Review: Turkish Airlines A330 – Business Class – Montreal-Istanbul

Updated May 31, 2024
Fact checked by
Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien Voisine

Jean-Maximilien Voisine

Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien, President and Founder of Milesopedia, is a recognized expert in rewards programs, credit cards, and travel in Canada and France. Approaching forty and a father of two, he has travelled to over 100 countries, half of them with his children and his wife, Audrey. Specializing in top loyalty programs like Aeroplan, American Express Membership Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy, he guides travellers to maximize their benefits across North America and Europe.
All posts by Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Note
9/10
turkish airlines nce ist 43
Flight Carrier Turkish Airlines
Departing Airport Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport
Arrival Airport Istanbul International Airport
Flight Number THY36
Duration 10:00
Aircraft Airbus A330
Cabin Class Business Class
Tutorial Guide: How can I save on plane tickets with points?
To the point Discover our photo report on the Turkish Airlines flight from Montreal to Istanbul in Business Class thanks to Aeroplan Miles.

Continuation of my trip to Asia with Aeroplan miles, today the flight with Turkish Airlines between Montreal and Istanbul.

We had left each other at the gate of the flight to Istanbul. It’s now almost 11pm and I must say that after a busy day I’m getting sleepy.

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Our Airbus A330-300

The boarding is already in progress when we present ourselves at the door, we arrive in this rather old-fashioned cabin, although the aircraft (TC-JOD) is hardly 2 years old. It must be said that the colors and lighting do not help.

seat in Airbus A33-300 of Turkish Airlines
IFE in Airbus A33-300 of Turkish Airlines
Airbus A330-300 Turkish Airlines cabin

I then inspect the kit and slippers offered. I’m not a big consumer of these products but socks and especially the mask are welcome especially when the cabin has no modern lighting.

Turkish Airlines Business Class Slippers
Turkish Airlines comfort kit
Turkish Airlines comfort kit

We leave with a little delay and it is necessary to pass of course to the de-icing station. Always impressive and at this hour there are not many people, so we leave quickly from there to fly to Europe.

De-icing at the Montreal airport
De-icing at the Montreal airport

While waiting for the meal I look at the headphones provided, they are of much better external quality than the previous ones.

Turkish Airlines Business Class Headset

This is the third flight with Turkish Airlines and it is a good company overall. The crew is pleasant but I noticed a small flaw. Maybe I’m unlucky but the services are very slow. It took almost 2 hours for the meal. I didn’t even wait for the end because I was so tired. So of course I could have chosen to sleep right away but then you would have had less pictures 🙂

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Aperitif with champagne and a mixture of nuts.

Here is the menu, I went for the simplest and lightest, having already eaten well at the salon.

Turkish Airlines Business Class Menu

You are asked to choose your breakfast dishes.

Turkish Airlines Business Class Breakfast Menu

I did not taste the wines, I stayed on champagne, a very correct Taittinger.

Turkish Airlines Business Class Wine List
Turkish Airlines Business Class Wine List

The table is set, I think the arrangement is quite nice.

Turkish Airlines Business Class service
The service is done with a cart

 

I had a soup and goat cheese salad

I didn’t even finish my meal, it was time for me to sleep. Flight attendants pull out a small mattress topper that hooks onto the seat. Not very thick but the blanket and the cushion are comfortable.

The flight attendant makes “the bed

 

Coverage in situation

 

The cabin is now plunged in the dark.

I wake up and we are already over Germany.

IFE with flight map

Small bottles of water are placed during your sleep, a good attention.

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Two hours before arrival the breakfast service starts, which is really too early for those who want to sleep as long as possible.

Breakfast on Turkish Airlines in Business Class

 

Breakfast on Turkish Airlines in Business Class
Too early for breakfast. Sad!

I take a look outside, I find the snow!

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The weather was gloomy when we arrived: it was drizzling and the temperature was 6 degrees Celsius.

Arrival in Istanbul
Atatürk Airport

A disembarkation by bus is never pleasant especially with this weather.

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We go to the Turkish Airlines lounge and take a shower. Our flight towards Singapore taking off at 2 am, we want to take advantage of it to go for a walk in town although it is already dark.

The business class lounge in Istanbul is really nice.

We were able to have a shower without waiting. It was very hot in the cabins, I was almost sweating when I got out of there.

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So we took the opportunity to go for a walk in the historical center. The trip from the airport takes 45-50 minutes, you have to buy a ticket with cash. There is a transfer between the metro and the tramway.

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We return towards the airport and we settle down in the lounge while waiting for our flight towards Singapore which is going to last a little more than 11 am.

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Bottom line

Turkish Airlines is a safe bet in business class. The service, although slow, is constant, the quality of the food satisfactory and the comfort is there. Fortunately, I did not have the case but his management of exceptional situations like the snowstorms in Istanbul during the last two winters leaves something to be desired. Due to financial difficulties, the company also had to close roads. However, for Aeroplan members, it is a first choice airline for travel to Asia or even Europe due to the low taxes charged on award tickets.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Matthieu Guyonnet-Duluc

Matthieu Guyonnet-Duluc

Matthieu Guyonnet-Duluc
Matthieu, a luxury travel enthusiast with a deep love for Asia, is an expert in the Aeroplan, Flying Blue, and Marriott Bonvoy programs. Originally from France and residing in Canada for over 20 years, he shares insights for high-end stays and unique experiences, helping travelers make the most of their points and perks.
All posts by Matthieu Guyonnet-Duluc
Flights
Region
Turkey, Istanbul
4.3 Milesopedia Rating

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