economie

I flew over 22 hours in business class with Turkish Airlines. The food and airport lounge were unreal.

June 25, 20240
I didn’t have to wait long to enter the airport.

Kaila Yu

The hotel I stayed at in the Maldives had a representative at the Velana International Airport who helped me walk through security.

This was a huge bonus, and even better, business-class passengers had their own line for security.

The check-in and customs process went quickly for me, though I passed economy travelers waiting in a long check-in line.

After making it through security, I had access to an airport lounge.
I was in the front of business class for the first leg of my flight.

Kaila Yu

This leg of the flight was on an older Boeing 777-300, with seats in a two-three-two configuration.

I was excited to get the business-class amenity kit.
Turkish Airlines definitely kept me fed.

Kaila Yu

I enjoyed the set appetizer plate I got that featured local delicacies like smoked beef, cheeses, olives, fruit salad, a raspberry smoothie bowl, homemade apricot jam, and butter.

I chose a Turkish specialty for the main course, and it did not disappoint.
Brochettes are bite-sized marinated proteins.

Kaila Yu

This time, I got a selection of Turkish meze. For my main, I chose the grilled-chicken brochettes with bulgur, tomato, and peppers. The chicken was smoky and tender.

For dessert, I had a mascarpone and passion-fruit tart.

Then, I had a 16-hour layover at the Istanbul Airport.
The Turkish Airlines business-class lounge in Istanbul is huge.

Kaila Yu

This Turkish Airlines business-class lounge is often listed as one of the world’s best airline lounges, and it was easy for me to see why.

It’s a sprawling space measuring 60,000 square feet with ample seating, eateries with chefs, resting rooms with beds, and even shower facilities.

The lounge was easy to enter and leave.
It seemed easy to find your bag after you checked it in.

Kaila Yu

The area for baggage storage was eye-catching, stylish, and smart.

The transparent storage containers seemed to make it even easier to find your bag if you forget your locker number.

The bathrooms were incredibly spacious, too.
The shower felt rejuvenating after so much travel.

Kaila Yu

Showers are available on a first-come, first-served basis in the lounge.

I didn’t wait in line when I showered at about 5:30 a.m. It was refreshing to shower in the airport after a long day of traveling.

Above all, the food options in the lounge blew my mind.
You should try the Turkish coffee.

Kaila Yu

The lounge had various coffee drinks available to order and an impressive selection of Turkish teas. I recommend trying the Turkish coffee, of course.

I ate so much while I waited.
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner was newer than the other plane I’d been on before.

Kaila Yu

I was excited to board my flight’s longer, 13-hour leg on the newer Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

I had my own plush, private window seat, and no one was seated next to me as I headed from Istanbul to Los Angeles.

Breakfast was my favorite meal on this flight.
This service wasn’t offered on the first leg of my trip.

Kaila Yu

The best part of business class is undoubtedly the lie-flat seats that can be customized to any incline.

For turn-down service, a flight attendant added a mattress pad and a velvety blanket to my seat.

Again, I enjoyed even more food.
Turkish Airlines had some great food in its Istanbul lounge.

Kaila Yu

I loved the flight, especially the last leg with the plush seats. The meals I ate throughout my travel journey were impressive, and I can see why the airline has been nominated for multiple food awards.

I would fly with Turkish Airlines again and revisit its Istanbul lounge just to eat.