About this flight
This time, I flew from Milan, Italy to Istanbul, the capital of Turkey, in Turkish Airlines Business Class. The flight time was about 3 to 4 hours.
【Atatürk International Airport】
With the opening of Istanbul Airport in 2018, Atatürk International Airport was closed in April 2019. This flight took place in January 2019, so the arrival airport was still Atatürk International Airport.
Table of Contents
Malpensa Airport
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Departure Lobby (1)
This is the departure lobby on the second floor of Milan Malpensa Airport.
There is a Giorgio Armani billboard in front, giving a very Italian feel.
Departure Lobby (2)
This is the terminal’s departure lobby.
By the way, the Italian word “imbarchi” means “boarding.”
Check-in Counters
These are the Turkish Airlines check-in counters.
Jet Aircraft Sculpture
This is a jet aircraft sculpture in the departure lobby.
I took a photo because it looked cute.
Apron
This is the apron area seen from the departure lobby.
Qatar Airways and Emirates aircraft are parked there.
Business Class Check-in Counter
This is the Business Class check-in counter.
Checked Baggage
This is my checked baggage. It has been wrapped in a protective bag.
Boarding Pass (1)
This is the boarding pass.
Boarding Pass (2)
After arriving in Istanbul, I will continue on to Taipei.
Lounge Invitation Ticket
This is the invitation ticket for the Milan airport lounge.
Just Before Departure
This is just before leaving Italy.
Lounge
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Entrance
This is the entrance to the airport lounge partnered with Turkish Airlines at Milan Malpensa Airport.
Wine, Bread, etc.
These are the drinks and food I had inside the lounge.
- • Sparkling wine, red wine
- • Bread, sandwiches
- • Tarts
- • Cheese
Salad
Next, I had some salad.
- • Salad with cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, lettuce, etc.
- • Salad with celery and red/orange bell peppers
To the Boarding Gate
While relaxing, it soon became time to board.
Cabin Seats
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Business Class Seats (1)
These are the Business Class seats. There is a generous amount of space in front and behind.
Business Class Seats (2)
This is the view straight ahead after sitting down in the seat.
Welcome Drink and Bar Counter
I was served a welcome drink.
The area in the back where the cabin crew member is standing is the bar counter. It’s quite unusual to have a bar counter positioned directly across from the passenger seats.
Snack Nuts
These nuts were served as a snack along with the welcome drink.
They are roasted hazelnuts from Turkey.
Taxiing to the Runway
This is just before the aircraft began taxiing to the runway.
I could see an Emirates Airbus A380.
View Just After Takeoff
The night view of Italy just after takeoff.
In-flight Meal
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Menu
Here is today’s menu. The in-flight meals are produced by Do & Co, an Austrian catering company.
You can choose one of the following three main dishes:
- • Turkish dish “Karnıyarık” (stuffed eggplant with meat)
- • Baked sea bass in parchment
- • Rigatoni pasta with cheese and tomato sauce
Appetizer
- The items on the white plate are the appetizers.
- (Far right) Yaprak Sarma: pilaf wrapped in salted grape leaves
- (Second from left) Pilaki: stewed borlotti beans cooked with salça (tomato paste), onions, garlic, etc.
- • Turkish-style salad
- • Pudding
- Since this is a short-haul flight of about 3–4 hours, the dessert is served together with the meal.
- • Champagne
Appetizer, Dessert, Champagne, Bread
I enjoyed the appetizer, champagne, and Turkish bread.
Main Turkish Dish
The main dish is the traditional Turkish “Karnıyarık,” stuffed eggplant.
It is made with ground beef and seasoned with tomato paste, garlic, black pepper, and paprika. It is served with buttered rice.
Coffee After the Meal
Coffee served after the meal.
Arrival at Atatürk Airport
This is just after arriving at Istanbul’s Atatürk Airport.
