This was the first time I flew Turkish Airlines through Turkey’s international airport in Istanbul. Even though I have been flying internationally for a long time this was a unique experience in terms of the number of security checks they make you go before letting you board the flight to US.
So the first was the routine traveller intake checking. This is the take off your shoes, peel off your belt, take out your laptop, baggage x-ray, no fluids over 20 ml. allowed kind of checks that we are all reconciled to. Having crossed that I wander over the large and rather impressive airport noting that most of the items were priced to sell at either the Turkish Lira (17 cents) or the Euro ($1.12) and were quite cheap considering that they are in airport shops.
With less than 30 mins to boarding, I stroll over to my gate and was quite surprised and alarmed to see a long winding line to enter the gate. It turns out the gate is in an enclosed perimeter and there is a kiosk at the entrance.
The security check at this kiosk (check #2) was a long scrutinizing review of my passport and boarding pass. The lady did not bother to even look at me but was clearly hoping to turn me away. Finally, after what seemed like forever, she reluctantly waved me to the third check, just a few feet away.
“Purpose of the visit?” Barked a military looking young man stationed there. “No purpose, just transiting through Turkey” I stated the obvious. “No, no. Why did you visit India?” I was unsure how that concerned the airline but not wanting to create waves said, “To meet family”. “For 5 weeks?” he asked accusingly, as if that was a blatant lie. “Well I do have a lot of family there” I smiled weakly. He curtly waved me on to the fourth check point just a few feet to the left.
Here, they enthusiastically opened all my belongings and spread them on the table as if planning a garage sale. A young man came patted me down so thoroughly that I was positive he was a masseur in a previous life. Yet another man rubbed a piece of paper all over me and then inspected the strip. I had just gotten off an 8 hour flight, so I was not sure what that paper carried. Then just like that, they lost all interest in me. They turned their backs to me for the next victim umm passenger.
Feeling a little betrayed by this sudden abandonment, I gathered all my belongings and stuffed them back into my bag, and as I turned, you guessed right, the fifth checkpoint.
Here the person did a three way check. My passport against me. My boarding pass against my passport. And finally my passport against my boarding pass. I was tempted to point out that the third check was redundant but given the number of checks I had already passed through I am guessing operational efficiencies was definitely not their goal.
Finally I thought I was home free. I boarded the plane, stowed my luggage and settled for the ten hour flight. As I was dozing off I was prodded by flight attendant consulting a long list. Oh no, my heart sank. Another check.
“Vegetarian?” The flight attendant demanded. “Yes please” I nodded weakly.
Having dissed their tedious security process it would be unfair for me not to comment on the quality of in-flight service of Turkish Airlines. They treat their economy class almost as good as other airlines treat their business. The in-fight entertainment, the swag, attendant courtesy, quality of food, responsiveness to refill requests - all were clearly superior to most of the airlines I have flown. Maybe that’s why they want to make sure before they let you board.
So if you have the strength, fortitude and wisdom to unlock the five locks to flying Turkish Airlines, definitely recommend.
