There are easier ways to get to Rome from Melbourne, but few journeys offer quite such a contrast in flying experiences. For our inaugural Boarding Pass column, award-winning director, producer and filmmaker Franco Di Chiera, reviews his flights via Singapore and Istanbul. It became an exercise in comparing two very different philosophies of air travel: the no-frills practicality of Jetstar Economy and the more indulgent world of Turkish Airlines Business Class.
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Overlooking the Bosphorous Strait in Istanbul, and Galata Tower, built by the Genoese in 1348. |
There were unexpected pleasures, particularly in the form of Turkish Airlines' remarkable culinary offering, and a few frustrations that came with the territory of long-distance travel and multiple connections.
If the first flight demonstrated that a budget airline can deliver a surprisingly comfortable aircraft, the second revealed what business-class hospitality can achieve when food and service are treated as central to the experience. The final sector, however, offered a reminder that even the finest onboard service cannot entirely compensate for airport delays, lengthy transits and the inevitable fatigue of a long journey. So, was the longer route worth taking?
LEG ONE: MELBOURNE TO SINGAPORE
Jetstar | Economy Class |
Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner
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At Melbourne Airport, at the gate waiting to board the flight for the first leg of the trip with Jetstar. |
IT all began with a somewhat mixed introduction to Jetstar's ground operations in Melbourne. Check-in and boarding were not particularly problematic, but the standard of assistance varied noticeably between staff members.
When my self-check-in failed, I approached a nearby Jetstar employee for help. The response was less than encouraging, with a rather brash and disinterested staff member directing me to another colleague at a service desk. Fortunately, the latter was excellent, demonstrating precisely the sort of helpfulness one hopes to encounter when travelling.
Even finding a functioning power point at the departure gate proved surprisingly challenging. I had to investigate four outlets before finding one that worked. Not the most auspicious start to an international journey, although hardly a major inconvenience in the grand scheme of things.
2. THE FLIGHT
Once aboard, the impression improved considerably. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was something of a surprise, presenting a modern, well-maintained aircraft that immediately challenged some of the assumptions one might make about flying with a budget carrier.
The cabin was clean, the atmosphere pleasant and the overall standard of the aircraft better than anticipated. For a flight of this distance, it provided a perfectly respectable introduction to the journey.
3. THE AIRCRAFT & CABIN
The 787's contemporary design and well-presented interior were among Jetstar's strongest assets. The cabin felt fresh and uncluttered, with a good sense of space and an overall standard of cleanliness that was particularly reassuring.
The aircraft was arguably the most impressive part of the Jetstar experience. It was also pleasing to discover that complimentary inflight entertainment was available, something I had not expected as part of our Turkish Airlines codeshare booking.
There was, however, one minor annoyance. The new blanket supplied during the flight left considerable fluff on our clothes, which proved surprisingly difficult to remove. A small detail, perhaps, but one that rather detracted from the otherwise well-maintained environment.
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Jetstar's Economy which offered decent legroom and seat comfort. |
Seat comfort and legroom were both very good, as were the storage facilities. The cabin provided sufficient room to settle in comfortably, and the overall seating experience was better than one might reasonably expect from a budget airline.
There was nothing particularly luxurious about the arrangement, nor should there be at this price point, but the practical requirements of a comfortable journey were largely met.
5. SERVICE
This was where Jetstar's performance became less convincing. Despite the meals and drinks being included as part of the Turkish Airlines codeshare ticket, the cabin crew initially overlooked both me and my partner. We had to request our meal and subsequently our drinks, with the entitlements only confirmed after staff checked the passenger list.
What was disappointing was not simply the oversight, but the absence of any apology once the mistake had been established.
There were some friendly and helpful members of staff, but the inconsistency was noticeable. The difference between the excellent service at the check-in desk and the less accommodating encounters elsewhere suggested that the problem was not necessarily the airline's procedures, but their execution.
It was an avoidable inconvenience that required little more than better communication and attention to the passenger manifest.
6. FOOD & DRINK
The food was a more positive experience, although not without its shortcomings.
The Teriyaki vegetable noodle stir-fry was fresh and tasty, with a pleasant flavour, but unfortunately, it was lukewarm by the time it reached us. Served in an environmentally friendly cardboard container, the packaging was also less successful when it came to containing the accompanying sauce.
At approximately AUD $15 on the menu, it represented reasonable value. The ingredients were enjoyable, but the temperature was disappointing. A hot meal would have made a considerable difference to the overall impression.
