If you’re flying from Amsterdam to Bangkok, there are plenty of choices, but Turkish Airlines stands out as a popular option. Not only because of its competitive prices, but also because of its modern transfer service at Istanbul Airport. This route offers travelers the opportunity to fly to Thailand affordably and comfortably, with a stopover at one of Europe’s largest airports along the way. Whether you’re vacationing on the beaches of Thailand or traveling to Bangkok for business, Turkish Airlines combines hospitality with a global reputation for service. But how attractive is this route really? In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the details.
How long are you traveling?
Turkish Airlines flies daily from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) with a stopover at Istanbul Airport (IST). The total travel time depends on the length of the stopover, but the route looks like this:
- Amsterdam – Istanbul: This flight takes approximately 3,5 to 4 hours and is operated with aircraft such as the Boeing 737 or Airbus A321.
- Transfer time in Istanbul: Turkish Airlines offers transfer times ranging from a minimum of 1,5 hours to an average of 3 to 5 hours. This allows for a relaxed transfer.
- Istanbul – Bangkok: the long-haul flight takes about 9,5 to 10 hours. It is usually operated with a Boeing 777-300ER or the modern Airbus A350.
The total travel time is approximately 14 to 17 hours, depending on the waiting time in Istanbul.
How much does a ticket cost?
Ticket prices with Turkish Airlines are variable and depend on the season, supply and demand. An overview:
- Low season (May, June, September, November): Prices start around €600 to €750 for a return in economy class.
- High season (July, August, December): here the costs can amount to €900 or more.
- Promotional prices: Outside peak periods, Turkish Airlines regularly offers promotions, with tickets starting from around €500 return.
Business class tickets typically start from €2.200, with prices varying depending on availability and booking period.
What are the advantages of this route?
Good service on board
Turkish Airlines offers excellent value for money. You can count on extensive meals, free drinks and a good entertainment system, also in economy class. The seats are comfortable with relatively much legroom.
Comfortable transfer at Istanbul Airport
Istanbul Airport is one of the newest and largest airports in the world, with modern facilities. Think wide corridors, lots of seating, fast free wifi and a wide range of shops and restaurants. For those who travel business class or have an access pass, there is the IGA Lounge, with comfortable seating, showers and even sleeping cabins.
Global network
Turkish Airlines is part of the Star Alliance and offers excellent connections to other Asian destinations such as Phuket, Hanoi and Kuala Lumpur. This makes the airline interesting for travellers who want to fly further from Bangkok.
Luggage included
Most economy class tickets include 30 kg of checked baggage as standard. This is more than many other airlines on this route, where often only 20 or 23 kg is included.
Efficient transfers
Turkish Airlines usually schedules ample transfer times, which reduces the chance of stress in the event of delays. If you nevertheless miss a connection, the airline will often provide a hotel stay and rebooking.
What are the drawbacks?
Longer travel time than non-stop flights
A direct flight from Amsterdam to Bangkok takes about 11 hours. With Turkish Airlines, the transfer usually takes 3 to 5 hours longer.
Chance of delays when transferring
Although Istanbul Airport is efficiently designed, a transfer remains an extra link in your journey. Bad weather or crowds can sometimes cause delays.
Price fluctuations
Turkish Airlines prices are competitive, but vary widely. In high season, a direct flight with KLM, for example, may be only marginally more expensive.
Extra: How sustainable is Turkish Airlines?
Turkish Airlines is renewing its fleet with fuel-efficient aircraft such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787. These modern aircraft consume less fuel per passenger. In addition, the company has launched initiatives in the field of CO2 compensation and waste reduction on board. Compared to some other companies, this is a step in the right direction, although flying remains an environmentally polluting activity.
What is the conclusion?
For travelers who value service and comfort and are prepared to travel a little longer, Turkish Airlines is an excellent choice. The modern transfer airport in Istanbul makes the longer journey more pleasant. With competitive rates outside the peak season and a strong reputation for customer satisfaction, Turkish Airlines offers an attractive option for the Amsterdam – Bangkok route.
For those who value speed, a direct flight via KLM or EVA Air may be more attractive. However, for those who want to combine price and quality, Turkish Airlines is definitely worth considering.
Flew from BKK to Brussels with this company at the beginning of February. The service on board is indeed good, had booked economy with extra legroom. Price was not 500€ for a single ticket. We had a transfer in Istanbul of 1h20 min, we had already landed too late, very busy, as a result the connecting flight left without us, I estimate there were about 30 of us. Had to wait 6 hours for the next flight to Brussels where there was room. We were allowed to wait in the lounge (super good) but because we were only alone it was all fine, if you experience it as a family with children I personally think it is not that nice.
On the way back yesterday I had a 1h40m transfer time according to the itinerary, but because the plane left Bangkok on time and arrived at IST a full hour earlier than the scheduled time, I didn't have to rush after all...
Ah, jetlag struck: 2x 'on the way back'………
The price is certainly not bad, but customer service leaves a lot to be desired.
My transfer time went from 5 to 10 hours. Due to a mistake on my part, I accepted this.
When I found out, there was nothing more they could do for me.
The change was already in November 2024 for the July 2025 flight.
Now let's hope that there will be another change so I can straighten it out.
