How Turkish Airlines’ Lie-Flat Business Class Compares on 7 Popular Routes from Istanbul in 2024

Post Published November 11, 2024

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Turkish Airlines has upgraded its Istanbul to New York route, deploying Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with a revamped business class. A key feature of this refresh is the new seating arrangement—a 1-2-1 configuration—that ensures every passenger has direct aisle access. This means no more climbing over fellow travelers to reach the aisle. These seats are also designed to convert into lie-flat beds, promising enhanced comfort for long flights across the Atlantic. The entire cabin design, including the new seats, was created in-house by Turkish Airlines' Turkish Cabin Interior division, emphasizing the airline's dedication to offering unique design elements. While Turkish Airlines has dropped first class on US routes, this new business class product aims to stand out in the crowded transatlantic business class market with stylish features and improved legroom. It's clear that the airline's focus is on providing a more comfortable and luxurious experience for its business class passengers, especially on these lengthy flights.

Turkish Airlines has introduced a new business class seat configuration on its Boeing 777s serving the Istanbul to New York route. This new configuration prioritizes direct aisle access for all business class passengers, a significant change from the older 2-2-2 arrangement. Every seat now enjoys a path to the aisle, potentially improving passenger comfort and privacy.

This new business class is the product of Turkish Airlines' own Cabin Interior division, which aimed for a uniquely designed lie-flat seat. The airline intends this new seat configuration to foster an elevated sense of comfort and privacy on its long-haul flights. It's intriguing that, while they don't offer a first-class cabin on flights to the U.S., they've placed a considerable focus on improving the business class experience. This is perhaps understandable given the nature of the long flight.

It's notable that they have not implemented this change across all Boeing 777s, as some still retain the older, albeit still spacious, business class seating. It remains to be seen how the new layout will affect passenger satisfaction, particularly in comparison to the more open older versions that offered generous legroom.

The move highlights a focus on the passenger experience with premium features like the Ferragamo-designed amenities. This commitment to quality and thoughtful design seems to be one of the factors driving their continued appeal. While business class is the top offering, the airline seems to have prioritized passenger experience on long-haul flights in the absence of a first class product on routes to the United States.

What else is in this post?

  1. How Turkish Airlines' Lie-Flat Business Class Compares on 7 Popular Routes from Istanbul in 2024 - Istanbul to New York Route Features New Direct Aisle Access Seats on Boeing 777
  2. How Turkish Airlines' Lie-Flat Business Class Compares on 7 Popular Routes from Istanbul in 2024 - Dubai Service on A350 Provides Better Window Seat Privacy Than 787
  3. How Turkish Airlines' Lie-Flat Business Class Compares on 7 Popular Routes from Istanbul in 2024 - London Heathrow Flight Shows Mixed Boeing 777 and A350 Equipment
  4. How Turkish Airlines' Lie-Flat Business Class Compares on 7 Popular Routes from Istanbul in 2024 - Singapore Route Maintains Older 2-3-2 Configuration Until Late 2024
  5. How Turkish Airlines' Lie-Flat Business Class Compares on 7 Popular Routes from Istanbul in 2024 - Los Angeles Service Gets Upgraded with Staggered 1-2-1 Layout
  6. How Turkish Airlines' Lie-Flat Business Class Compares on 7 Popular Routes from Istanbul in 2024 - Tokyo Haneda Flight Demonstrates Clear Difference Between 777 and 787 Product
  7. How Turkish Airlines' Lie-Flat Business Class Compares on 7 Popular Routes from Istanbul in 2024 - Paris CDG Route Highlights Turkish Airlines Seat Inconsistency in 2024





Turkish Airlines' Airbus A350s, particularly those servicing routes to Dubai, are gaining recognition for a noteworthy detail: their business class window seats offer a greater sense of privacy than those found on the Boeing 787. This enhanced privacy, achieved through the aircraft's design, can contribute to a more relaxing and secluded experience for passengers, especially on longer journeys. It appears that Turkish Airlines, in deploying the A350 for various international routes—reaching destinations across North America, Asia, and beyond—is carefully selecting aircraft to optimize passenger comfort. They're not resting on their laurels, either, as the airline is actively upgrading its 777 fleet, adding a focus on privacy for business class passengers. This ongoing development underscores the increasing importance of providing a distinct and refined business class experience, especially for longer flights, and shows how the airline is competing with others who are also upping their game in this arena.

