Turkish AirlinesTK

Turkish Airlines is the national flag carrier of Turkey and the airline that flies to more countries than any other airline in the world. Operating from its main hub at Istanbul Airport (IST), Turkish Airlines serves 352 destinations in 131 countries across 6 continents, earning a Guinness World Record for the most countries served by any airline.

With a fleet of approximately 450 aircraft including Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, Airbus A350-900s, Boeing 777-300ERs, and A330s, Turkish Airlines carried over 85 million passengers in 2024. As a founding member of Star Alliance, Turkish Airlines partners with 25+ airlines including United, Lufthansa, Air Canada, and Singapore Airlines, offering seamless global connectivity.

Turkish Airlines is renowned for its award-winning catering by Do&Co, generous baggage allowances, and Istanbul's geographic advantage as a connecting hub between Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The airline consistently ranks among the top global carriers for service quality and has achieved 81.4% on-time performance in 2025, placing it 9th globally.

Carry-On Allowance

Personal Item (all fares):

• Dimensions: 40 x 30 x 15 cm (18 x 12 x 6 in)
• Weight: 4 kg (9 lbs)
• Must fit under seat in front of you

Cabin Bag:

• Dimensions: 55 x 40 x 23 cm (21 x 15 x 9 in)
• Weight: 8 kg (17 lbs)

Class	Cabin Bags	Weight per Bag
Economy	1	8 kg (17 lbs)
Business	2	8 kg each (16 kg total)

Checked Baggage

IMPORTANT: Turkish Airlines uses two systems depending on route:

• Weight Concept: Most international routes (total kg allowance)
• Piece Concept: USA, Canada, and select routes (per bag)

Weight Concept Routes (Most International):

Class	Allowance	Max per Bag
Economy	20 kg (44 lbs)	23 kg (50 lbs)
Business	30 kg (66 lbs)	32 kg (70 lbs)

Piece Concept Routes (USA/Canada):

Class	Bags Included	Weight per Bag
Economy	1 bag	23 kg (50 lbs)
Economy (select fares)	2 bags	23 kg each
Business	2 bags	32 kg (70 lbs) each

Maximum dimensions: 158 cm (62 in) linear (L + W + H) Maximum weight per bag: 32 kg - heavier items must go via cargo

Overweight & Oversized Fees

Piece Concept (USA routes):

Condition	Fee
Bag weighing 23-32 kg	$80 per bag
Additional bag (Economy)	$80-160
Additional bag (Business)	Varies by route

Weight Concept (Other routes):

• $5-32 per kg excess depending on region
• Use Baggage Calculator for exact fees

Miles&Smiles Status Benefits

Status	Weight Concept	Piece Concept
Classic Plus	+1 bag	+1 bag (domestic lounges)
Elite	+20 kg	+1 bag
Elite Plus	+25 kg	+1 bag
Star Alliance Gold	+20 kg	+1 piece

Special Items

Turkish Airlines has exceptionally generous sports equipment policies:

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	FREE	One set up to 23 kg
Skis/snowboards	FREE	One set up to 23 kg
Bicycle	Varies	Must be boxed
Car seat	FREE	One per child
Stroller	FREE	Gate-check available
Musical instruments	Varies	Must fit carry-on OR purchase seat

Fees as of January 2025. Use the Baggage Calculator for current pricing.

Seat Specifications

Class	Aircraft	Pitch	Width	Features
Economy	787-9	78 cm (31")	44 cm (17.3")	Personal screens, USB
Economy	777-300ER	79 cm (31")	44 cm (17.3")	9" screens
Economy	A350-900	79 cm (31")	46 cm (18")	Personal screens
Business	787-9	111 cm (44") lie-flat	-	18" screen, 1-2-1 layout
Business	777-300ER	198 cm (78") bed	-	Lie-flat, direct aisle
Business	A350-900	Lie-flat	-	1-2-1 configuration

Business Class Highlights

• 1-2-1 Configuration on most widebody aircraft (direct aisle access)
• Lie-flat beds converting to 2m+ sleeping surfaces
• 18-inch entertainment screens on 787-9
• Amenity kits with luxury brand products
• Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul access (one of world's best)

Catering by Do&Co

Turkish Airlines partners with Do&Co, the premium Austrian caterer, delivering restaurant-quality meals at 39,000 feet.

Business Class:

• Flying Chef service on select intercontinental flights
• Multi-course Turkish and international cuisine
• Premium wines and spirits
• Freshly baked bread, homemade pasta
• On-demand dining on long-haul

Economy Class (Complimentary on all flights):

• Two meal choices on long-haul
• Turkish specialties: hummus, fresh salads, kebab varieties
• Complimentary beer, wine, and spirits
• Metal cutlery (not plastic)
• Fresh juice selection

Special Meals:

• Vegan, vegetarian, halal, kosher, gluten-free, diabetic
• Request at least 24 hours before departure

Entertainment

Long-Haul:

• Personal seatback screens (9-18" depending on class)
• 400+ movies, 1,000+ TV episodes
• Audio library, games, flight information
• USB charging at every seat
• AC power on 787, A350, 777

Short/Medium-Haul:

• Streaming to personal devices via Turkish Airlines app
• Download app before boarding

WiFi

Service	Availability	Price
Messaging	Most long-haul	FREE (limited)
Browse	Most long-haul	$9.99+
Business Class	All equipped flights	Often complimentary

Booking:

• Istanbul's geographic position makes it ideal for one-stop connections to almost anywhere
• Book directly on turkishairlines.com for best service recovery options
• Business Class includes outstanding lounge and chauffeur service in select cities

Baggage:

• Golf and ski equipment fly FREE up to 23 kg - exceptional policy
• Use weight concept to your advantage (split across multiple bags)
• Star Alliance Gold status adds significant allowance
• Always use the Baggage Calculator

Istanbul Connections:

• IST is huge but well-designed - minimum 75 minutes for international connections
• Fast Track available for Business Class and Elite status
• Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul is worth arriving early for

Food:

• Do&Co catering is genuinely excellent - one of the best in Economy Class
• Turkish breakfast offerings are standout
• Special meals must be ordered 24+ hours ahead

Miles&Smiles:

• Status lasts 2 years (better than most programs)
• Elite status unlocks Star Alliance Gold with excellent lounge access
• Transfer partners include Citi ThankYou, Capital One (check current availability)
• Partner awards on Star Alliance available

At the Airport:

• Istanbul domestic and international lounges are both excellent
• Business Class chauffeur service available in 75+ cities
• CIP (VIP) lounge access purchasable for any passenger

Common Issues:

• 8 kg carry-on weight is enforced on some routes
• WiFi availability varies by aircraft
• Some older aircraft have angled lie-flat rather than full flat
• Fuel surcharges on award tickets can be significant

Best Value:

• Economy Class meals are complimentary and high quality
• Free sports equipment is unmatched by competitors
• Istanbul stopover program offers free tours and hotel stays