The buzz of traveling to a new place, the soft hum of suitcase wheels, and the anticipation that grows as you get to the airport all contribute to the excitement that comes with flying abroad. That journey began for me when I boarded Turkish Airlines for the first time at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. Although Turkish Airlines' in-flight service had received excellent reviews, I was unsure of what to anticipate when I landed at JFK. I was traveling to Istanbul with a connection to Cappadocia. However, I knew I was in capable hands as soon as I entered Terminal 1 and saw the Turkish Airlines check-in desks. Everything was orderly, the staff were warm and multilingual, and the process moved efficiently—even with the international rush. The terminal itself, while busy, felt surprisingly calm, and the airline’s presence gave it a distinctly welcoming feel. It wasn’t just a matter of checking in and waiting for a flight—it felt like the experience had already begun. That sense of care continued all the way through to boarding, where the Turkish Airlines team made the process smooth and respectful, with clear announcements and a well-managed priority system. What could have been a chaotic, stressful few hours turned into a genuinely pleasant pre-flight experience, and that set the tone for everything that followed. Turkish Airlines managed to make me feel like a valued guest rather than just another traveler passing through.
