The Turkish Airlines Business Class Experience Hits It Out Of The Park

During the past decade, I’ve flown a dozen, if not more, airlines. But if you asked me
to pick an outstanding lounge experience, I wouldn’t think twice before naming the Turkish Airlines Lounge Business at the new Istanbul airport.

Picture this: private suites, glass-walled conference rooms, a tea room, a golf simulator, an art museum, a library, a video game zone, shower rooms, day beds, kids’ play areas,
and over half a dozen dining destinations. When the standards are set so high in the pre-flight experience, you’re bound to expect a superlative in-flight experience as well. And Turkish Airlines managed to deliver just that with its plush lie-flat seats, gourmet meal combinations, and superfast unlimited wifi. The only eyesore was the 2-3-2 seating configuration, which does not allow direct aisle access to some Business Class passengers.

I was on board an overnight flight—a Boeing 777-300 ER—to New Delhi. Shortly after take-
off, the LED mood lighting changed into a relaxing purple to help the body acclimatise. Next came vanity kits created by London-based bath and body brand, Molton Brown, and noise-cancellation headphones by Denon. The in-flight entertainment system was stocked up with a wide range of movies and music to keep one entertained through the five-hour flight. Besides the spacious overhead cabins, the seat’s foot-rest doubled as a storage compartment and kept handbags and shoes in place. The massage button on the seat arm treated my back to a gentle kneading, as I reclined into my fully horizontal bed.