a row of seats with monitors on the side
Trip Report: Turkish Airlines New A350 Experience

Trip Report: Turkish Airlines New A350 Experience

I flew on Turkish Airlines new A350 from Montreal to Istanbul after arriving on Air Canada B787 from Calgary.

Turkish Airlines premium passengers can use either Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge or Air France Lounge in Montreal. The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge has a great view across the ramp, and some decent snacks. However, it closes at 9:15 pm and Turkish Airlines flight board around 9:45 pm and departs at 10:45 pm.

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Turkish Airlines A350 Seating

a plane at an airport

The Turkish Airlines A350 Business Class cabin has an understated luxury silver/grey decor with all-aisle access.

There are 8 rows of Business Class on the new Turkish Airlines A350. They're the same seat as those on the B787 (the same seat is also used by Singapore Airlines regional/medium haul B787-10/A350)

the inside of an airplane
a seat in a plane

Row 2/4/6/8 are window seat, Row 1/3/5/7 are aisle seat. For the middle couple seat, try row 1/3/5/7.

the seats with monitors in the back

Turkish Airlines A350 Economy Class has a standard 3-3-3 configuration with the first few rows with extra legroom like Economy Plus. Row 28A and 28K has extra leg room due to no seat in front.

rows of seats with monitors on them

Seatmap of Turkish Airlines A350-900

The mask is no longer mandatory on Turkish Airlines unless the destination requires it.

a man in a chef uniform holding a tray of drinks
Welcome drink is served by the chef onboard. Champagne is available on request only.

Turkish Airlines also provide slipper and a shoe bag, in addition to the amenity kit. The A350 seat has a locker for private storage and mirror.

a hand holding a bag

We departed on time out of Montreal and were one of the last in the evening to fly out. You can see the takeoff action on video here.

Food and Beverage

Economy Class has the option of fish or ricotta pasta.

a group of bottles and cans on a table
Economy Class beverage

For Business Class, it is on-demand dining. I have the Turkish Mezze for the starter.

a plate of food on a table
a plate of food on a table
A well-done steak for the main course. It was a little too dry for me.
a bottle of wine next to a glass
Trying out Turkish red wine from Gallipoli
a plate of food on a tray
Dessert was custard tart and famous baklava, all gone down with a cup of Turkish tea.
a hand holding a menu
After dinner, cabin crew gives out this movie bar menu.

But I opted to get some sleep. The seat felt excellent in privacy from your own cocoon but it is narrow. My feet are restricted in the smallish footwell which makes it hard to turn.

a black seat inside a black box

After a few hours of trying, I could not sleep on this flight. I think the seat was a bit too closed in and the leg space was restricted. I hope this was just a one-off experience as I slept well in the past in similar configuration including on a 17 hour delivery flight from Charleston to Singapore on Singapore B787-10 with the exact same seat.

Turkish Airlines Business Class passengers, elite frequent flyers receive free Wi-Fi. The 1GB bandwidth is generous.

a plate of fruit and yogurt on a table
a plate of food with a bowl of food
Breakfast: Cheese Omelette

We landed on-time after 8 hours 20 mins flight. Istanbul Airport was huge, so we took some time to taxi to the gate. As usual, the camera tail view on the A350 is fantastic.

an airplane on a runway
an airplane at an airport

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • The food and beverage is the highlight on Turkish Airlines flight. There are some good elements of Turkish culture incorporated into the offering. There are no more cut back in service due to the pandemic.
  • Wi-Fi up to 1GB size in Business Class.
  • Mask is not mandatory on flights to Turkey. (Subject to destination rules)

Cons

  • The Business Class seat while looks elegant and offer good privacy, it is narrow and feel closed in from the console in front. The legspace can be restricted in full recline.

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