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Come along as I recount my journey from Delhi to Istanbul, which was defined by easy check-ins, private lounges, fine meals, and a royal-like level of comfort on board.
My Business Class Experience with Turkish Airlines.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.” While I may have quoted this line way too many times in the past in my speeches and my scripts, and then some intellectually stimulating conversations, and the like… I never understood the full extent of its truth. I don’t still. But now, perhaps, I can say I have a better understanding? Thanks to my recent vacation to Türkiye. We’ll talk about the destination later; for now, I’m here to talk about my journey—my first time flying in Business Class with Turkish Airlines to the “Land of the Turks”.
Note: If you are considering travelling with Turkish Airlines for your next flight, particularly from New Delhi to Türkiye, read on till the end to get the complete lay of the land.
First things first:
Check-in Experience
Turkish Airlines offers check-in via website, mobile app, kiosks at the airport, or at the check-in counters. Since I had a big trolley filled with too many clothes I knew I wouldn’t be wearing there (you know, cute nightsuits for sleepovers, power suits for high-tea with the President of Türkiye, sequin dresses for accidental run-ins with Turkish film stars, the perfect gown for a sudden romantic proposal, etc.—anything could’ve happened in Türkiye and I was right in preparing in advance, right?), I headed to the check-in counter to drop my luggage. It took me a total of 15 minutes or so to complete the check-in and security. I joined the line for Business Class passengers, gave my e-ticket, passport and check-in luggage, then after receiving my boarding pass, I went went through security and I was all set to jet set! Not too much trouble, ey?
From there, I headed straight to Encalm Privé, the luxury airport lounge for business class travellers at Delhi Airport. It was a pleasant experience, but here, let me digress a little bit and give you a glimpse of my journey back from Türkiye to New Delhi—a memorable experience that I know I’ll reflect on every time I travel.
Turkish Airlines Lounge Business: Where Opulence Meets Homely Warmth
The Turkish Airlines Lounge Business spans an impressive 5,600 square metres, accommodating up to 765 guests. Designed exclusively for business class travellers, the lounge offers a refreshing break from the usual crowded airport experience—a welcome change for a middle class Indian like me who is used to the serpentine queues and the crowds.
Upon entering, I made a beeline for the showers to freshen up, then relaxed in a private suite for a quick nap before preparing for my flight. Turkish Airlines’ “Widen Your World” campaign truly came alive in the dining area, with an array of global and Turkish dishes that truly expanded my palate. From traditional Turkish pide and simit to grilled specialties and vegetarian dishes, the offerings were a delight. For leisure, the lounge featured dedicated spaces for reading, international TV channels, and much more.
After dining to my heart’s content, I strolled around the lounge with a cup of Turkish coffee, indulging in a taste of luxury. The space even boasted of a gaming area, a spacious children’s play zone, and a golf simulator. Here, quality and luxury seemed to be the hallmarks of the experience.
Finally, after enjoying the lounge’s comforts, I left feeling completely refreshed—a perfect prelude to my journey back home.
Turkish Airlines Staff
Once I was well fed and relaxed, it was time for me to board the flight. As soon as I entered, I saw some well-dressed Turkish Airlines stewards dressed in impeccably ironed uniforms welcoming me with the warmest smiles. They showed me to my window seat, and after I was all settled in, within minutes, a beaming female steward came to me with freshly-made beverages. Make sure to try their Limonata. It’s very refreshing.
At this point, I want to talk a bit about the Turkish Airlines staff. It’s not just that they are polite; they genuinely go above and beyond to make you feel at home. The service felt both professional and personal, if that makes sense. And I think that made a huge difference for me.
Seats
The seats in Business Class, let me tell you, have been specially designed for complete comfort. You’re practically in your own cocoon—no elbow jabs or shuffling for space. Their lie-flat seats opened into a 193 cm bed. They had universal power outlet and USB charging units, personal reading lamp, mattresses, foot rests, and what not.
Free Wi-Fi
One of the highlights of travelling with Turkish Airlines, for me, was the complimentary Wi-Fi for Business Class passengers. Even at such high altitudes, I could stay connected—chatting with family and friends, catching up on work, and browsing Instagram to check in on my social circles and of course, sharing ridiculous memes with my BFFS and stalking my frenemies, you know, the usual—all with the ease and comfort of being at home.
In-flight Catering
Then comes the food. I was travelling in the morning, so they gave me freshly sourced exotic fruit platter served with a delectable array of breads, homemade jams and cheese. Once I had my fill, the steward offered to get some omelette made for me (How sweet!). Had I not been so full, I would’ve definitely tried their smoked turkey, grilled salmon, or even the Indian options of chana chole, palak poori, and samosas.
Post the meal, I was asked to pick from an extensive selection of hot drinks, which also included traditional Turkish coffee. Of course I went for the Turkish coffee—as they say, “When in Rome, Do as the Romans Do.”
Once I was done eating and drinking to my hearts content, the steward came and made my bed with a clean mattress, pillow and blanket.
In-flight Entertainment
Their in-flight entertainment option is equally well-curated, filled with all the latest movies, TV shows, and games.
Amenity Kit
But that’s not all. Turkish Airlines also gives their Business Class passengers exclusive travel kits designed by renowned Italian brand Ferragamo. The stylish gift package (yes, we’re going to call it that) comes in a range of collectible colours filled with high-quality toiletries, creams, socks, and a sleep mask—all these specifically designed to help you settle in.
The items are not just stylish. The toothbrush is made from wheat straw, the brochure is printed on paper made from responsibly sourced wood fibre, and earplugs are made from recycled plastic, continuing with Turkish Airlines’ sustainable ethos.
And, finally, the destination.
Over-all Experience
My 6-hour journey went by like a breeze—I slept like a baby, I was pampered like a baby born into (purple) royalty, and I arrived in Istanbul all fresh and happy, eager to begin my sojourn!
As I walked out of exit gate no. 14 at Istanbul airport, the cold, fresh flurry of air welcomed me and gave my form a hug, and that’s when I knew I’m going to have a ball in this beautiful “Land of the Turks.”
