Turkish Airlines Business Class A320-200 and B787-9 Dreamliner Beirut–Istanbul–Washington, D.C.

BEIRUT – ISTANBUL – WASHINGTON, D.C.

BACKGROUND My past experiences travelling with Turkish Airlines have all been good, mainly in the economy cabin, which in my opinion, serves the best economy class food of any airline, but I was intrigued to experience the business class offering. During the pandemic, the airline received disappointing feedback from customers who were not happy with the cold boxed meals being served in both economy and business classes, especially when other international carriers were serving hot meals. Passengers also expressed their discontent with the limited premium lounge opening hours. Turkish Airlines, like many carriers, was forced to make cut backs in the earlier part of the pandemic due to market fluctuations and no government bailout, doing its best to save jobs. But in April 2021, the airline reinstated many services such as Exclusive Drive, the airline’s privileged transfer service for passengers travelling on flights to 11 destinations in the US and Canada and 20 destinations in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Hot meals are also back.

CHECK-IN My journey started in Beirut, Lebanon, on an A320-200 for a two-hour flight to Istanbul. Staff at check-in were helpful and friendly. The Ahlan lounge at Beirut’s Rafik Hariri caters to Turkish Airlines flights and while the food choices were limited due to the pandemic, there were good options ranging from yogurts to fruit, plus coffees and juices. On board, the cabin crew were very friendly and the breakfast menu was limited, but included fruit salad, jam for the warm bread options, a cheese plate and a cucumber and tomato salad.

The flight was so short, there was no time for a meaningful nap or to finish a film.

THE LOUNGE The Turkish Airlines business class lounge at Istanbul IST airport was busy, but large enough to spread out and walk around. For convenience, there were lockers where you could keep your belongings and for comfort, seating overlooking the terminal’s retail outlets. The food offering was a mix of a buffet (safety measures included individually covered bowls) and live cooking stations with chefs making Turkish-style soups and grilled beef, chicken and vegetables. There was a Lahmacun – Turkish pizza station – plus

Turkish salad and desert sections. Juice, sparkling and still water, and soda fridges, as well as a coffee stations, were dotted throughout the lounge. Seating options included café tables, red velvet sofas and pod-style high-backed chairs. Bathroom facilities featured luxurious marble sink areas, and a selection of soaps, lotions, hand sanitiser and eau de toilette sprays. The gate section seating was comfortable too. It’s worth upgrading to business if you have a long layover – the buffet food and drink options are filling and tasty and there is plenty of space and seating.

The podstyle shape of the seats is designed to cancel aircraft and cabin noise

BOARDING Some gates were a 15-minute walk from the lounge, so keep that in mind, plus check-in takes time. On this flight, business class wasn’t called to board first. Both economy and business boarded simultaneously and as we entered the aircraft, all passengers were given a hygiene kit with a mask, antiseptic wipes and hand sanitiser. On board, the cabin was quiet. I liked the eye-catching design, including the black and dark-grey seats.

THESE AT I appreciated the craftsmanship of the seats, made from Alcantara fabric. Aside from their striking colour combination, the pod-style shape of the seats is designed to cancel aircraft and cabin noise. It also maximises privacy. The seating configuration was 1-2-1. I was seated in the middle, but with no one sat beside me and an aisle next to me, I felt as though I had a window seat. Amenities included a pair of slippers, a blanket and noisecancelling headphones, plus the signature Versace amenity bag, which was temporarily suspended at the start of the pandemic, but is now back. Made by Versace fragrance, the bag was filled with a pair of socks, an eye mask, toothbrush/toothpaste, eau de toilette spray, lip balm, lotion and a refreshing mist spray. The business class bathroom featured a Molton Brown amenity kit, including hand soap and lotion, an infuser and an eau de toilette spray.

THE FLIGHT The 10-hour journey from Istanbul to Washington, D.C. was smooth and relaxing, with snacks and drinks available throughout the course of the flight. Following the meal service, a turn-down service was available, with the crew transforming the seat into a bed and providing a pillow and comforter. This made it easy to sleep or to relax and to watch a movie.

THE FOOD Thankfully the à la carte hot and special meal services for business class passengers has now resumed on all international flights of more than two hours. However, the buffet cart for which Turkish Airlines is known, is still unavailable. The first course, a potpourri of seafood, was delivered on a tray, along with hot bread and a selection of beverages. A seafood or pasta option was available for the main course, followed by cheese and profiteroles. Throughout the duration of the flight, movie snacks were available, from dried fruits to thyme and olive crackers. Towards the end of the flight, Turkish mezze and sides were offered, as well as a hot meal choice of Turkish meat flavored ravioli or dolmas with rice.

THE ARRIVAL The arrival was smooth. Washington Dulles International Airport’s (IAD’s) COVID-19 measures included carrying restricted numbers of passengers in pod cars from the terminal gate to US customs and immigration. Business class luggage had priority and arrived at the carousel first. The Turkish Airlines lounge at IAD is a Zen space. From its waterfall entrance and décor in warm brown hues to its marble table tops and quiet corners, it does not feel like an airport lounge. You can choose from Turkish cuisine, fruits and salads and several dietary needs are met. There are showers and sleep stations too, so it’s ideal for long stopovers.

THE VERDICT Turkish Airlines’ business class is worth paying for. I give five out of five stars for the friendliness and professionalism of the airline’s staff, the aesthetic and comfort of the business class cabin, and also the food, despite the reduced menu due to pandemic safety measures. It’s clear to see why Turkish Airlines is repeatedly voted Europe’s best airline. Allyson Portee