OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 9948 posts, RR: 21 Posted (4 months 2 days 3 hours ago) and read 8376 times:
Hozgeldiniz....Welcome to my trip report. For a long time now I have eagerly been awaiting TK's entry into Star Alliance. As soon as it was possible I cashed in some BMI air miles for a return in J class LHR-IST-LHR. I decided to go from LHR as TK use the A330 with a much upgraded J class. I cashed in 19,000 and paid taxes of EUR127 for the whole trip.
DATE : 05/APR/08
FLIGHT : TK 1980
ROUTE : LHR-IST
A/C : A330-203 Delivered 28/JUL/2006
REG: TC-JNE named ( Kayseri )
I flew on BMI from DUB-LHR. After landing into Terminal 1 I walked over to Terminal 3 and checked in at the Turkish Airlines Business Class desk. The staff were quick and efficient.
I then headed up to the Departures area.
I passed through security in less than 5 minutes which was quite impressive. From landing into Terminal 1 until passing security at Terminal 3 was around 25-30 minutes !! Amazing for LHR.
I decided to split my time between the SK lounge and the SQ lounge as being a Star Gold member I can get into any of them.
Cant believe anyone would try to wash their feet in a public sink !!!!
Time to go to the SQ lounge ::
I asked the lady at the desk what gate the A380 was at and she pointed me in the right direction.
I stood there for 10 minutes. It was amazing to finally see it close up. I just kept looking in amazement. It is a wonderful aircraft. Then it was time to go to the boarding gate.
After around 10 minutes it was time to board. The usual fight to get on board with eveyone blocking the gate area. I just sat down and waited until the end. I was surprised they did not do a Business class and Star Gold pre boarding call.
A nice smile from the friendly FA.
We were offered newspapers at the door. I was greeted by two friendly crew and welcomed onboard and directed to my seat.
My first impressions were very nice!!! I was offered a pre take off drink .
PHLstudent From United States, joined May 2006, 260 posts, RR: 1 Reply 2, posted (4 months 2 days 2 hours ago) and read 8304 times:
excellent report.
Is the return report in J as well? Also I'm curious to know if you were able to get the traditional turkish meal on the return?
One more question, is the seat completely 180 degrees flat or is it lie flat (at some sort of angle?)
Stylo777 From Turkey, joined Feb 2006, 1831 posts, RR: 4 Reply 3, posted (4 months 2 days 2 hours ago) and read 8256 times:
Selam Phil,
this is a great work and a very nice picture trip report (more or less ). It made my day!
Very good to see that TK improved their premium product so much, especially in terms of catering they choose Do&Co which is known for premium catering. This was a very smart decision! Also in Economy class you get a very tasty meal and have even the choice of two varities alternatives.
I'm very anxious to read the return, because I dont think that it was as nice as your onward flight. The A332 make the whole difference
Semsem From Israel, joined Jul 2005, 1413 posts, RR: 0 Reply 7, posted (4 months 1 day 23 hours ago) and read 7860 times:
Wonderful report. Turkish is one of my favourite airlines. However I had a flashback to 30 years ago when one of their DC-10s from Paris to London crashed. It was the fault of Douglas, not theirs.
Quoting PHLstudent (Reply 2): or is it lie flat (at some sort of angle?)
Its angled lie flat and it was very comfortable.
Quoting Stylo777 (Reply 3): this is a great work and a very nice picture trip report (more or less
Quoting Stylo777 (Reply 3): The A332 make the whole difference
Thanks , yes the A330 makes all the difference. A picture tells a 1000 words as they say LOL...
Quoting AH332 (Reply 4): How was Istanbul? How expensive is the city?
Was lovely. I didnt find it expensive at all. roughly 2 Turkish Lira to 1 Euro. Taxis were cheap and so was food. Duty free is alot cheaper also . 200 Cigarettes in Dublin were €29 and in Istanbul it was €21 !! I got them for a mate of mine.
Quoting Emrecan (Reply 11): I hope you had a chance to eat kebab in Istanbul
Yes , the food was great . Greek and Turkish food is my favourite. Much better than the boring food here.
Flyboy_se From Qatar, joined Feb 2000, 508 posts, RR: 2 Reply 13, posted (4 months 1 day 12 hours ago) and read 7106 times:
Excellent TR as usual Philip. TK seems like a great airline.
the A380 looks amazing.Hopefully i will try it out sometime.
What did you think of the London Lounge?? Kris Lounge looked much better to me