UMVA has learned that Turkish Airlines' A350-900 business-class experience is a treasure trove of luxury and comfort, but also has its fair share of inconsistencies.
After redeeming 1 million Miles&Smiles miles for a long-haul business-class flight at a promotional rate, one traveler embarked on a journey from Istanbul to Johannesburg on an A350-900 aircraft, eager to experience the airline's premium offering.
The journey began at Turkish Airlines' sprawling lounge in Istanbul, where the traveler had access to both the Miles&Smiles Lounge and the Business Lounge as a Turkish Elite member flying business class.
Despite initial hopes, the lounge was teeming with people, and finding a pair of seats together proved to be a challenge. However, the real highlight of the Turkish lounges in Istanbul is the food – a culinary journey that includes live cooking stations, freshly baked pide, and an assortment of Turkish delights.
Boarding was chaotic, with multiple lines forming and gate agents processing only the business-class and elite lines. However, the crowd moved quickly, and the traveler was on board within 10 minutes of when boarding began.
The A350-900 business-class cabin featured 32 Stelia Aerospace Symphony seats in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration, offering direct aisle access and a comfortable lie-flat bed.
The seat itself was 20 inches wide, with a small side table and a lockable cubby housing a universal power outlet and a USB-A port. The 18-inch inflight entertainment system was loaded with a wide selection of shows, movies, and live exterior camera feeds.
However, the IFE remote's placement proved to be a design flaw, as it repeatedly activated overnight when the traveler accidentally brushed the touchscreen.
Turkish business class offers a decent set of amenities on long-haul flights, including a throw blanket, a shoe bag, slippers, and a gender-specific amenity kit from French fashion brand Lanvin.
The flight attendants did an impressive job serving the cabin promptly, especially during the meal services, but interactions generally felt more procedural than warm.
The meal service was a highlight, with a 'Flying Chef' delivering a menu and offering a "dine on demand" concept. The traveler enjoyed a delicious salmon poke bowl, stuffed grape leaves, and a warm roll of Turkish 'world's oldest bread'.
However, inconsistencies – from chaotic boarding to slow Wi-Fi and crowded lounges in Istanbul – mean the experience can lack the polish of top competitors.
Despite these flaws, Turkish Airlines' A350-900 business class delivers a solid long-haul experience, with standout catering and comfortable lie-flat seats.
