Turkish Airlines Review: Is It a Good Airline? Pros and Cons

Anyone who has ever searched for flights to less obvious cities has probably noticed Turkish Airlines appearing in the results more often than most, with 352 destinations in over 120 countries — more than any other airline. This review uses verified data from safety audits, passenger reviews, and official policies to weigh the airline’s strengths and weaknesses.

Destinations served: 352 ·
Countries flown to: 120+ ·
Fleet size: 435 (2024) ·
Hub airport: Istanbul Airport (IST) ·
Founded: 1933 ·
Skytrax rating: 4-star

Turkish Airlines in numbers: the key facts every traveler should know.

Is Turkish Airlines a good airline?

What do passengers say about Turkish Airlines?

• Skytrax ranks it as a 4-star airline, and it won “Best Airline in Europe” for six consecutive years (2011–2016) (Skytrax).
• Trustpilot reviews show a mixed average of around 3 out of 5 stars, with frequent praise for cabin crew and complaints about refund delays (Trustpilot) duplicates removed; text kept.
• Tripadvisor user reviews frequently highlight good food and extensive route network, but seat comfort and customer service responsiveness draw criticism (Tripadvisor user review).

Is Turkish Airlines okay to fly with?

The airline’s safety record is strong: it holds an IOSA certification from IATA and earned a 7-out-of-7 star safety rating from AirlineRatings.com. For most passengers, flying Turkish Airlines is a perfectly acceptable experience, especially on long-haul routes where meal service and seat selection are competitive.

The catch: If you value minimalist, hassle-free booking changes, the airline’s refund and cancellation policies can be more restrictive than those of some competitors, as we cover below.

Are flights to Turkey cancelled today?

Is Istanbul airport closed?

• Istanbul Airport (IST) operates 24/7 and has not reported any prolonged closures in recent months. Real-time status is best checked via the Turkish Airlines flight status page.
• Minor weather-related delays occur occasionally, but the airport rarely shuts down entirely.

How to check your flight status

The most reliable method is the official flight status tool on the Turkish Airlines website. Alternatively, use the mobile app or check with your departure airport’s information desk. Third-party flight trackers like FlightRadar24 may also show real-time departures and arrivals.

If your flight is cancelled by the airline, Turkish Airlines states that passengers may rebook on the next available flight or request a full refund depending on fare rules (Turkish Airlines irregular operations policy). Note that ticketing service fees are refunded only if the cancellation is due to a schedule change or extraordinary circumstances (Conditions of online services).

Always verify your specific situation with the airline directly.

Is Turkish Airlines better than Emirates?

Choosing between these two Star Alliance and non-alliance carriers depends on what you prioritize. The table below compares key attributes.

The pattern: Turkish Airlines beats Emirates on destination count and often on price, but Emirates offers superior seat recline, larger entertainment screens, and a more refined premium experience.

Is it safe to travel to Turkey right now?

Turkish Airlines safety record

• AirlineRatings.com gives Turkish Airlines a 7-out-of-7 star safety rating (AirlineRatings.com).
• The airline has been IOSA certified since 2004 (IATA IOSA registry).
• Accident history: Turkish Airlines had three fatal accidents between 1974 and 2020, with the most recent (Turkish Airlines Flight 6491 – operated by ACT Airlines) in 2017. No major passenger fatalities on its own fleet since 2009.

Current travel advisories from government sources

The U.S. State Department currently designates Turkey at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution (U.S. State Department travel advisory). The UK Foreign Office has no blanket advisory against travel to Turkey, but warns of increased risk near the Syrian border (UK FCO travel advice).

Individual travel decisions should incorporate the latest advisories and personal risk tolerance.

Do you get free drinks on Turkish Airlines?

Complimentary beverage service

• On most international flights, Turkish Airlines includes beer, wine, and spirits at no extra charge in economy class (Turkish Airlines menus).
• Domestic flights within Turkey do not include free alcoholic drinks; only soft drinks and snacks are provided.
• Special meal requests (dietary, religious) are offered up to 24 hours before departure.

How to manage your Turkish Airlines booking: check-in, cancellations, and refunds

Online check-in process

• Check-in opens 24 hours before departure for international flights, 48 hours for domestic (Turkish Airlines check-in).
• Online check-in closes 90 minutes before departure for domestic, 60 minutes for international.
• You can select seats, add baggage, and download boarding passes.

Cancellation and refund policy

• Free cancellation within 24 hours of purchase (only if booked at least 7 days before departure) (Turkish Airlines 24-hour refund policy).
• After 24 hours, cancellation fees depend on fare type. Promotional fares may be non-refundable.
• If the airline cancels your flight, you can rebook or request a full refund, including non-refundable tickets (Irregular operations policy).
• Refunds for voluntary cancellations are processed to original payment method but ticketing service fees are not refunded unless the cancellation is due to schedule change or extraordinary circumstances (Conditions of online services).

1. Log in to your booking on the Turkish Airlines website or app.
2. Go to “Manage Booking” and select the itinerary you wish to cancel.
3. Review the applicable cancellation fees based on your fare type.
4. Confirm cancellation; a refund will be processed to your original payment method if eligible.
5. Check your email for confirmation and refund timeline (varies).

Review your fare conditions carefully before making changes to avoid unexpected charges.

Confirmed facts vs what remains unclear

“Turkish Airlines was named Best Airline in Europe for six consecutive years (2011–2016) by Skytrax.”

— Skytrax

“Turkish Airlines operates scheduled services to 352 destinations in Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Americas.”

— Wikipedia

“The U.S. State Department advises travelers to exercise increased caution in Turkey due to terrorism and arbitrary detentions.”

— U.S. State Department

“Customer service complaints focus on delayed refunds and difficulty reaching support agents by phone.”

— Trustpilot user reviews

Travelers who prioritize network breadth will find Turkish Airlines a solid choice, while those seeking cabin refinement may prefer Emirates. The decision hinges on which trade-offs you are willing to accept.

Frequently asked questions