I finally got to try out the boeing 787-9 turkish airlines business class on a long-haul flight recently, and I have some thoughts. If you've flown Turkish Airlines before, you probably know they're famous for two things: incredible food and a slightly dated 2-3-2 seating arrangement on their older planes. But the 787-9 Dreamliner changes the game entirely with a 1-2-1 layout that actually gives everyone direct aisle access. Honestly, it was about time.
The Dreamliner itself is a cool plane. It's quieter, the windows are huge, and the cabin pressure is managed in a way that's supposed to leave you feeling less like a dried-out raisin when you land. But the real star here is how Turkish has decked out the interior. It feels sleek, modern, and very "boutique hotel," which is a nice change of pace from some of the more sterile-looking cabins out there.
First Impressions and the Seat
Walking into the cabin, the first thing you notice is the mood lighting and the dark, elegant color palette. The seats are arranged in a staggered 1-2-1 configuration, which is a massive upgrade for solo travelers. No more awkward "excuse me" hops over a sleeping neighbor's legs.
The seat itself is upholstered in this soft, Alcantara-like fabric that feels pretty high-end. It's a "pod" style seat, so you get quite a bit of privacy, especially if you snag a window seat (the even-numbered rows are closer to the window, whereas the odd numbers are closer to the aisle).
One thing to keep in mind, though—the footwell is a bit snug. If you're someone with large feet or if you toss and turn a lot when you sleep, you might find it a little tight when the seat is in full-flat mode. That said, for lounging and working, it's great. There's a side console with plenty of space for a laptop or a book, a small storage locker for your headphones and phone, and easy-to-reach power outlets.
That Legendary Turkish Airlines Catering
Let's be real: most people book a flight on the boeing 787-9 turkish airlines business class just for the food. I'm happy to report that the "Flying Chef" concept is still very much alive and well. Shortly after boarding, the chef (yes, in a full white uniform and toque) comes around to take your order. It makes the whole thing feel much more like a restaurant than an airplane.
The meal service starts with the signature "candlelit" dinner (okay, they're little LED candles, but it's still a vibe). The appetizer trolley is where things get dangerous because everything looks so good you'll want to try it all. They usually have a mix of traditional Turkish meze, fresh salads, and some kind of soup.
For the main course, I went with the grilled lamb chops, and they were surprisingly tender. It's hard to get meat right at 35,000 feet, but they seem to have nailed it. And don't even get me started on the dessert trolley. If they have the pistachio baklava, just say yes. Don't even think about the calories; you're on vacation (or at least pretending to be).
The Entertainment and Tech
The screen in front of you is massive—18 inches of high-definition goodness. It's responsive, and the interface is actually intuitive, which isn't always the case with in-flight entertainment. They have a huge selection of movies, from Hollywood blockbusters to international cinema, and the noise-canceling headphones they provide (usually Denon) are actually decent. You don't necessarily need to bring your own, though I usually do anyway.
One of the best perks of flying the boeing 787-9 turkish airlines business class is the free Wi-Fi for business class passengers. Most airlines charge an arm and a leg for a few megabytes, but Turkish gives you a generous data cap (or sometimes unlimited, depending on your Miles&Smiles status). It's fast enough for emails, browsing, and texting, though I wouldn't try to stream 4K video or anything crazy.
The Dreamliner windows are also a fun touch. There are no plastic shades; instead, you have buttons that electronically dim the glass. It's pretty cool to see the sky turn a deep blue while still being able to look out, though I know some people prefer a total blackout shade.
Sleeping and the Amenity Kit
When it's time to crash, the crew offers a turndown service. They'll lay down a mattress pad, give you a proper duvet, and a full-sized pillow. This is part of their "Flow Sleeping" collection, and it's honestly one of the better bedding setups I've experienced in the sky. The cabin stayed relatively cool, which is a huge plus for sleeping.
As for the amenity kit, Turkish rotates brands quite often, but they usually partner with high-end names like Ferragamo or Hackett. The bag is usually something you'd actually want to keep and reuse. Inside, you get all the basics—socks, an eye mask, earplugs, a toothbrush—plus some fancy lotions and lip balm. They also provide slippers, which is a small detail that makes a big difference when you're trying to get comfortable.
The Service Culture
Service on Turkish Airlines can be a bit of a "choose your own adventure." Sometimes you get a crew that is incredibly proactive and warm, and other times they're more efficient and reserved. On my 787-9 flight, the crew was fantastic. They were quick with refills, remembered how I liked my coffee, and generally seemed happy to be there.
One thing I love is the tea and coffee service. They serve Turkish coffee in proper traditional cups, and the tea service is done with those beautiful tulip-shaped glasses. It's a nice way to bring a bit of Turkish culture into the cabin.
The Istanbul Lounge Factor
I can't talk about the boeing 787-9 turkish airlines business class without mentioning the stopover in Istanbul. If you're flying out of or through the new Istanbul Airport (IST), the Business Lounge is an experience in itself. It's massive.
There are live cooking stations everywhere—fresh pita bread, grilled meats, omelets, and a wall of snacks. There's even a golf simulator, a cinema, and private day suites if you have a long layover. It's easy to lose track of time there, so keep an eye on your gate; the airport is huge, and it can take a good 15-20 minutes to walk to your departure point.
Is it Worth the Hype?
So, is it worth it? If you have the choice between the older 777 and the 787-9, take the Dreamliner every single time. The 1-2-1 layout is a game-changer for privacy. While the seat is a little narrower than what you might find on some other carriers, the overall experience—the food, the lounge, the service—is hard to beat.
There are a few minor gripes, like the storage being a bit tight and the footwell being small, but honestly, those are nitpicks. When you're eating a five-course meal while watching a movie on a big screen and then drifting off to sleep on a lie-flat bed, it's hard to complain. Turkish Airlines has really stepped up their game with this aircraft, and it's easily one of the best ways to cross the Atlantic or fly to Asia.
If you're looking for a solid business class experience that feels a bit more special than your average "corporate" airline, the boeing 787-9 turkish airlines business class should definitely be on your list. Just make sure you come hungry. Seriously, don't eat at the airport before you board. You're going to want every bit of room for that dinner service.