Skip to content
Flight Deals

Turkish Airlines

Flying to more countries than any other airline

  • TürkiyeCountry
  • TKIATA Code
  • THYICAO Code
  • Star AllianceAlliance
  • Full-ServiceAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines is Türkiye’s flag carrier and a Star Alliance member, flying to more countries than any other airline from Istanbul Airport. Every fare includes an 8 kg cabin bag plus a 4 kg personal item, and checked baggage depends on the fare brand and route. This guide covers EcoFly, ExtraFly and PrimeFly, key baggage rules, power bank limits, connecting in Istanbul and how Turkish Airlines compares with Emirates and Qatar Airways.

Turkish Airlines was founded in 1933 and joined Star Alliance in 2008. Its low-cost sister AJet flies mainly from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen and Ankara.

Turkish Airlines flights to Istanbul
Photo: Ibrahim Uzun / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on Flights from Türkiye

Türkiye’s civil aviation authority (SHGM) updated its power bank rules in April 2026. They apply to flights from Turkish airports, including Turkish Airlines departures.

  • A maximum of two power banks per passenger.
  • Charging power banks on board is not allowed.
  • Power banks go in cabin baggage only, never in checked bags.

Airlines can set stricter limits, so check the Turkish Airlines dangerous goods page before you fly.

Connecting at Istanbul Airport

Istanbul Airport is one of the world’s largest, and Turkish Airlines uses it to link more countries than any other airline. Gates can be far apart, so allow at least 90 minutes for a connection.

Eligible transit passengers with a long layover can join a free city tour or get hotel options; ask at the transfer desk or check the Turkish Airlines website before you fly.

Families, Special Assistance and Pets

Families can add children to one booking, and infants under two travel on an adult’s lap. Bassinets and children’s meals are available on long-haul flights.

Special assistance should be requested in advance. Small cats, dogs and birds can travel in the cabin when booked ahead.

How to Find Cheap Turkish Airlines Flights

Cheap Turkish Airlines flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Check what EcoFly includes: on many routes ExtraFly costs little more and adds a bag.
  • Compare via Istanbul: a one-stop fare through Istanbul is often cheaper than a nonstop flight.
  • Avoid the peaks: Eid and the European summer push fares up.
  • Use Miles&Smiles: miles can pay for award seats on Turkish Airlines and Star Alliance partners.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see Turkish Airlines next to Emirates, Qatar Airways and others.

Turkish Airlines vs Emirates vs Qatar Airways

All three connect Europe, Asia and Africa through one big hub.

Turkish AirlinesEmiratesQatar Airways
HubIstanbul (IST)Dubai (DXB)Doha (DOH)
AllianceStar AllianceNoneoneworld
LoyaltyMiles&SmilesSkywardsPrivilege Club (Avios)
Economy cabin bag8 kg + 4 kg personal item7 kg7 kg
Best forEurope, Africa and Star Alliance milesLargest Gulf network, A380oneworld status, Qsuite

See our Emirates guide and Qatar Airways guide to compare.

Arriving in Istanbul

Istanbul Airport is about 40 km from the city centre. The M11 metro line, Havaist buses and taxis connect it with the city.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Turkish Airlines a Good Airline?

Yes. Turkish Airlines has the world’s largest international network, excellent catering, a generous cabin allowance and Star Alliance benefits, which makes it a strong choice for connecting journeys. Check what your EcoFly fare includes before you book.

For more options, see our Lufthansa guide, our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against the Turkish Airlines baggage page and SHGM guidance. Rules change, so check the official Turkish Airlines website before you travel.

Star Alliance & Airline Partnerships

Turkish Airlines joined Star Alliance in 2008. Through Istanbul you can connect onto partners such as Lufthansa, United, Singapore Airlines and Air India on one ticket and earn Miles&Smiles across the alliance.

Learn more about Star Alliance

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

Turkish Airlines has codeshare agreements with dozens of airlines in and outside Star Alliance. Its low-cost subsidiary AJet operates many domestic and regional routes.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Istanbul Airport (IST) is Turkish Airlines' hub and one of the world's largest airports. Most international connections run through it, while AJet focuses on Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen and Ankara.

Popular Turkish Airlines Routes

Busy Turkish Airlines routes link Istanbul with Ankara, Antalya and Izmir, with Frankfurt, Paris and Dubai, and with long-haul cities such as Delhi, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Toronto, São Paulo, Tokyo and Singapore. Turkish Airlines also flies to dozens of African cities. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Turkish Airlines Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Turkish Airlines sells Economy in brand fares: EcoFly, ExtraFly and PrimeFly (with FlexFly on some long-haul routes), plus Business. EcoFly is the cheapest and the least flexible; the higher brands add baggage and make changes and refunds cheaper or free.

Change and refund rules are set per brand and route. As a rule, PrimeFly and Business can be changed free more than 12 hours before departure, while EcoFly may not allow changes on the lowest booking classes.

