Turkish Airlines FAQ: Everything You Need Before You Fly

Here is Turkish Airlines punctuality data from the last 7 days of operations to help you set realistic expectations:

• On-time performance: 23.76%. This means 2768 of the 11649 total flights operated arrived within 15 minutes of their scheduled gate time.

• Canceled flights: 1866 flights. Of these cancellations, 541 were on domestic routes and 1325 were on international routes.

• Major delays: 57 flights These flights experienced significant delays, arriving more than 3 hours after their scheduled time.

Flight numbers shown are estimates, based on internal databases and third parties.

Over the last week, Turkish Airlines international flights had:

• a cancellation rate of 16.06%, and

• a severe delay rate (>180 minutes) of 0.69%.

The airline operated 8251 international flights during this period.

Reliability often depends on the specific route, airport, and external factors like weather or air traffic control issues.

Turkish Airlines performance can vary, but AirHelp’s data offers an objective snapshot. Turkish Airlines has an AirHelp Score of 6.92 out of 10, which evaluates airlines based on on-time performance, claim processing, and customer service.

Like all major carriers, the airline has experienced incidents in its history, but it continuously invests in pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and safety protocols. Modern aviation is statistically one of the safest modes of transportation, and Turkish Airlines adheres to strict international safety regulations.

Turkish Airlines operates one of the world's most extensive global networks, flying to more countries than any other airline, with destinations across Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Turkish Airlines primary and central global hub is Istanbul Airport (IST), one of the world's largest airports, which connects its vast international network.

Turkish Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance. Its key partners include all Star Alliance members (such as Lufthansa, United, Singapore Airlines) and it has additional codeshare agreements with numerous other carriers worldwide.

If you’re flying on a codeshare operated by another airline, your passenger rights usually depend on the operating carrier (the airline that actually flies the plane). However, if that airline is EU-based or your flight departs from the EU/UK, you may be entitled to compensation under EC 261 (or UK 261) for eligible delays or cancellations. Let AirHelp check your eligibility and file the claim.

All passengers may bring one carry-on bag (max 55x40x23 cm, 8 kg) and one personal item. Business Class passengers are entitled to two carry-on bags on some routes. Liquid restrictions follow standard security regulations.

Checked bag allowances depend on your route and ticket type. Weight and size limits apply, and fees may be charged for additional or overweight bags.

You should report it immediately to the Baggage Service Office (or at the Turkish Airlines service desk, if available) and get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) as proof. On international flights, your baggage rights are protected by the Montreal Convention: if you are an AirHelp+ member, you can let AirHelp handle your claim to obtain the reimbursement and compensation you are due (up to approximately €1,900).

You can check in online on the Turkish Airlines website or mobile app generally starting 24 hours before departure. You can also check in at a kiosk or the service counter at the airport.

For domestic flights within Turkey, arriving at least 90 minutes before departure is recommended. For international flights, plan for at least 3 hours before departure.

Prohibited items include explosives, flammable liquids, and many sharp objects. Common items like certain lighters and gel-type sports equipment are also not allowed. Check the regulations of your departure and arrival countries, as well as Turkish Airlines official list of prohibited items, for full details.

You can track your flight on the Turkish Airlines app or website, or use the flight tracker built into the AirHelp app.

Compensation rights depend on the laws that apply to your specific flight. For example, flights departing from Europe or the United Kingdom may qualify for compensation of up to €600 under EC 261 or UK 261, if the airline is responsible for the delay. With our compensation checker, you can check for free whether you are entitled to compensation.

It depends on numerous circumstances, such as the law governing that specific flight, the notice period with which the airline communicates the cancellation, and the delay of the replacement flight. Under EC 261 and UK 261 laws, you may be entitled to assistance at the airport and compensation of up to €600.

Airlines first ask for volunteers to give up their seats in exchange for compensation. If not enough volunteers are found and you are involuntarily denied boarding, you are entitled to compensation under EC 261, UK 261, and other local aviation regulations.

You can file your claim directly on the airline's website. For flight compensation under EU law, submit it through AirHelp: we’ve won compensation for 3.3 million passengers worldwide. AirHelp operates on a no-win, no-fee basis so you don’t pay us anything up front.

Turkish Airlines provides services for passengers with mobility, hearing, and vision disabilities. Common services include wheelchair assistance and pre-boarding.

You can request these accommodations during booking, via the airline's website or mobile app, or by contacting their customer service in advance. Learn more about rights for passengers with disabilities and reduced mobility here.

Turkish Airlines provides family boarding, child seat guidelines, and infant travel options depending on age and route.

Turkish Airlines allows cats, dogs, and small songbirds to travel in the cabin (max 8 kg with carrier) or hold for a fee. Strict restrictions apply to snub-nosed breeds and certain dangerous breeds. Health/vaccination documents required. Book in advance and check route restrictions.

Wi-Fi is available on most of its wide-body and newer narrow-body aircraft. It is often offered as a complimentary service with a limited free data allowance (e.g., 1 hour free messaging), with options to purchase more data for browsing and streaming.

All wide-body aircraft and most narrow-body aircraft on medium/long-haul routes feature seatback screens with extensive on-demand entertainment. On select short-haul aircraft, passengers can stream entertainment to their personal devices.

Complimentary meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages are provided on all flights, with Turkish cuisine being a highlight. The service is extensive even in Economy Class on long-haul flights.

Complimentary beer, wine, and spirits are served in all cabin classes on most international flights, reflecting its full-service carrier model.

Yes, you may bring your own food on board, provided it complies with airport security regulations. Liquids (such as sauces or yogurts) must generally adhere to the rules for carrying liquids.

The airline was founded in 1933 as the flag carrier of Turkey, beginning operations with a small fleet of domestic flights.

Turkish Airlines corporate headquarters are located at the Turkish Airlines General Management Building on the grounds of Atatürk Airport (ISL) in Istanbul, Turkey.