Turkish Airlines Reviews 5,822

On 20 May 2026 I was travelling on TK1301 Istanbul to Valencia. At check-in I asked three times to check in my skateboard bag as hold luggage. The agent told me three times it was forbidden and must go through security as hand luggage. At security it was confiscated. I was not allowed to return to check-in to rectify the situation.
The security manager apologized and advised me to contact Turkish Airlines customer care.

What followed was a referral circle between five separate units: airport customer care, baggage customer solutions, Istanbul lost and found, Istanbul Airport customer care, and Turkish Ground Services, each directing me to another. It is a closed referral circle. Not one unit has engaged with the substance of the claim.

I have since escalated to Turkish Airlines Communications leadership and filed complaints with the Turkish aviation authority and the European Consumer Centre.

I am still waiting for a response. Case 2026123032.

Nonsense wheel chair support despite prior booking and coming to Istanbul airport three hours prior to the flight. Wheel chair service was not helpful and we almost missed our flight.
There were a series of long wait for over hour and when you finally get someone they only take you part of the journey and leave you for someone to take over. Some three or four such handovers each with waiting helplessly.
There were many other dissatisfied passengers who had no choice but resort to shouting to express themselves as they were not getting a response. A lot of apathy on the part of staff. Not helped by lack of English speaking ability on the part of staff across the terminal.
This is very frustrating when you are stuck and finding no one to help.
Never again for us.
It is shame that such essential services are letting down the attraction of Turkey as tourist destination for us. The country and the airline has great to offer but need to get its ground services sorted and give them English language training. Very frustrated!

We, Liudmila Kuptsova and Yury Kuptsov, have been trying for almost 3 years to obtain compensation from Turkish Airlines for the cancelled flight TK1390 Bordeaux → Istanbul on 25 April 2023 — and this has been one of the worst customer service experiences we have ever faced.

The flight was cancelled due to technical reasons. Turkish Airlines officially confirmed this in writing.

After the cancellation:
— no hotel was provided;
— no meals were provided;
— no proper assistance or support was offered;
— we were effectively forced to travel to another city (Nice) at our own expense in order to fly the following day;
— all additional expenses had to be paid personally.

We had to:
— pay for a hotel in Bordeaux;
— purchase additional Bordeaux → Nice tickets;
— spend hours waiting in queues without information or assistance.

At the time of the incident, we were 71 and 72 years old.

For nearly 3 years Turkish Airlines have continuously avoided resolving the matter:
— endless template replies;
— constantly reopening the case;
— repeatedly requesting the same documents again and again;
— no actual resolution.

The most absurd part is that the airline now claims compensation was allegedly paid through some “brokerage firm”, yet:
— they cannot clearly explain to whom;
— they provide no proper proof;
— they do not identify the recipient;
— they fail to provide transparent payment confirmation.

At the same time, we have never received any 400 EUR compensation payments whatsoever.

Every time there is a new excuse, a new requirement, or another delay tactic.

We have never experienced such an exhausting and non-transparent approach toward passengers.

Extremely disappointed with Turkish Airlines.

Onboard is lovely service and food good. Sadly very disappointing with overbooking despite in business class and on a connecting flight so you have committed to a long haul journey. Customer service team at Istanbul airport very poor service and no appreciation for the stress that comes with being denied boarding and expected to accept. Avoid and fly one of the other many airlines

I cannot explain how poor this airline is. They overbook flights, downgrade passengers and separate small vulnerable children (5 years old ADHD) from both of their parents. They have zero customer service or real ability to resolve issues. They have created a complex automated system that just refuses to listen or engage. All emails are from a “no reply” Even when offered a paltry part refund, which is not compensation and an insulting amount, it’s impossible to get them to pay They spend millions of pounds convincing people they are trustworthy. The reality is this money is all spent to cover over the horrendous experience you will suffer

In short, awful airline and incompetent service. We booked return flights from Edinburgh to Tokyo, with a stop at Istanbul and Osaka (all on their website). Inevitably, the layover was too short and due to delays, we missed our last connection and were stranded overnight. We asked the staff what to do and were given a customer service number to call after an hour waiting. I called, they asked if I would like to refund the whole trip and book again, or find our own way to Tokyo and see if we can refund the ticket and hotel via insurance. We took the latter which was a mistake, as we trusted that this was all there was to it with no warnings or messages after.

On the return flight, we had our bags and went to check in, but were abruptly told we were not allowed to board and to stand to the side whilst everyone else got checked in. After a long while waiting for an answer why, they said "because you did not take the intended route". I followed all their instructions due to their scam website selling impossible flights, set up for failure. After my partner had a panic attack, they eventually agreed to let us board. We tried to get some compensation for the missed flight and hotel. Nothing. No apology. No compensation whatsoever. Useless airline. Don't event know how long you need to catch your connecting flight and just rely on lackluster laws and insurance to back them up.

