17 Hours on Turkish Airlines Business Class: A330 & A350 from Paris to San Francisco (via Istanbul)

 

Flying from Paris to San Francisco with a family stop in Istanbul felt like two very different experiences stitched into one long, comfortable journey. The first segment on an A330 was a short, nostalgic hop. The second segment on an A350 was a modern long-haul experience with lie-flat seats, attentive service, and standout food. Traveling with mama and papa added a special layer to every moment — from lounge showers to late-night tiramisu.

Trip at a glance

• Airline: Turkish Airlines (TK)
• Segment 1: TK1824 Paris (CDG) → Istanbul (IST) — Airbus A330 — 3 hr 35 min — 1,378 miles
• Segment 2: TK79 Istanbul (IST) → San Francisco (SFO) — Airbus A350-900 — 13 hr 30 min — 6,772 miles
• Class: Business Class

Starting at CDG: priority lanes and the Star Alliance lounge

Priority lanes at CDG make a difference, especially traveling as a family. After security, access to the Star Alliance lounge sets a relaxed tone. Highlights included a bright seating area, a bar, and a surprisingly wide food selection — soups, pasta, rice dishes, salads, and an assortment of pastries.

Practical perks at the lounge:

• Shower rooms available (get a key at reception)
• Quiet work areas and nice views over the airfield
• Comfortable seating for families to regroup before boarding

Short-hop on the A330: what to expect

The Paris → Istanbul segment was on an older A330 business cabin with a 2-2-2 configuration. It’s roomy, but privacy is limited compared with newer 1-2-1 layouts.

Service and meal

Warm bread and a wet towel arrived shortly after takeoff. The meal was a simple, well-executed business-class service — choices like roasted beef, grilled chicken brochette, and a local-styled "ISLIM" kebab (meat tucked under a vegetable layer). Presentation and flavors were satisfying for a three-hour hop.

Boarding and cabin notes

• Business line priority at CDG made check-in faster.
• Older seat layout means less personal privacy but comfortable recline for a short flight.
• Good for travelers who want a straightforward, efficient short-haul business experience.

Istanbul stopover and exploring IST

Turkish Airlines’ Stopover in Istanbul program is a great reason to stretch a long itinerary: business class passengers can stay up to 3 nights at a 5-star or boutique hotel free. Economy passengers are eligible for 2 nights at a 4-star hotel. We took advantage of the three-day stay and enjoyed the city — a perfect mini-break between flights.

Back at the airport, check-in flows are well organized. For long-haul flights to the US, UK, and Canada, there’s usually a separate, dedicated business class line and counters near specific concourses. This helps families move through lines with less stress.

Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounge at IST

The business lounge near gate E1 is expansive and open 24 hours. It felt like a destination itself with live cooking stations, a salad bar, meeting rooms, prayer rooms, lockers, and a comfy main seating area.

Why this lounge stands out:

• Live cooking stations with rotating hot items (chicken, lamb, Turkish specialties)
• Dedicated quiet and working areas for longer layovers
• Good variety of hot and cold dishes so the whole family can find something they like

Long-haul comfort: A350 Istanbul → San Francisco

The A350 delivered the modern business class experience many travelers expect on a 13+ hour flight. The 1-2-1 layout gives direct aisle access from every seat, and the cabin felt spacious and thoughtfully designed.

Seat and cabin features

• 1-2-1 reverse herringbone style with alternating window-seat positions (some seats sit closer to the aisle; others closer to the window)
• In-seat storage compartments, reading lights, slipper and blanket provided
• Shoulder harness on the seatbelt for extra safety
• IFE touchscreen and remote — the touchscreen is easier to use than the remote
• Multiple lavatories, including a larger one for added comfort on the long flight

Amenity kit and extras

Business class amenity kit included practical items:

• Hand cream, lip balm, socks, eye mask, ear plugs
• Toothbrush and toothpaste

Business passengers also receive 1 GB of free Wi-Fi — enough to check messages, maps, and a few streaming clips. Unlimited Wi-Fi upgrades are available for purchase if you need more data on a long flight.

Dining highlights

Food service on the A350 was a clear highlight with multiple courses, warm breads, and classic Turkish touches. The service pattern included appetizers, mains, and a pre-landing meal. Some memorable dishes:

• Warm toasted nuts and a variety of freshly baked bread with olive oil
• Appetizer selection: creamy soup, shrimp, smoked salmon (note: smoked salmon can be salty)
• Main course options: lamb chops with Adana kebab, seabass (subject to availability), artichoke ricotta mezzelune
• Pre-landing meal choices included curry prawn rice and a Turkish-style eggplant with yogurt
• Desserts: tiramisu (a personal favorite), ice cream, and a berry trifle

Service is attentive — chefs occasionally visit to introduce dishes — and cabin lights change thoughtfully for sleep periods.

Sleep and comfort on a 13-hour flight

Getting quality rest on long overnight flights can be tricky. What helped:

• Use the seat padding and mattress topper offered by crew to improve comfort.
• Request a wet towel and refresh before trying to sleep to feel reset.
• Bring noise-canceling headphones, an eye mask, and a favorite travel pillow.
• Move and stretch whenever possible to avoid stiffness. Walk the cabin during quieter periods.

Family travel notes and small moments

Traveling with older parents changes the rhythm of a trip. It becomes less about ticking off attractions and more about shared memories. Simple acts — getting an extra helping of warm bread, encouraging a short nap, or squeezing in a stopover to rest — can make the whole journey more meaningful.

"Tea is one of the words my dad can say." — a small reminder that travel is also about the little comforts.

Practical tips for flying Turkish Airlines long-haul

1. Consider booking the stopover if your itinerary allows. The complimentary hotel nights can turn a long connection into a pleasant mini-break.
2. Choose window seats carefully on the A350; window seats alternate between being closer to the aisle or closer to the window. If you want an unobstructed view, request seats in advance and check seat maps.
3. Pack slip-on shoes and a lightweight pair you don’t mind using on board; slippers are provided but can be flimsy.
4. Use the lounge showers after long flights to feel refreshed before the next segment.
5. For families, arrive early at large airports like IST to allow time for walking between gates — it can be a 10–20 minute walk depending on the gate.
6. Bring essentials for sleep and comfort: eye mask, noise-canceling headphones, toothpaste, and a small travel pillow.

Final thoughts

Turkish Airlines delivers a compelling mix of warm service, solid onboard dining, and two cabin experiences that cater to both short and long segments. The A330 short hop is efficient and comfortable; the A350 long-haul cabin shines with modern seats, in-flight amenities, and thoughtful extras like free Wi-Fi and large lounge options at IST.

Most of all, traveling together reminded me why these trips are worth planning. Whether it’s a shower at the lounge, a shared plate of lamb, or a quiet moment watching the sunrise over the Pacific, the journey becomes the memory. If you plan to fly this route, consider the Istanbul stopover and pack for sleep — it’ll make a 17-hour travel day feel much more manageable.