To kick off the journey to Germany with my mother and father, I flew Turkish Airways’ Airbus A350 enterprise class from Chicago to Istanbul. This wasn’t simply any A350, however slightly it was one in all Turkish Airways’ handful of A350s that had been meant to be flown by Aeroflot, however that’s not taking place as a consequence of sanctions.
I’m glad to report that the expertise was really prime notch. These A350s have a number of the finest enterprise class seats you’ll discover on any airline. Whenever you mix that with Turkish’s glorious tender product, together with superb catering, a number of nice facilities, and free Wi-Fi, this actually is likely one of the finest enterprise class experiences on the planet.
With that out of the best way, let’s get into the overview…
How I booked my Turkish enterprise class ticket
Turkish Airways’ Miles&Smiles frequent flyer program has some candy spot redemptions, so I booked my ticket via that program. Particularly, I managed to e-book the next in enterprise class for 45,000 Turkish Miles&Smiles miles plus $285.80 in taxes and costs (together with some provider imposed surcharges):
8/09 TK186 Chicago to Istanbul departing 11:35AM arriving 5:50AM (+1 day)
8/10 TK1591 Istanbul to Frankfurt departing 11:40AM arriving 1:50PM
This needs to be probably the greatest candy spot award redemptions on the market, as you’ll be able to fly Turkish Airways from anyplace in america to anyplace in Europe for that quantity, assuming you will discover saver degree award area.
Understand that Turkish Miles&Smiles is switch companions with each Capital One and Citi ThankYou, so there are many methods to accrue these factors. Lastly, because it’s one thing individuals are usually interested in, I booked this ticket 4 days earlier than departure, instantly on Turkish Airways’ web site.
Turkish enterprise class lounge & boarding
I had arrived in Chicago the identical morning from Miami, and had a roughly three hour layover, previous to my 11:35AM flight to Istanbul.
At check-in I used to be given an invite to the Swissport Lounge, although I made a decision to skip that, since I take into account it to be one of many worst lounges in america. I attempted to as a substitute use the Scandinavian Airways Lounge, which ought to have been allowed per Star Alliance lounge entry insurance policies, although I used to be denied.
The affiliate kind of chastised me. “See how your boarding move says Swissport Lounge? That’s the place you must go.” I reminded her of Star Alliance lounge entry insurance policies, although it was clear she didn’t really perceive the principles. Subsequently I made a decision to simply head to the departure gate for my flight, which was M20.
As I received to the gate, I noticed the one-year-old A350-900 with the license plate TC-LGL pull into the gate. What a magnificence!
Whereas boarding was supposed to begin at 10:45AM (an hour earlier than departure), sadly it was delayed considerably, with restricted communication from floor employees. They first defined that the delay was “as a consequence of plane servicing,” although the airplane arrived from Istanbul forward of schedule.
Later the captain defined on the PA that there was a “minor technical downside.” We ended up boarding at 12PM, about 75 minutes not on time. Whereas the flight wasn’t off to an ideal begin, fortuitously issues improved as soon as onboard…
Turkish A350 enterprise class cabin & seats
I boarded via the second set of doorways, the place I used to be greeted by the pleasant crew and pointed left into enterprise class. Earlier than doing so, I couldn’t assist however snap an image of the premium financial system cabin, as these are the one Turkish Airways plane to characteristic this. Since Turkish Airways doesn’t usually supply premium financial system, these are offered as further legroom financial system seats.
The enterprise class cabin consists of a complete of 28 seats, taking on the complete area between the primary and second set of doorways. The cabin is in a 1-2-1 configuration, with seats being staggered in every row.
These planes have the Collins Aerospace Horizon product, and as of now Turkish is the one airline to have these seats (Aeroflot was the launch buyer, however Aeroflot’s A350s at the moment are flying for Turkish).
To start with, I’ve to touch upon how the cabin is kind of aesthetically pleasing, particularly with the overhead bins within the center eliminated, which supplies the cabin a spacious feeling. Do understand that the cabin finishes had been designed for Aeroflot, which explains all of the orange and blue, since these aren’t usually Turkish Airways colours.
The configuration varies primarily based on which row you’re in. In odd numbered rows, the middle seats are in a “honeymoon” configuration, which means the seats are shut to at least one one other and much from the aisle. That is perfect for {couples} touring collectively. Although don’t fear, even if you happen to’re touring alone, there’s a partition that may be raised for full privateness.