11 hour day time long haul flight . No refreshments were served during the flight except a bottle of water after take off. They only have drinks with the meal. Bizarrely they gave a "breakfast " at 4pm ?
Definitely best avoided unless you like being dehydrated.

Given their marketing hype, I have long considered using Turkish Airlines (TA) and once they commenced flights in Australia this became more interesting/appealing. I did book flights with TA and every experience and interaction with them has been a dreadful, money -grabbing waste of time. I’ve just lost all the money paid for all of my TA flights - I will NEVER book with them again. If you’re smart you’ll stay away from Turkish Airlines and book with an airline that genuinely values its customers and retains their business, e.g. an airline like Emirates.

May 2026
Terrible ❌❌❌❌❌❌
With 17 hours waiting no hotel no place for sleep
I paid 3000 $
And when i in waiting i saw that what happened i Take photo

Only giving 1 star because I have to! Turkish airlines moved half of my flight a day forward. When asked if I could also move the connecting flight, I was told I'd have to pay full price. I then asked if they would be providing a hotel for the night, to be told I wasn't eligible. Awful customer service and this will be the last time I fly with them

I had booked tickets for myself and my son to travel in March 2026 (we had two separate bookings), and I paid for specific seats so that we could sit together. However, due to "operational reasons", the airline changed our seats and, during check-in, advised that they could not seat us together because the plane was full.
I requested a refund and that was the beginning of a saga. They declined my request, stating that although the seats had been changed, I "was offered the opportunity to choose an alternative seat" and therefore was not eligible for a refund.
This was untrue, as I was forcibly moved to a different seat and did not choose anything. I therefore sent them their own letter, which had been sent to me one day before the flight, confirming that my seat had been changed. My son had received a similar email. This served as evidence, and the airline subsequently confirmed that they would issue me a refund for moving my seat.
I then requested a refund for my son's booking as well, as his seat had been changed in exactly the same manner. Their response was that my son's replacement seat was "of the same level of comfort" and therefore my claim would not be accepted.
I replied explaining that they had entirely missed the point of my complaint, which was quite plain to see: I had paid for specific seats so that we could sit in those seats and sit together. That service was not delivered and I fail to understand how, in their view, this did not constitute grounds for a full refund.
I had asked the airline to review the case and eventually they agreed to issue a refund for my son's booking as well.
I submitted my bank details through their refund portal 27 days ago for my first refund and still have not received payment. I am glad that the airline agreed to do the right thing, it's just a bit disappointing that it takes so much time and effort to resolve such a simple matter.

I want to share the worst travel experience I have ever had with Turkish Airlines.

I traveled with Turkish Airlines on 07/05/2026 and after arriving home, I discovered that my luggage had clearly been opened and several personal belongings were missing. These were not random cheap items, but personal belongings, gifts, clothes, shoes, and valuable items that meant a lot to me.

Since 09/05/2026, I have been trying to resolve this issue through customer service. I submitted detailed lists, estimated values, and all requested information multiple times. Every time, I received the same response asking me again to resend everything.

Days passed with no real help, no compensation process, no clear update, and now they have completely stopped replying to me.

What shocked me the most is not only the missing belongings, but the negligence and lack of respect in handling such a serious complaint. Instead of taking responsibility, I was ignored and left without answers.

This time I will not stay silent. I will continue sharing my experience on every social media platform and travel community until this issue is properly addressed. People deserve to know how passengers are treated when something goes wrong.

The worst airline ever! I flew with them for years, and thought it is ok. Hated the fact that they only allow one checked in bag. Just recently, they canceled one of my trips, and I still lost over $340. How is that possible? They cancel and I lose money. Never again!!!

Systemic Interface Trap & Unlawful Fare Withholding (PNR: SPVFMX)
Warning to international travellers booking on Turkish Airlines. Their "Manage Booking" platform features a major technical defect: clicking the "Calculate" function instantly finalizes a cancellation without a mandatory "Review and Confirm" step. This is a direct violation of Section 43 of the South African ECT Act. Furthermore, their customer relations team is actively refusing to honour their own published Fare Rules, which explicitly state a cancellation before departure is permitted subject to a 2,150.00 ZAR deduction. Instead of returning the balance, they have unlawfully withheld the full amount. Deadlocked for over 60 days (Case: TK-14529877), this matter has been handed to the Consumer Goods and Services Ombudsman (CGSO) and the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA). Do not trust their digital interface.

