Review of Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul to Riga in Economy

Continuing my trip with origin in Barcelona, it was now time for the 2nd leg of the journey with the flight IST-RIX to be operated by a B737-800 TC-JHF named Ayvalik delivered to TK in December 2008. Between the two legs it was time to take advantage of the Turkish Airlines lounge, rated as one of the best airline lounges in the world and I have to agree with that. My time there was limited to 30 minutes, but I think that at least 2h00 are needed to feel the lounge and all its features. The lounge was crowded, despite I did have no time to go to the lower level which is, normally, less crowded.

Despite the boarding time was marked on the boarding pass 1h00 before departure time I arrived near the gate 203 just 45 min before. The plane was arriving the gate at that time inbound from SOF. It was also time to take some pictures of the busy terminal with lots of TK airplanes.

Boarding has begun around 15 min before departure not permitting an on time departure. The load of the TK1757 flight was around 70%. Push back started at 12h00.

After about 15 min, at 12h15 (30 min after schedule departure time) the B737-800 was airborne heading north and passing my Black Sea.

The flight time to Riga would be of 2h30. 45 min into the flight the crew came distributing the menus for the lunch service. Two options were available for the main course: grilled chicken breast mixed vegetables and potato purée (my option) or rigatoni, tomato parmesan sauce, fried eggplants and cherry tomatoes. Beside, as appetizer it was offered shepherd's salad with white cheese and as dessert was presented walnut pear tarte. Very good meal!

The flight continued northbound, the landing was at 14h43, just 3 min behind scheduled time. The airport was almost empty at that moment with some construction works preventing the use of the non-Schengen airbridges so the aircraft parked at a remote position.

Then it was time to explore Riga, a small but very nice town into the Baltic Sea.