It was particularly frustrating that I had to request food and drinks that were already included in my ticket. Once supplied, however, the meal itself was perfectly acceptable.
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At Singapore's Changi Airport, the Rain Vortex surrounded by a five-storey indoor green garden. |
The arrival into Singapore provided a fittingly smooth conclusion to the flight, with an exceptionally gentle landing.
Taking everything into account, Jetstar delivered a fair economy experience. The modern Boeing 787, comfortable seating, good storage and complimentary entertainment were all positives. The less consistent service, particularly the confusion over our meal entitlement, was the principal disappointment.
Jetstar is a budget airline rather than a conventional full-service economy carrier, and expectations should be adjusted accordingly. Nevertheless, when travelling on a Turkish Airlines Business Class ticket with a codeshare arrangement, one reasonably expects the associated entitlements to be recognised without having to request them.
I have often said I would not fly Jetstar again, only to find myself doing so for convenience. This experience has not entirely changed my view, although it was certainly better than some of my previous encounters.
RATING: ★★★☆☆
Best feature: The modern Boeing 787, comfortable seating and complimentary entertainment.
Biggest disappointment: Inconsistent service and having to request meals and drinks already included in the ticket.
Value for money: Reasonable, although better attention to passengers would cost the airline nothing.
LEG TWO: SINGAPORE TO ISTANBUL
Turkish Airlines | Business Class |
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300
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The chef's wearing whites and special hats were a highlight of the culinary experience. |
THE transition from Jetstar to Turkish Airlines was immediately apparent. Boarding the business-class cabin in Singapore, we were welcomed by exceptionally well-presented staff and, rather unusually, professionally attired chefs complete with traditional chef's hats.
It was an appealing introduction to an airline that clearly places considerable importance on hospitality. Refreshing non-alcoholic fruit drinks were offered almost immediately after taking our seats, setting a welcoming tone before the aircraft had even left the ground.
The attention to presentation and the involvement of chefs were early indications that this would be a rather different inflight experience.
2. THE FLIGHT
Despite being an older aircraft, the Boeing 777-300 was spotless and more contemporary in appearance than anticipated. The overall impression was of an airline that had invested in maintaining its aircraft and delivering a comfortable environment for its business-class passengers.
From the welcome aboard to the subsequent dining service, the flight established a standard that would prove difficult to fault.
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The older seating was comfortable and allowed easy conversation with travelling companions. |
The business-class cabin featured an older rectangular seating configuration rather than the individual enclosed suites increasingly favoured by international airlines.
Nevertheless, it was comfortable, spacious and well maintained. The sliding partitions provided some privacy, although not to the extent offered by newer designs.
Interestingly, the arrangement had its advantages. Travelling with a partner, I appreciated being able to converse without feeling completely separated by individual compartments. For passengers travelling alone or beside a stranger, however, the greater privacy of a contemporary suite would probably be preferable.
The overall atmosphere was relaxed, with generous space and a welcome absence of the cramped feeling sometimes associated with airline cabins.
4. THE SEAT & COMFORT
Space was one of the most impressive features. There was almost a metre of room in front of the seat, placing the entertainment screen further away than usual. Its generous size meant this was hardly a disadvantage; in fact, it was a relief not to have a screen immediately in front of one's face.
Storage was particularly well considered, with a substantial compartment beneath the entertainment screen, additional space beside the seat and convenient room for reading materials and personal belongings. Importantly, the storage did not compromise the generous legroom.
The sleeping arrangements were equally impressive. Cabin attendants prepared the seats by placing a thin mattress over the seating surface, both softening the bed and providing an additional hygienic layer. They also extended the flatbed themselves, removing the need for passengers to struggle with the seat controls, before supplying a light doona and cushion.
The result was a comfortable sleeping arrangement conducive to a genuinely restful journey. These thoughtful touches made a noticeable difference and demonstrated an understanding of what passengers actually need during a long-haul flight.
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One of the highlights of the Turkish Airlines Business Class were the chefs and their meals. |
The service was arguably the outstanding feature of the entire flight. Cabin crew were impeccably groomed, courteous and attentive, delivering what I would describe as the best inflight service I have experienced.
The presence of chefs in the cabin was more than a theatrical gesture. It reflected an approach to hospitality that treated the meal as an important part of the journey rather than simply another component of airline service.
There was, however, one minor inconsistency. Passengers occupying the middle seats appeared to be at a disadvantage during meal service, with the less accessible seating positions occasionally overlooked. My travelling companion received his meal considerably later than I did, by which time I was already halfway through mine.
