Our Epic Family Southeast Asia Adventure started with an amazing flight to Phuket with Turkish Airlines. Beside the affordable prices, the reason we chose this carrier was the direct flight from Istanbul to Phuket. Otherwise, we had to fly to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore and then to Phuket via Air Asia. Our small adventurers are aged 4 and 8 years old, therefore this direct flight was absolutely perfect for us.
We have flown with Turkish Airlines before, so we knew firsthand that the level of service was fantastic. However, that was our first long haul flight with the airline after our family transition to a vegan lifestyle. I must admit that I was a little worried about the food on board. But when booking, we were impressed by the great selection of vegan and vegetarian meals! There were plenty of options such as:
* Raw Vegetarian Meal (RVML) – contains raw vegetables and fruits;
* Fruit Platter Meal (FPML) – contains fresh seasonal fruits;
* Strict Vegetarian Meal (VGML) – known as vegan, this meal is totally meat, egg and dairy-free
* Vegetarian Oriental Meal (VGML) – a vegan meal, prepared in Chinese or Oriental style;
* Vegetarian Lacto Ovo Meal (VLML) – this meal is meat and fish free and may also contain eggs and diary products,
* Vegetarian Jain Meal (VJML) – prepared in Indian style, this meal is for members of the Jain community. It doesn’t contain animal products and any root vegetables.
As a family of four we chose the seats in the middle of the plane. Actually, the seats were pretty comfortable and we all managed to get some rest during the flight. The in-flight entertainment screens were a total hit with our two monkeys. There was a good selection of kids movies and although we are not huge TV lovers, I have to admit that they made our long haul flight to Phuket so nice and easy.
What surprised us most pleasantly was the special treatment that we received during the flight. One of the loveliest touches came with the hot towels that we were given at the beginning and end of our flight.
Toni and I received lovely amenity kits, including toothbrush and toothpaste, an eye mask, socks, slippers and earplugs. And our two monkeys were so happy to receive those super cute kids’ amenity kits, that were full of amazing treasures for the littles : )
They loved so much the soft toy airplane, the watch and these super cute inflatable airplanes : )
Another lovely touch was the menu that we received when we took off. When booking the tickets, we requested Strict Vegetarian Meal, which is known as vegan and it’s totally meat, egg and diary free. The food was so flavorful and delicious and I’m happy that the kids absolutely loved it. The only downside was that there wasn’t any fresh salad in the menu. Ah, we can’t live without fresh veggie salads! : )
Overall, our flight from Istanbul to Phuket with Turkish Airlines was absolutely fantastic. Flying long haul with kids can be magical if there is yummy food and good entertainment on board : ) And Turkish Airlines provided both of this. Compared to other carriers we have traveled before, I think that was the best service we have received so far.
So, thank you, Turkish Airlines for the great experience! It was a wonderful start of our Epic Family Southeast Asia Adventure : )
Love,
Tofobo Family
Photo credit: Tofobo Family
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