In the meantime in even numbered rows, the seats are nearer to the aisle and much aside. These could be my final alternative seats, because you don’t take pleasure in sitting proper subsequent to a journey companion, and in addition aren’t by a window.
So far as window seats go, the seats in even numbered rows are the perfect, as they’re nearer to the home windows and farther from the aisle.
I had initially assigned myself one in all these seats (6K), however there was apparently a difficulty with the seat, so I received moved to seat 1A on the gate. The seats in odd numbered rows are nearer to the aisle and farther from the home windows, so that they’re not fairly nearly as good as the opposite seats, however they’re nonetheless nice.
Let’s take a more in-depth have a look at the options of the seat. The seat isn’t significantly huge, although I didn’t discover the width to be a difficulty. It’s a bit odd how the seat doesn’t have an armrest on one facet, although oddly at no level throughout the flight did that stand out to me as one thing that was uncomfortable. I simply stored the pillow subsequent to me whereas sitting up, and that acted as an armrest.
There’s a big counter to the facet of the seat, in addition to an enclosed storage compartment. The storage compartment even has a mirror.
Beneath the storage compartment is the headphone jack, the AC energy outlet, and the USB-A outlet.
The seat controls are situated proper subsequent to the seat, and are poorly positioned, for my part. This was naturally the place I’d relaxation my elbow, so I often hit these by mistake. Beneath the seat controls is the leisure controller, although I by no means used that, because the private tv can also be touchscreen.
A very spectacular facet of this seat is the complete console in entrance of it. Not solely is there fairly a big tv, however there’s additionally a closet the place you’ll be able to dangle garments or retailer different issues. It’s not usually you discover one thing like this in enterprise class.
The best way the tray desk on this seat extends is totally different than I’ve seen in every other product. It’s primarily saved above the footwell at a forty five diploma angle, after which you’ll be able to decrease it so that you’ve got a small tray, excellent for putting a drink or a snack.
You may then pull the tray desk out all the best way, and it’s fairly giant.
Talking of the footwell, one normal problem with these sorts of seats is that there’s a footwell it’s a must to place your ft into, and typically it’s fairly restrictive. I discovered the footwell to be a fairly good measurement for a product like this.
One other superior characteristic of this seat is that it has a sliding door. I discovered this to be probably the greatest enterprise class doorways on the market — it was fairly giant, and could possibly be opened and closed simply.
A pair extra notes concerning the cabin on this A350. Every seat has an overhead console that accommodates particular person air nozzles, which is far appreciated.
On prime of that, the home windows have computerized blinds you can decrease. First the blinds decrease virtually in an aesthetic means, after which if you happen to preserve going, they’ll go fully darkish.
Actually, I used to be actually impressed by this enterprise class arduous product. I’d say this seat is most similar to Qatar Airways Qsuites, with some minor variations between the 2. I’d take into account these to be among the many finest enterprise class arduous merchandise, after ANA’s “The Room” enterprise class.
I’d additionally say that I favor this to Turkish Airways’ “commonplace” enterprise class product, discovered on all Boeing 787s and most Airbus A350s.
Turkish enterprise class facilities
Ready at every enterprise class seat upon boarding was a pillow and blanket. On the floor the blanket doesn’t seem like one thing you’d count on in a protracted haul premium cabin, however this isn’t the blanket that’s provided when it’s time to sleep, as there’s an entire separate turndown service, which I’ll cowl later.
Additionally ready on the seat upon boarding had been a pair of slippers that had been fairly sturdy. I additionally like how they arrive with a shoe bag, so that you’ve got someplace to place your footwear throughout the flight.
There have been additionally a pair of noise canceling headphones ready at every seat upon boarding, on this case from Denon. I discovered them to be prime quality, and that is an space the place many airways appear to chop corners.
As soon as settled in, one of many flight attendants got here by to supply pre-departure drinks, with the selection of lemon-mint juice, orange juice, raspberry juice, or water. Whereas Turkish doesn’t serve alcohol on the bottom in america, I really like the standard of the provider’s pre-departure drinks. I chosen the lemon-mint juice.
Salvatore Ferragamo amenity kits had been additionally handed out, and so they had been fairly nicely stocked. They featured thick socks, eyeshades, a dental package, earplugs, and a few physique lotion, facial mist, and lip balm.
Towards the tip of the boarding course of, the inflight chef got here via the cabin to distribute the menu and drink record for the flight.
