Review: Turkish Airlines A321 Neo Business Class, Stockholm-Istanbul

 

Turkish Airlines business class meal, Stockholm to Istanbul


Trip to the Philippines flying Turkish Airlines Business Class

Flight: TK1793
Departure time in Stockholm (ARN): 11:05
Arrival time in Istanbul (IST): 15:50
Aircraft: Airbus A321 NEO (TC-LSV)
Seat: 3A
Duration: 3h 45m
Date of flight: September 21, 2022
*This is an award ticket, Business Class flight #232

Video on YouTube



Check-in, Desk 44

Business class check-in desk

We arrived at Stockholm Arlanda Airport Terminal 5 more than 3 hours before our flight and saw that the check-in desks were not opened yet. The staff came exactly 3 hours before departure and since we were the first in line, we got helped immediately. As we were traveling to Manila, we were asked to present either a vaccination certificate or a negative PCR test. We showed our digital vaccination certificates and moments later, we were on our way to security.

Fast Track

As business class passengers, we had access to fast track.

Fast track

SAS Gold Lounge

We could access either the SAS Business Lounge or the SAS Gold Lounge (we have Star Alliance Gold status) but since the SAS Gold Lounge is better, we chose it instead.

Breakfast buffet

Some juices and wines

Aircraft, A321 NEO

We left the lounge around an hour before departure since we still had to go to passport control. The aircraft for this flight was an Airbus A321 NEO.

Boarding, Gate 19

Boarding started at 10:35am beginning with those flying in business class as well as those with status.

Business Class Cabin

Seat map

The cabin has a total of 20 seats in a 2-2 configuration. On this flight, 9 of the 20 seats were occupied.

Seat 3A

My seat 3A was a window seat. I haven´t flown with this new A321 NEO in business class before so I was looking forward to checking it out.

The personal screen was huge enough and had very good resolution. There was also a coat hook to the right of the screen.

From the movie selection, I ended up watching "Turning Red".

Device pairing

Literature pocket and seat pocket

Safety instruction card, air-sickness bag

Drinks and snacks table

Seat controls

IFE Controller under the right armrest

There is also a power outlet and headphones socket

IFE Controller

Under the left armrest is the foldable tray table.

Foldable tray table

There is also a small privacy divider

Individual air vents

Free Wifi

There was complimentary wifi which I was able to use for messaging.

Free wifi 👍

Pre-departure Beverage

Moments after settling in, we were offered the usual pre-departure drinks and I chose a glass of water while Mike had the lemon mint.

Pillow, Blanket and Headphones

I was feeling cold and decided to ask for a pillow and blanket which I got with no problem.

The flight attendant also offered a pair of headphones.

Pushback and Take-Off

We started pushback at 11:23am and took off nine minutes later.

Dining

Moments after the seat belt sign was turned off, the flight attendant started offering hot towels.

Menu card and beverage list was also offered.

Lunch menu

Beverages

Drinks order was taken and I chose a glass of apple juice. Then, the appetizer, salad and dessert were all served on a tray.

Appetizer, salad and dessert

As usual, bread was also offered.

For the main course, I chose the lamb chops just like Mike. The only other meal left was pasta since we were two of the last 3 passengers in the cabin. Mike would have wanted the salmon had it been available. The lamb chops was actually good 😋

Lavatory

There is one lavatory located in front of the cabin and it looked fresh and clean.

Lavatory

Lavatory

Survey

Just before landing, there was a survey which one could answer directly on the screen.

Landing in Istanbul Airport

We landed in Istanbul at 3:45pm, about 5 minutes ahead of schedule.

Transitting in Istanbul Airport

Since we were flying in business class, we had access to Fast Track.

Moments later, we were on our way to the Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounge.

CONCLUSION

It was nice to be able to test the new regional business class seats of Turkish Airlines on their A321 NEO. I actually liked them as they looked better and more modern. The personal screens were also impressive with very good resolution. As usual, the meal was very good although they did not offer tea and coffee after the meal. Mike had to ask them for some gin and tonic so I guess one could always ask for them, although I think tea and coffee should be offered right after the meal. The wifi was a big plus since more and more airlines are offering them. Overall, it was very good flight and since I used my Turkish Airlines miles to fly in business class from Stockholm to Manila (I only paid the taxes), I could not complain 😉

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