Turkish Airlines Business Class Review: The Overlooked Old-School Charm Of The Boeing 777

Not everything new is necessarily better – case in point: Turkish Airlines‘ old Boeing 777-300ER business class. I recently flew it between Vancouver and Istanbul, experiencing firsthand the supposedly “outdated” 2-3-2 layout that modern travel bloggers love criticizing. Against all conventional wisdom, I preferred it to many of the cutting-edge pod designs that dominate today’s premium cabins. With Turkish’s new “Crystal” suites coming soon, here’s why this classic setup deserves appreciation before it disappears forever.

First Impressions

Boarding in Vancouver, I wasn’t sure what to expect. While I’ve experienced numerous ‘pod’ configurations in business class on other airlines, this was my first time flying Turkish Airlines business class. I had seen photos of their newer pod-style seats, so I braced myself when I realized I’d be flying on their older 2-3-2 configuration. The layout alone seems outdated – window seat passengers must step over their neighbour to access the aisle. Yet the generous dimensions made an immediate impression. The cabin felt open in a way that newer, compartmentalized designs have sacrificed for privacy.

Room to spare

The older Turkish seats offer noticeably more width than modern alternatives. I appreciated having room to shift positions without constantly bumping against hard surfaces, which happens too often in newer pod designs.

I’m 6′ tall and found I could stretch out completely. When reclined to sleep, the bed felt more accommodating than restrictive. Unlike many contemporary business-class products, my feet weren’t confined to one of those increasingly narrow foot wells that are a necessary compromise in newer configurations. It was just a straightforward, comfortably wide space for proper rest.

Family friendly

This “outdated” configuration truly shines for those travelling with companions. My partner and I could converse naturally, share a meal with comfortable eye contact, and enjoy the same entertainment without physical barriers.

A configuration that doesn’t place walls between travellers is genuine value for those journeying with family or colleagues. Solo travellers might prefer the privacy of contemporary designs, though the middle seat in the centre section provides reasonable aisle access on either side.

Elevated dining

The food on Turkish Airlines stands out among business-class offerings. I particularly appreciated the flight attendant dressed as a chef (white hat and jacket) who presented appetizers from a tray. This distinctive touch elevated the meal service beyond the standard business class experience.

The Turkish dishes were the highlights—the mezze selection offered a genuine depth of flavour. Another advantage of these older seats is that the tray tables provide enough space for a proper dining setup without the cramped feeling that newer designs often impose.

Entertainment options

While the screens can’t match the latest offerings, the content library remains identical across the fleet. Interestingly, the physical remote controls proved more responsive than the occasionally temperamental touchscreens in newer cabins. Wi-Fi performance matched their more recent aircraft—serviceable for messaging but not remarkable for speed.

Sleep quality

The accurate measure of premium cabins is sleep quality, and these seats quietly excel here. They transform into genuinely flat surfaces without subtle angles, sometimes found in complex designs. The width allows for natural sleeping positions rather than forcing a specific posture. I managed nearly seven hours of continuous sleep – something I’ve rarely achieved in more advanced business-class products.

Old vs new

Turkish Airlines’ older Boeing 777 business class perfect? No. Direct aisle access has become standard for good reason, and the design aesthetic looks dated.

Change is coming. Turkish Airlines plans to upgrade its Boeing 777 cabins with “Crystal” suites—a staggered 1-2-1 configuration with sliding doors, improved ergonomics, and luxurious touches like rose-gold accents and marble-style tables. The roll out begins in 2025, meaning these classic seats will soon vanish, particularly on North American routes to Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal.

Yet there’s something honest about these current seats. They prioritize comfort over visual impression, acknowledge that travel sometimes happens with companions, and provide genuine space rather than the illusion of it.

For those booked on the original Boeing 777 configuration, you might discover an appreciation for a business class that emphasizes substance over style. And with the Crystal Suites arriving soon, this could be your last chance to experience a layout that, despite its age, still delivers a uniquely comfortable journey across the Pacific.

For more information, visit turkishairlines.com. —Mark Sissons