Turkish A350 enterprise class leisure & Wi-Fi
Turkish has a formidable leisure system on its Airbus A350s. Not solely is the leisure display giant and excessive definition, however the choice is intensive as nicely.
The leisure library included 660 motion pictures and 1,188 TV exhibits, so it doesn’t get a lot better than that. On prime of that, there was dwell TV, video games, music, and extra.
The one factor that upset me was the map characteristic, which was surprisingly low definition, and never very customizable. Luckily these A350s do have tail cameras, in order that’s what ended up entertaining me for a lot of the flight.
Turkish Airways additionally has Wi-Fi on its Airbus A350s.
Turkish’s commonplace Wi-Fi pricing for lengthy haul flights is as follows:
- You should buy a chat move for $5
- You should buy 100MB of information for $8
- You should buy 250MB of information for $15
- You should buy limitless information for $35
The airline provides free messaging for all Miles&Smiles members, and in addition provides free Wi-Fi for enterprise class passengers. Benefiting from that is straightforward, as you simply should enter your final title and seat quantity.
Up to now, Turkish provided limitless free Wi-Fi in enterprise class, although now it’s capped at 1,024MB of information. That’s a number of information that needs to be greater than sufficient for a overwhelming majority of individuals, although clearly no cap could be higher.
I discovered Wi-Fi speeds to be excellent, and the free Wi-Fi stored me busy for a lot of the flight, particularly as I struggled to sleep.
Turkish A350 departure from Chicago
Boarding was accomplished at 12:30PM, round half-hour after it began. At precisely this time the captain made his welcome aboard announcement, informing us of our flight time of 9hr45min, and our eventual cruising altitude of 41,000 ft. He additionally apologized for the delay, which he attributed to a “minor technical downside.”
At 12:35PM the principle cabin door closed, at which level the cabin chief made her welcome aboard announcement. For what it’s value, there have been 5 empty seats in enterprise class, so the cabin was simply over 80% full. We started our pushback at 12:45PM, at which level the kind of lovely security video was screened.
At 12:50PM we started our taxi, and I fairly loved the views, together with of the Etihad A350-1000 (I flew the Chicago to Abu Dhabi route on Etihad not too long ago).
We taxied out to runway 28R, although there was fairly the queue for takeoff. We ended up being cleared for takeoff at 1:15PM.
Our climb out was easy, and the seatbelt signal was turned off about 5 minutes after takeoff.
Turkish enterprise class lunch service
Shortly after takeoff, the lunch service began. Eating on Turkish is at all times such a deal with, although let me be aware upfront that Turkish has a extra intensive meal service on flights from Istanbul than on flights to Istanbul. On flights from Istanbul, the appetizers and desserts are all plated instantly from a trolley within the aisle, whereas on flights to Istanbul they’re plated upfront, and simply offered on a trolley. Nonetheless, this meal was a deal with.
Beneath you will discover the Turkish enterprise class lunch menu for this flight.
Then under you will discover the intensive beverage record. I really like how Turkish has such a giant drink choice, and highlights so many Turkish wines. As you’ll be able to see, there have been three white wines, 5 crimson wines, a rose, and a champagne — there aren’t many airways with so many decisions!
The chef had taken the principle course orders on the bottom. Round quarter-hour after takeoff, heat towels had been distributed on particular person plates.
A couple of minutes after that, drink orders had been taken. I ordered some champagne, with Taittinger Brut Reserve being on supply, and that was served with a ramekin of heat combined nuts. I appreciated how rapidly the primary drink was served, since some airways seemingly take eternally.
About half-hour after takeoff my desk was set for lunch. Turkish places a lot effort into its meal presentation, and I recognize the fake candle, the salt and pepper shaker, and the facet plate with butter, olive oil, and a bread basket (which didn’t precisely match the pretzel stick!).
About an hour after takeoff, a trolley was rolled out with the starters. This included the selection of a potpourri of seafood or grilled goat cheese and beetroot salad. You might even have a candy pumpkin soup and/or backyard salad to accompany that.
I ordered the seafood starter, which had shrimp, smoked salmon, and grilled calamari, with some zucchini. I additionally had the pumpkin soup, in addition to the backyard salad. To drink, I had a glass of the sauvignon blanc. Actually, what a formidable starter — I can’t consider one other airline with starters which are to this degree!
About half-hour later, principal programs had been served. There have been three decisions, and I chosen the fillet of crimson snapper with sautéed spinach with leek, chateau potatoes, and lemon herb butter. I appreciated how this was even served with a knife particularly for fish dishes. This was probably the greatest fish dishes I’ve had on a airplane, because the fish was flavorful and moist.