The delay was not unreasonable, but a little more coordination would have made an otherwise outstanding service even better.
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| The food for the meals on the flight was truly superb. |
Turkish Airlines' culinary offering was a revelation. Our selections included Turkish mezze, fresh prawn and an assortment of Turkish desserts, all beautifully presented and of an unexpectedly high standard.
The grilled salmon was particularly impressive. It is difficult to imagine a dish of such quality being served on an aircraft, yet it arrived beautifully prepared and was easily the standout of the meal.
Even the bread told a story, accompanied by information about the ancient heritage of a particular Turkish wheat variety. A small bottle of Turkish olive oil completed the presentation. These details demonstrated an appreciation of culinary heritage and provenance that elevated the experience beyond conventional inflight dining.
Breakfast was equally memorable. The Turkish breakfast included an excellent selection of cheeses, yoghurt and exceptional honey. The quality of the honey, in particular, was outstanding. Omelettes and crepes were also available and well prepared, although with so much already on offer, they were hardly necessary.
The drinks list was equally impressive, with wines from Turkey, France, Argentina, Spain and Portugal.
It was the combination of authentic Turkish cuisine, thoughtful presentation and attentive service that made the dining experience so distinctive. There was a sense of culinary identity rather than the generic international menu one often encounters in airline business class.
7. ARRIVAL & OVERALL EXPERIENCE
The Singapore–Istanbul flight was unquestionably the highlight of the journey. The combination of exceptional service, generous seating space and outstanding food made it a particularly memorable business-class experience.
The lounge experience was also very good, with food cooked to order, massage facilities and showers. Entertainment and Wi-Fi aboard the aircraft were equally impressive.
There was little to criticise beyond the uneven timing of meal service for middle-seat passengers. Turkish Airlines demonstrated that business class can be about considerably more than a comfortable seat and a lie-flat bed.
Of the three flights, this was the one that most clearly justified the premium associated with business-class travel.
RATING: ★★★★★
Best feature: Food, service and generous personal space.
Biggest disappointment: The slower meal service to passengers in the middle seats.
Value for money: Excellent.
Would I fly again? Definitely.
LEG THREE: ISTANBUL TO ROME
Turkish Airlines | Business Class |
Aircraft: Airbus A330
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The Turkish Airlines Business Lounge was elegant offering fresh meals, showers and massages. |
BY the time we reached Istanbul, the prospect of the final flight to Rome was becoming particularly appealing. Unfortunately, the airport experience proved to be the most frustrating part of the entire journey.
The flight was delayed by more than two hours, with several gate changes adding to the uncertainty. Each announcement seemed to introduce another adjustment, until the final instruction confirmed departure from a gate requiring approximately 20 minutes of walking to another part of the terminal.
After travelling from Melbourne through Singapore, this was hardly the welcome one would hope for at the final transit point. Fortunately, access to the Turkish Airlines lounge provided some respite. Stylish and well serviced, it offered food cooked to order, showers and massage facilities. On paper, it was an excellent place to spend an extended transit.
In practice, however, there were a few frustrations. Finding the masseur to arrange a shoulder massage proved surprisingly difficult, while the wait for a shower was unreasonably long. Both were disappointing, particularly given the standard of the facilities and the airline's otherwise impressive approach to hospitality.
The lounge was certainly a welcome refuge, but the experience highlighted the difference between providing excellent facilities and ensuring that passengers can access them efficiently.
2. THE FLIGHT
Once finally aboard, the experience improved considerably. The Airbus A330 provided a comfortable setting for the final sector to Rome, and the cabin crew were once again polite, professional and exceptionally well presented.
After the delays and uncertainty at Istanbul Airport, it was reassuring to return to the familiar standard of Turkish Airlines' inflight service.
Although this was a shorter sector than the Singapore–Istanbul flight, the airline maintained a level of hospitality that made the final leg a pleasant experience.
3. THE AIRCRAFT & CABIN
The Airbus A330 featured a relatively basic cabin design compared with the more impressive business-class experience on the previous flight. It lacked some of the sense of space and sophistication that had made the Boeing 777 so appealing.
Nevertheless, the aircraft was very clean and the cabin well maintained. The design might have been unremarkable, but there was nothing particularly objectionable about the environment.
It was a functional and comfortable business-class cabin rather than an especially memorable one.
4. THE SEAT & COMFORT
Seating comfort and legroom were good, making the flight itself a pleasant experience despite the difficulties encountered at the airport.
