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Turkish Business IST-PVG: Really, 2-3-2?

November 8, 2019

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Turkish Business IST PVG Flight Review is part of the ANA, Take Me ‘Round the World Trip Report.

No Time For Lounge Dr. Jones

Between taxiing on the runway and the distance to the lounge, there was no time to go back to the new Turkish Business Lounge.

a sign in a building — Go to gate, not the lounge.

Finally a Good Flight?

In terms of flights, this ANA RTW has been underwhelming despite my audacious blog post titled Booked! ANA RTW: 22,000 Miles in Glorious Business. First, there was the nightmare on United. Then there was the prop plane change from Brussels to Munich. The only reprieve from disappointment was the BCN to IST flight because it had proper pods. Imagine my outrage when I came aboard Turkish Airlines IST to PVG to find the dreadful 2-3-2 configuration. It was shocking that this route didn’t have a better plane. a seat and a table in an airplane a group of people in an airplane an airplane with seats and windows

I lucked out because no one sat next to me, but I was a bit concerned when I initially couldn’t get the seats to lie flat.

a close up of a control panel — What is this ancient instrument?

a person's feet on a seat with a tv on the wall — Better than sitting upright

Service

Like all Turkish flights, I chalk up the abrupt service to the language barrier. “Breakfast yes?” may sound rude but I don’t believe the intent was to sound standoffish.

Amenities kit

There were no pajamas which was disappointing because I would’ve loved Versace ones to compliment my amenities kit. a small blue bag on a table a group of blue bottles and a small booklet on a table

Meze

I hate meze! I actually don’t but the meze on an airplane novelty had worn off after multiple TK flights and after a few new nights in Beirut (Searching for the Best Shawarma Beirut). Redundant food aside, the candle was a nice touch. a plate of food on a table

Dinner

For a change, I went with a vegetarian pasta dish. It wasn’t bad. a plate of food on a table

Lie Flat

There were no comfy pillows or blankets. It was good enough for sleep but nothing special. a seat in an airplane

Live TV

All planes should have live TV and it should be for the duration of the flight. Background noise while sleeping helps the time drift by. a tv on a wall