When comparing the Airbus A350 and the Boeing 787 in Turkish Airlines' business class, one intriguing observation is how the A350's design offers enhanced privacy for those seated by the window. This is not necessarily about seat width, though the A350 does offer a more spacious feel, but rather a consequence of the way the cabin is constructed. The A350's larger window cutouts, compared to the 787, have a subtle yet noticeable effect. They not only let in more natural light, brightening the cabin and giving it a more spacious feel, but the shape and positioning of the windows also play a role in how the seats are laid out. This results in a more effective shielding from the aisle than on the 787, creating a greater sense of personal space for window seat occupants.

While the specifics of the seat designs can vary between airlines operating the A350, this inherent advantage of the aircraft structure gives Turkish Airlines, along with other carriers, an opportunity to refine the business class experience, particularly for those who prefer a quieter and more secluded travel setting. It's a relatively small, almost unnoticed, feature of the aircraft, but its effect on the passenger experience could be profound, especially on longer journeys where the need for privacy and a sense of personal space is magnified.










Turkish Airlines' operations from London Heathrow are currently showcasing a mix of Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 aircraft. This indicates the airline's ongoing fleet management strategy. The newer A350s often feature Turkish Airlines' most modern lie-flat business class seats, giving passengers a more current travel experience. However, the Boeing 777s still in use on this route retain the 2-3-2 business class seating layout, which may reduce the sense of privacy some passengers might prefer.

While this variety in aircraft offers flexibility and serves various demands, it's crucial for passengers to be mindful of the differences in business class cabin configurations. It can affect comfort and, in particular, the level of privacy. The chosen aircraft for a flight to or from London could change the overall travel experience and impact how passengers assess the trip. In essence, Turkish Airlines appears to be juggling older, capable planes with more up-to-date offerings, showcasing a phase of fleet modernization. This raises questions on how this evolution in aircraft used impacts the experience on this specific route.

Turkish Airlines operates a mix of Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 aircraft on various routes from Istanbul, including London Heathrow. This mixed-fleet strategy offers them flexibility in responding to varying passenger demands and route requirements.

While both aircraft types are capable of long-haul operations, the A350, being a newer design, boasts advantages in fuel efficiency and operational cost. Its composite wing construction, for instance, potentially leads to lower maintenance requirements compared to the 777.

However, the 777 remains a workhorse for Turkish Airlines, offering a proven platform with a reliable performance record.

One major distinction between the two aircraft lies in their cabin design. The A350 typically features larger windows, offering passengers a more spacious and bright cabin experience. While the 777 boasts a wide-body design, potentially appealing to certain passengers, the A350's focus on passenger comfort might provide a more enjoyable journey, especially in business class.

Further, the A350's modern engine technology generates less noise than the 777's engines, enhancing the in-flight environment, especially for those in quieter premium cabins.

The choice of aircraft for specific routes depends on various factors, including route length, passenger demand, and operational considerations. Turkish Airlines appears to be strategically deploying the A350 for high-demand routes, potentially maximizing operational benefits and enhancing the overall passenger experience on those routes.

Although the 777 retains its reliability and proven capability, the airline is evidently adjusting its fleet composition to meet passenger expectations in the ever-evolving market. Passengers who value a quieter, brighter, and more spacious environment may find the A350's cabin more appealing. For those prioritizing tradition or wider seating configurations, the 777 might still be a viable and comfortable choice.







How Turkish Airlines’ Lie-Flat Business Class Compares on 7 Popular Routes from Istanbul in 2024

Turkish Airlines' Singapore route will continue using its older Boeing 777s with a 2-3-2 business class layout until the end of 2024. This means some passengers will have to share a row with others, potentially reducing the sense of privacy during the flight. While a 2-3-2 configuration might not be the most desirable for some, it's important to remember that Turkish Airlines is known for its excellent service and food. Therefore, travelers may find the airline's reputation for attentive service and delicious cuisine to offset the less-than-ideal seating. However, it's something to consider when planning a trip on this route. In the coming months, Turkish Airlines plans to roll out newer business class seat configurations, potentially leading to a more modern and comfortable experience on flights to Singapore in the future.

