Istanbul to Dubai
Flight Number TK 762
Departing from Istanbul at 12:25 AM
Seat 4A
Dubai to Istanbul
Flight Number TK 761
Departing from Dubai at 2:40 AM
Seat 4J
With few good options to fly between Tel Aviv and Dubai, Turkish Airlines was the obvious choice for me with overnight flights in both directions and lie flat business class seats.
Cabin and Seat
The Turkish 777 business class is divided into two cabins. The main front cabin consists of 4 rows of seats in a 2 – 3 – 2 configuration and the second cabin has an additional 3 rows in the same layout for a total of 49 seats.
The 777 doesn’t have the most modern or premium feel, however the cabin does feature a nice design at the back of the cabin with the Turkish Airlines logo lit up.
Each group of seats are nearly identical in design as they all face forward with a small table between the seats and an ottoman in front of the seat that can also be used as storage.
The console between the seats provides space for small items like a phone or wallet as well as cupholders for drinks.
Here you’ll also find the easy to use seat controls as well as the tray table which can be lifted out from either side.
Underneath the armrests is a small storage space where you will also find the power port and headphone jack.
Next to your head you’ll find the remote for the IFE system as well as a reading light and a movable divider between you and the seat next to you should you want some privacy.
The IFE screens are fairly large and contain a good amount of content.
The legroom for these seats is plentiful; even NBA players would have a difficult time reaching the ottoman while in the upright position.
Ultimately, these seats are nice for couples traveling together, however not ideal for the solo traveler who may be sitting next to a stranger. The divider is quite effective in blocking out the person sitting next to you, however these seats were definitely not designed with solo travelers in mind.
Food
Both flights departed very late at night and I figured the meal service would be breakfast upon landing, however I was mistaken. Turkish Airlines decided to serve the meal just after takeoff (around 2 to 3 AM) which didn’t make much sense to me. I passed at the thought of a full meal at that hour in favor of maximizing sleep. Nevertheless, here are the menus from both flights.
Istanbul to Dubai:
Dubai to Istanbul:
Aside from not being able to sample the food, the meal service interrupted my sleep with the cabin lights being left on for the entire lengthy meal service. I took a peek at the food which looked good as Turkish Airlines catering usually does. Overall, I was pretty disappointed that Turkish Airlines chose to serve a very late dinner in place of breakfast on this flight. Upon landing, we were able to request tea, coffee or any other drink which was brought in a disposable cup.
Service and Amenities
Service on both flights began with a warm towel and Turkish Airlines’ signature juices.
We were given two different Molton Brown amenity kits on the flights to and from Dubai which were quite nice for a short flight.
The crew also distributed some average quality over the ear headphones which I didn’t get the chance to try as I brought my own.
Waiting on each seat was a pillow and blanket which didn’t seem to be any different than what was offered in economy class. The only thing that mattered to me on this flight was comfortable bedding to maximize sleep, however Turkish couldn’t provide a decent pillow and blanket.
Maybe I’m spoiled after my latest experience in British Airways business class?
British Airways Business Class Bedding
Service was good overall, though not spectacular.
Bottom Line
As I was connecting from Tel Aviv, Turkish was the obvious choice and I’d likely fly Turkish again on this route despite my disappointment. While the seats were great for a relatively short flight, the bedding was horrible and the meal service didn’t make much sense. I was even told “no” when I asked if there was anything small I could have as breakfast before landing. I’m sure they had some food available..
Turkish does have additional daytime flights to and from Dubai which may offer more appropriate bedding and meal times, however the timing of those flights just didn’t work for me on this trip.
Overall I was left disappointed, but I’d likely still fly with Turkish anyway due to lack of a better option.