About Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines is the national flag carrier of Turkiye, operating under IATA code TK and ICAO code THY. Headquartered on the grounds of Ataturk Airport in Yesilkoy, Istanbul, the airline was established on 20 May 1933 as the State Airlines Administration (Devlet Hava Yollari). Today, Turkish Airlines is the largest airline in the world by number of passenger destinations, serving over 340 destinations across 132 countries spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania.
As a full-service carrier and proud member of the Star Alliance since 2008, Turkish Airlines is renowned for its award-winning in-flight dining, extensive global network, and the strategic advantage of its Istanbul hub — positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. The airline operates from Istanbul Airport (IST), which has been recognised as the world's most connected airport, giving travellers from Malaysia seamless one-stop access to hundreds of cities across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.
Airline Overview and History
Turkish Airlines has a storied history spanning over nine decades, growing from a small domestic operator into one of the world's leading airlines. Key milestones in the airline's journey include:
- 1933 — Established on 20 May as the State Airlines Administration under the Ministry of National Defence, with an initial fleet of five aircraft and 30 employees.
- 1935 — Transferred to the Ministry of Public Works and renamed the General Directorate of State Airlines.
- 1945 — Fleet expanded with Douglas DC-3 and C-47 aircraft, making it one of the largest carriers in the Middle East at the time.
- 1947 — Launched first international service with Ankara–Istanbul–Athens flights.
- 1956 — Rebranded as Turkish Airlines (Turk Hava Yollari) and adopted the current brand identity.
- 2003 — Introduced e-ticketing and online check-in, modernising the passenger experience.
- 2004 — Privatisation programme began with a 20% public offering on the Istanbul Stock Exchange, raising USD 170 million.
- 2008 — Joined the Star Alliance on 1 April, becoming the seventh European member of the global airline alliance.
- 2019 — Completed full relocation of operations to the new Istanbul Airport (IST) in April, following the airport's inauguration in October 2018.
- 2024 — Earned a Guinness World Record for connecting the highest number of countries (131), a title held since 2012.
The airline's mission is to be the preferred airline connecting continents, cultures, and people, with a vision centred on sustainable growth, operational excellence, and world-class hospitality. Turkish Airlines holds IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certification and maintains rigorous safety and maintenance standards across its entire fleet.
Fleet and Aircraft
Turkish Airlines operates one of the most modern and diverse fleets in global aviation, comprising over 450 aircraft across both narrowbody and widebody types. The fleet includes a mix of Airbus and Boeing aircraft optimised for short-haul, medium-haul, and long-haul operations:
- Airbus A350-900 — The newest widebody in the fleet, deployed on key long-haul routes including services to East Asia and North America. Over 30 units are currently in service.
- Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner — A fuel-efficient widebody aircraft used on intercontinental routes, with 26 units in the fleet and an additional 75 on order.
- Boeing 777-300ER — The backbone of long-haul operations, with 46 aircraft in service, gradually being supplemented by A350-900 deliveries.
- Airbus A330-300 — A versatile widebody used on medium- and long-haul routes connecting Istanbul to destinations across Asia, Africa, and Europe.
- Airbus A321neo — The workhorse of the narrowbody fleet, with 69 units in service and over 200 more on order, deployed on European and Middle Eastern routes.
- Boeing 737-800 / 737 MAX — Used extensively on domestic Turkish routes and short-haul international services.
The airline is committed to fleet modernisation, with significant orders placed for next-generation aircraft including additional A350-900s, A350-1000s, and Boeing 787-9s. These newer aircraft types offer improved fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and enhanced passenger comfort with state-of-the-art cabin interiors.
Top Flight Routes
Turkish Airlines connects Malaysia to Turkiye and beyond through its direct service between Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul. From Istanbul Airport, passengers can connect to hundreds of onward destinations across Europe, Central Asia, Africa, and the Americas — making Turkish Airlines an excellent choice for Malaysian travellers heading to destinations not served by direct flights from KUL.
