After a beautiful week in Istanbul,it was time to head home to Manchester.
The night before,we stayed at an elegant Airport Hotel which had one unique point…I think you know what is coming next !
I will let the photos talk ! They are not in flight order until we get to the evening shots.
Firstly,Hallo TC-LPR - to the naked eye just one of many A33 TK 1994 from my home city Manchester on finals ! As I get ready to finish my holiday,a whole new aircraft arrives with more eager beavers wanting to discover Istanbul !
The very first spotting was a destination close to my heart.
What a coincidence and what a majestic shot framed by our neighbour,The Green Mosque !
TC-LOF from Lahore,Pakistan as TK745. An ex Skymark A330.
LO 135 from Warsaw.
777-300 TC-JJN "Anadolu" from Toronto.
TC-LPG an A321neo from Oslo.
TC-JNB "Konya" - an A330 from Frankfurt. Also wearing the beautiful Team Turkiye livery. I wonder when we will see this livery again..hint hint !
Emirates A350 - A6-EXW - first passenger flight after being delivered from Toulouse a few days before this photo.
I could go on posting more spotting…..
But back to the flight report of TK1995 !
My first ever IranAir spot ! An A330 from Tehran makes its way into Istanbul. The only other IranAir aircraft I have seen was a 747SP in Jeddah. Seen from our hotel just before we head towards Istanbul Airport.
You know you are at Istanbul Airport when you see a family photo of the Strawberry Red tailed beauties of the home airline :)
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Gated !
Istanbul Airport’s terminal is one of the largest in the world and the distances between the different sections can be quite long.
It can take 20 to 30 minutes to walk from security to the more distant gates.
Gates are categorised by letter:
A, B, C, D, E, F – international flights
G – domestic flights within Turkey
The entire terminal is organised around a large central shopping and dining area.
The checkin areas are organised alphabetically. We don't have far to go as we are checking in at the G desks.
We arrived at Istanbul Airport around 1018am. The actual journey from our hotel was only 14 minutes but traffic bottlenecks added an extra 4 minutes.
Upon entry into the terminal there is baggage scanning and full body searches. The staff were very friendly. I got told I can take all liquids through the first checkpoint. A cleaner smiled warmly and said "No problem". After that check came actual checkin.
If checkin at Manchester was perfect,the checkin at Istanbul for TK 1995 on 21st June was far from satisfactory. Please bear in mind that my Wife had a comment which I will not disclose here.
We arrived at the G desks where UK flights checkin. The Gözen security staff were amazing and very friendly. They checked our Passports and my Wife's UK Visa. They then waved us through to checkin.
The checkin was empty apart from one English couple checking in next to us.
We got called forward by a man. I said Merhaba,he made no eye contact and did not speak other than to ask for the Passports.
He checked us in and whilst he wasn't rude,he was in no way friendly either.
Once all formalities were complete,I asked if he was boarding this flight. He said yes and I politely reminded him of the comment for my Wife.
He went onto his mobile phone after saying " let me check something".
He still had our Passports and Boarding Passes. After a minute or two of watching him looking at his mobile phone,I asked that when boarding begins,may we come forward ?
This is where things changed. He asked "How else may I help you today ?".
I found this comment strange as we were stood at an empty checkin and were only waiting as he had told us to wait.
I again asked if we just need to come forward when boarding begins.
What he said next,is odd.
Bearing in mind my Wife was stood there with me and he had already seen the comment.
He abruptly said in a very bad mood " What shall I do, shall I book a wheelchair to take her through ?"
I immediately told him that my Wife does not need a wheelchair. He looked at me in a very angry way and handed us our Passports and Boarding Passes.
What he said was highly inappropriate. As well there being no queues,he had no reason to be so harsh and abrupt. Not to mention offensive as well. When I would complain upon my return home,initially the Airline denied any wrongdoing,claiming all passengers who have my Wife's comment,are taken through by wheelchair. This is ludicrous as she has flown Turkish Airlines 10 times and if I was to reveal the comment,the reader would laugh at how silly it is to offer a wheelchair. It would be as absurd as saying " you have a vegetarian meal meal so you have to have an aisle seat". I waited a week before making the complaint as his words caused me discomfort.
I appreciate he is not Turkish Airlines staff but is a member of their handling partner of which Turkish Airlines owns shares. It was after a second complaint that I found out this guy will be retrained. Quite rightly too.
