#FlyWashington Magazine - Summer 2025 Summer 2025 | Page 21

Grand Bazaar
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AIRLINE SPOTLIGHT: TURKISH AIRLINES( TK) HUB AIRPORT: ISTANBUL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT( IST) LOCATION: ISTANBUL, TURKEY
TURKISH AIRLINES, the flag carrier of Turkey, flies to more countries than any other airline. They were officially recognized by Guinness World Records™ in 2024. With a central hub in Istanbul— at the crossroads between east and west— Turkish Airlines has a fleet of 486( passenger and cargo) aircraft flying to 353 worldwide destinations( 300 international and 53 domestic) in 131 countries and is strategically positioned to connect more than 90 destinations within a 3-hour flight. Turkish Airlines operates one of the world’ s most extensive and modern fleets, offering exceptional service, superior catering, and a robust Miles & Smiles loyalty program.
From the moment you check in— online or at the ticket counter— you’ re greeted with warm hospitality and efficient service. With Turkish Airlines, your travel experience begins long before takeoff, enveloping you in comfort, elegance, and the promise of an unforgettable journey.
HUB / TRANSIT EXPERIENCE
Istanbul International Airport( IST) is currently one of the largest airports in the world and is on track to be able to handle 200 million passengers.
IST features a museum showcasing Turkish art and history, a library with e-books and a children’ s area, and a youth lounge with gaming facilities. Passengers can also enjoy diverse dining options, from traditional Turkish cuisine to gourmet restaurants and premium bars. Eligible travelers who are connecting internationally at Istanbul Airport can also stop and visit Turkish Airlines’ Business Class Lounge spanning
9,600 square meters and offering rich cuisines, elegant design, and premium amenities.
STOP OVER PROGRAM
Through the program, Turkish Airlines provides a two-night stay in a 4-star hotel for economy class passengers and a three-night stay in a 5-star hotel for business class passengers.
Alternatively, if you have a connecting international flight in Istanbul, and a layover between 6 and 24 hours, you can take advantage of the airline’ s complimentary Touristanbul service to discover Istanbul. With Touristanbul, you can visit Istanbul’ s most notable historical sites and enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine. After landing at Istanbul Airport, you’ ll be picked up by a vehicle and driven back to the airport at the end of the tour.
The program offers the traveler a unique opportunity to explore the city of Istanbul during their stopover. Famous sites in Istanbul include Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and of course the worldfamous Grand Bazaar. Furthermore, no trip to Istanbul is complete without a boat cruise on the Bosporus which offers beautiful views of the Istanbul landscape on both its European as well as Asian side.
When you purchase a ticket on www. turkishairlines. com that is eligible for the airline’ s stopover program( passengers with a connection of at least 20 hours), Turkish Airlines will send a hotel voucher that is issued after the ticket purchase. At least 72 hours before their first flight, passengers can input the required details, including booking reference number, ticket number, passenger name, and more. It is also possible to request a hotel by emailing freehotelusa @ thy. com.
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SUMMER 2025 19 FLYWASHINGTON. COM