Turkish Airlines 787 Business Class Review (2025) – Comfort, Food & Lounges

I often hear travelers ask whether flying business class is truly worth it. When I stepped onto the Turkish Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, I realized this question has a layered answer. Turkish Airlines, with its global network spanning over 120 countries, offers one of the most talked-about premium cabins. But what makes it stand out? This review breaks down every part of the experience from choosing a seat to comparing costs so you know exactly what to expect before booking.

The Aircraft Behind the Journey

We start with the basics: the aircraft itself. Turkish Airlines operates the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on several long-haul routes, along with some Airbus A350 aircraft. The 787 business cabin holds 30 seats in a 1-2-1 staggered layout, while the A350 features 32 seats.

These are Stelia Aerospace Symphony seats, designed for privacy and comfort. Compared to the older Turkish fleet (which had dated 2-2-2 or even 2-3-2 layouts on A330s and 777-300ERs), the Dreamliner is a leap forward. I noticed the cabin felt modern, sleek, and aligned with what passengers now expect from premium travel.

Choosing the Right Seat Matters

We often think all business class seats are equal, but here, placement makes a difference.

• Solo travelers should go for window seats in even-numbered rows, where the seat is closer to the window and further from the aisle.
• Center pairs are ideal if traveling with a partner, though some find them less private.
• Tall travelers may struggle with the footwell, which has been called narrow and restrictive.

The seat width is around 20 inches with a pitch of 43 inches, converting into a fully flat bed of 76 inches (6’3”). I found shoulder space tighter than on some competitors, but lowering the armrest helped during sleep.

Boarding and Timing Realities

They say timing is everything, and this holds true here. On one Chicago (ORD) to Istanbul (IST) flight reviewed in January 2023, boarding began close to the scheduled departure but still ran late. Actual pushback was delayed by 37 minutes.

Taxi times at Istanbul can also be lengthy. One flight took 27 minutes from pushback to airborne, while another stretched closer to 40 minutes. Expect this when connecting, and if your layover is short, Turkish Airlines does provide a shortcut security lane for connections under 90 minutes.

Dining That Steals the Show

These flights shine brightest when it comes to food. Turkish Airlines is famous for its onboard chefs, who greet passengers, present menus, and take meal orders.

Highlights include:

• Pre-departure drinks: mint lemonade, raspberry juice, orange juice, or water.
• Mezze platters and desserts: served from linen-covered trolleys, giving you the chance to choose visually.
• Main courses: cooked with care and served on elegant tableware, sometimes even with battery-powered candles to set the mood.

Meal service is generous, but timing varies. On one route, breakfast was served 3.5 hours before landing, which many passengers found too early.

Sleep Experience in the Sky

We all hope for restful sleep on long flights, but results can be mixed. The lie-flat bed length of 76 inches suits most passengers, though taller travelers find the footwell restrictive.

Turkish Airlines 787 Business Class
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Turkish Airlines provides:

• A thin mattress pad
• A soft blanket
• A medium-sized pillow
• Noise-canceling Denon headphones

However, unlike some premium competitors, pajamas are not provided. I personally felt the bedding was adequate for a 10–13 hour journey, but not as plush as Middle Eastern carriers.

Entertainment and Connectivity Onboard

These flights also deliver in digital comfort. The 18-inch inflight entertainment screen boasts crisp resolution, and the library is vast over 650 movies and 1,600 TV episodes.

Connectivity is where things get interesting:

• 1 GB of free Wi-Fi is available for business class passengers.
• Elite and Elite Plus members get unlimited Wi-Fi.
• Reported speeds range from 6–7 Mbps on average, though some passengers clocked 27 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up. The downside? Coverage can be spotty.

I found streaming music seamless, but video calling was hit or miss.

Lounges That Set the Tone

Before boarding, lounges play a big role in setting expectations.

• At Istanbul Airport (IST), the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge is almost a destination in itself. It offers gozleme stands, fresh pasta, a cinema, shower suites, sleeping rooms, and even a masseur.
• In the U.S., passengers out of Chicago (ORD) enjoy access to the United Polaris Lounge, which is renowned for sit-down dining and premium cocktails.

The only drawback at Istanbul is walking distance without people movers, getting between gates can take up to 30 minutes.