We had both successfully checked in online the day before on the Turkish Airlines app. Although you are issued Digital Boarding Passes I love a proper printed Boarding Pass !
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Seat Issue
Since making the bookings in December 2025,we had seats 9AB for 6 months.
But on 3rd June,during a routine check of our bookings, my Wife had been put on 9D across the aisle and I was still on 9A.
I immediately and hastily assigned us to 10AB.
Despite Multiple messages via the Feedback form,not 1 person of 5+ agents has to date given me any clear reason for the change.
One agent told me I'd only selected and not bought a seat for my Wife.
Nonsensical as you can't hold seat assignments, only buy them. Also,my Wife,due to her fare type,had her seat assignment included.
Despite the bookings being linked,they manage to split us until I reassigned us. The Aircraft was always an A330 so the seatmap remained the same. Even though another agent said that someone else had paid for 9B. How could they have paid for a seat that was already assigned ? I gave up trying to make sense. Some of the agents reply just for the sake of writing a reply with zero relevance to the issue at hand. Turkish Airlines needs to outsource it's Customer Service Department to a quality 3rd party partner or train customer relations staff to much higher standards.
My Wife on 9D whilst I remained on 9A.
Beautiful Video Screen that I had to photograph and show you all !
Although I have flown the Turkish Airlines A330-300 from Bangkok to Istanbul and Istanbul to Lahore,this would be my first ever time to fly Turkish Airlines A330 to Manchester.
Next came Immigration and at the Fastrak queue for this,a gentleman asked if I am Star Alliance Gold…..I said " I wish !"
A further security check is done and this time any liquid over 100ml must be binned.
Apart from WheelyGuy at checkin,from leaving our hotel at 1001am,we had cleared all Checkin and Immigration at 1057am.
By the way,if you want a photo with the Istanbul sign,please note that had been removed. Istanbul Airport told me they are collaborating with a local artist and a replacement will be fitted to where the vacated space is.
What I wanted to see…..
And what I got to see :( it would have been an ideal time for a photo with the Istanbul sign,as the area was empty - for want of a better phrase !
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Once all checkin and security processes are complete,the last stop is Immigration. After which is this handily placed feedback kiosk. Naturally I chose the happy green face !
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Also known as the FRESH AIR terrace. Unbelievably this is a smoking area !
It was shocking to see soft drinks prices : GBP5.00 for a can of coke ? No thanks. It makes UK Airports prices look like discount store prices.
My Wife and I walked around for a while. I was approached by an older man telling me that someone was to meet him to exchange cash and they did not turn up so could I help ? I was like,sorry. Strange
Some beautiful visuals of Istanbul first of all.
My Wife got a water refill and I enjoyed planespotting. One would never get bored of spotting at Istanbul !
One of my favourite liveries ever is Azerbaijan's stunning blue paint scheme. I really hope AZAL will begin Manchester service so that me and all Avgeeks may enjoy seeing the bluebird.
Any true TK fan will never get tired of spotting at Istanbul !
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Singapore A350 before her long flight home. The last time I was this close to a Singapore A350,was when I was flying one from Houston to Manchester,
TC-JIT. An A330 that would fly 1993/4 on 19Jul26.
I love the Egyptair logo - it was so nice to see this advert that I had to take a photo !
TC -LLD - A 787 from Dallas and going to Bangkok.
TC-LGF. An A350 from Beirut and waiting to go to Kuala Lumpur.
Aircraft Information
Our ride to Manchester today.
TK1995 is operated by A330-300 TC-JOF,named 'Sakarya' and delivered to Turkish Airlines in April 2015.
Pronounced Shakarya.
Her routes over the last 7 days were ;
Dar es Salaam
Amsterdam
Bangkok
Madrid
Colombo
Lahore
Bucharest
Gate Area Information
We began making our way towards Gate D15,the gate for TK1995.
This is an enclosed gate,meaning no option to go to the washrooms or shops.
It was at 12pm that the gate would open,so we sat nearby as the airconditioning was giving a gentle breeze as opposed to other parts of the Airport.
At 12pm we were the first passengers to the gate. We met the lovely guy from Gözen who we met at Checkin. Our Passports and Boarding Passes were checked.
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How I long to fly Thai Airways on their ever young fleet !
We then had another Passport check and then had Security which involved a body and hand baggage search. A nice gentleman then wished us a nice flight.