Singapore Airlines' decision to stick with the older 2-3-2 business class configuration on their Boeing 777s until late 2024 is quite intriguing. While it's not uncommon for airlines to have a mix of aircraft types with different cabin layouts, Singapore Airlines has a reputation for its high standards in passenger experience. It's unexpected to see them maintaining this older seating arrangement, which isn't as popular in the current market.

The 2-3-2 layout, while capable of fitting more passengers into the same space, also means that some business class travelers will end up in a middle seat. This can be a significant drawback on long-haul flights where personal space and comfort become paramount. Modern trends in aviation are heavily leaning toward the 1-2-1 configuration, which ensures direct aisle access for everyone. Many airlines, especially those competing in the premium segment, have been quick to adopt this.

From a passenger perspective, it's understandable why there might be hesitation in booking business class on this route if the only choice is the older 2-3-2 setup. When travelers are paying a premium for business class, they typically expect a level of privacy and comfort that's harder to attain in a 2-3-2 layout.

Of course, there are operational reasons for keeping the older configuration. Retrofitting a plane's interior with entirely new business class seats can be a massive investment and may not be strategically sound in the short term, especially if the plane is considered relatively new. It's an interesting problem – on the one hand, this layout gives them better capacity utilization, on the other hand, they may be losing out on passengers who value more up-to-date amenities and design.

It's also worth considering the airline's target passenger segment. There is a growing trend among air travelers— even those who might consider themselves budget-minded—to seek more elevated experiences when possible. Premium comfort is becoming increasingly sought after. This may further highlight the potential downsides of Singapore Airlines maintaining this older layout in the longer term.

One wonders how the experience on this route compares to competitors who have made the transition to a more modern business class layout. The level of satisfaction on flights on those airlines may be notably higher due to these design choices.

Ultimately, the choice of this configuration likely came down to a careful assessment of costs versus gains. It will be interesting to observe how long they choose to retain it and what factors influence their eventual decision to switch to the new layout. The route in question is a long-haul destination where the experience is key, so the question of how the older business class seats compare to the newest options will continue to shape passenger expectations and preferences.







Turkish Airlines has recently revamped their Business Class service on flights to Los Angeles. They've introduced a staggered 1-2-1 seat layout on their Boeing 777s, which replaces the previous 2-3-2 setup. This change means that every Business Class passenger now has direct aisle access, a welcome improvement over having to climb over fellow travelers. While this change does result in a slight reduction in the number of Business Class seats, down from 49 to 44, the focus is clearly on providing a more comfortable and private experience for passengers.

This new configuration is also found on their Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, with 30 lie-flat seats in a similar 1-2-1 staggered arrangement. This layout prioritizes individual comfort and privacy, which is especially valuable on long-haul flights like the one between Los Angeles and Istanbul.

Turkish Airlines has been increasingly focusing on upgrading their Business Class experience across their fleet and routes. The new seat layouts are part of that effort, as are cabin interior updates, and this push for a more modern experience puts them in a more competitive position in a market where business travelers are often looking for a clear improvement over the standard experience.

However, it's important to bear in mind that not all aircraft have been updated. Some older configurations, like the 2-3-2 seating arrangement, are still in use on certain routes. So, it's best to check which type of plane you'll be on before you book, in case you have strong preferences about how much aisle access you want.

Turkish Airlines has revamped its Los Angeles service with a staggered 1-2-1 layout in the Boeing 777 Business Class cabin. This new configuration, featuring 44 seats, is a departure from the previous 2-3-2 layout, resulting in a reduction of five seats. It seems the airline is betting on the idea that increased passenger comfort, driven by direct aisle access for every passenger, might outweigh the loss of capacity. It's a trend we see in the industry where maximizing personal space, especially on long-haul flights, is believed to improve the travel experience for business class passengers.

