Review - Turkish Airlines Business Class A350-900 Istanbul to Singapore

TK168 IST-SIN

March 11th, 2025

In-transit:

It pains me to write this review, but I think Turkish Airlines is sadly in a state of decline…

I had just arrived from Mexico City on another Turkish Airlines flight, operated by a B787-9. Turkish selected the same seats for its B787s and A350s, so I’ll focus my review on the A350 flight departing Istanbul. Unfortunately, both flights were equally disappointing.

Lounge:

I’ve reviewed the Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounge in a previous post here. Not much has changed about the lounge, except some staff had become indifferent and unhelpful. I asked the spa receptionist for a shower room, and she could not have been more bothered. Furthermore, the cleanliness of the lounge took a nosedive. There was trash on the floor, the furniture felt greasy, and the tables had sticky streaks all over them.

Boarding:

I had read mixed reviews about these seats beforehand, but I was not prepared by how disagreeable they truly were. Having spent (collectively) over 24 hours in them, it boggles my mind that this is the product that Turkish chose for its latest techonology flagship aircraft. These Stelia Aerospace seats were like literal coffins, especially if you’re seated in the bulkhead row - an often more desirable part of the cabin. Many aspects of the seat design just simply did not make sense.

Turkish Airlines A350-900 Business Class Cabin

While the cabin might appear stylish, it was beyond poorly thought out. The extended shields of the seats were brainlessly positioned so that the honeymoon seats couldn’t see each other, and the windows seats can’t see out of the windows. Make it make sense???

I sat in the bulkhead seat on both of my flights. Although it did have extra storage along the fuselage, it had to be one of the narrowest business seats in modern day. The foot cubby was so deep yet restrictive. I basically could not move from the knees down.

Turkish Airlines A350-900 Business Class Seat

The counter space was pitiful.

Interestingly, the A350 had a lock on the cupboard, while the Dreamliner didn’t.

The seat control was also placed in an awkward spot where your elbow would bump into it, not to mention there was virtually no customization to the seat position whatsoever.

Scratches and wears were ubiquitously visible, albeit on a relatively new plane. You can do so much with a plane like the A350. I don’t get why Turkish landed on such an uncompetitive product.

Awaiting at each seat was a pair of slippers.

Turkish Airlines Business Class Slippers IST-SIN

As well as a pair of decent Denon headphones. Business class passengers received 1GB of complimentary wifi. While the speeds were decent, 1GB isn’t sufficient enough to last you through a 10+ hour flight.

Turkish Airlines Business Class Headphones IST-SIN

Amenity kit has historically been a strong area for Turkish Airlines, as I had a few well-stocked Ferragamo ones in the past. However, Turkish Airlines recently switched its partnership to Lanvin, and the kit itself contained just a lip balm and a hand lotion. When I first opened it I thought the previous passenger had taken some contents out and left the kit there. Also, I haven’t shopped at Lanvin since Avril Lavigne was still on tour…

Turkish Airlines Business Class Amenity Kit IST-SIN

Fortunately, the cornerstones of the whole Turkish Airlines experience could still be counted on, like its excelllent catering from Do & Co and the fantastic Turkish wine selection. The menu and wine list read as follows:

After settling down, I was offered a welcome beverage. I chose the mint lemonade. I guess they got rid of the cute little stirrers…

Turkish Airlines Business Class Pre-departure Drink IST-SIN

I was happy to see Turkish didn’t skimp on the A350 exterior cameras.

Inflight:

Dinner service started with a hot towel. Credit for Turkish Airlines for serving it on a towel dish.

Turkish Airlines Business Class Dinner Hot Towel IST-SIN

An apéritif followed. I asked for the Turkish narince, which was superb. I’ve said this many times before, but Turkish wines are so underrated!

Turkish Airlines Business Class Dinner Apériti IST-SIN

Disappointingly, it wasn’t until 70 minutes into the flight when I was served some canapés. The quality was top notch, though. The spinach pastry was flaky and warm.

Turkish Airlines Business Class Dinner Amuse-bouche IST-SIN

My table was then dressed for dinner. Many years later I’m still a fan with Turkish Airlines’ meal presentation. Turkish is also the first airline to have faux candle.

Turkish Airlines Business Class Dinner IST-SIN

The oldest bread was a new touch that the airline added to the meal service, aimed at promoting Türkiye as the birthplace of bread.

Turkish Airlines Business Class Dinner Bread Service IST-SIN

While the ancient grains might not give you gluten allergy, I can’t say it was all that tasty…

Luckily, normal, GMO and ultra-processed breads were also on offer, so I indulged on the ridiculously delicious simit.

For flights departing Istanbul, appetizers were served off of a cart. I adore this practice when it’s well-executed, such as on Turkish, Royal Jordanian and Ethiopian.

Turkish Airlines Business Class Dinner Appetizer IST-SIN

By the time these appetizers were plated, it was over 100 minutes into the flight.

For main course, I went for the lamp chop. You can’t go wrong with grilled meats on Turkish.

Turkish Airlines Business Class Dinner Main Course IST-SIN

Dessert trolley was rolled down the aisle after the main course.

Turkish Airlines Business Class Dinner Desserts IST-SIN

I sampled the apricot crêpe, tiramisu and a Turkish treat. To accompany the sweets, I asked for some Turkish tea.

I’ve no complaint about the quality of the food, as they were all terrific. Service, on the other hand, had some room for improvement. In addition to the flight attendants, there were two “inflight chefs” onboard. Granted it was a relatively elaborate meal, I still don’t think it should have taken 2 hours and 45 minutes. There was no proactive refills from the flight attendants either.

A rather basic turndown service was provided. I don’t understand how Turkish Airlines couldn’t have made the side storage into a part of the bed.

When lying flat, there was no wiggle room around your feet at all.

I realized I had forgotten to take a picture of the snack menu, so here it is.

Turkish Airlines Business Class Snack Menu IST-SIN

Following a night of uncomfortable sleep, we were (thank goodness) approaching Singapore. Breakfast started with a plate of cold cuts, fruits and a bircher müesli.

Turkish Airlines Business Class Breakfast Appetizer IST-SIN

The main course was a sucuk wrap, which was alright.

Turkish Airlines Business Class Breakfast Main Course IST-SIN

Prior to landing, the flight attendants passed out some boxed chocolates.

Turkish Airlines Business Class Breakfast Chocolates IST-SIN

I turned on the tail camera on our descent, as the iconic image of cargo ships came into sight when landing at Changi.

On Arrival:

I don’t know if I’ll seek out Turkish Airlines the way I used to… With the introduction of the new seats, coupled with deteriorating service, I reminisce the days on Turkish Airlines’ old B777-300ERs or even the A330s. The crew on both flights were such a departure from my fond memories. They went through each motion, but there wasn’t an ounce of hospitality. Given I was seated in the bulkhead row, I was disturbed by them constantly slamming the doors of cabinets and yelling at each other from across the aisle - definitely not the atmosphere you’d expect in business class. I ranked Turkish Airlines as one of the top airlines in the world, however, I think now they’re just an okay airline.

Review - Turkish Airlines Business Class A350-900 Istanbul to Singapore

TK168 IST-SIN

March 11th, 2025

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