I was wondering why there were no passengers. Then I realised that the vast majority of passengers were pribably connecting from other flights. And soon enough they began entering gate D15 for security.
At 1248pm there was an announcement to checkin hand luggage for free and to remember to take out things you need for the flight including powerbanks. I could not see the guy from checkin so spoke a lovely lady regarding boarding and she was most helpful.
The gate area began to fill up. A staff member brought the seatmap and placed it on a pole.
We we were sat in an opposite area enjoying the quiet. Until some attention seekers turned up.
Luckily we did not need to endure them too long as a boarding announcement was made,so we stood up to join the queue
You know you are readytofly when Gozen give you these stickers !
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Enter text here…
Boarding
Boarding began at 1315pm.
Like at Manchester,we had a short holding period in the airbridge but then began stepping onboard.
A lovely Airhostess welcomed us pleasantly.
All the crew boarding the flight were very energetic with their welcomes.
A male passenger,upon boarding,held up a mobile phone where a Whatsapp Phonecall was visible on the screen. He asked the cabin if anyone had lost a phone. He told an Airhostess he found it on the airbridge. A female crewmember then made a cabin announcement. I would hope that the the phone was reunited with it's rightful owner.
A look at the cabin. An engineer was onboard fixing a seat issue. A novel way to remember the seat number by placing a pillow on said seat !
A further welcome !
Boarding was completed around 10 minutes before scheduled departure. Turkish Airlines sure knows how to board a flight. And quick !
As an Airhostesss ( Ms Serra ) was securing the cabin,I asked if she may please pass me a blanket to support my back. She obliged with a smile and immediately handed me one. I also saw her taking drinks for some passengers which was a nice touch,especially during cabin secure checks.
I asked another Airhostess if she may please hang my suit jacket. She smiled and said there is no wardrobe onboard. I was sad by this reply as I know very well that there are wardrobes. She offered to put the jacket in the overhead locker,but I just hung it at my seat instead.
Despite a full flight,if was a very quiet cabin apart from 9A and 9B on airpods and Whatsapp videos very loudly.
9A continued yapping on the phone loudly all through the safety video. Some people have zero intelligence for those around them.
9B,the passenger who was put on my Wife's original seat,also loudly did a Whatsapp video all through the safety video. I think the cabin crew should be stood at exits during the video to stop such people from disruption. Especiallly these 2 guys who would spend the whole flight asleep apart from meal time and for both of them to annoy me once each.
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Pushback
With Boarding complete the doors closed and the safety video played at 1353pm in Turkish then English. Pushback began at 1359pm.
As we taxied and I saw the Team Türkije A330 between fights to Dusseldorf and Islamabad. The day before, I had photographed it on finals from Frankfurt flying past my hotel.
Istanbul has many Airlines and as many liveries which make Spotter's hearts happy ! My first ever Iran Airtour A310.
Iran Airtour,MEA,Wizz Air and LOT - all creating a rainbow at the otherwise Strawberry Red domination :)
Hallo Air Montenegro.
Take Off
At 1415pm,I believed we were still taxying when the engines revved up and we began speeding down the runway ! I had the Live Camera which afforded stunning additional views.
2 minutes after take off,I got a text from Turkish Airlines wishing me a pleasant flight. The cabin was super quiet as no doubt the large majority of passengers had connected from many countries to be on this flight.
Inflight Service
A few minutes after take off,the crew came round with hot scented towels. I love this Premium touch.
9A abruptly pushed his seatback without checking if he may do so. During boarding I had asked the gentleman behind me if I may recline after meal service and he had said yes. It is common courtesy. Just because you CAN fling your seat back,it does not mean you shouldn't check what the passenger behind you is doing. They could be eating or working.
I asked 9A politely if he may move his seat forward. He turned round and asked why. I thought "here we go". I told him meal service is about to begin and he may recline back after the meal. He said ok.
50 minutes after take off,the meal trolleys arrived. 9B was asleep with his leg in the aisle and the Steward saud " Pardon" 3 times with a smile. In the end he asked 9A to awaken 9B. By the way, Pardon is the Turkksh version of Excuse Me.