Award Tickets and Pricing Options

Booking is where Turkish Airlines can be both generous and frustrating. Award availability is strong, but fees are higher when using the Miles&Smiles program. Many travelers instead book via Star Alliance partners like Avianca LifeMiles or Air Canada Aeroplan.

Examples of redemption and fares:

• ORD to IST (one-way): 63,000 LifeMiles + $25 in fees (cash price ~$4,151).
• CUN to CMB via IST: 110,000 Aeroplan points + $130.
• IST to SEA: 32,900 miles + $360 during a sale.
• Round-trip U.S. to IST: From ~$3,774 in cash.

A sweet spot once existed at 45,000 miles one-way business but was discontinued in February 2024. Still, even at today’s prices, redemptions can be excellent value compared to $4,000+ cash fares.

Transit and Stopover Experience

We often underestimate layovers, but in Istanbul, they can become a highlight. Turkish Airlines runs a free stopover program, including up to two nights of complimentary hotel stay for eligible passengers.

City access is straightforward:

• The M11 metro gets you from the airport to Gayrettepe Station in 25 minutes.
• Taxis can take anywhere from 40 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic.

This adds extra appeal for those combining long-haul travel with a mini Istanbul adventure.

Small Touches That Make a Difference

Sometimes it’s the little things we remember. On these flights, I noticed:

• Slippers included in the amenity kit, branded by Hackett London or Salvatore Ferragamo.
• Child amenity kits with toys, coloring books, and slippers available on request.
• Air vents above each seat, a surprisingly rare and useful feature.

These details may seem minor, but they add comfort, especially for families or frequent fliers.

Comparing with the Competition

When stacked against European rivals like Lufthansa or British Airways, Turkish Airlines wins hands-down on food and service. Compared to Middle Eastern giants like Qatar Airways or Emirates, the hard product (seat design and space) lags slightly, but the soft product (dining and service) is on par or better.

Upcoming upgrades on the 777 fleet in 2026 should also help close the gap on seat comfort.

Final Thoughts

We travel not just to reach a destination but to experience the journey. Turkish Airlines’ 787 business class balances style and service, even if space feels tight at times. From award-winning dining and world-class lounges to thoughtful amenities and solid connectivity, it delivers more than most airlines flying between the U.S. and Europe.

If you value dining, service, and global reach, this product is a winner. For taller travelers or those who prioritize sleep quality, seat space may disappoint. Still, when redeemed smartly through partner miles, this cabin remains one of the best-value premium experiences in the skies.

So, if you’re planning that next big trip across the Atlantic or beyond, consider stepping into the Turkish Airlines 787 Dreamliner business class. It may just redefine what you expect at 35,000 feet.

FAQs

References

1. Turkish Airlines Official Website – Fleet, seating configurations, lounge details, and stopover program.
2. Avianca LifeMiles Program – Award chart and redemption examples for Turkish Airlines routes.
3. Air Canada Aeroplan Program – Award pricing and availability for Turkish Airlines business class.
4. United Airlines Polaris Lounge Information – Lounge access and amenities at Chicago O’Hare (ORD).
5. Trip Reports and Reviews – Data from passenger experiences: ORD–IST (Jan 2023, Mar 2024), CUN–CMB (Apr 2024), IST–SEA (Oct 2023), IST–SFO (Jan 2025).
6. SeatGuru and Airline Seat Maps – Business class seat width, pitch, and layout for Turkish Airlines Boeing 787-9 and A350.
7. Istanbul Airport Information – Transit times, terminal layout, and transport options to the city.
8. Independent Traveler Reports – Wi-Fi speeds, catering reviews, and lounge impressions (Flyertalk, The Points Guy, One Mile at a Time).
9. Turkish Airlines Annual Reports – Network coverage (120+ countries) and future fleet upgrade plans (777 refit by 2026).

Disclaimer: This review is based on publicly available data, personal experiences, and third-party reports. Prices, schedules, and services may change. Always verify with Turkish Airlines before booking.

Author: Eric Davis

Eric Davis is a seasoned aviation writer and frequent flyer who has reviewed premium cabins worldwide. With years of experience in airline product analysis, he shares practical insights to help travelers make smarter choices in the sky.