Our Turkish Airlines First Class review (Business Class focus) explores the 'Flying Chefs' and the world-renowned Istanbul lounge experience.
It is important to clarify that Turkish Airlines does not currently offer a traditional 'First Class' cabin. Their flagship product is Business Class. However, the level of service, particularly on their long-haul routes using Boeing 787-9 and Airbus A350 aircraft, often rivals the First Class offerings of other carriers. In this Turkish Airlines first class review (focusing on their premium suite), we determine if the experience justifies its reputation as one of the world’s best.
The Turkish Airlines Business Lounge at the new Istanbul Airport is a sprawling testament to the carrier's ambition. It is less a lounge and more a cultural pavilion. From the live piano performances to the multiple cooking stations serving freshly made 'pide' and grilled meats, the sensory experience is overwhelming. For our team, the private suites with showers are a necessity during long layovers, offering a quietude that the main lounge floor lacks. This ground experience is a primary driver of the value proposition.
On the Boeing 787-9 and the A350-900, Turkish has introduced a 1-2-1 seat configuration that provides much-needed privacy. The 'Symphony' seat features high privacy walls and an adjustable middle divider for those traveling together. The Alcantara upholstery—famously used in luxury sports cars—provides a tactile, high-end feel. While the older 777 fleet still uses a 2-3-2 layout, the sheer amount of legroom there is staggering, though it lacks the privacy sought by modern travelers. In the newer cabins, the bed is comfortable, and the storage solutions are intuitively placed.
Is Turkish Airlines business class worth it for the culinary program? Without question, Turkish offers the finest dining in the sky. The presence of 'Flying Chefs' in the cabin ensures that meals are finished with precision. The candlelit dinner service (using LED candles) creates an atmosphere of refinement. The mezze cart, featuring an array of Turkish appetizers, is a highlight that must be experienced. The quality of the ingredients—from the honeycomb at breakfast to the various olive oils—speaks to a commitment to quality that few can match.
The amenity kits are currently provided by Ferragamo, reflecting a partnership with high fashion. The contents are generous, including full-sized perfumes or lotions. The bedding is similarly impressive, with a thick mattress cover and a warm duvet. The service itself is attentive, though often more formal and less conversational than what one might find on an Australian or American carrier. However, the efficiency is undeniable, and the 'Turkuaz' hospitality is deeply ingrained in every interaction.
Turkish Airlines provides one of the best entertainment systems in the industry, with a massive library and high-definition screens. Crucially, they offer free Wi-Fi to Business Class passengers (with data caps depending on membership level). This connectivity is a significant advantage for those who need to remain productive. The 'New Istanbul' hub also ensures that the transit experience is technically seamless, with high-speed connections throughout the terminal.
While technically a Business Class product, Turkish Airlines offers an experience that frequently crosses the threshold into the realm of First Class. The combination of the world’s most extensive lounge, the unparalleled catering, and the updated cabin interiors makes it one of the most compelling investments in luxury travel today. For those transiting between East and West, it remains our team’s preferred choice for comfort and culinary excellence.
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