I will NEVER EVER fly Turkish Airlines again. What an awful experience I had with their operations and customer service on May 17th. First, my flight TK 0420 at 6:45 from Moscow to Istanbul was completely cancelled. I had to spend 9 hours at the Vnukovo airport to catch another flight with very little help or customer support from the company. As a result I missed my connection flight 0201 to Denver that afternoon. Without even talking to me, Turkish Airlines just re-booked my flight two days later on May 19th and notified me via text message. I tried to found a different route to get to Denver at earlier time, and for that I made a mistake of going to the TK counter F42 and F44 after arriving to the Istanbul Airport. I was told by the company clerks ( one guy and two women working the night shift, around 8:30 pm) who introduced themselves as ‘managers’ that company has rules and they can’t change my ticket because it would involve changing my destination. After I pointed out that I didn’t want to change a destination and just needed to change the route I was told again that the rule is a rule and nothing can be done. Of course, I received a ‘No’ as an answer to my question if they are willing to pay my two days of stay at Istanbul. They didn’t show any interest at all to help me to resolve my problem, were indifferent and unhelpful. After 15 hours disastrous travel with Turkish Airlines I’ve got very emotional and decided to file an internal complaint to the company to its employees - but they refused to give me their names. I took a few pictures of them at the counter, but was surrounded by them and got yelled at. More than that, they forced me to delete pictures, grabbed my phone and checked it; grabbed my passport and took pictures of it. It was like we were at the bazaar, not at the customer service desk of ‘one of the best European airline’. At some point I’ve got very worried for my safety. It’s not the first time I had bad service from TK, but this time it was just awful.

Very disappointing customer service experience.
I have been waiting for my refund for weeks regarding case no. 2025150456. I contacted my bank multiple times, and they confirmed that no payment has ever been received.
The company keeps sending the same automatic replies saying that the “payment receipt has been requested from the relevant department,” but after many emails they still cannot provide any proof of payment or bank transfer receipt.
Instead of solving the issue, they continue to delay the process with generic responses and no concrete action.
I expected professionalism and transparency, but unfortunately this has been one of the worst customer service experiences I have ever had.
I hope the company finally resolves this matter seriously.

We have just returned from Sri Lanka and would like to share our experience with Turkish Airlines. Unfortunately, the trip was a major disappointment overall – especially considering that this was the most expensive flight experience we have had as a family so far.
Before the flight:
My wife accidentally missed one letter in her last name when booking the tickets. We wanted to correct it, but this was not possible online. We called Turkish Airlines more than 10 times and, in the end, we were convinced that the issue had been resolved. However, when we arrived at the airport, we found out that nothing had actually been changed. Thankfully, they accepted the mistake at check-in, but the unnecessary stress before our trip cost us a lot of time, energy, and nerves.
Flight 1: Amsterdam – Istanbul
Unfortunately, the cabin crew on this flight did not leave a positive impression. They appeared stressed, unfriendly at times, and occasionally rather harsh toward some passengers. My diabetic meal was surprisingly good, but the meals for my wife and children were disappointing. The entertainment selection was also quite poor.
Regarding Istanbul Airport: Turkish Airlines is obviously not responsible for the airport itself, but we had a similar experience almost everywhere – at check-in, security, and restaurants. Many people seemed stressed and not particularly welcoming. On top of that, prices at the airport were extremely expensive.
Flight 2: Istanbul – Colombo
Again, we experienced a similar atmosphere. The cabin crew seemed stressed and gave us the impression that there might have been tension or pressure among the staff. Of course, this is only our perception, but that was how it felt to us. Unfortunately, it also felt like that stress was being passed on to passengers. The food was average and nowhere near the standard of Emirates or Etihad. The movie selection and entertainment system also did not compare.
Flight 3: Colombo – Istanbul
This was probably the worst breakfast we have ever received on a flight. The omelet was ice cold – either the oven was not working, or it was simply never heated properly. All four meals went back almost untouched. Once again, we had the feeling that we were expected to be grateful just for being served. Communication in English was sometimes difficult, and the cabin crew again appeared stressed and overwhelmed.
Flight 4: Istanbul – Amsterdam
The same pattern continued: stressed and sometimes inattentive cabin crew. One crew member walked past me and my son twice without offering us drinks, and we were simply forgotten during the service. As a result, we did not receive anything to drink on two occasions.
Final thoughts:
I do not want to generalize or judge all employees based on our experience, but after four flights we repeatedly noticed the same issues: stressed staff, limited warmth, and at times the feeling of being more of a burden than a valued customer. Any friendliness often felt more forced than genuine.
We have traveled to Asia several times with different airlines, and this trip made us especially appreciate the friendly, international, and often multilingual cabin crews of Emirates.
For the price we paid, this experience was simply not justified. Overall, it was a very disappointing experience.

Used this Airline two years ago to fly Business Class from Dublin to Sydney, had a great experience. So much so, booked again to fly Dublin to Perth this year. HUGE MISTAKE. Airline changed the schedule which forced me to request a refund. I requested a refund at the start of April and have not received it to date. I did book through an agent. Agent informs me they will issue the refund as soon as they receive funds from Turkish. Despite numerous attempts by me to find out what stage my refund status is with Turkish, they point blank refuse to give me an answer. I would rather swim through shark infested waters that use Turkish Airlines again.

Beware of possible Phishing emails that appear to come from Turkish Airlines (detailed info of the date, amount, my personal info). The email asked for detailed banking information and a voided check so they could deposit my refund.