The primary route from Malaysia is:
- Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul (KUL–IST) — A direct non-stop service operated daily with the Airbus A350 aircraft. Flight time is approximately 11 hours and 20 minutes. Book KUL to Istanbul flights on Traveloka.
Through Istanbul's extensive hub network, Malaysian travellers can conveniently connect to popular European and global destinations, including:
Turkish Airlines' position as the airline serving the most countries worldwide means that from Kuala Lumpur, passengers can reach destinations across Africa, the Balkans, Central Asia, and South America that are difficult to access with other carriers — all through a single connection at Istanbul Airport.
Baggage Allowance and Policies
Turkish Airlines offers generous baggage allowances as a full-service carrier, with complimentary checked baggage included on all fare types except the most basic Economy fares on certain routes. Baggage policies vary depending on the route and fare class:
Cabin Baggage
- Economy Class: 1 carry-on bag (55 x 40 x 23 cm, max 8 kg) plus 1 personal item (40 x 30 x 15 cm, max 4 kg).
- Business Class: 2 carry-on bags (55 x 40 x 23 cm, max 8 kg each, 16 kg total) plus 1 personal item (40 x 30 x 15 cm, max 4 kg).
Checked Baggage — Weight Concept
Most routes from Kuala Lumpur operate under the weight concept:
- Economy Class: Up to 30 kg of free checked baggage (varies by fare type; EcoFly may not include checked baggage on certain routes).
- Business Class: Up to 40 kg of free checked baggage.
Checked Baggage — Piece Concept
Routes to the United States, Canada, and select African destinations use the piece concept:
- Economy Class: 1 to 2 bags at 23 kg each, depending on fare type.
- Business Class: 2 bags at 32 kg each.
Excess Baggage
Excess baggage fees vary by route. On weight-concept routes, fees range from EUR 8 to EUR 32 per additional kilogram. On piece-concept routes, an additional piece costs approximately USD 80 for bags weighing 23–32 kg. Turkish Airlines recommends using the official baggage calculator on their website to check exact fees for your specific itinerary. A single piece of checked baggage cannot exceed 32 kg regardless of fare class or route.
Prohibited Items
Passengers are not permitted to carry flammable substances, explosives, compressed gases, toxic or corrosive materials, sharp objects, or lithium batteries exceeding 160 Wh in checked or cabin baggage. Full details are available on the Turkish Airlines website and at airport check-in counters.
Check-in Guide
Turkish Airlines provides multiple check-in options to ensure a smooth pre-flight experience for passengers departing from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and other airports worldwide:
Online Check-in
- Available from 24 hours to 90 minutes before scheduled departure.
- Access via the Turkish Airlines website or mobile app using your booking reference (PNR) and surname.
- Select your preferred seat and download your mobile boarding pass directly to your device.
Airport Counter Check-in
- Recommended arrival time: at least 3 hours before departure for international flights and 2 hours for domestic flights within Turkiye.
- Counter check-in closes 60 minutes before departure for international flights and 45 minutes for domestic flights.
Self-Service Kiosk Check-in
- Available at select airports from 12 hours to 45 minutes before departure (domestic) or 60 minutes (international).
- Print your boarding pass and baggage tags at the kiosk for a faster airport experience.
For passengers flying from KUL to Istanbul, it is advisable to arrive at KLIA at least 3 hours before departure to allow sufficient time for baggage drop, immigration, and security screening.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
Turkish Airlines offers two cabin classes on its flights — Economy Class and Business Class — both designed to deliver a premium travel experience that consistently earns industry recognition.
Economy Class
Economy Class on Turkish Airlines provides a comfortable flying experience with complimentary amenities that many low-cost carriers charge extra for:
- Seating: Ergonomic seats with adjustable headrests and generous legroom on widebody aircraft such as the A350-900 and Boeing 787-9.
