We opted to fly in Turkish Airlines business class for our week of fun in Bangkok and, after previous great experiences on the short haul Dublin to Istanbul flight, we were excited to check out Turkish Airlines business class on the long haul Istanbul to Bangkok route. Read on to find out how we fared in the sky!
As always the Turkish Airlines Istanbul lounge proved to be a firm favourite in The Whole World is a Playground house and we arrived on board refreshed, relaxed and ready for our 9 hour flight.
Welcome on Board!
Istanbul to Bangkok
‘Welcome to Suite 1k Ms McArdle, enjoy your flight!’ As it turned out the flight was being operated on a Jet Airways aircraft which was decked out with a 3 class cabin (first, business and economy) while Turkish Airlines have a 2 class offering (business and economy). This resulted in some passengers at the front of the plane getting to sample the Jet Airways first class private suite on a business class fare. We lucked out with our row 1 seat allocations and the trip got off to an amazing start with our very own private suites.
We welcomed with a choice of fresh juices as we settled into our seat.
The first class business class cabin!
Bangkok to Istanbul
The same Jet Airways aircraft operated on our return flight from Bangkok to Istanbul but this time we were allocated a business class seat. You can’t win them all, huh?!! The business class cabin was a herringbone configuration of 1-2-1 and we opted for 2 seats one behind the other so we could lean over and have a chat during the flight.
The business class cabin:
The Seats
On both legs of the flight the interior of the aircraft was showing its age with some noticeable wear and tear but, given it was a leased aircraft, there’s not much Turkish Airlines can do about that!
Istanbul to Bangkok:
The suite was amazing and we loved having so much personal space with the bonus of sliding doors for privacy. It was decked out with a seat and an ottoman which converted into a spacious lie flat bed. There was also a personal wardrobe, ample storage under the ottoman and a huge television screen.
The seat:
Just about made it to the ottoman with a huge stretch!
My wardrobe!
Bangkok to Istanbul
The business class cabin was equipped with lie flat seats and the herringbone configuration meant the seat felt quite private compared to a business class cabin with seats side by side. I always find the herringbone configuration makes the cabin feel a little more crowded but I prefer this configuration for the personal space it gives.
The business class seat:
Less of a stretch but no complaints!
Where to stay in Bangkok, the hotels we love:
We’ve spent over two months in Bangkok and have had the opportunity to sample some amazing hotels across the city. Our favourites include the club level at the Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel, the incredible luxury at the Mandarin Oriental, the great value and river views at the Riva Surya and the location and outdoor pool at the JW Marriott. Bangkok is still excellent value and we usually take the opportunity to splash out on luxury with a great value Asia price tag!
I was always pleased when I used Turkish airlines everywhere I traveled.
I think they have the same good services on everything they do.
Totally agree Jess 🙂
What fun! I think we should all experience a trip out of economy!!
Definitely Sarah, couldn’t agree more!
Wow. They thought of everything. Now if only I can wrangle a ticket!
Good luck Elaine!
I have yet to take Turkish Airlines, however, every time I go to purchase tickets I notice how amazing their prices are -so I’ve been curious for a while…
We’ve always found them great Madaline. They’re really well priced out of Dublin so they’re always on our radar.
I’d like to know if Turkish air fly from bkk to Istanbul 7 days a week?
And also istanbul to Barcelona.
We will have to connect flight bkk-ist-bcl in same day but look like your connect time is 2 hours which I’m not sure if we could make it on time, too short?
We’re travelling on 13 March from Bangkok. Destination Barcelona.
Catching a cruise ship in Barcelona in the evening of 14th
Hi Mallika
Best to check with the airline directly on how often they fly or have a look for their timetable online. If it’s all on one ticket and Turkish are the airline the whole way through 2 hours should be enough in Istanbul assuming no delays on your first flight – I’d probably play it safe and allow a day for buffer in case I needed to catch a later flight.
Elaine