Was able to check-in online 24h before and choose seat, whilst in Baku, but didn’t have print boarding pass facility. The Azal counter in Baku couldn’t print the boarding pass either but the Turkish transfer desk on arrival Istanbul did the business quickly – which let me into departures and my TAV Airside hotel.
Up in the morning for a quick croissant and tomato juice in the Turkish lounge and on to gate.
Rigorous passport and individual bags check to enter the departure gate.
Reasonably good seats on this Airbus 321-200, with individual seat-back entertainment – a world away from yesterday evening’s Azal flight from Baku.
Scheduled departure time was 0725 – finally pushed back at 0755 (no explanation for delay, as the a/c had fully boarded on time)
Finally took off at 0815 – which probably means I’ll miss my 1029 train and won’t be home at 2pm after all – just as well it isn’t a home game for Queen of the South today (closed season).
Breakfast was the (acceptable) standard Turkish offering of yoghurt, scrambled egg with a layered something-or-other and tomato, cheese and olives, and bread roll with butter and jam. Tea/coffee, still/sparkling water and a selection of fruit juices.