While this staggered layout mirrors a trend towards better privacy and access, it also exposes a level of inconsistency in their fleet. Turkish Airlines still operates older Boeing 777s and other aircraft with 2-3-2 configurations, leading to a variable passenger experience across their fleet. This begs the question of whether offering a truly consistent experience should take precedence over maximizing revenue per flight with a mixed layout strategy.

Further complicating the picture is the noise level comparison with competitor aircraft. Carriers employing newer models like the Airbus A350 are leveraging noise reduction technologies, potentially attracting passengers with their quiet cabins, independent of seating configurations. It seems there's an emerging trend of airlines emphasizing aspects like cabin noise in their design considerations.

One point of interest is Turkish Airlines' emphasis on in-house design for their business class cabin. Their Turkish Cabin Interior division aims for unique designs, potentially contributing to brand identity and potentially encouraging brand loyalty among travelers. Research has shown that a distinct cabin aesthetic can be crucial in the highly competitive airline market.

The airline's focus on enhanced comfort doesn't end with seat design. The provision of lie-flat seats and luxury amenities designed by Ferragamo are strong indicators of their commitment to catering to business travelers looking for a premium experience. Data suggests that this market segment is increasingly demanding such experiences.

Their decision to drop first class on US routes might also be seen as a tactical decision to maximize the attractiveness of their business class, potentially shifting some of the higher-spending customers from first to business. This suggests a change in the airline's strategic outlook.

The emphasis on comfort and luxury in Turkish Airlines' business class offering mirrors a broader societal trend, showing the intertwining of personal space, service, and design in air travel. In this context, the upgraded Los Angeles route highlights a shift in focus that extends beyond just physical layout and encompasses elements like aesthetics and amenity offerings, making the overall experience a key competitive factor. This ongoing evolution of the premium travel experience will likely continue to influence how airlines approach route management and fleet modernization.







The recent Tokyo Haneda route showcases a distinct difference between Turkish Airlines' business class experience on the Boeing 777 and the Boeing 787. While both offer lie-flat seats, the 787's business class offers a 76-inch long and 21-inch wide seat, compared to the slightly larger 78-inch by 22-inch seat on the 777. While the difference in dimensions might seem minor, it can impact the perceived spaciousness of the cabin. However, both seat types fully recline, offering a comparable degree of rest during the flight. This ultimately leaves passengers deciding based on the subtle difference in the seat dimensions and potentially the cabin layout and feel. It emphasizes how even small details in cabin design can have a noticeable impact on the passenger experience, especially on popular, longer flights. It seems that in a market where passenger experience is a top priority, understanding these subtle differences will become more important for those who travel frequently.

A recent flight from San Francisco to Tokyo Haneda on a Japan Airlines Boeing 777-300ER provides a good example of how the 777 and the 787 differ. JAL's 777-300ER business class features 49 seats in a 2-3-2 configuration, while United Airlines uses a Boeing 787-10 on their Haneda to Los Angeles route with a different 1-2-1 configuration, holding 44 Polaris business class seats. The layout of these aircraft can impact passenger experience a great deal. One interesting aspect is the change in seat configurations, with a trend towards offering more direct aisle access for each seat, as the layout found on United's 787 illustrates.

A comparison of the two aircraft reveals several factors that differentiate the experience. The 787, for instance, often has advanced Rolls-Royce or GE engines, compared to the Pratt and Whitney or GE engines typically used on the 777. These advanced engines might contribute to quieter cabins and potentially smoother rides, but the difference might be too subtle to notice for some passengers. Further, the 787 maintains a lower cabin pressure, which might translate into more comfort for some, with a lower cabin altitude of 6,500 feet versus the 8,000 feet in most other aircraft, including the 777. The 787's composite wings seem to be able to dampen turbulence more effectively than the traditional aluminum wings of the 777.

On the other hand, the 777 usually carries more passengers, which might matter from a financial standpoint for the airline. But, airlines, like Turkish Airlines, often prioritize the passenger experience. It's not uncommon for the 787 to have a greater focus on a spacious business class cabin with wider seats and more space between rows.

Looking at cabin features, the 787 tends to use LED lighting that can be adjusted for different light conditions. This feature could be useful for combating jetlag and enhancing the ambiance of the cabin. The 777 has mood lighting, but it's not as advanced or adaptable. Both airlines have the ability to customize their cabin designs within each aircraft type, though the 787 allows for some more advanced options.

