Air France vs Turkish Airlines: Which One for You?

Hubs, Destinations & Fleets

Turkish airlines wins

Air France and Turkish Airlines are two of the most prominent carriers in the aviation industry, each boasting extensive networks and modern fleets.

Air France's main operations are centered around Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris, with a secondary hub at Orly Airport (ORY). From these hubs, Air France offers extensive connections to global destinations spanning continents such as Europe, Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania. Overall, the airline serves 21 domestic routes and 165 international routes across 83 countries.

On the other hand, Turkish Airlines, with its principal hub at Istanbul Airport (IST) and a significant presence at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), boasts an even wider reach. Turkish Airlines operates flights to 52 domestic and 262 international destinations across 129 countries, not including routes exclusively serviced by Turkish Airlines Cargo. Their fleet is a testament to this vast network, with a diverse range (total 383 aircrafts) of Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer aircraft, also featuring the advanced A350 and B787 Dreamliner.

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Baggage and Fees

Most of people compares airlines based on baggage allowance. We did that to. Unfortunately, it's a tie. 

Air France. Depending on the travel class, passengers can bring one or two cabin bags, plus one personal item. The total weight shouldn’t exceed 12kg for Economy and Premium Economy and 18kg for Business and First classes. Checked Baggage- For flights within Europe, the allowance is generally one bag up to 23kg for Economy, and two bags up to 32kg each for Business. For intercontinental flights, the baggage allowances may vary, but typically, Economy passengers can check one 23kg bag, Premium Economy two 23kg bags, and Business/First Class passengers can check two or three bags up to 32kg each.

Extra Fees: Fees for overweight or oversized luggage depend on the route but can range widely. Air France also charges for additional checked bags on some ticket types, especially lower-cost fares.

Turkish Airlines. In general, Economy passengers can bring one cabin bag up to 8kg, and Business Class passengers can bring two cabin bags with a combined weight of 16kg, plus a personal item. Checked Baggage- The allowance varies depending on the route and ticket class. For domestic flights, it's typically 15kg for Economy and 20kg for Business. For international flights, Economy passengers generally get a 20-30kg allowance, and Business Class passengers get 30-40kg.

Extra Fees. Turkish Airlines charges varying fees for excess baggage depending on the route. The airline also offers a pre-paid baggage system that lets passengers purchase extra baggage allowance at a discount before their flight.

In-flight Experience

Hard to decide - a tie?

Air France offers ergonomically designed seats across all classes. In Business and First Class, passengers enjoy lie-flat seats, ensuring optimum comfort during long-haul flights. But we’ll compare first class experience later on. 

What’s more, Air France proudly states that close to 90% of its fleet offers onboard WiFi. Travelers have the flexibility to select from three internet packages: Message Pass, Surf Pass, and Stream Pass, each tailored to varying online activities. Furthermore, every Air France journey offers on-demand television, highlighting a mix of mainstream movies and a selection from French cinema.

Cuisine - Air France is known for offering gourmet French cuisine, even in Economy. Their menu is curated by renowned chefs and includes an assortment of wines and champagnes. Well, the French know best that food is important. 

Turkish Airlines provides spacious seating in all classes. Their Business Class features lie-flat seats with direct aisle access on most long-haul aircraft. Also, Turkish Airlines offers the "Planet" entertainment system, boasting a wide range of movies, TV shows, music, and games, available in multiple languages on personal screens. Same as Air France, Turkish Airlines offers in-flight Wi-Fi on many of its flights, allowing passengers to stay connected throughout their journey.

Cuisine. Renowned for one of the best in-flight meals in the industry, Turkish Airlines serves Turkish and international gourmet dishes. The airline also has flying chefs on board long-haul Business Class flights to prepare and serve meals.

While both airlines offer top-notch in-flight experiences, the choice often comes down to personal preferences. Air France delivers a taste of French elegance and sophistication, while Turkish Airlines provides a blend of modern comforts with traditional Turkish warmth and hospitality.

Business Class

Air France wins

From the moment business class passengers step onto an Air France flight, they are greeted with an aura reminiscent of the rich French culinary experience. The welcoming atmosphere is immediately can be marked with a glass of champagne. The airline's commitment to fine dining in the skies is evident, as they regularly collaborate with Michelin-starred chefs like Anne-Sophie Pic of Maison Pic and Arnaud Lallement from Assiette Champenoise. Passengers are treated to a three-course meal and for those who appreciate breakfast delicacies, options span from delectable pastries to savory egg dishes. Between meals, passengers can indulge in authentic French snacks available at a self-serve station.

Beyond the culinary delights, Air France doesn't compromise on comfort and entertainment. The in-flight amenities include a kit replete with Clarins products, noise-canceling headphones, and a spacious TV offering a rich repertoire of French cinema. Passengers can relax in their seats that can be transformed into comfortable beds. Moreover, Air France is enhancing the flying experience by introducing a pod-like business class cabin in its Boeing 777-300s.

Turkish Airlines, on the other hand, offers an experience that effortlessly combines exceptional service, superior onboard meals, and unmatched ground services. The airline is renowned for its attentive and warm service, ensuring passengers feel at ease throughout their journey. The onboard food and beverage offerings reflect the rich Turkish culinary tradition, ensuring passengers' palates are treated to authentic and homestyle cooking.

However, a standout feature for many who fly with Turkish Airlines is their expansive lounge in Istanbul. Regarded by many traveler -  one of the best airport lounges globally, it is a haven of comfort, warmth, and gourmet dining. With chefs preparing dishes right in front of the passengers and an ambiance that radiates luxury, it's an experience that compels travelers to arrive at the airport well ahead of their departure.

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