A traveler shared their journey with Turkish Airlines from N’Djamena to Berlin via Istanbul. While the airline was impressed with its food and hospitality, there were some drawbacks, including seat comfort and crew dynamics. Here’s a breakdown of their experience.
Early Departure & Breakfast Service
The NDJ-IST flight departed at 4:30 AM, making food options tricky at that hour. Turkish Airlines offered a breakfast service that passengers could order at any time within the first three hours. This flexibility was a plus, ensuring travelers could eat at their convenience during the six-hour journey.
Friendly Crew & Seat Comfort
The young and friendly crew made efforts to assist passengers, especially after a seat mix-up at check-in. Despite their efforts, the 737 Max 8 seats were not designed for long flights, offering limited reclining and making sleep difficult. For a six-hour flight, better seat comfort would have been appreciated.
Entertainment & Alcohol Policy
The in-flight entertainment system had a great selection of movies, providing good options for long hours in the air. However, no alcohol was available on the NDJ-IST route due to regulations in Mali and Chad, which raised curiosity about how other airlines handle this restriction.
Istanbul Lounge & IST-BER Flight Experience
The Istanbul lounge offered a wide range of food and drink options, but it was overcrowded, making it difficult to find seating. The IST-BER flight experience was less enjoyable, with passengers having to board via bus in heavy rain. The crew seemed tense, possibly due to issues with the purser, affecting the overall atmosphere.
Key Highlights from the Review
- 4:30 AM departure from NDJ, breakfast available with flexible timing.
- Friendly and helpful crew, but uncomfortable seats for a long flight.
- Great IFE selection, but no alcohol due to route restrictions.
- Overcrowded TK lounge in IST, disappointing IST-BER flight experience.
Final Thoughts
Despite some drawbacks, Turkish Airlines stood out for its exceptional food service and generally friendly crew. While seat comfort and crew dynamics on the second flight could have been better, the airline still delivered a solid experience compared to other European carriers.
