Tried & Tested

Turkish Airlines B777-300ER business class

27 Apr 2009 by Sara Turner

BACKGROUND Turkish Airlines flies three times a day from London Heathrow to Istanbul International Ataturk airport (IST). My flight was operated by a B777-300ER on a short-term lease from Jet Airways, so the seats and decoration were by Jet while the food and most of the staff were from Turkish Airlines. With first class suites and fully-flat beds in business, the B777 is a luxurious plane for a relatively short flight, so there is a strong possibility it will be moved to a long-haul route in the future. British Airways is the only other carrier to fly LHR-IST, but Pegasus Airlines and Cyprus Turkish Airlines fly between London Stansted and Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen International airport (SAW) on the Asian side of the city, and Easyjet flies from London Luton and Gatwick to SAW. Turkish also flies out of Stansted.

CHECK-IN I arrived at Terminal 3 at 1010 for my 1125 flight and went to Zone C to check in, where there was a dedicated business class desk with no queue. I then joined the fast-track line for security which, although quicker than the standard queue, took 15 minutes to clear. My bags and shoes were X-rayed.

THE LOUNGE Premium passengers travelling with Turkish Airlines can use the London lounge operated by SAS at T3, as can Gold Star Alliance Elite or Elite Plus Miles and Smiles cardholders, even if they are flying in economy class. The lounge had free wifi and plenty of computers. Snacks were available, as well as soft and alcoholic drinks. There was a wide range of publications to read, including Business Traveller. I was told the flight would be delayed because US president Barack Obama was preparing to fly out of Ataturk, so I waited until the last moment before leaving for the gate. Flights are not called but there are display screens.

BOARDING I was nearly the last to board, at 1140. A flight attendant welcomed me on board with a warm smile and showed me to my seat, 14G. I was offered a choice of champagne, orange juice or water and a selection of English-language and Turkish newspapers and magazines.

THE SEAT Jet’s B777 has three classes – first (eight seats), business (30 seats, labelled A, D-G, K) and economy (274 seats) – while it is planned that Turkish Airlines’ own models, due to be delivered in 2011, will have business, premium economy (this has not been officially announced yet) and economy. My business class seat, which reclined to a fully-flat bed, was extremely comfortable. The seats were configured in a herringbone style, the advantage of this being that all seats have access to the aisle, so you don’t need to climb over anyone. An in-flight entertainment screen pulled out from the side of the seat and there was a hook for a jacket or bag, and a footrest. The seat had adjustable foot, back and headrests and there was also a massage function, but this didn’t seem to do much.

WHICH SEAT TO CHOOSE? Two people travelling together may find it hard to communicate in business class – the best thing to do is choose a window seat and an aisle seat, so seats A and D or G and K. As the business class area is fairly private, with solid partitions separating it from economy to the rear and the washrooms to the fore, none of the seats really differ, although if you sit in the front row (eight) you should get served before everyone else.

THE FLIGHT We left the gate at 1205 and sat for some time before taking off at about 1230. The food was delicious and consisted of assorted Turkish cold meat and fish appetisers followed by islim lamb kebab wrapped in aubergine. For dessert there was apple strudel and a selection of cheeses. I was also offered a choice of French and Turkish red and white wine. The service was attentive, with drinks offered regularly.

ARRIVAL The plane arrived 40 minutes late at 1800. It took 15 minutes to get through immigration, through a dedicated channel, although this would have been quicker if I hadn’t had to queue to buy a visa, which cost £10. (Note that this is unavoidable as you cannot get a visa before you leave the UK. Sterling is accepted.) My bag was waiting for me on the carousel when I got to the baggage hall.

VERDICT Attentive service and excellent food. It’s a shame the Boeing 777 may not continue on the route as it is a good product that made the four-hour flight fly by.