- In-flight Meals: Complimentary hot meals served on all flights, including long-haul services from Kuala Lumpur. Menus are refreshed regularly and feature Turkish and international cuisine. Halal meal options are available and can be requested during booking.
- Entertainment: A personal in-flight entertainment system with over 650 films, 1,600 TV series episodes, music playlists, games, and destination documentaries available on seatback screens.
- Wi-Fi: In-flight Wi-Fi is available on select aircraft for an additional fee.
Business Class
Business Class passengers enjoy an elevated experience with premium amenities:
- Seating: Lie-flat seats on long-haul widebody aircraft, offering privacy and comfort for overnight flights between Kuala Lumpur and Istanbul.
- Flying Chef Service: A dedicated onboard chef from Turkish Do&Co prepares and serves gourmet meals using fine porcelain tableware. Menus are curated weekly and showcase the finest Turkish and world cuisine.
- Lounge Access: Complimentary access to the award-winning Turkish Airlines Lounge at Istanbul Airport, one of the largest airline lounges in the world, featuring gourmet dining, sleeping suites, showers, and entertainment.
- Priority Services: Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling.
- Entertainment: The same extensive entertainment library available on larger personal screens with noise-cancelling headphones.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
Turkish Airlines provides comprehensive policies and assistance services to accommodate the needs of all travellers:
Children and Infants
- Infants (0–2 years): Must travel with an accompanying adult aged 18 or older. Newborns under 2 days old are not permitted to fly, and infants aged 2–7 days require a medical report. Each adult can accompany only one infant.
- Children (2–12 years): Require their own seat and ticket. Child fares may be available on select routes.
Unaccompanied Minors
- Children aged 7 to under 12 may travel alone with the Unaccompanied Minor (UM) service, provided written authorisation from a parent or legal guardian is submitted.
- The parent or legal guardian must remain at the airport until the flight departs.
- UM service fees are approximately USD 50 for domestic flights and USD 100 for international flights.
- Requests must be made at least 48 hours prior to departure.
Pregnant Passengers
- Passengers up to the end of the 28th week of pregnancy may fly without a medical certificate.
- Passengers between the 28th and 35th week (single pregnancy) must present a medical report in Turkish or English, dated no more than 7 days before travel, confirming fitness to fly.
- Passengers beyond the 36th week are not permitted to fly, even with a medical certificate.
- For multiple pregnancies, travel is not permitted beyond the 32nd week.
Special Assistance
- Complimentary wheelchair assistance is available and must be requested at least 48 hours before departure.
- Passengers with disabilities receive priority during check-in, passport control, and boarding.
- Stretcher travel is available with a companion and requires a medical report in Turkish or English dated no more than 10 days before the flight.
- Passengers requiring medical oxygen or other medical equipment should contact Turkish Airlines at least 72 hours prior to travel.
Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy
Turkish Airlines offers flexibility for managing booking changes, though specific terms depend on fare class and route:
Rescheduling
- Flight changes are subject to fare rules and seat availability on the new flight.
- Change fees and fare differences may apply depending on your ticket type.
- Passengers can manage bookings through the Turkish Airlines website, mobile app, or by contacting customer service.
- For tickets booked through Traveloka, you can submit reschedule requests directly via the Traveloka app or website under the My Booking section.
Cancellation
- Tickets purchased through the Turkish Airlines website or app may be refunded free of charge within 24 hours of purchase, provided the flight is at least 7 days away.
- After 24 hours, cancellation policies vary by fare class. Certain Economy fare types (such as EcoFly) may be non-refundable except for taxes and surcharges.
- Cancellations must be made more than 12 hours before departure. Cancellations within 12 hours of the flight are generally not permitted.
Refunds
- Refundable tickets: Full or partial refund minus any applicable cancellation fees, processed to the original payment method.
- Non-refundable tickets: Only taxes and surcharges may be refunded. Some fares allow rebooking for a fee instead of a cash refund.
- Processing time: Refunds typically take 7 to 30 business days depending on the payment method and financial institution.
