Very bad boarding staff. I was flying business. We were stashed in a bus as much as it could be filled with business then economy passengers. By the time we have reached the plane we have waithed 10 more minutes inside the bus mext to the plane because of some documental work in the plane. I guess TGS -Turkish Airlines Ground Services forgot yo radio the plane if it was ready.
They are absolutely impossible to get hold of. A death in the family caused us to delay our departure. They are impossible to get through to and after waiting 41/2 hours I was told they would not consider helping us. They cancelled our return flight and have not reimbursed anything. I strongly urge readers to consider a different airline.
The crew were kind and very helpful. Did not expect food service. Was served a warm soft sandwich bread , was delicious. Overall the service, the staff were great. Highly recommend others to try Turkish Airline
A lot of snacks and provided on request by traveller. Preferred meals which were on their menu were not always sufficient for those who wanted them. We were told 2 different items and offer which we asked for were not offered initially. We rejected the 3rd item given as a substitute for our initial choices which we didn't want and so we didn't accept it. Eventually our initial choice was offered. During service of coffee and tea, the crew member didn't offer us and moved back. Luckily neither of us wanted tea at that time. Crew members must avoid behavior that may be suggestive of discrimination
Flight was delayed. While standing at the gate, a note appeared on the sign saying the gate had changed to a gate far away. No member of the Turkish airlines team got on the microphone to instruct passengers to go to the other gate, to ignore the chiron, etc. Finally, the message disappeared. Eventually, the flight began to board. Very slowly. More slowly than I experience with other airlines. Though Istanbul may just be slow . . . In all other ways, great flight, great entertainment (top notch movies), great service, excellent food, comfortable lie-flat seat, dimmed lights, etc.
Business Class pods are horrible. If you're petite, you might be able to sleep on the uncomfortable seat and bed. Crew and food are fantastic.
Requested food options were always finished. Supplied food items were good but of course not the desired choices.
Customer service was poor everywhere. In particular in business class lounge. Stewardess were however excellent. No ability to order more than one dietary restriction in food that created awkward situations when I was offered bulgur due to being diabetic as I was also gluten free
To be prepared for being treated with disrespect by the ground crew.
We were charged for checking in our bags! One bag per person was supposed to have been included in the ticket price, and yet Turkish Airlines charged us nearly $200 per bag!
