The food was terrific. But that wasn’t it. My lie-flat seat was lovely. But that wasn’t it, either. And, no, it wasn’t the surprisingly good Turkish wine, or the big screen TV.
No, what I think back on as I reflect on my two business class flights on Turkish Airlines last month are the little things; the chefs in brilliant white aprons and white chef hats; the little salt and pepper shakers that were shaped like minarets; the small candle (battery-powered, of course) in a tiny paper bag that accompanied my main meals, and the two chocolates they hand out near the end of the flight, tucked away in a small box with a caption on the inside that said “Until Next Time.”
You know you’ll have good food and a comfy seat in business. So, to me, it’s all the little things that help an airline stand out from the competition.
Here’s a look at some of the little – and some of the big – things you might expect on your next business trip with Turkish Airlines, should you be so lucky.
Because I was riding up front, I was able to use the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge at YYZ prior to boarding and had salad, pasta and hot chicken bites, as well as a glass of wine. Okay, two glasses.
Both my flight from Toronto to Istanbul and from IST back to YYZ were on a Boeing 777 with a 2-3-2 setup in business. There were no “pods” on this plane, but every seat had a large storage unit below the TV screen that was plenty big enough to hold my backpack and my shoes, which I removed so I could wear the airline slippers.
My fellow passengers and I also received a nice amenity kit from Ferragamo, with body lotion, facial mist, socks, a facemask, a toothbrush and toothpaste.
Turkish Airlines business class.
Of course, there were the slippers, a blanket, and wide, comfy seats. The entertainment system had tons of new and older movies; everything from Top Gun: Maverick (how had I not seen this before?) to Barbie, The Godfather and Kung Fu Panda. There was also HBO and dozens of other TV options, music, a terrific moving map system (a must for geography geeks like me) and more than a dozen games. The crew also handed out fancy Denon headphones that I quite enjoyed.
One feature I found interesting is that the TV screen showed how long it was until prayer time; no doubt a handy feature for Muslim travellers.
Passengers were offered cold drinks before our takeoff for Turkiye, and I had a fabulous glass of lemonade with mint. Later we were offered hot towels and a small bowl of nuts. I have a mild allergy to some nuts, so I said, “No, thank you.” The flight attendant came by with a bag of potato chips as a replacement, but I showed unusual wisdom and politely declined.
When it came time for my food order, airline workers in full, brilliant white chef’s aprons and white hats came and asked what I wanted for my meal. It’s a great touch that really elevates the experience, so hats off (sorry) to Turkish Airlines.
A chef in Turkish Airlines business class. Meryl Pearlstein photo
Options included a beef fillet, grilled cod and cheese ravioli. Carnivore that I am, I went with the beef, which was a tad more medium than I would like and came with delicious ratatouille and slightly crunchy potatoes au gratin. Dessert was a supremely delicious chocolate fondant.
I can drink French wine anywhere, so I opted for a good glass Turkish wine called Suvla Sur, which is a Bordeaux-style blend. Other options included wines from Spain and France, as well as Taittinger champagne, and spirits, including Glenfiddich Scotch and Turkish Raki, which is an anise-flavoured drink that one must approach with extreme caution.
Before landing the crew dished out juice and smoothies, rich Turkish yogurt, fresh fruit, sliced chicken and beef, cheese and bread. I also had a choice of an omelette or an apple raisin crepe, but who has room for all that?
The washrooms were lovely, with lots of space and Molton Brown body lotion, which I always like. I mean, a guy has to keep his face moist on a long flight, doesn’t he?
I got lucky and had a window seat on the way over, which meant there was only person next to me. After the crew came by to make up my bed, I slid the small privacy screen that sits above the arm rest, so I had more personal space for my overnight nap. I slept a good four hours and woke up feeling at least three-quarters alive.
The little box of chocolates with the message inside came shortly before landing.
A lovely salad in Turkish Airlines business class. Love the candle! JIM BYERS PHOTO
I found the staff quite welcoming and friendly. Not in a jokey, Southwest Airlines kind of way, but very polished and professional.
I know I said I enjoyed the little things about my flights. But I also REALLY enjoyed one big thing on the way home, which is the Turkish Airlines Miles and Smiles business lounge. This place is truly spectacular. You’re greeted by a soothing player piano at the entrance, which is followed by a series of hot food stations with more white-clad chefs cooking up wonderful, fresh, hot dishes, including beef, rice plates, curries, seafood, and terrific, savoury gozleme (like a Turkish quesadilla). I counted at least six stations but there may have been more. There was also a buffet with salads, cheeses and veggies, and a good selection of wine, and a barista making coffee lattes and other drinks.
I didn’t see them, because I honestly think you’d need a map to find your way around this lounge, but there’s also a shower facility, a relaxation room, a quiet work space and a children’s play area. It’s a bright and airy space, with many seats overlooking the glittering duty free shopping area, which was lit up like Times Square the day I was there.
If there’s a better lounge in the world, I’d love to see it.
On the way home I settled into a middle seat in business. The woman next to me got up and moved to another seat an hour into my flight, so I had tons of space and didn’t have to excuse myself when I wanted to stretch or use the washroom.
The Turkish Airlines Miles and Smiles lounge at Istanbul Airport. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Between movies I enjoyed very good lamb chops and a slightly spicy lamb kebab, as well as roasted peppers, lovely tiramisu, and the world’s “oldest bread.”
This another little thing that I quite enjoyed; a bread they make from Einkorn and Emmer wheats, which are considered the oldest types in the Anatolia region of Turkiye, “the cradle of the most ancient civilizations.”
Before landing I was served a nice salad with roasted chicken slices and a fantastic coconut curry with shrimp and rice that was as good as I’ve had anywhere, including top Thai restaurants.
All in all, I’d say there are lots of little reasons and several big ones to opt for Turkish Airlines.
JUST THE FACTS
Turkish Airlines currently operates flights out of Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver.
Their unique stopover program for Canadians has been recently extended. Economy passengers with a layover of at least 20 hours in Istanbul can enjoy a two-night stay in a four-star hotel, while Business Class passengers are treated to a three-night stay in a five-star hotel. Passengers also have the option to extend their stay at contracted hotels at special rates.
Word of warning: The Istanbul airport is a beauty, but it’s also massive. I had about a 15-minute wait for Turkish customs but it was a smooth, painless process.
Turkish Airlines was recently named ‘Most Sustainable Flag Carrier Airline’ in World Finance’s Sustainability Awards 2024.
