Flight review: Turkish Airlines Business Class B737-800 Luxembourg to Istanbul

Flying Business Class on Turkish Airlines’ Boeing 737-800 from Luxembourg to Istanbul offers a surprisingly premium experience for a short-haul European flight, here’s what you can expect

Check-in and Boarding

Check-in took longer than expected, though this was largely due to the airport operator in Luxembourg rather than the airline itself.

One disappointment for premium passengers is that Turkish Airlines does not offer Fast Track access at Luxembourg Airport, meaning you’ll have to join the regular security lines.

Boarding is technically organized by groups, but in practice, the process in Luxembourg can feel a bit chaotic, with no one enforcing the boarding order and passengers joining the queue whenever they please.

 

Flight

Once onboard, we settled in for an evening flight of just under three hours. Business Class is arranged in a 2-2 configuration, providing comfortable seats, though not every passenger enjoys direct aisle access.

 

Seat

The seat is arguably one of the most comfortable you’ll find on short- to medium-haul flights within Europe. Turkish Airlines truly stands out here, as it’s one of the very few carriers in the region offering a genuine Business Class product on these routes, complete with wide, well-padded seats comparable in quality and comfort to Domestic First Class in the United States.

The seat offers excellent adjustability, with three preset positions that can be fine-tuned to your preference. It reclines generously, allowing you to relax in a noticeably more spacious and ergonomic posture than what’s typical on short-haul flights.

Practical touches add to the experience: a personal reading lamp for focused lighting, a sturdy fold-out tray table perfect for meals or working on a laptop, and individual air vents so you can control your own airflow, a small detail we always appreciate.

 

Food & Drinks

One of the highlights of the onboard experience is the pre-departure drink, served shortly after boarding, a rare treat on short- and medium-haul flights within Europe. Passengers can choose from a selection of flavored iced teas, elegantly presented in real glassware, which adds a refined touch to the start of the journey.

Once airborne, Turkish Airlines truly distinguishes itself with its meal service. A proper, multi-course offering is presented, far exceeding the standard you’ll find on most European routes of similar length. The service begins with a flavorful appetizer, followed by a main course plated and served separately, and concludes with a small but satisfying dessert.

As our photos show, the presentation of each dish is appealing and thoughtfully arranged. More importantly, the flavors lived up to the visual appeal, making the dining experience every bit as enjoyable as the presentation promised. This high standard of in-flight catering is a major reason why Turkish Airlines’ short-haul Business Class feels a cut above the rest.

Amenities

For added comfort, each passenger receives a pillow and blanket, making it easier to relax or catch some rest during the flight.

A pair of headphones is also provided for use with the in-flight entertainment system. While perfectly fine for casual listening, they don’t match the quality of premium noise-cancelling headsets typically offered on long-haul flights.

Beyond these essentials, there are no extra amenity kits or special touches you might find in intercontinental Business Class. The offering is relatively simple, but entirely in line with what’s standard for short- and medium-haul flights in Europe.

 

Entertainment

The in-flight entertainment screen is neatly stowed within the armrest and folds out for use. While the screen is on the smaller side due to its compact design, it’s still an impressive feature—especially considering the aircraft is a Boeing 737.

In fact, Turkish Airlines is one of the very few, if not the only, European carriers to offer personal in-flight entertainment on a Boeing 737 within Europe. This alone sets it apart from the competition and adds real value to the passenger experience, particularly on longer intra-European routes.

The entertainment system’s content library was diverse and up-to-date, with movies, TV shows, and music to suit a range of tastes. On top of that, in-flight Wi-Fi was available and performed reliably, making it easy to stay connected throughout the journey. Together, the combination of in-seat entertainment and Wi-Fi access significantly enhances the onboard experience on a single-aisle aircraft.

 

Service

Service throughout the flight was excellent from start to finish. The crew were not only attentive and professional, but also genuinely warm and welcoming.

What stood out most was the proactive approach to passenger care. A member of the cabin crew regularly made their way through the cabin, checking in with travelers and kindly asking if there was anything else they could do to make the journey more comfortable.

This consistent, thoughtful attention added a personal touch that elevated the overall experience.

 

Bottom Line

Considering Turkish Airlines often offers competitive Business Class fares, the presence of a genuine Business Class seat—even on short- and medium-haul routes—paired with outstanding food and attentive service, makes it arguably the best choice for short-haul Business Class travel within Europe.