Crystal Business Class is Turkish Airlines' new business class cabin for its transcontinental flights. The airline unveiled it in July 2024 at the Farnborough International Airshow in Hampshire, United Kingdom, and it is the company's first with an adjustable door and privacy panel in every suite, 23-inch-wide seats and direct aisle access for all passengers. It will be installed gradually on the Airbus A350s the airline has on order, and its Boeing 777 fleet is also planned to be retrofitted. For you as a traveller, this means that on some long-haul flights to Istanbul you may find this cabin: check which aircraft operates your flight when you book. And if Istanbul is your layover or your destination, here is how to make the most of it, from a 6 to 7 hour private Istanbul tour to a 7-day Turkey trip with domestic flights included.
What is Turkish Airlines' Crystal Business Class?
Turkish Airlines unveiled its new Crystal Business Class suite at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2024, in Hampshire, United Kingdom. It is the first time the company's business seats have an adjustable door and a privacy panel, designed for more privacy on long flights.
These are its main features, according to the information released at the launch:
- Suite with a door: every seat has an adjustable door and a privacy panel.
- Wide seat: 23 inches wide, with more footwell space.
- Direct aisle access: every passenger can reach the aisle without disturbing anyone.
- Design: lighter and warmer colours, a marble-style table and rose gold finishes, in line with the airline's “Flow” brand identity.
The cabin is intended for transcontinental flights. Turkish Airlines will install it gradually on the Airbus A350s it has on order and plans to retrofit its Boeing 777s as well. Because the rollout is gradual, the most reliable approach is to check on the airline's website, when you book, which aircraft and cabin operate your flight.
Layover in Istanbul: how to make the most of it
If your flight connects in Istanbul, a long layover is a chance to see the city. It all depends on how much time you have between flights. If your layover allows a full day, the classic Istanbul tour covers Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar on foot in 6 to 7 hours, with a Spanish-speaking guide and a private group.
Another one-day option is the Bosphorus cruise, about 7 hours long, which combines two hours of sailing between Europe and Asia with the Golden Horn, the Spice Bazaar and the Balat neighbourhood.
Before planning an outing during your layover, keep three things in mind:
- Documents: to leave the airport you have to enter Turkey. The requirements depend on your nationality, so check them on your own government's official website.
- Real time available: subtract the time for airport controls and the transfer to the city, and come back with plenty of margin for your next flight.
- Transport: the Gayrettepe-Istanbul Airport-Halkalı rail line appears in the city's official transport fare table and is paid with the IstanbulKart; our IstanbulKart guide explains how to use it.
If Turkey is your destination: tours with domestic flights
If you are flying to Turkey to stay for a few days, the easiest option is to combine your international flight with a tour that already includes the internal journeys. In these packages the international ticket is not included, so you can fly with Turkish Airlines or any airline you prefer, and we take care of the rest:
- The 7-day Turkey trip includes all domestic flights, accommodation and airport transfers, covering Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus and Pamukkale.
- The 12-day Turkey tour includes the flights from Istanbul to Cappadocia and from Cappadocia to Izmir, plus airport to hotel transfers in every destination.
- The 5-day Istanbul and Cappadocia tour includes the return flight between Istanbul and Cappadocia.
What to do when you arrive in Istanbul
Once in the city, the IstanbulKart lets you get around on your own by metro, tram, bus and ferry. For sightseeing days, a guided tour saves you queues and planning; if you have three days, the complete Istanbul tour brings together the old city, a day of private transport and the Bosphorus cruise. And if Turkish soap operas are what brought you to Turkey, do not miss our guide to Turkish series in Latin America.
Already have your flight and want to plan your layover or trip? Send us your dates and flight times and we will suggest the route that fits best, or browse all our tours in Turkey.
Sources: launch and features of Crystal Business Class, AeroTime (29/07/2024); Istanbul Airport rail line, official İBB fare table in force since 16/02/2026; entry requirements, Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Frequently asked questions
What is Turkish Airlines' Crystal Business Class?
It is Turkish Airlines' new business class suite, unveiled in July 2024, with an adjustable door, privacy panel, 23-inch seat and direct aisle access. It is intended for transcontinental flights and is being installed gradually on the A350s on order, with a planned retrofit of the Boeing 777s.
Can I do an Istanbul tour during a layover?
Yes, if your layover is long enough and your documents allow you to enter Turkey. The classic Istanbul tour lasts 6 to 7 hours; add the time for controls and transfers and return to the airport with plenty of margin.
Do your packages include the international flight?
No. On the 7-day and 12-day tours the international ticket is not included; the domestic flights listed in each itinerary are.
