Review of Turkish Airlines flight from Barcelona to Istanbul in Economy

Being RIX my final destination on this trip with Turkish Airlines, I found out very convenient the early morning flight out of BCN, one of the few airports in Europe where TK airplanes overnight. I arrived BCN T1 too early, as the check-in counters, for drop-off luggage, only opened at 4h00, 2h00 before departure time. Passing the security was rather quick as no one was there. The doors of the lounge only opened at 5h00 (sala pau casals), so I was there just for 15 min before going to the gate. The A320 TC-JPY was ready for boarding at 5h25. The airport was almost empty at that time but the flight was almost full.
The departure was on time heading east to our destination IST. About 20 min after take-off the sun started rising. A nice view!

About 45 min into the flight the crew started the service on Y cabin. First, menus were handed over explaining the contents of the service, very unsual in other european airlines and according to the recognized high standard service of Turkish Airlines. The meal consisted of Turkish style cheese pastry, turkey and kasar cheese toast, grilled red pepper, sautéed spinach, assorted cheese, ovenfresh bread selection, butter, jam and plum cake. Very nice!

There were 2 rounds of drinks, with a good choice of juices, including fresh squeezed orange juice. Coffee and tea were also offered.
With around 2h00 remaining flight time, most of the passengers took the time for sleep. The cabin was calm and not many passengers queuing for the toilets.

The approach to IST airport was the most usual at this airport, from southwest with some holding time due to heavy traffic.

After landing the A320 parked in a remote stand. IST was always busy, mostly with TK airplanes.

It was a good experience with Turkish Airlines, offering one of the best products in Y class.