Is Turkish Airlines a good airline?

Turkish Airlines is a strong carrier for travellers routing between Europe and Africa, South Asia or Turkey. Its network breadth, at more than 340 destinations in 130 countries, is unmatched by any airline. Business Class on the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350 is genuinely competitive with the best available, and DO&CO catering is widely rated among the best in the world. The main caveat is that Business Class quality varies by aircraft, and travellers on older Boeing 777 or A330 routes receive a materially different product. For the routes it serves well, it is an excellent choice.

What is the baggage allowance on Turkish Airlines?

Turkish Airlines uses a route-specific baggage calculator, so allowances vary by route and fare type. On intercontinental routes, Economy Class typically includes one checked bag of 23 kg plus an 8 kg carry-on. Business Class includes two checked bags of 32 kg each. On European routes, Economy generally allows 20 kg, though some fares are more restrictive. Passengers should verify the exact allowance at booking. Miles and Smiles Elite members receive an additional 20 kg or one extra piece; Elite Plus members receive 25 kg extra.

Does Turkish Airlines serve alcohol?

Yes. Turkish Airlines serves complimentary beer, wine, spirits and Turkish wines in both Economy and Business Class on all international flights. Business Class passengers receive a broader selection that includes champagne. Alcohol is also served on domestic Turkish flights, though with a more limited range. This full alcohol service is in contrast to Gulf carriers and several other airlines operating on comparable corridors to Africa and the Middle East, and is a frequently asked question among travellers comparing routing options.

What is the Istanbul stopover hotel?

The Touristanbul programme provides complimentary hotel accommodation to passengers on a Turkish Airlines round-trip international-to-international connection through Istanbul Airport, where the layover falls between 20 hours and seven days. Economy Class receives one free night at a four-star hotel; Business Class receives two free nights at a five-star or boutique hotel. No loyalty status is required. Passengers must apply at least 72 hours before departure on the Turkish Airlines website using their ticket number. The programme is for Istanbul Airport connections only, not Sabiha Gökçen. UK, EU and US passport holders can enter Turkey visa-free.

What is the best aircraft for Turkish Airlines Business Class?

The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Airbus A350-900 both offer the best Turkish Airlines Business Class product: a 1-2-1 configuration with direct aisle access from every seat and a fully flat bed. The A350 seats are slightly wider. The Boeing 777-300ER uses an older 2-3-2 layout where not all seats have direct aisle access, and the A330 also uses a 2-2-2 configuration. Both older types are being progressively upgraded. Always check the specific aircraft assigned to your flight before booking, and seek the 787 or A350 for overnight long-haul journeys.

What is Turkish Airlines Miles and Smiles?

Miles and Smiles is Turkish Airlines' frequent-flyer programme with four tiers. Classic Plus equates to Star Alliance Silver at 25,000 status miles. Elite equates to Star Alliance Gold at 40,000 status miles, providing lounge access globally for the member and one guest, priority services, a 20 kg baggage bonus or extra piece, and a 50 per cent discount on a second paid Business Class ticket. Elite Plus requires 80,000 status miles and adds two complimentary cabin upgrades. Miles are earned across 26 Star Alliance partners and do not expire while the account remains active.

Is Istanbul a good hub for flights to Africa?

Yes. Turkish Airlines serves Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, Dakar, Addis Ababa, Johannesburg and many other African cities from Istanbul, including both direct services and one-stop connections from European departure cities. One-stop journeys from London, Frankfurt or Paris to East African capitals typically total 11 to 13 hours. Istanbul Airport is fully operational during the current Middle East disruption, and Turkish Airlines' African network is not affected by the route suspensions to specific Middle Eastern cities. This makes Istanbul one of the most reliable one-stop options for Europe to Africa in 2026.

Turkish Airlines Review, Routes, Baggage Allowance and Why Istanbul Is One of the World's Most Useful Transit Hubs - Flight Alternatives

Turkish Airlines review covering routes, baggage allowance, Business Class, Miles and Smiles and the Istanbul free stopover hotel. Why Istanbul works as a transit hub in 2026.