Türkiye 2021

I’m writing this footprint 4 hours into the 11-hour and 26-minute flight from IAH to IST. The date has already switched from the 6th to the 7th.

Though there was a bit of confusion around the boarding process — local contractors running the THY counters — and a 40-minute or so delay in taking off, the flight has been uneventful. We’re comfortably settled into our seats … the dimmable portholes (in lieu of pull-down shades) at their lowest setting and locked by the crew to encourage passengers to snooze.

So, has the Dreamliner — Boeing 787-9 — lived up to my expectations? Yes, but with some quirks. The 1-2-1 configuration in BizClass is nice as it means every pax has an aisle seat. Mui and I opted for a single seat each on the starboard side of the aircraft, so he’s in the row behind me. No photos of the cabin, however, as the curved shell of the seats makes it difficult to get a good angle.

I love the cozy privacy of my cubby, and there is plenty of room in the footwell and storage bin. But someone who is particularly tall (or big) might find the space a tad confining. The downside is that the curved shell of the seat back blocks most of the porthole next to me. (I’m in an even numbered row, which offers the most privacy because the console is on the aisle side.). It’s not a big deal for a nighttime flight. I could use a bit more lumbar support, but the pillow provided by the flight attendant when she set up the bedding does the trick.

The in flight entertainment system has lots of movies, TV shows, live news, etc. But nothing really grabbed my attention, so I am listening to music instead. We brought our own Bose noise-canceling headsets, but the Denon brand headsets provided by THY for the duration of the flight would have done the trick just as easily.

THY is known for its highly rated in flight service. Unfortunately, the pandemic has done a number on that, so it’s nothing like the standards to which we have become accustomed. Gone are the periodic warm washcloths to refresh ourselves; gone are the pre-departure refreshments; gone are the pre-dinner cocktails and warm nuts; gone is the trolley with a wide selection of mezes (Turkish appetizers/tapas); gone is the course-by-course meal service; gone is the trolley with a wide selection of desserts.

Instead, the salad, two appetizers, and dessert were all served on a tray … with the salad plate being replaced by the foil-covered main course. At least the food is still very tasty. The flight attendants did everything possible to minimize contact with passengers, which meant that there was no seconds on drinks or anything else. I’m sure they would have accommodated us had we rang the attendant bell, but we too were trying to minimize contact, so we did not bother doing so.

By the way, masks are required for the duration of the flight … and highly encouraged between bites/sips during the meal service. Passengers in this cabin at least seem to be obeying that rule. We were provided with a hygiene kit when we boarded … a disinfectant wipe for the touch-surfaces around us (though the aircraft was disinfected when it arrived from Turkey); three masks … with the suggestion to replace masks every four hours. We have our own supplies as well.

Travel during a pandemic is nothing like travel used to be. Will things go back to the way they were? Not likely if we cannot get the COVID-19 numbers under control around the world.

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For those interested in such things …

Spinach salad with grilled chicken breast with olive oil & balsamic vinegar; beetroot hummus; moutabel (spicier version of baba ghannoush); gnocchi with roasted pepper sauce, zucchini, mushroom, broccoli, cherry tomatoes. Mui ordered the fillet of beef, serviced with grilled eggplant, zucchini, fennel, tomato, and chateau potatoes. Cheesecake for dessert.Read more