Travel

The Ultimate Guide to Flying with Turkish Airlines

Dear travelers,

So, you’re preparing for a trip with Turkish Airlines, huh? Nice choice!

Let me tell you, packing for a journey can feel like solving a puzzle sometimes, but fear not, because Turkish Airlines has got some pretty cool perks. Let’s explore what you need to know before you hit the skies with this awesome airline. Get ready for some tips, tricks, and maybe a little bit of fun along the way!

Baggage

Ah, the age-old dilemma of packing! Turkish Airlines has generous baggage allowances, but it’s important to know the rules. Depending on your ticket, you might have different limits. Normally, for long flights, you can bring one or two big suitcases weighing around 30 to 32 kilograms each, cabin baggage (not to exceed 23x40x55 in size and 8 kg in weight), and a personal item like a purse or backpack (not to exceed 40x30x15).

Check-in Choices

Whether you’re all about that online life or you prefer the good old-fashioned airport counter vibe, Turkish Airlines has got you covered. Note: The online check-in facility becomes available 24 hours before departure.

Seat Selection

Selecting the ideal seat can make all the difference during your flight. Whether you crave extra legroom, prefer a window view, or fancy being close to the aisle for easy access, Turkish Airlines offers the flexibility to select your preferred seat ahead of time for an additional fee. For longer flights, the cost for seats with extra legroom typically ranges between 50 € to 80 €. If you don’t select a specific seat, you’ll be assigned a random one during the check-in process.

Turkish In-Flight Kit

You’ll receive a complimentary bag with various items depending on the duration of your flight. When I’ve flown before, the things in the bag were different each time. On 8-hour flights, I got a sleeping mask, earplugs, and compression socks. And on 11-hour flights, I got those things plus a toothbrush, toothpaste, a blanket, lip balm, and slippers.

Entertainment

Prepare to be entertained! Turkish Airlines goes all out to keep its passengers entertained with a wide range of in-flight entertainment options. Every seat comes equipped with its very own screen, offering a treasure of entertainment possibilities. Whether you’re into blockbuster movies, addictive TV shows, awesome tunes, or fascinating podcasts, there’s something for everyone. Plus, if you’re more of a bookworm or a gaming buff, Turkish Airlines has got you sorted too! So sit back, relax, and have fun at 30,000 feet!

Food

Depending on the flight duration, Turkish Airlines provides meals, which can be a pleasant surprise if you’re used to budget airlines like RyanAir or Wizzair. Generally, you’ll receive at least one meal and a drink. The beverage options include coffee, tea, soft drinks, juices, water, beer, and wine.

For longer flights, you’ll typically receive one or two meals. For example, on an 8-hour flight, you might get a main meal and a snack before landing (such as dinner and a croissant for breakfast on a night flight). On longer 11-hour flights, you might have a menu to choose from and receive two meals (like dinner and a proper breakfast on a night flight).

Meals usually consist of a salad, main dish, and dessert, and you’ll also receive packaged water with your meal. For long flights (as far as I know), there’s often a chef on board preparing freshly cooked meals.

If you have specific dietary preferences (such as vegan or vegetarian), you should make a request in advance. This ensures that the airline knows your seating location and can accommodate your meal preferences.

Turkish Airlines’ loyalty program

Frequent flyers! Turkish Airlines’ loyalty program, Miles&Smiles, lets you earn miles with every flight, unlocking different rewards and privileges. Ensure you provide your membership details when booking to start earning your well-deserved miles.

So sit back, relax, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure with Turkish Airlines.

Damaged Baggage

If your baggage is damaged upon arrival, report it at the Lost & Found counter. An officer will document the damage, and you’ll need to complete an online reimbursement application. Be prepared to upload photos of the damaged suitcase, your boarding tickets, an identity card or passport, and the suitcase receipt if you have it. If you don’t have the receipt, you can provide an estimated price for the luggage. Turkish Airlines will review your report, and typically, within one or two months, you’ll receive a decision, with reimbursement usually being granted.