This blog post provides an in-depth review of Turkish Airlines Business Class, comparing the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Boeing 777-300ER. It covers seating comfort, food quality, service, and overall experience to help travelers decide if the upgrade is worth it.
Turkish Airlines has earned a reputation for offering one of the best business class experiences in the world. On a recent trip to Istanbul, we decided to upgrade our flights from Chicago to Istanbul and back to business class. In this review, we will share our experiences, highlighting what we liked and didn’t like about the accommodations, food, and overall service. This should help you determine whether upgrading to business class on Turkish Airlines is worth it.
Outbound Flight: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Our outbound flight was on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring a 1-2-1 seating configuration. We were seated in 7E and 7F.
Seating and Comfort
Upon entering the cabin, we noticed the spacious layout. The seats were equipped with adjustable headrests and personal lighting that could be set to three different levels. Each seat had a controller for the large screen, storage for personal items, and noise-canceling headphones. However, the foot space was a bit tight, which might be uncomfortable for passengers with larger feet.
Dining Experience
The menu offered a wide variety of choices for dinner, including appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Shortly after takeoff, we ordered drinks, including beer and wine, and were served a tray of hot nuts along with olive oil, spices, and butter. The dining experience felt luxurious, with silverware and a candlelit atmosphere.
For appetizers, we tried shrimp tartar with avocado, potato samosas, and a seafood salad. The tomato soup and carrot-coriander soup were particularly delicious. For the main course, I had grilled sea bass served with Tuscan-style vegetables and fried potatoes, which was tender and flavorful.
Dessert included baklava and Turkish delight, accompanied by tea and strawberry ice cream, which rounded off the meal nicely.
Sleeping Arrangements
After dinner, the flight attendants made our beds, covering the seats with a blanket. The seat reclined fully, allowing for a comfortable sleeping position. However, the foot space remained a concern for taller passengers.
Breakfast
Breakfast consisted of fruit salad, cheese, yogurt, smoked turkey, chicken, and a variety of bread. Overall, the dining experience on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner was impressive, with high-quality food and attentive service.
Return Flight: Boeing 777-300ER
For our return flight, we were on a Boeing 777-300ER, seated in 7A and 7B. This aircraft features a 2-3-2 configuration.
Seating and Comfort
The cabin felt spacious, with ample legroom and elbow room. Unlike the Dreamliner, the foot space was generous, allowing even taller passengers to stretch out comfortably. However, we were seated close to the wing, which resulted in some engine noise and limited visibility out the window. Additionally, the lack of overhead vents made the cabin feel stuffy at times.
Dining Experience
The dining experience on the 777-300ER was similar to the Dreamliner. We started with warm nuts and drinks, followed by a first course of lamb skewers and stuffed zucchini. The main course included sea bass and lamb chops with rice, both of which were well-prepared and flavorful.
For dessert, we enjoyed baklava, a trio of Turkish desserts, and delicious Turkish ice cream. The desserts were a highlight, showcasing the rich culinary traditions of Turkey.
Sleeping Arrangements
As on the outbound flight, the flight attendants prepared our beds for sleeping. The cabin lights were dimmed, creating a relaxing atmosphere. However, the absence of direct air vents made it uncomfortable at times, particularly in our row.
Breakfast
Breakfast included a chicken salad with yogurt, bread, and coffee, followed by prawns with rice and curry sauce. While the food was satisfactory, the stuffiness of the cabin detracted from the overall experience.
Conclusion
In summary, both the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and the Boeing 777-300ER offered unique experiences in Turkish Airlines’ business class. The Dreamliner provided a more private setting with its cubicle-like seating, but the foot space was a concern for taller passengers. On the other hand, the 777-300ER offered more legroom and storage but suffered from a lack of air circulation in our row.
Ultimately, if you prioritize privacy and a luxurious dining experience, the Dreamliner may be the better choice. However, if you value space and comfort, the 777-300ER could be more suitable. We hope this review helps you make an informed decision about flying business class with Turkish Airlines.
