The pleasure of flying

I will not lie – it is only because of my many years of cooperation that I have been lucky enough to explore California, New York, and Israel. It was 2012 when we first flew to California, somewhere at the back of the plane, which, in my mind, is the worst to sit as the plane's movements are more noticeable than in the front. To be fair – I think the same about any place in the aircraft. We flew, watching movies and enjoying food, and it was a smooth flight, but on the return, we had lots of turbulence. I promised myself I would only fly long distances with sleeping pills — no other way. A promise is a promise, but I broke that two years later when we flew to New York for business that I had to write about. I knew it was life's little tricks that were taking place. 

We have flown to San Francisco twice since my “with pills only promise”, but I have never taken one for one reason only – business class. I was a very anti-business class person before 2014 when I flew on Turkish Airline and sat in the front rows. That was the day I changed my mind as it is not about showing off but about comfort in every detail, but most importantly – a place to sleep as if in bed. I love the feeling when after a hearty meal (another story), my chair starts to slide back, and the stewardess prepares it for a pleasant sleep. It was after the flight to NY that I realized that I was relaxed and not exhausted stepping out of the plane. 

This time was different. All four of us flew, but (please don't judge me) my husband and I flew business and the girls – economy; we sat in the last row and they were in the first so only a wall separated us (they wished for a thicker wall and no curtains so I couldn’t see what they were doing). It was also different due to landing in and departing from the grand, new airport in Turkey – much further away from the center, but so grand that one wonders about what the architect was thinking. It is like a city, still developing, but already beautiful. With many entrances, we found one for business class and got to passport control – nothing like a few years ago as all went much faster and easier. In 10 minutes (unbelievable speed), we were ready to explore the CIP lounge and its food, influenced by Turkish cuisine and international travelers. 

“I have been wondering where my next trip with Turkish Airlines will be, but for now, I cherish every moment I have up in the air with them”

I took my girls there as if we were going to an exhibition and pointed out the traditional foods they had to try – our favorite simit bread with local farm butter, pide, ayran, artichoke salad, Aegean style zucchini, and Turkish sweets, while the player piano took care of the music. It is always a pleasure to explore local tastes there, as it is on-board where you are served a glass (or more) of champagne (French or local) and very delightful Turkish wines. Where on-board chef (not an actor but a real chef) arrives with a trolley of appetizers to choose from, taking care to exchange your empty plate for the second course of your choice right up until another cart with desserts arrives. I always enjoy this 2h meal as it still amazes me that I am 10,000 m above ground and can enjoy high quality freshly made food, which some restaurants on the ground cannot manage. After watching two movies and having a good night's sleep, I love to have my Turkish coffee or espresso (usually skipping the biggest part of the breakfast) with some Bircher muesli and fresh juice, as San Francisco got closer and closer.

If you ask me today whether it is reasonable to fly business for adults and economy for kids, I would say yes. I did judge a family in 2016 when they did the same, but life put me in the same position, forcing my ego to settle down. As long as the kids are close to you: but sadly for them, I could see them almost all the time. It is a great experience. They came for hugs, some juice that we had, and ice cream that the chef was sweet and kind enough to offer them. 

I have been wondering where my next trip with Turkish Airlines will be, but for now, I cherish every moment I have up in the air with them, as my experience has been only the best. I have seen their food-making facilities in Istanbul. Whenever I have some questions, they answer with great care. I have had more than enough beautiful champagne and wine experiences up in the air, and I finally don't feel dismayed about long-distance flights. It is a sense of security to know that you are in good hands and with good food while stuck in a metal box for 10 hours when every little thing counts. At least for my family and me. 

Some things to know:

The business lounge is called the CIP lounge.
The food there is divine as are the drinks.
There is a movie theatre and a car game table in the lounge. 
There are showers, beds, and ironing services in the lounge. 
The new airport is around 40 minutes away from the center. 
There is a separate entrance to the airport for First and Business class passengers, making checking in quick and a pleasure.
When traveling business class and the flight is the next day, the hotel is provided by Turkish Airlines (included), and you are taken to and from it according to your flight schedule. 
Dinners in the hotel are included, too. 
You are provided with all essential accessories on the plane – toothbrush, toothpaste, fragrances, sleep mask, socks, and much more.
If your flight is many hours but on the same day, they provide a service called ? 

Story and pictures: Signe Meirane
Camera: Sony Alpha 7s
In partnership with Turkish Airlines Latvia

PS. In our cooperation deal, our business class tickets were paid for but we paid for the girls ourselves (today this is a sensitive topic – who writes about whom and why). Even if I had paid for all this myself, this was an experience you would find out about as good things are meant to be shared, and if it inspired me, I believe it can inspire someone else).