When meals began being served,I opted for the pasta option. Today's Menu ;
* Starter of Celeriac Salad which was chopped cucumber and tomato pieces with a single piece of celery - served with Olive Oil dressing
* Bread Roll and butter and a water cuplet
* For the main, I chose spinach and Ricotta filled Capellacci on a bed of Pomodoro sauce ( also possibly parmesan tomato sauce )
* White Chocolate Mousse
* I chose Pepsi and Apple Juice with ice - Turkish Airlines seems to have abandoned serving Cola.
It's a party in the sky with Turkish Airlines ! I wish they would play this song when the trolleys come out on Turkish Airlines !
Sometime after boarding had been completed,I had spoken to a passing Steward to advise me of today's meal options. The tv screen had a cutlery symbol to supposedly look at the menu but it led to nowhere. Ahmet explained the options today were pasta or chicken.
When meal service began,I told Ahmet I prefer the pasta option but would love to try the chicken option if there are any spare. He said that once the service finished he would return to give me the second option if available. He stayed true to his word and brought me the chicken option. This was fried chicken with rice and peas. My Wife chose the chicken option and her chicken was not easy to cut. My chicken was nice and soft and easy to slice. The bread roll which was just out of the oven was rock hard and like a brick which is something I have never come across on Turkish Airlines before.
Doesn't work !
An Airhostess was passing through our aisle and I asked for a Pepsi and she brought it with so much grace and politeness.
When I complimented the dessert,Ahmet got me extra dessert and some souveniers. What a lovely guy !
The Economy Cabin Chief and overall Cabin Chief asked how we were,how was Istanbul and any drinks we would like ? I had again secretly asked for a small surprise for my Wife and on a tray arrived juices,biscuits,Turkish Delight and also Swiss Roll on a bed of chocolate spread.
Beautiful logo monument just as I was visiting the Washroom
The cabin was super quiet and I did not see any kids receive kidspacks on this flight either.
Amenities / Washroom
Pillows as standard with blankets on request. The A330 Cabin presentation always sees pillows on the seats,at least on International flights. I can't comment if it is the same on domestic flights. The new blanket wrapping is poor. It is just a label wrapped around the blanket.On longer flights,blankets are placed on the seat. Aesthetically brilliant but wearing a blanket that was placed where someone's butt was parked is just revolting. Luckily our blankets were in overhead lockers.
Sturdy footrest for extra comfort.
The Washrooms were super clean with exquisite toiletries like Molton Brown and Tangerine by Eyup Sabri Tuncer,a Turkish personal care and fragrance company.
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Tip - if you are uncomfortable touching the bin,press the pedal to open the lid.
Inflight Entertainment
A look at various screens at differing stages of the flight- just for you my FR family !
This did not work !
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The Moving Map was poor. It is normally my favourite part of IFE. The map was slow,unresponsive and incorrect at times. Our route today was via Southern Europe,taking us over Serbia,Croatia,Northern Italy,Switzerland and France.
Unlike the usual route which passes over Bulgaria,Serbia,Hungary,Austria,Czechia,Germany and The Netherlands.
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USB Power Ports - the life of every passenger depends on these !
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Unusual views as the flight doesn't normally fly over Switzerland !
Or France !
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I finally managed to get the WiFi to work !
Landing at Manchester
Strange engine sounds so high up,do cause me to feel alarmed. It was only after we landed and no thanks to the poor moving map,that I realised we had been doing loop d'loop near Manchester !
At 1601pm.after 3 hours and 46 minutes of flying over Europe,we landed on Manchester Runway 2.
This ex Delta Air Lines 777 was at Manchester Airport to undergo a comprehensive passenger to freighter conversion by STS Aviation Services. The aircraft (registration N703DN) was being modified into a Long Range Mammoth Freighter (777-200LRMF)>
MAN T2 - Where the old and new harmoniously blend into a world class future ! The continuation of something old and the beginning of something new.
After an efficient Immigration and an almost hour long baggage wait,on a belt shared with 4 arriving flights,it was with relief I got out of Terminal 2….only to go into a taxi area that looked like match day at a football stadium. Manchester Airport do need to improve this element of the passenger journey.
Remember that my TK1995 aircraft was named Sakarya ? A week or so later at my family home, I was drinking some bottled water. Guess where it was from ?!
Exactly a week after our arrival, TK1995 was again operated by TC-JOF and would fly onwards to Male in the Maldives.
And so concludes a beautiful holiday with memorable flights ! I hope you enjoyed my flight reports and look forward to your views,claps and comments ! Until we meet again my friends !
