Turkish Airlines: Tickets, Timetables and Facilities

Turkish Airlines History

Turkish Airlines is the national flag-carrier for Turkey, with its main base at Atatürk Airport in Istanbul. Founded in 1933, it was initially set up as a domestic airline and started international flights in 1947 with services to Ankara, Istanbul and Athens services and a larger fleet. The Turkish government reorganised the airline in 1956 under the new name of Türk Hava Yollari A.O. (which is often abbreviated as THY). The airline continued to grow and was carrying 3 million passengers to over 16 destinations in the mid -1980s. Turkish Airlines joined the Star Alliance in 2008, and today has a fleet of 267 aircraft flying to over 250 different destinations. Their global brand is well-recognised internationally, and from 2010 to 2013, the airline also served as the official sponsor and carrier for the FC Barcelona football club.

Turkish Airlines Airports and Destinations

Turkish Airlines operate regular scheduled services to over 250 international and domestic destinations, making it the fourth largest carrier in the world by number of destinations. Their main hub remains at Istanbul Atatürk Airport, and their secondary hub is located at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. The airline also focuses operations at Adnan Menderes Airport and Esenboğa International Airport. Turkish Airlines' UK destinations and airports include London Heathrow and London Gatwick, as well as Edinburgh Airport, Manchester Airport and Birmingham Airport. Some of the first international flights Turkish Airlines made were to Nicosia, Beirut and Cairo - and today the airline continues to service airports in Africa, Central Asia and the Middle East, as well as Europe, the Americas and Australia. Some of their popular routes include Edinburgh to Istanbul, London Gatwick to Lefkosa, Istanbul to Paris, Istanbul to Rome, and Istanbul to Athens.

Turkish Airlines Services

Turkish Airlines offers scheduled services to hundreds of destinations across the world. This includes connecting flights as well as direct flights to popular destinations. As a member of the Star Alliance, a high standard of service is available on all flights. In-flight on demand entertainment systems are available on certain routes, and passengers on long-haul flights with dietary restrictions can book ahead one of over 20 special meals. Turkish Airlines' check-in services include online check-in, counter check-in and self-check in. The Turkish Airlines baggage allowance in economy, for flights to/from the Americas and Africa, offers the 1st bag free and a 2nd bag with requirements varying by itinerary. For other destinations, 20 kg is free with an additional allowance depending on which route is being flown. This of course can also change according to ticket and class type.

Turkish Airlines Ticket Types

Turkish Airlines offers three main classes: Economy Class, Comfort Class, and Business Class. Economy offers the best value and ticket prices with a seat pitch of 31-32 inches (78 cm), total reclining capabilities of 7.5 inches (19 cm), a power outlet, usb and ethernet port, and complimentary food and drinks service. Comfort Class offers an upgraded food service which includes a welcome drink upon boarding. Some of the other amenities in Comfort include larger seats with a seat pitch of 46 inches (116 cm) and reclining capabilities of 8.8 inches (22 cm), power outlets and ethernet access, and personal monitors for in-flight entertainment and personal media syncing. Turkish Airlines' Business Class offers the most luxurious of services and includes a gourmet food and drink service, spacious and fully reclining seats, power outlets and ethernet access, and in-flight entertainment. In each of these classes ticket flexibility options are available at varying prices, offering travellers the choice to make date changes and cancellations.