About 20 minutes later, the dessert trolley was rolled down the aisle. I selected the collection of Turkish desserts, and the cheese plate, and had some tea to drink.
My plates had been all cleared round two hours after takeoff. What a incredible meal this was. Turkish actually is in a league of its personal in the case of the standard of enterprise class catering.
Turkish A350 enterprise class toilets
After the meal, I checked out the enterprise class bathroom state of affairs. Turkish has two toilets in enterprise class in entrance of the cabin. The toilets had been fashionable, however weren’t significantly giant.
As is commonplace, they featured Molton Brown facilities, which is one thing I really like about Turkish.
Turkish A350 enterprise class mattress
After the meal, I made a decision to attempt to get some relaxation, so I requested the crew to make my mattress. Turndown service is a characteristic in Turkish enterprise class, as there’s extra bedding that isn’t at your seat throughout boarding. The bedding included a (skinny) mattress pad, and a correct blanket. On prime of that, my pillow was put in a pillowcase.
I discovered the pillow to not have a lot padding, so I took a pillow from an empty seat subsequent to me, which helped me to settle in.
The excellent news is that I discovered the mattress to be fairly comfy, and I preferred the privateness afforded by the door. The unhealthy information is that given the early departure of my flight, I actually wasn’t that drained. I managed to sleep for about 90 minutes, however then awakened once more, and was awake.
That was all of the sleep I ended up getting on this flight. I finally didn’t thoughts that one bit, because it allowed me to get a number of work achieved. The crew did an excellent job conserving me hydrated, and I used to be provided a number of water, and in addition had a cappuccino and a Turkish espresso.
Turkish enterprise class breakfast
About two hours earlier than touchdown, the crew slowly began turning on the cabin lights, simply because the solar was beginning to come up outdoors.
Beneath you will discover the Turkish enterprise class breakfast menu for this flight.
Service began with the selection orange juice or water. Sadly this didn’t appear to be the freshly squeezed orange juice that Turkish ordinarily provides, so I sort of regretted deciding on that.
About 90 minutes earlier than touchdown, I used to be introduced a tray with the breakfast starter. This included some recent fruit, cheese with tomato and cucumber, yogurt, smoked turkey, and hen breast. I had an everyday espresso to associate with this.
For the principle course, I chosen the mushroom and tomato omelet with roasted potatoes and grilled tomato. It was truthfully probably the greatest airplane omelets I’ve ever had. It was fluffy and wasn’t swimming in grease. Why can’t different airways serve omelets this good?!
Turkish enterprise class service
I discover service on Turkish Airways to usually vary from good to distinctive. At a minimal, crews are courteous, skilled, and responsive. I’d say the crew on this flight was within the good class, however not distinctive (not like on my connecting flight).
The crew was pleasant sufficient and aware of all requests, although wasn’t essentially over-the-top pleasant or overly hospitable, as I typically discover to be the case on Turkish. That’s in no way to say that the crew wasn’t good, however slightly it’s simply to acknowledge that some Turkish crews actually go above and past, in my expertise.
Turkish A350 arrival in Istanbul
At 6:20AM native time the captain was again on the PA to tell us that we’d be descending shortly, and could be touchdown in round 35 minutes. I really feel just like the flights I take via Istanbul normally land at evening, so I completely liked having an early morning arrival, because the views had been breathtaking.
Istanbul is such a large metropolis, and I believe the under actually captures that.
We ended up touchdown in Istanbul at 6:50AM, with a really easy landing.
As is commonplace in Istanbul, we had a prolonged taxi.
It took us round quarter-hour to make it to our arrival gate, the place we arrived at 7:05AM, 75 minutes not on time.
From there I cleared transit safety, headed to the Turkish Airways Lounge, after which took my connecting Turkish Airways A330 flight to Frankfurt.
Backside line
Turkish Airways enterprise class is at all times a deal with, for my part, although particularly on the provider’s subfleet of Airbus A350s. These ex-Aeroflot jets have extremely comfy interiors, that are the perfect you’ll discover at Turkish Airways.
Whenever you mix that with the provider’s glorious enterprise class catering, free Wi-Fi, limitless leisure, and so on., that is actually probably the greatest enterprise class experiences on the planet, for my part.
What do you make of Turkish Airways’ A350 enterprise class?