For bookings made through Traveloka, refund requests can be submitted via the Traveloka app. Traveloka's customer support team is available 24/7 to assist with cancellations and refunds.
Why Book Turkish Airlines Flights on Traveloka
Traveloka makes booking Turkish Airlines flights from Malaysia easy, affordable, and rewarding. Here are the top reasons to book through Traveloka:
- Competitive Fares: Compare Turkish Airlines ticket prices alongside other airlines to find the best deal for your preferred route and travel dates.
- Exclusive Promos: Access Traveloka-exclusive promotional codes and seasonal discounts on Turkish Airlines flights, helping you save even more on your trip.
- Flexible Payment Options: Pay using your preferred method, including credit and debit cards, online banking, and popular Malaysian e-wallets such as Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, and ShopeePay.
- Instalment Plans: Spread the cost of your Turkish Airlines tickets with Traveloka PayLater or credit card instalment options, making long-haul travel more budget-friendly.
- Instant E-Ticket: Receive your electronic ticket and booking confirmation immediately after payment — no waiting, no queues.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Traveloka's multilingual customer service team is available around the clock to assist with booking enquiries, changes, and cancellations.
- All-in-One Travel Platform: Bundle your Turkish Airlines flight with hotel bookings, airport transfers, and travel insurance on Traveloka for a seamless trip-planning experience.
- Traveloka Points: Earn Traveloka Points on every booking that can be redeemed for discounts on future flights and travel products.
Tips for Finding Cheap Turkish Airlines Flights on Traveloka
Travelling from Malaysia to Istanbul and beyond does not have to break the bank. Here are practical tips for finding the cheapest Turkish Airlines fares on Traveloka:
- Book Early: Secure lower fares by booking your Turkish Airlines tickets at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance, especially for long-haul flights to Istanbul and European destinations.
- Fly Midweek: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday departures tend to have lower demand and more competitive pricing compared to weekend flights.
- Use Traveloka Price Alert: Set up price alerts for your preferred KUL–IST route on Traveloka to receive notifications when fares drop.
- Travel Off-Peak: Avoid peak travel seasons such as school holidays, Hari Raya, and year-end festive periods. Shoulder months like February, March, and October often offer better fares.
- Be Flexible with Dates: Use Traveloka's flexible date search feature to compare fares across multiple days and find the most affordable option.
- Check Promo Pages: Visit the Traveloka Promos page regularly for flash sales, voucher codes, and partner promotions on Turkish Airlines flights.
- Bundle and Save: Combine your flight booking with hotel accommodation through Traveloka's bundling feature for additional savings.
- Compare Fare Types: Review the different Turkish Airlines fare options (EcoFly, ExtraFly, FlexFly) on Traveloka to choose the one that best fits your travel needs and budget.
How to Book Turkish Airlines Flight Tickets on Traveloka
Booking your Turkish Airlines flight on Traveloka is simple and can be completed in just a few steps:
- Open the Traveloka app or visit www.traveloka.com on your browser.
- Select Flights from the homepage and choose your trip type (one-way, round trip, or multi-city).
- Enter your departure city (e.g., Kuala Lumpur) and destination (e.g., Istanbul), along with your travel dates and number of passengers.
- Browse the search results and filter by airline to find Turkish Airlines flights. You can also sort by price, departure time, or flight duration.
- Select your preferred Turkish Airlines flight and fare type (EcoFly, ExtraFly, or FlexFly for Economy; or Business Class).
- Fill in the passenger details, including full name as it appears on your passport, nationality, and passport number for international flights.
- Choose any add-ons such as travel insurance, seat selection, or extra baggage if needed.
- Select your payment method — credit card, debit card, online banking, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, or Traveloka PayLater.
- Confirm your booking and receive your e-ticket and booking confirmation instantly via email and the Traveloka app.
- Use your e-ticket to check in online via the Turkish Airlines website or app from 24 hours before departure, or present it at the airport check-in counter.