Turkish Airlines are one of my favorite business class airlines and I always look forward to flying with them. But does their business class lounge on the ground measure up to the comfort and excellent service they provide in-air? Read on to find out. 

Istanbul Airport 

Istanbul Airport is one of the busiest in the world. Since the entire airport is under one roof, it’s also the world’s largest airport terminal building, with the capacity to serve over 90 million passengers. Newly renovated in 2019, it’s a gorgeous airport with upmarket eateries, great shopping and a modern design, although it feels more Korean than Turkish. 

Entry to Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounge 

You will be granted entry to the Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounge with one guest if:

• You have a business class ticket with Turkish Airlines
• You’re a Miles&Smiles Elite or Elite Plus member
• You’re a Star Alliance Gold member

First Impressions of Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounge

Along with the rest of the airport, the lounge has undergone a renovation in the past few years and, at the risk of sounding like an old-timer, I think I prefer the way it was before. The new lounge is lovely and sleek, but lacks the traditional touches that the old design incorporated so well. 

The main sections of the lounge are brightly lit and open. However, there are also cosier seating areas tucked away, which is always my preference during a layover. There are also cute nap nooks, which I love. The bathrooms, meanwhile, are absolutely spotless – you could practically eat off of those marble floors (but don’t.) 

There’s also a slick business centre which is perfect for hardworking travelers, although this is somewhat hampered by the airport’s painfully slow WiFi. 

Food & Drink

There’s no two ways about it: the food at the Turkish Airways Business Class Lounge is exceptional. Way beyond what you’d expect from airport fare, even in a lounge! 

There are buffet stations which offer breakfast options until 11am, when the food changes to an all-day variety. I never quite understand that, because time is essentially meaningless in airports, but there you go. 

Best of all, there are cooking stations where you see chefs hand making dough and preparing delicious Turkish dishes. My personal favorites are pide and gozleme or Turkish moussaka. If you don’t fancy a full-on meal you can snack on fresh popcorn from the popcorn station instead. 

As for drinks, there’s a decent wine list although there are no sparkling options. Guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to soft drinks. From amazing Turkish coffee to homemade lemonade or infused water, there’s no excuse not to stay hydrated! 

Entertainment in Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounge

This lounge is a fun place to hang out for both kids and adults. In fact, it even serenades its guests with a self-playing piano, which makes for a great photo opportunity. On top of this, there’s a golf simulator where you can perfect your swing and a cinema room. For children, there are playrooms full of toys and arcade games. 

Final Thoughts 

All in all, the Business Class Lounge is a comfortable place to escape the hustle and bustle of one of the world’s busiest airports. I did prefer the decor of the old lounge because it was more heavily influenced by Turkish design. Fortunately, however, the food and entertainment remain as stellar as ever. 

For more on business class travel, check out this list of the best airlines to opt for.