Hello from onboard TK1911.
I arrived into IST Airport from BKK on a A330 and would now continue my journey on a 15 year old A321, named 'Emirgan', registered as TC-JRR in the Star Alliance Livery.
Connection
This was probably the most stressful connection I ever had. I once had a schengen-non schengen in AMS with 10minutes left but even that was a relaxing experience compared to this one.
When we were finally allowed to deplane, we were about 1h 20 behind schedule. Originally I had over 3h of layover time at the time of booking, but they changed schedule and put it down to 2. With 1h 20 delay, it therefore meant a 40min connection in Istanbul from F14 to A10, basically from the top right corner of the airport to the bottom left corner of the airport with approx. 2 km walking distance. Given the fact that the gate closes 20min before departure, I had 20mins left do to this connection.
TK did not provide any assistance for my connection, so I was on my one. Luckily, I was able to use the short connection lane, even though the officer said "Amsterdam only". When I showed him my boarding pass that indicated thah my flight left even earlier than the AMS one, he accepted and let me through.
In my hectic, I destroyed the zipper of my backpack, meaning I had to waste important time repacking my stuff into the other pockets.
Security staff was quite unfriendly the entire time and also told me to "not rush". Like, why do you think I am in the Short connection line, Sir? To relax???
I then sprinted through the F concourse, the main building and onwards to A. On the way, I fell down an escalator which led to bruising and bleeding all over my body but I continued running cause I could not afford to miss this flight. I arrived at the game just in time and was let on board.
Boarding
Upon entering the aircraft, I was immediately pulled into the galley and a water was offered. I was breathing hard and was fully dehydrated so I glady accepted. Then I made myself on ly way to my seat, stored my backpack and went to the back galley. The flight attendant noticed immediately my injuries and asked whether I had a headache, nausea, blurry vision or anything else, which I declined. She then gave me two containers of water, which i chugged down, before she inspected my wounds and started cleaning them with a wet napkin. Afterwards a band aid was applied and she asked me, if I needed a doctor, which I declined. I then returned to my seat, which was actually comfier than the one on the 330.
Cabin
The cabin was in the usual 3-3 layout. Each seat was equipped with a personal IFE screen and a USB-A port. Wifi was available too and free of charge but was really slow and not working for most of the flight.
Departure
We pushed back from the gate 6 mins behind schedule and took off 7:40pm, 15mins behind schedule. We took off towards the north east and then turned left towards Switzerland.
Meal
The meal choices consisted of pasta or chicken. I went with the Pasta, my seatneighbors with the chicken. I also FINALLY received a salad dressing with my salad. I didn't eat the dessert but the pasta was fine. A bit hard but clearly above-average airline food.
Along with my meal, I received a coke (which I asked for), a water (which was standard on the tray) and another cup of water, seemingly to keep me hydrated. She once again asked how I was feeling and I reassured her that I'm fine.
Inflight
About 40 minutes to the landing and I went to use the restrooms at the back of the aircraft. After exiting, I was again asked if everything is okay or if I was nauseous and/or needed something. I returned to my seat and noticed that my seatneighbor now used my legspace, but with 30 mins left in the flight and her being asleep, I decided not to wake her.
Arrival
We arrived in Zurich 1 min ahead of schedule at 21:14. When deboarding, the FA reassured herself one last time if I was okay before letting me off with a "take care".
I then waited 5 mins for the skytrain to bring me to the main terminal with immigration.
Since I was only in Bangkok for 2 days, I did not bring checked luggage and could leave the airside area right away and with my whole body hurting, I was really looking forward to my bed at home
