Turkish Airlines Economy Class A330: Review from Berlin to Istanbul

The flight with Turkish Airlines Economy Class in the Airbus A330-300 from Berlin to Istanbul was the first leg of our autumn holiday trip to Singapore. We had specifically chosen this connection because of the good transfer times in Istanbul and were curious to see how Turkish Airlines would perform on this medium-haul route. In my review below, you can find out how comfortable the seats really were, what food was available on board and how good the entertainment system was.

How did we book our Turkish Airlines flight from Berlin to Istanbul?

The flight with Turkish Airlines in A330-300 Economy Class was part of our autumn holiday trip to Singapore, which we booked as a connecting flight via Istanbul. We booked directly through the Turkish Airlines website because, based on experience, we found the best price and the booking class that suited us best, offering a good balance between cost and frequent flyer miles. As is now common with many airlines, Turkish Airlines also charged an additional fee for seat reservations in Economy Class. We wanted to avoid this fee, so we decided to let ourselves be surprised by our seat assignments during online check-in. In the end, we received three adjacent seats in row 33, although they were separated by the aisle.

Looking at the seating chart, it initially seemed as if the plane would be rather sparsely occupied. However, this impression was misleading. It became clear during boarding that the flight was almost completely full. As Star Alliance Gold members, we couldn't hope for an empty seat next to us. Nevertheless, we were pleased with our row of seats and eager to see what awaited us on board.

How comfortable are the seats in the Turkish Airlines A330 really?

The Turkish Airlines A330-300 was operating in a two-class configuration. Business Class was at the front, followed by two large Economy Class sections. Economy Class was arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration. We had always found this layout quite comfortable when we traveled without a child. The two of us could sit comfortably by the window or aisle, without any seats in between. Now, with three of us, it was obviously different: either one of us was inevitably seated separately, or we all had to squeeze together in the middle section. We usually try to avoid the middle section. Unfortunately, that wasn't possible today, as the automatic seat assignment had placed us there.

The seats themselves were upholstered in dark gray leather and offered solid quality. We found the headrest particularly practical, as it could be adjusted both vertically and tilted to the side. Together with the adjustable backrest and the generous legroom, this felt more than adequate for a medium-haul flight within Europe. A small pillow with a red fabric cover was also provided at the seat. However, the temperature was less pleasant. The cabin was extremely warm during boarding and at the beginning of the flight, and, as with many A330s, individual air vents above the seats were missing.

We were particularly impressed by the fold-out table in the seatback, which seemed sturdy and was perfectly suitable for use with a laptop. There was also a universal power outlet under the seats, which proved practical for charging devices during the flight. Overall, the cabin offered excellent conditions for a comfortable journey.

What food does Turkish Airlines offer in Economy Class on medium-haul flights?

The meal service began about 45 minutes after takeoff from Berlin. Special meals and the regular menu were served simultaneously. We had pre-ordered a children's meal for our son. Oddly, according to the sticker on the tray, this meal was actually meant for another passenger. We sincerely hoped that the original recipient would still receive their meal later. The regular menu offered two hot options: pasta or beef. I opted for the vegetarian pasta, specifically rigatoni in a green, creamy sauce with tomatoes and mozzarella. A small hummus was served as a starter, and a caramel mousse for dessert.

The drinks were served at the same time as the food. The selection was decent. Soft drinks included cola and various juices, as well as still and sparkling water. Alcoholic drinks remained complimentary. Two types of beer, as well as red and white wine, were offered. Overall, the service seemed very good.

How good is the Turkish Airlines inflight entertainment in Economy Class?

The in-flight entertainment on the roughly three-hour flight from Berlin to Istanbul was a real surprise. Turkish Airlines offered almost the same program as on their long-haul flights. The selection ranged from current movies and popular series to live TV with channels like CNN. I found the dedicated children's area with family-friendly movies, music, and games particularly convenient – ideal for keeping our son entertained during the flight.

The film selection was extensive and could be narrowed down using various filters. Additionally, you could connect your smartphone to the screen using the companion entertainment app. However, I didn't test this feature. Technically, the monitor offered a USB-A port and a standard headphone jack. However, charging the smartphone via the latter was very slow. Besides the somewhat sluggish touchscreen, there was also a remote control. Simple headphones were provided at the seat, which were perfectly adequate for the short flight. The screen itself wasn't high-resolution, but it served its purpose.

There was also Wi-Fi on board, even on the ground. Business Class passengers and members of Turkish Airlines' Miles & Smiles frequent flyer program received 250 MB free of charge. Those who weren't yet members could even register during the flight. Overall, Turkish Airlines offered a surprisingly diverse and functional entertainment experience for a European medium-haul flight.

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