Flying in economy on Turkish Airlines' A321, here's how to fly on ITA Airways' new aircraft "challenger"
If I can fly in a new plane I don't let the opportunity pass me by, if I then have the chance to try the only [...]
Turkish Airlines
Star Alliance
IST
If I can fly in a new plane, I won't let the opportunity pass me by., if I then have the opportunity to try the only real competitor that ITA Airways' new A321s will have in Europe. then I am also willing to spend a night in the airport, so much in Istanbul as in Singapore, one does not run the risk of getting bored.
In this article:
- Specifications
- Aircraft:
- A321neo
- Class:
- Economy
- Treat:
- IST - CAI
- Price:
- 110€
- Book
So I decided to fly from Bergamo to Cairo in Egypt, via Istanbul, and since I don't like to win easy for the first leg I chose to test AnadoluJet, the low-cost airline owned by Turkish Airlines, which flies from BGY to SAW, the Turkish capital's second airport located on the city's Asian shore.
After taking the bus and traveling the 75km between the two airports, and crossing the Bosphorus for the first time, I arrived at the new air terminal, an architectural masterpiece that will bring Turkey to the center of the world's routes, also taking advantage of the fact that no airline in the world flies to as many places as Turkey's national carrier.
In Europe, no carriers except TAP Portugal use single-aisle aircraft outfitted in two classes, but in the case of the Lisbon company these are exceptional cases in which machines intended for intercontinental flights to North and South America are used for special rotations.
Reservation
I paid cash for this ticket, partly because I have no Miles&Smiles points, Turkish's loyalty program, and because when a ticket is cheap, using points or miles is a colossal mistake.
The two sections were used for me to make two different reviews, accumulate a handful of miles on my Krisflyer card (for Turkish flight only) and for Try for the first time the low-cost AnadoluJet.
At the airport
I arrived by bus after a journey of about 1 hour and an expense of less than 5€, comfortable bus, the seats also had IFE but it was turned off.
I wasted no time and rushed to the lounge, Traveling in economy but having Gold Star Alliance status. I had access to the Turkish's dedicated lounge, is slightly less stocked than the lounge reserved for business passengers, but it is still one of the best airport lounges in Europe and beyond.
After about 6 hours, and a sleep in the movie theater between dinner and breakfast, I was on time at the Gate at 6 a.m.
On board
The configuration of Turkish's A321s is two-cabin. Business class, with a setup of 2 seats per row, and the classic tourist cabin configured with three seats per side.
There are a total of 20 business chairs, chairs that recline, but that do not become a bed.
The rest of the plane is configured with the same configuration found aboard all airlines, including low-cost, what changes, however, is the legroom, the presence of the IFE, and the power outlets. This is where things get really nice.
The chair
As mentioned, the chair, meaning the seat and back, is an identical or nearly identical product to that found on all companies, but Turkish unlike all other European carriers using this model has chosen a less dense configuration to "give" passengers a few extra inches for their legs.
In addition to the space there is a personal IFE system, installed on all seats. Stuff that nobody in Europe offers on single-aisle aircraft.
Tk flies these aircraft throughout the Mediterranean basin, for example this is the most frequently used aircraft model in Venice, Bologna, Nice. While at large airports such as Malpensa and Fiumicino it flies A330s.
I really didn't understand why European carriers, unlike American and the rest of the world, flattened out with low-cost-like products instead of focusing on a true premium experience.
The cabin colors are pleasant and the seating is comfortable, although the seat is very thin.
Anceh even though I had put so many of my gadgets in the gadget pocket, there was definitely plenty of leg room compared to what is found aboard our domestic planes.
I was really satisfied with the product offered by TK and I would not hesitate to rebook, even at a higher price, to fly from Italy to Turkey.
IFE
How strange to have a monitor for such a flight. Not only ITA, but no European carrier has a screen installed on its single-aisle aircraft, except for the few like TAP, SAS, and Aer Lingus that use A321s for intercontinental flights.
I, of course, immediately took advantage of everything and watched a couple of episodes of the HBO series on Shaq.
Each device has a traditional USB socket and headphone input. I the first thing I did was connect my bluetooth adapter And take advantage of my wireless airpods in the way.
The catalog of movies and TV series was not huge, but since the flight lasts less than 2 hours, it is not a serious lack. Also because then I always end up playing with the map and little more.
Not only IFE, but also free wi-fi for business class passengers and all members of the Miles&Smiles loyalty program, a new feature that became operational this summer on the entire TK fleet.
Service
Staff very present during the flight and quick to handle a couple of nervous situations.
Being a morning flight, breakfast was served. I don't remember ever seeing such a rich tray for a short-haul flight in business class, let alone economy. Hot plate, salad, yogurt and sandwich.
Shortly before landing, the customs declaration form was distributed; I hoped that covid had wiped out these pieces of paper, but instead they exist and are still with us.
In conclusion
What can I say, for just over 100€ a ticket really unthinkable on any other European airline. I'm getting more and more impatient to try ITA Airways' new A321, too bad only that with the outbreak of hostilities in Israel the debut will probably be postponed until a later date.
Pro
- IFE
- Catering
- Armchair
Against
- A thread of chaos at the gate