On January 6, 2026, passengers aboard Turkish Airlines flight TK174 embarked on a journey from Istanbul to Sydney, experiencing the comfort of the Airbus A350-900 in economy class. This daily route, which includes a stopover in Kuala Lumpur, offers travelers a unique blend of service, comfort, and culinary delights, setting a high bar for long-haul flights.
The flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur lasts 10 hours and 15 minutes, followed by a 7-hour and 25-minute leg to Sydney. Boarding at Frankfurt for a 7am connecting flight to Istanbul, passengers find themselves seamlessly integrated into the journey, which Turkish Airlines has crafted to be as smooth as possible.
Seamless Travel Experience
Turkish Airlines, known for flying to more countries than any other airline, ensures a hassle-free experience with a single flight number and boarding pass for the entire journey. This allows passengers to disembark in Kuala Lumpur for a brief respite before reboarding the same meticulously cleaned aircraft.
Despite not having rights to carry passengers solely between Malaysia and Australia, Turkish Airlines efficiently manages the transition, focusing on the final destination: Sydney.
Baggage and Loyalty Program
The airline offers generous baggage allowances, with checked luggage options ranging from 23kg to 40kg, depending on the economy fare category. Each fare includes a cabin bag of up to eight kilograms. Additionally, Turkish Airlines’ loyalty program, Miles & Smiles, is part of the Star Alliance network, providing passengers with extensive global benefits.
Comfort and In-Flight Amenities
Passengers in economy class enjoy seats that are 18 inches wide with a 32-inch pitch, set in a stylish navy interior accented with red. The A350-900 fleet, with an average age of just 2.4 years, promises a modern and comfortable journey.
Entertainment options abound, with a 13.3-inch touchscreen offering a variety of content, from documentaries to blockbuster films. The inclusion of USB ports and other power points is a welcome feature for tech-savvy travelers.
Service and Dining Experience
The cabin crew, noted for their courteous and friendly service, provide amenity packs, a rarity in economy class today. The dining experience on board is a highlight, with meals that reflect Turkish Airlines’ commitment to quality and creativity.
“Both meals are restaurant level in flavour and creativity,” reports a passenger, highlighting the airline’s culinary prowess.
The first leg features a ‘chicken burger’ with a build-your-own approach, while the second leg offers a traditional Turkish dish of mince kofte. However, the breakfast offerings from Malaysia’s catering service fall short of expectations, with a less satisfying mushroom and omelette dish.
Sustainability and Future Prospects
Turkish Airlines is committed to sustainability, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050 and expanding the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) on new routes.
The airline also offers a unique stopover program, providing passengers with two free nights in a 4-star Istanbul hotel, adding an extra dimension to the travel experience.
“The Turkish Airlines Stopover offer is like a mini bonus holiday and reason alone to fly with the airline,” says an enthusiastic traveler.
Pricing and Final Verdict
With return fares from Sydney to Istanbul starting at approximately $1800, Turkish Airlines offers competitive pricing, especially for routes with high competition, such as Sydney to Rome or Paris.
As Turkish Airlines continues to expand its presence in Australia, the airline’s reputation for excellence is likely to grow. The planned non-stop flights from Sydney to Istanbul promise to make the journey even more convenient.
Despite a minor culinary misstep, the overall experience aboard Turkish Airlines’ A350 economy class is highly commendable, earning a rating of four and a half stars out of five.
“If you haven’t heard much about Turkish Airlines (yet), it’s because they began flying their own planes into Sydney and Melbourne in late 2024,” notes a frequent traveler. “Now you can experience why they won Skytrax’s Best Airline in Europe award in 2025 for the 10th time.”
For more information on air travel and sustainability, visit iata.org. Fares are subject to change and are based on availability three months from the time of publication.
