Turkish Airlines Impresses with Tasty Meals in Economy Class

Reviewer finds airline's food service exceeds expectations on long-haul flight

Jan. 31, 2026 at 4:55am

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A Business Insider reporter recently flew Turkish Airlines in economy class on a 9-hour flight from New York to Europe and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the in-flight meals. Despite some minor complaints about the tight seat recline, the reviewer was overall impressed by Turkish's modern economy cabin, comfortable amenities, and award-winning catering service.

Why it matters

Turkish Airlines is considered one of the top-rated airlines in Europe, and this review provides insights into the economy class experience that many travelers may encounter. The focus on the airline's food service is notable, as in-flight meals are often a pain point for economy passengers, making Turkish's high-quality offerings stand out.

The details

The reporter flew on a Boeing 787 with Turkish's most up-to-date economy cabin, which featured 31 inches of pitch and 17.4 inches of seat width. The seatback screen was large at 13 inches and included USB-A and USB-C ports. While the seat recline was quite generous at 6 inches, this could be frustrating for passengers trying to work on laptops. The meals, however, were the highlight, with the reviewer praising the fresh and flavorful salmon, fluffy waffle, and generous portions. Turkish's economy catering was awarded best by Skytrax.

  • The flight departed from New York-JFK at 12:50 p.m.
  • Breakfast was served about 1.5 hours before the 6:30 a.m. local arrival.

The players

Turkish Airlines

A major international airline based in Turkey that is considered one of the best in Europe.

Boeing 787

The aircraft model used for the flight, which features Turkish's most modern economy cabin.

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What they’re saying

“Despite my skepticism, the salmon, served with ratatouille, Caesar salad, and celeriac mousseline, was fresh and flavorful, and the portions were generous. I was full by the time I got to the carrot cake.”

— Taylor Rains, Reviewer (businessinsider.com)

The takeaway

Turkish Airlines' economy class service exceeds expectations, with high-quality meals that rival those found in premium cabins on other airlines. While the tight seat recline may be an issue for some passengers, the modern cabin amenities and award-winning catering make Turkish a strong contender for long-haul economy travel.