Turkish Airlines flights to the best holiday destinations in the world

Turkish Airlines is one of Europe’s leading airlines. Turkish Airlines which is often abbreviated to THY, serves Europe extensively with scheduled flights. Being based out of Istanbul gives the airline easy access to service domestic flights as well as flights headed to Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.

Identity Card

• IATA code: TK
• Number of serviced cities: 158 destinations
• Main hub: Atatürk International Airport (IST)
• Alliance: Star Alliance
• Fleet: 133 aircraft
• Loyalty rewards program: Miles & Smiles

History of Turkish Airlines

In the springtime of 1933 the airline was officially founded under the name of “State Airlines Administration.” Finally the airline operated its first international commercial flights from its home base in Ankara to Istanbul and then onwards to Athens in Greece. The Turkish airline joined the jet-era in the early 1970s along with many other airlines, with the purchase of a DC-9. In 1986 Turkish Airlines began servicing Asia with flights to Singapore. A few years later New York was connected to Turkey via Brussels. In the 1990s their cabins were redesigned to accommodate a first-class service, direct service to New York started and many code-share flights were established with other airlines.

In 2000 Turkish Airlines opened a route to Sydney to accommodate the Olympic Games that same year. That same year the airline launched its frequent flyer program named Miles & Smiles. Since then the airline has been expanding its network, reaching more and more European destinations as well as key destinations on a global scale. Some of the newest routes include flights to Toronto, Dakar, Nairobi, Birmingham, Lviv and Jakarta

Travel with Turkish Airlines: practical information

• Onboard Services

  • Meals: There are meals served on every flight: a light lunch on short domestic flights, a warm meal on medium-haul flights and a warm meal on long-haul flights as well. The menu changes periodically and the airline is able to accommodate special dietary restrictions if given appropriate notice.
  • Entertainment: There is a programmed selection of entertainment that includes movies, music, games and other programs.

• Baggage Allowances

  • Cabin: 1 piece is permitted that weights a maximum of 8 kg and has dimensions of 23 x 40 x 55 cm. In addition to this passengers may bring a coat or blanket, a purse, a camera, etc.
  • Checked: Economy-class passengers are permitted 20 kg of free baggage allowance. Infants under 2 years of age are permitted 10 kg plus one baby stroller.
  • Excess: Each kilo that is over the limit is subject to a per kilo fine that varies depending on destination. It ranges from €6 to €30.

Discounts and Special Offers

Passengers travelling with a 40% disability are eligible to a 25% discount on their flight fare. Infants are eligible to a 90% discount as long as the travel takes place before their second birthday. Similarly children ages 2-11 can receive a 25% discount. Travellers aged 65 and over are eligible to a 25% discount as well. Students between the ages of 13 and 25 with a valid student identification card can enjoy a 25% discount on their fare for international flights only.

Contact: