Boarding the new Boeing 737-900ER at Istanbul for Beirut
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Turkish Airlines has really lifted their game and come across as very European – plentiful, fresh and tasty cuisine; clean modern Airbus 321 with very comfortable seats, and an attentive crew. The landing in Istanbul is so smooth, without the slightest sense of touching the ground.
My fears about the connection proves groundless, despite having to join throngs queuing to check documentation, and have hand baggage x-rayed. The efficiency has us whizzing through and off to the distant connecting gate – gate to gate in just thirty minutes.
Bravo, Ataturk Airport; and Bravo, Turkish Airlines!
Bravo again for the delightful new Boeing 737-900ER of Turkish on our flight across the Mediterranean to Beirut. There’s a ‘calm’ about the new interiors. Again, a remarkable luncheon of first class standard with the most delectable poached sea bass (and two bottles of very drinkable Spanish wine!)
Alas! The excitement of arriving in Lebanon is short-lived.
Where’s our luggage, Turkish Airlines?
The staff at the Le Gray Hotel on Martyrs’ Square jump to our rescue and assume responsibility for collecting our bags on our behalf, hopefully on the next flight, at midnight. In the meantime, they’ve taken our clothes to the laundry and will have them back in two hours, fresh to go out for our first Lebanese mezze.
Pam Ken, and I are enjoying the in-room espresso machine and sipping coffee – in our bathrobes.
A ‘contemporary design in the corridors gives way to a most comfortable room here at Le Gray in Beirut