ISTANBUL — Flying from Montreal to Johannesburg is no small feat. You’re looking at close to 20 hours in the air – plus transit time if you connect through Istanbul.

Fortunately, there’s a way to make the journey easier and (almost) lose track of time: flying in Turkish Airlines’ multi-award-winning Business Class.

Besides those holding a business class ticket, this privileged space is also accessible to other categories of passengers – whether they’ve been upgraded, are redeeming Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles points, or are benefiting from their special Star Alliance status.

PRIVILEGED ACCESS IN ISTANBUL

From Montreal, the experience begins at Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounge (or Air France’s, if the former is crowded). But in Istanbul, when taking part in Turkish Airlines’ Stopover program and returning to the vast airport for the second leg of the journey, the experience reaches another level.

As soon as you step out of the taxi, Gate 5 of the airport is entirely reserved for Business Class passengers – even from outside. It’s a first impression that says a lot about the importance the airline places on this category.

After an initial pre-screening, eligible passengers are directed to the back of the terminal, where a spacious check-in area has been designed like a lounge, complete with armchairs, sofas, tables, and plants that create a unique environment in front of the counters where you drop off your luggage – up to 32 kg in Business Class.

STEP INTO THE LOUNGE

Next, whether you’ve quickly cleared security or are in transit, you gain access to an immense Business Lounge. Located in front of Gate E1, on a mezzanine overlooking one of the airport’s large wings, it impresses upon arrival with its giant screen and stunning, chic, airy design.

Near the entrance, several storage lockers allow you to stow bulky luggage, while just beside them, about 10 private nap rooms are available for those who want to catch some sleep between flights – after taking a shower (or not), also available on-site.

On the other side of the lounge, you’ll find a series of rest areas, workspaces and dining spaces. A section dedicated to world news features 12 television screens that can be tuned in to using headphones.

Other passengers may prefer to leave their wrinkled jacket at the ironing service or entrust their aching back to the masseur strolling the aisles in search of sore muscles.

ABUNDANT FINE DINING

On the culinary side, the choices are plentiful: a Turkish pizza counter, open kitchens preparing dishes inspired by the chef’s mood of the moment, and an exceptional salad bar that looks as though it were crafted in the kitchens of sultans.

Here and there, self-serve fridges and carts offer alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, while counters present a variety of flavourful juices (lemon-mint, pomegranate-raspberry, etc.), exquisite teas (the rooibos-mint-lavender-date juice blend is a must-try), and decadent pastries. Once you’ve tasted them, it’s hard not to overindulge.

BOARDING NOW

Once on board, the experience continues on the same note, whether flying between Montreal and Istanbul or onward to Johannesburg.

On the four flights we tried, the Airbus A350-900 Business Class cabin is arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, allowing its 32 passengers direct aisle access. Even the central seats, placed side by side, are configured so that both passengers remain well separated and enjoy plenty of privacy.

In flight, the onboard WiFi is good and steady enough for sending emails or browsing social media, though not always reliable for making calls – and that’s just as well, since no one wants to sit near someone conducting business loudly at 10,000 metres or hearing a conversation on speaker.

Beneath the 18” 4K screen, which offers a wide selection of movies and series, the 193 cm lie-flat seat reclines to a full 180 degrees at the touch of a button.

Before drifting off to sleep, however, passengers are treated to a sumptuous meal served with great ceremony and flair – and you can choose your dining time, depending on how long remains before landing.

AT THE TABLE …

First, the resident Flying Chef, wearing his authentic toque, comes by to distribute the menus and soon returns to take orders.

After a few delicious Turkish appetizers, the chef wheels back his cart, featuring a tureen and delectable mezzes, along with a small lantern to create a touch of ambiance – one of those little details that make all the difference.

Then comes the main course; over four flights, every option was enticing: beef tenderloin in rosemary jus, salmon fillet with celeriac mousseline, grilled lemon chicken, tagliatelle with burrata, Cape hake fillet (a South African fish) with sautéed spinach, lobster linguine, kuru fasulye (a traditional Turkish bean dish in tomato sauce)… before breakfast is served prior to landing.

It’s no surprise that Turkish Airlines won first place worldwide in the ‘Best Business Class Catering’ category, as well as “Best Business Class in Europe,” at the 2025 Skytrax Awards.

… AND TO BED!

If Turkish Airlines’ inflight cuisine spans both Turkish classics and international dishes designed to perform well at altitude, the portions are so generous that you have to exercise restraint to avoid weighing down your stomach and disrupting the restorative sleep that awaits.

When that moment arrives, a flight attendant makes up the bed by adding a padded mattress topper, then covering it with a duvet just heavy enough to feel enveloping, and topping it off with a (truly) plush pillow.

Once the lights are dimmed, brightness lowered, dishes cleared, trays folded away, and teeth brushed, sleep soon beckons. In such conditions – and with a good sleep mask provided in the Lanvin amenity kit – it’s hard not to quickly drift off into the arms of Morpheus.

After all, isn’t that the very first thing we seek, above all else, when treating ourselves to Business Class?