Dwelling
»
AIRLINE NEWS
»
Turkish Airways Elevates Your Multi-Metropolis Journey from London to Shanghai through Dubrovnik
Monday, September 30, 2024
After touring throughout a lot of Europe, I began serious about venturing farther afield, and China rapidly rose to the highest of my record. Shanghai, specifically, stood out since Bosnian passport holders don’t want a visa to go to. When a pal in Shanghai provided to host me, the choice was made, and the seek for itineraries started.
As a pupil from the Balkans learning within the UK, my lengthy Easter break gave me the proper alternative to additionally go to dwelling. I wished a multi-city flight itinerary beginning in London and ending in both Cut up, Dubrovnik, or Sarajevo, with a cease in Shanghai in between. Turkish Airways provided probably the most sensible choice—an reasonably priced multi-city route with added perks like a pupil low cost and an elevated baggage allowance. I booked my tickets and selected an extended layover in Istanbul on my return to make the most of Turkish Airways’ complimentary TourIstanbul service.
Flight 1: London Gatwick to Istanbul
I arrived early at Gatwick Airport, easily checked in with Turkish Airways, and moved by way of safety with out a lot problem, apart from a minor concern when my bag’s X-ray was combined up with one other. That was rapidly sorted out, and after grabbing an iced tea from one of many cafes, I made my solution to the gate.
Boarding the Turkish Airways Airbus A321neo went easily, and I used to be fortunate sufficient to have an empty seat subsequent to me. The flight itself was comfy, and the in-flight meal—surprisingly high-quality pasta—exceeded my expectations. The leisure system wasn’t as dependable, although, with connecting gate data by no means displaying up. Regardless of that, we landed in Istanbul forward of schedule, and I used to be prepared for my subsequent leg.
Flight 2: Istanbul to Shanghai Pudong
Touchdown in Istanbul, I used to be glad to skip further safety checks, as my two-hour layover was already tight. The airport felt large, giving me loads of area to stretch my legs earlier than my first long-haul flight. Nonetheless, I struggled with the airport’s WiFi, which solely gives an hour of free entry—removed from excellent for a serious intercontinental hub.
Boarding the Turkish Airways Boeing 777-300ER was considerably chaotic however environment friendly, although the legroom was lower than excellent for my peak. The meal service was gradual, and the meals left one thing to be desired, with the dry beef being overshadowed solely by the chocolate mousse dessert. After a winding flight path over China, we lastly landed in Shanghai. The entry course of was easy, although coping with a broken bag added some frustration to my arrival.
Flight 3: Shanghai to Istanbul
After two unforgettable weeks exploring Shanghai and its environment, it was time to return. Arriving early at Pudong Airport, I moved by way of the check-in and safety processes with ease. The flight again on the Boeing 777-300ER was way more comfy, because of further legroom that allowed me to relaxation extra simply. The service on this leg was smoother, with the cabin crew doing a superb job of retaining the toilets clear all through the flight.
Earlier than touchdown, I seen how Turkish Airways tailor-made its providers for Chinese language passengers, from bulletins in Mandarin to selling WeChat Pay at Istanbul Airport. This considerate strategy demonstrated how the airline was tapping into the rising Chinese language market. We landed easily in Istanbul, and I used to be prepared for my layover tour.
Layover and Tour of Istanbul
Although there was a small mix-up to find the right desk for the TourIstanbul service, I finally secured a spot on the half-day tour. Our information supplied a mix of historical past and humor, and whereas the itinerary wasn’t precisely what had been marketed, I used to be pleasantly stunned to go to the Topkapi Palace, which wasn’t initially on the schedule. Although time was restricted, it was nonetheless a worthwhile expertise.
Flight 4: Istanbul to Dubrovnik
After the tour, I had just a few hours to loosen up earlier than my ultimate flight to Dubrovnik. I found that Turkish Airways gives free meal vouchers for passengers with lengthy layovers, which got here as a pleasing shock, saving me from the overpriced airport meals.
The ultimate leg of my journey on an Airbus A320 was clean and uneventful. The in-flight service was environment friendly, and regardless of the shorter route, the crew maintained the excessive commonplace of care I had come to anticipate. We landed in Dubrovnik a couple of minutes forward of schedule, and after a fast move by way of passport management, I used to be on my manner for a two-hour drive dwelling, desirous to reunite with my cat after an unbelievable journey.
