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What You Need to Know About Turkish Airlines
Written by Georgia Pearce
On the back of the inaugural flight on the airline’s new Melbourne to Istanbul route, here’s everything you need to know about flying with Turkish Airlines.
In March, Turkish Airlines launched its direct route from Melbourne to Istanbul. But how much do you know about this multi-award-winning airline? Scroll down for all the details, from its flight routes to onboard cuisine and what the business class seats are really like.
Turkish Airlines flights from Australia
As the first Australian city to offer direct flights to Istanbul, Melbourne commenced its inaugural Turkish Airlines route in March 2024. The direct flights mean customers enjoy the convenience and time-saving elements of travelling directly into the Europe-Asia hotspot, with seamless transitions between the two cities. Connecting Australia on a 20-hour flight (approximately) three times a week unlocks easy access to Istanbul’s rich history, culture, and architectural wonders.
“Turkish Airlines will utilise one of my personal favourite aircraft from Melbourne: the Airbus A350,” says Luxury Escapes’ Head of Flights, Chris Malina. “Its wide body, generous seats, mood lighting and latest in-flight entertainment make even long journeys enjoyable.
“This increase in services and capacity will ultimately make long-haul travel more competitive.”
Where else do Turkish Airlines fly?
Turkish Airlines is one of the most connected in the world, with a global network of more than 340 destinations across 120 countries in Turkiye and wider Europe, America, Africa and Asia. Acting as a launchpad to Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a natural hotspot for travellers, serving as the first of many European destinations, or as a layover for harder-to-reach cities.
What is the rating of Turkish Airlines?
Best Airline in Europe 2023 in the Skytrax World Airline Awards – tick. APEX World Class 2023 award – tick.
After 90 years of service, the airline continues to garner coveted industry awards for its extensive flight network, modern aircraft fleet with comfortable seating and notable cuisine. But it’s the customer experience that comes first and foremost.
“It’s classed as five-star by Skytrax (the global airline benchmark),” says Chris. “This is particularly impressive as it is only one of ten airlines afforded that ranking.”
Condé Nast Traveler named the airline third in the world in The Best International Airlines category in the 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards, highlighting the airline as the choice for transatlantic travellers.
Turkish Airlines business class
Business class on Turkish Airlines puts the ‘high’ in high-end travel – think Turkish hospitality at its finest.
“The airline offers an unequalled flight experience across all of its cabins, most notably business class,” shares Chris. “In-air chefs prepare exquisite cuisine from the moment you step onto the aircraft.”
Seating is designed for maximum comfort with massage features and lie-flat bedding, alongside power chargers, a reading lamp, and a partition screen for complete privacy. Meals made by ‘flying chefs’ are served on porcelain crockery, offering authentic Turkish dishes like coal-fired kebabs and international options like handmade pasta and ravioli. The privileges do not end there– before boarding, business class travellers get skip-the-line perks and exclusive lounge access.
Want to know more about Turkish Airlines? See 8 Reasons Why Turkey Should be Top of Your Bucket List.
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