to point out the drawbacks I think!