  • EcoFly Lowest price; changes and refunds carry penalties, and some booking classes are non-refundable.
  • ExtraFly Changes and refunds allowed with a lower penalty.
  • PrimeFly Free changes more than 12 hours before departure; refunds with little or no deduction.
  • Business Free changes more than 12 hours before departure; refundable.
  • Flights to or from the USA You can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if you booked at least 7 days before departure.
  • EU flights Departures from the EU are covered by Regulation 261/2004 for long delays and cancellations.
  • How to change or cancel Use Manage booking on turkishairlines.com or the Turkish Airlines app.

Turkish Airlines Seat Selection & Additional Services

You can pick a seat when you book or in Manage booking. Standard seat selection is paid on the cheapest fares and included on higher brands, and extra-legroom seats can be bought on most flights. Business Class has lie-flat seats on long-haul aircraft.

If you have a long layover in Istanbul, Turkish Airlines offers programmes for transit passengers, such as city tours and hotel stays for eligible itineraries. Check the conditions for your ticket before you travel.

  • EcoFly Seat selection for a fee.
  • ExtraFly and PrimeFly Seat selection included or discounted, depending on route.
  • Extra legroom Front and exit-row seats available to buy.
  • Business Lie-flat seats on long-haul flights and access to the Turkish Airlines lounge in Istanbul.
  • Istanbul layovers Tours and hotel options for eligible transit passengers.
  • Catering Complimentary meals on international flights.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.

Turkish Airlines Baggage Allowance

Every Turkish Airlines fare includes a cabin bag of up to 8 kg and 55 × 40 × 23 cm plus a personal item of up to 4 kg. Checked baggage depends on your brand and route. On short and medium-haul international flights, EcoFly is hand baggage only, while higher brands include a checked allowance.

On long-haul routes using the weight concept, EcoFly includes about 20–23 kg and the higher brands more. To and from the Americas and most of Africa, the piece concept applies, and every Economy fare includes two bags of 23 kg.

  • Cabin bag (Economy) 1 bag up to 8 kg and 55 × 40 × 23 cm.
  • Personal item 1 item up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm and 4 kg.
  • Business cabin 2 bags up to 8 kg each plus a personal item.
  • EcoFly (short/medium-haul international) Often hand baggage only; check your fare.
  • Domestic Türkiye 15 kg on EcoFly, 20 kg on ExtraFly, 25 kg on PrimeFly.
  • Americas and most of Africa 2 × 23 kg in Economy; 2 × 32 kg in Business.
  • Maximum per bag 32 kg; free bags up to 158 cm, 158–292 cm charged as oversize.
  • Star Alliance Gold 1 extra bag on piece routes, or 20 kg extra on weight routes.
  • Extra bag prices Can change up to 8 hours before departure, so buy early.

Miles&Smiles: Turkish Airlines Loyalty Programme

Miles&Smiles is Turkish Airlines' free loyalty programme, launched in 2000. You earn miles on Turkish Airlines, AJet and Star Alliance flights and with partners, and redeem them for award tickets and upgrades.

It has four tiers: Classic, Classic Plus, Elite and Elite Plus. Miles&Smiles is popular with travellers worldwide for its Star Alliance award options.

  • Classic Entry tier for all members.
  • Classic Plus Priority services and Star Alliance Silver status.
  • Elite Lounge access, extra baggage and Star Alliance Gold status.
  • Elite Plus The top tier, with the most upgrades, priority and benefits.
  • Star Alliance Earn and redeem miles across Star Alliance.
Join or log in on the Turkish Airlines website

Turkish Airlines: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Turkish Airlines’ IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is TK. It appears in flight numbers (for example TK 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is THY, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is Turkish Airlines part of?

It is a member of Star Alliance. Alliance membership usually means easier connections, shared lounge access for eligible passengers and the option to earn and redeem miles across partner airlines.

03Where is Turkish Airlines headquartered?

The airline is headquartered in Istanbul, Türkiye.

04When was Turkish Airlines founded?

The airline was founded in 1933.

05What are Turkish Airlines’ main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Istanbul (IST) – Main Hub.

06What is Turkish Airlines’ frequent flyer programme called?

The frequent flyer programme is called Miles&Smiles. Members earn points or miles on eligible flights and can redeem them for award tickets, upgrades and other benefits.

07Does Turkish Airlines offer online check-in?

Yes. Online check-in is available through the airline's official website. Check-in opening and closing times depend on the route and airport, so confirm them for your flight before you travel.

08Does Turkish Airlines EcoFly include checked baggage?

On short and medium-haul international flights, EcoFly is hand baggage only. On long-haul routes it usually includes a checked allowance, and to the Americas and most of Africa every Economy fare includes two 23 kg bags.

09What is the Turkish Airlines cabin bag limit?

One cabin bag of up to 8 kg and 55 × 40 × 23 cm in Economy, plus a personal item of up to 4 kg. Business passengers can bring two 8 kg cabin bags.

10What is the difference between EcoFly, ExtraFly and PrimeFly?

They are Economy brands. EcoFly is the cheapest with the strictest rules; ExtraFly adds baggage and cheaper changes; PrimeFly adds the most baggage and free changes more than 12 hours before departure.

11How many countries does Turkish Airlines fly to?

Turkish Airlines flies to around 130 countries, more than any other airline, almost all via its hub at Istanbul Airport.

Turkish Airlines, its logo and trademarks are the property of Türk Hava Yolları A.O. and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Turkish Airlines unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.