Trip To Panama Flying in Turkish Airlines Business Class
Last month, Mike and I traveled to Panama for the first time where we stayed four nights in the beautiful capital, Panama City. We flew with Turkish Airlines in business class although we had to originate from Budapest instead of Stockholm since the fare was much cheaper starting from the Hungarian capital. Between Stockholm and Budapest, we took the direct flight on Norwegian. Since I have Diamond status with Hilton, we stayed at the Hilton Panama and Waldorf Astoria Panama where we got upgraded to a Master Suite during our stay at the Hilton Panama. We also had a chance to stay at the Radisson Decapolis Hotel which was also a nice hotel, although not as nice as the two Hilton properties we stayed at. When in Panama, you should never miss doing the Panama Canal Tour as it was definitely the highlight of our trip. Take note that they don't have tours everyday so make sure you check the availability beforehand. Our trip to Panama was one of the best trips we've had and having flown in Turkish Airlines business class, it could have not been better!
Review: Turkish Airlines Business Class, Istanbul to Panama via Bogota
Review: Hilton Panama
Review: Radisson Decapolis Hotel, Panama City
Review: Waldorf Astoria Panama
Top Attractions in Panama
Review: Copa Club, Panama Tocumen Airport (PTY)
Review: Turkish Airlines Business Class, Panama to Istanbul
Photoreview: Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul Arrival (IST)
Review: Radisson BLU Conference & Airport Hotel, Istanbul
Review: Turkish Airlines Business Class, Istanbul to Budapest
Flight: TK 1038
Departure time, BUD: 20:10
Arrival time, IST: 23:15
Aircraft: Airbus A320-200
Seat: 2A
Duration: 2h 5m
Date of flight: September 20, 2016
*Revenue Ticket, Business Class flight #112
Budapest Liszt Ferenc Airport Terminal 2B
Aircraft
I actually took this picture while in the lounge, just after the plane had landed.
Boarding, gate B11
Cabin
Seat
Under the left armrest is the foldable tray table.
Minutes after settling in, we were offered something to drink with a choice of strawberry, water or lemon juice.
The captain came on the PA to welcome us and advise us of our flight time of 1 hour and 45 minutes. Moments later, we were offered Turkish newspapers first and then English newspapers although we declined. We started our pushback at 8:20pm which was followed by the safety video being played. Take off went smoothly and moments later, we were airborne.
Dining
Beverages
Roasted eggplant salad
Selection of cheese
Turkish Style Oven Baked Rice PuddingMoments later, the appetizer, cheese and dessert were offered which were all served in one tray.
Mike chose the beef for his main course which according to him was very tasty.
I on the other hand chose the chicken which was almost excellent except for that it was a bit salty.
While I settled for my usual green tea.
The service was very efficient and was done in the exact pace I would have wanted it to be. The fact that we were only four passengers in the cabin could have also helped.
Lavatory & Toilet
Landing in Istanbul
Transiting in Istanbul Ataturk Airport
Istanbul Lounge, Ataturk Airport
As we had a few hours left before our connecting flight to Panama, we stayed in the beautiful CIP Lounge which has been renamed the July 15 Heroes of Democracy Lounge.
CONCLUSION
The last time I flew with Turkish Airlines in business class was about 3 years ago so I was really excited when I took this flight. I thought the seats were much better than what we are used to when flying business class in let's say Lufthansa, Finnair or British Airways since the seats here are really business class seats and not the normal economy seats where the middle seats are blocked. I also found the food "almost" excellent and of course, the flight attendants were also friendly. Overall, it was a very pleasant flight and I would not hesitate flying with them again in the future. To all the crew on this flight, "Teşekkürler!"
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