Maintaining an aircraft fleet requires careful financial management. Updating or retrofitting an existing plane with new seating and other improvements can be quite expensive. Many airlines opt for strategically phasing in new aircraft like the 787 as they become more widely available rather than retrofitting the older 777s. This approach allows them to balance the need to improve passenger experience with the operational costs associated with large-scale fleet upgrades.


Finally, the choices in seating arrangement, like going from the older 2-3-2 layout to the 1-2-1 layout, reflect larger trends in the airline industry. Offering a seat with direct aisle access has become increasingly important for passengers. Also, the 787 typically has lower maintenance requirements and costs, which could make them more appealing to operate from a financial and passenger-experience perspective. The Haneda to Los Angeles route is a great illustration of how airlines try to balance the various factors when deciding to operate a 777 or a 787 on a given route.







Turkish Airlines' Paris CDG flights in 2024 showcase a mixed bag in terms of business class seating. While the airline deploys newer aircraft like the Airbus A350-900, featuring advanced lie-flat seats with a staggered 1-2-1 configuration, this isn't always the case. Older models, including the Boeing 787-9, are still in service, and these may offer a less desirable experience compared to their newer counterparts. The 1-2-1 configuration, with its direct aisle access, can significantly enhance comfort and privacy. Passengers, however, might find themselves on a flight with an older configuration where this isn't the case, resulting in a potentially less satisfying journey. The inconsistent nature of the aircraft used for this route raises questions for travelers seeking a consistently premium experience. It also shows that the airline is still navigating the shift towards updated and more comfortable aircraft, making this a factor to consider when selecting flights on this popular route.

Turkish Airlines' Paris CDG to Istanbul route, a key part of their European network, exhibits some interesting inconsistencies in its business class offerings in 2024. The frequency of flights seems to fluctuate, possibly due to seasonal demand or operational factors, making it difficult for frequent flyers to plan around.

While some planes on this route boast upgraded Boeing 777s with modern lie-flat business class seats, the distribution of these seats across flights is inconsistent. This means passengers may experience wildly different levels of comfort and amenities depending on the specific plane they board. This is a challenge for those who prize consistency in their travel experience.

CDG remains a central hub for Turkish Airlines, with passenger numbers growing by a significant margin over the past year. It's a sign of their commitment to capitalizing on European business travel, though the inconsistent seating across their fleet remains a notable contrast.

Interestingly, the shift to newer staggered seating configurations has resulted in a slight reduction in the total number of business class seats on some flights. This prioritization of passenger comfort over maximum capacity shows a strategic shift within the airline, an unusual move given the competitiveness of the sector.

Depending on the specific aircraft used, the cabin noise level can also vary. Planes with newer engine technology, such as the 787, seem to be quieter, showcasing how even engineering choices have a direct impact on the travel experience. This difference in noise levels is particularly relevant on longer flights like the Paris-Istanbul route.

Meal service also seems to be tied to the configuration of the aircraft. Flights with the newest features often offer more flexibility in meal choices compared to older configurations, reflecting a focus on passenger customization in the newer aircraft.

Given this inconsistency, it's understandable that loyal frequent flyers might hesitate before using their miles for upgrades on this route. Other airlines with more standardized offerings could appear more attractive if passengers value predictability.

Despite improvements in baggage handling at CDG, anecdotal evidence suggests that the variability in the aircraft used on the Paris route also translates to inconsistencies in luggage delivery, with potentially longer wait times on flights with older 777s.

With Turkish Airlines progressively implementing lie-flat seat upgrades across their fleet, a greater variability in aircraft availability has become evident. This leads to potential disruption of schedules and makes it harder for passengers to plan for a predictable experience as they may find themselves on a newer or an older plane.

Despite these inconsistencies, the Paris route continues to be a significant part of Turkish Airlines' growth strategy, connecting with transatlantic travel destinations. As competition intensifies, it will be intriguing to see whether this emphasis on growth drives further investments into standardizing the premium experience across their fleet to meet the increasing expectations of business travelers.


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