Extra perks from airlines - tours, hotel stays, in-flight service
Airlines are increasingly realising that promising a smooth flight from airport A to airport B is no longer enough to win passengers over. When choosing a carrier, travellers also weigh up what will happen during their layover and what level of in-flight service the airline offers.
Usually, when we take a flight with a connection, we try to keep the layover as short as possible. That is not always possible, and yet a longer stay at the transfer point can bring interesting new experiences. For passengers changing planes in Istanbul, Turkish Airlines offers a remarkably interesting city sightseeing programme called Touristanbul.
Touristanbul and Stopover - a layover in Istanbul
Touristanbul is a free tourist service offered to Turkish Airlines passengers on international transfer flights. Passengers with a connecting flight via Istanbul and a layover of 6 to 24 hours can use Touristanbul and get the chance to see the city.
Passengers can choose one of six tours offered by the Turkish airline, depending on which time slot best fits their arrival and departure times. The tours take in Istanbul's most famous sights and offer a taste of authentic Turkish cuisine.
The tour starts at Istanbul Airport, and when it ends, passengers are driven back to the airport. The programme includes a professional English-speaking guide, a meal and admission tickets to museums. In other words, the passenger pays nothing at all. Tours start at 8:00, 8:30, 12:00, 16:00 and 18:30 and finish at 11:30, 15:00 (or 18:00), 18:00, 21:30 and 23:00 respectively. There are two Touristanbul desks at Istanbul Airport: one in the transfer area and the other on the arrivals level.
Istanbul is one of the most attractive cities in Europe. Its history - it was once Constantinople - and its distinctive exotic flair draw tourists from all over the world. This magical city lies where cultures meet and, both figuratively and literally, links Europe with Asia. Istanbul is an exceptionally photogenic metropolis, spread across hills that keep offering new perspectives. Straits full of ships and boats make a beautiful backdrop for the historic buildings. During a stay in Istanbul you can visit mosques, palaces, historic squares and the famous bazaar. Some options even include a boat trip on the Bosphorus.
An alternative to Touristanbul is the free Stopover service, which provides free accommodation for passengers with a long layover (at least 20 hours). Economy class passengers can spend one night in a 4-star hotel at no cost, and business class passengers two nights in a 5-star hotel.
In-flight meals and business class service
Another important factor that can influence the choice of airline is the food served on board. It has to be tasty, nourishing, healthy and made from the best ingredients. An original presentation and an element of surprise also matter a great deal. Naturally, particular attention is paid to business class passengers, who are usually offered a “welcome drink” to start with. Then comes the presentation of the menu. Starters and desserts are set in advance, but passengers often choose their main course themselves, according to their preferences. They can opt for meat, fish or a vegetarian option.
The longer the flight, the more often the cabin crew will serve you. On intercontinental flights, main meals are served, supplemented by snacks, dinners or breakfasts. Turkish Airlines often serves homemade pasta and ravioli, grilled fish and meat dishes based on traditional Anatolian cuisine. Pancakes are on the menu too. Typically 80% of the produce comes from Turkish organic farms. Various non-alcoholic cocktails and detox drinks made from healthy ingredients are becoming increasingly popular.
A chef on board and award-winning catering
When it is time to eat, you may be quite surprised, because the cabin crew may include a chef. He personally oversees the quality of the dishes, prepares some of them right on board and then serves them to passengers. Another surprise is being served... old bread. Of course, this is not a product past its use-by date, but a play on words that takes us back 12,000 years.
Research suggests that bread was first baked on the territory of present-day Turkey 12,000 years ago, and Turkish Airlines draws on this historical fact by serving this (un)usual bread, packed in a grey paper bag and meant to symbolise a return to those distant times that proved a turning point for humanity.
In 2024 airlines were once again recognised for the best in-flight service. Turkish Airlines won the award - among 150 airlines assessed - in the category of “world's best business class catering”. Perhaps soon, just like the world's top restaurants, airlines too will be awarded Michelin stars?