The seat provided sufficient room to settle in and relax, and the overall level of comfort was appropriate for the journey to Rome.
There was little to complain about in terms of the physical experience aboard the aircraft. Indeed, the contrast between the airport delays and the comfort of the cabin was quite pronounced.
5. SERVICE
The cabin crew were again a credit to Turkish Airlines. Impeccably presented, polite and professional, they maintained the high standard experienced on the Singapore–Istanbul flight.
Friendly and efficient, their approach reinforced the impression that the airline's service culture is one of its greatest strengths.
The consistency of the cabin crew across both sectors was particularly noteworthy. Even when the airport experience had fallen short, the inflight hospitality remained a strong point.
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The breakfast on the flight from Istanbul to Rome was wonderful with honeycomb and ricotta. |
Breakfast provided another culinary highlight and a fitting reminder of what Turkish Airlines does particularly well.
The Turkish breakfast was superb, with an excellent selection that included yogurt, fresh fruit and ricotta. The combination was outstanding, and the quality of the honey was particularly memorable.
We also shared an omelette, although it was fairly standard by comparison. Creating the impression of a freshly prepared omelette at altitude is understandably difficult. With such a strong selection of authentic Turkish dishes already available, there is perhaps little reason to compete with conventional breakfast offerings.
The honeycomb and ricotta were the real stars. In fact, that breakfast alone was almost worth the Turkish Airlines journey to Rome.
It was another example of the airline's ability to make food an integral part of the travel experience rather than simply a service obligation.
7. ARRIVAL & OVERALL EXPERIENCE
The final flight to Rome was very good in terms of cabin comfort, food and service. After the extended delay in Istanbul, it was a relief to have an otherwise comfortable final sector.
The principal disappointment was not the flight itself, but the time and energy consumed by the airport experience. Repeated gate changes, the considerable walking distance and the delays had taken their toll by this stage.
The Turkish Airlines service remained excellent, but the overall journey demonstrated how easily airport logistics can undermine an otherwise premium travel experience.
RATING: ★★★★☆
Best feature: The Turkish breakfast, particularly the honeycomb and ricotta, together with excellent cabin service.
Biggest disappointment: The lengthy Istanbul delay, repeated gate changes and difficulties accessing some lounge facilities.
Value for money: Yes, for comfort, food and service; less so when the additional travel time and multiple connections are considered.
THE FINAL VERDICT: TURKISH AIRLINES: A FIRST-CLASS CULINARY EXPERIENCE, WITH A FEW RESERVATIONS
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Light flooding into the airy Istanbul Airport with tall windows and vaulted ceilings. |
The Singapore–Istanbul flight was particularly impressive, delivering a business-class experience that compared favourably with other international airlines I have travelled with.
Its greatest strength is perhaps the understanding that business class should be about more than a lie-flat seat and an extensive drinks list. The emphasis on Turkish culinary traditions, the involvement of chefs and the small details surrounding the dining experience give the service a distinctive identity.
The longer journey from Melbourne to Rome, however, comes with a qualification. With no direct Turkish Airlines service from Australia, the itinerary required two separate transits and four airports. The lengthy delay in Istanbul, combined with walking distances and waiting times, made the journey considerably more demanding than it needed to be.
Would I recommend Turkish Airlines? Definitely, particularly for its business-class service, food and comfort. Would I fly with them again? Absolutely, although I would favour a more direct routing to Rome if one were available.
As for Jetstar, the Melbourne–Singapore flight was a fair experience, with a good aircraft and reasonable comfort, although the inconsistency of service left room for improvement. It was a reminder that a budget airline can deliver a perfectly acceptable aircraft and cabin experience, but that the smaller details of customer service remain important.
Ultimately, Turkish Airlines delivered the strongest part of the journey and demonstrated why it is such a serious contender in the international business-class market. Its food and hospitality were genuinely memorable. A little more attention to transit arrangements and airport service would make an already impressive airline considerably harder to beat.
The verdict? Take Turkish Airlines for the food, the service and the comfort. Just make sure you have a little patience for the journey in between.
THE BOARDING PASS SCORECARD
| Flight | Class | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne–Singapore | Jetstar Economy | ★★★☆☆ |
| Singapore–Istanbul | Turkish Airlines Business | ★★★★★ |
| Istanbul–Rome | Turkish Airlines Business | ★★★★☆ |
Best of the journey: Turkish Airlines' food and inflight service.
Biggest disappointment: The extended transit itinerary and Istanbul delay.
Would I fly again? Yes — preferably on a more direct route.