A brand new experience: yesterday I returned to the Netherlands with Turkish Airlines; the outward journey was at the end of September. I flew business class, booked 5 months in advance, 1.889 euros. At that time, a business ticket with KLM, EVA and Emirates for the same travel days cost at least 1.400 euros more, so the choice was quickly made. By the way, I had already looked around two weeks before my booking - I should have booked immediately because at that time the price was still 100 euros lower……
All in all a great experience. Comfy seat with lots of room, great service and really delicious food – more than I could handle…….
Istanbul's new airport (IST) is modern and beautiful, but the walking distances are long - you can easily walk half an hour between gates. Lots of shops, lots of places to eat, lots of places to sit comfortably. Clean toilets too.
Strange: on the way there I didn't have to go through security at IST and I could go straight to the business lounge, while on the way back I did have to go through security. That lounge was packed yesterday afternoon and it was hard to find a free seat. Plenty of food and drinks available in all sorts of varieties,
From Amsterdam you can depart at least 5 times a day to IST. From IST at least 2 times a day to Bangkok, and that number will increase because Phnom Penh is added as a destination and that flight will also serve Bangkok. All in all, Turkish Airlines flies to more destinations on our globe than any other company.
All 4 routes were flown with an Airbus A330, departed on time and arrived at the destination before the schedule time. Aircraft were clean, toilets were cleaned regularly on the long routes.
I flew with Turkish Airlines for the first time last November.
Flight from Schiphol to Istanbul was already delayed by 2 hours. Then the flight to Bangkok was also delayed by 5 ½ hours. I did get 'vouchers' for a drink and a meal at the Istanbul airport. Service on the plane was fine.
Fortunately, the return flight went according to schedule and was perfect.
Flew with them once. I stay in the Netherlands (permanently) Belgium (I have my own place to live), Thailand (Jomtien and Uttaradit) and Vietnam (Bac Ninh and Tuyen Quang).
Flew once with Turkish from Brussels. The flight left too late so missed the connecting flight. The next flight left more than 1 hours later but was full. So the next one 6 hours later.
Travel time to airport 1.5 hours. Flight Brus to Istanbul 3.5 hours. Transfer 9 hours. Then Istanbul Bangkok 8 hours. Total on the road 22 hours.
I fly most EITHER from Dusseldorf OR from Frankfurt (Direct Bangkok 10 hours) The travel time by car from Central Brabant (NL or B) to Dusseldorf 1.5 hours maximum. To Frankfurt 4 hours maximum. Parking very cheap. 6 airlines directly to Bangkok and 3 to Hanoi. Is also often cheaper in terms of costs (lower Lucyhaven costs in Dus and Fra, In addition, parking compared to Brussels and AMs much, much cheaper.
And there are also easier train connections to stations at these airports, provided you book in time, you can travel comfortably for just a few tens of euros
We flew twice with this company, the seats are spacious. The service on board is good but there is still a downside where they can still improve in my opinion.
If you use wheelchair assistance you will be served, at Düsseldorf they wait until the last moment to pick you up at the departure hall and take you straight to the boarding hall. At IST you will be taken to a waiting room with an assistant where you have to remain seated until the next flight boards. No service, if you don't have anything with you you will be sitting there without even a drink.
The first time I felt so disadvantaged that I chose to forgo wheelchair assistance the last time. I was referred to the assistance desk in Düsseldorf again and they don't even look at you until it's time to board.
I walked through security myself and then they also forgot that you had assistance and you can go wherever you want.
Glad I'm still somewhat mobile, next time we'll book Eva air again, much better arranged at Schiphol and Brussels. At Suvarnabhumi anyway nothing to complain about the assistance, customer comes first. They'll go shopping with you.
The big advantage for us is that you can take 30 kg of luggage plus 7 kg of hand luggage. I also think the food is better than with other companies. I still only choose to travel with 3 hours for a transfer because once I missed the connection with only 1,5 hours and had to wait 9 hours extra. Not pleasant!
Flew business several times. Service on board top. Istanbul airport is very big and you have to walk 1 to 2 kilometers. The business lounge is excellent, there is even a massage, but it is remote. The tea table is beautiful. It is busy there these days. There are also lounge chairs.
A few notes about flying with Turkish Airlines.
This company flies mainly to Amsterdam with many different types, which vary per season and per flight. You can literally encounter every type. Mostly the A330, 773, 789, A350, but also the A321. This can mean that the choice of seats can vary. For example, in the A321 business class is less, than for example the A350.
The range of flights varies per season, currently in March there are three to four flights, in the summer this can easily increase to 6
TK also has a lowcost Airline A jet. When booking, pay attention to whether a flight is operated by A jet. The service and seats are of a different quality.
There are now two flights to BKK, flown with the A350 arriving in Bkk in the morning and the A330 on the afternoon flight. This can also change per season. In itself not such a point but seats and comfort can be experienced differently. The A350 are very new, but the A330
already quite dated. Tip is to pay attention to what type of aircraft you fly. Especially with business class, Premium economy etc.
Furthermore I advise everyone to keep to ample transfer times. At least 2 hours, preferably 3. Airlines sell their tickets on short transfer times and many fall for it. Delays Certainly in high season are no exception at Schiphol, less in the evening than during the day. Airports are large, with easily half an hour to the next gate. From Bkk to Ams also security. With an hour and a half transfer time, not much has to happen to miss a flight.
Here too, pay close attention to the transfer time. Tickets are often offered cheaper with a longer transfer time. Emirates has a habit of this.
Good luck with your travels and have fun
The variation of flights is recognizable, as I have described before. Just like seats that change because of this.
You originally book 5 months in advance on a scheduled A350 flight. However, this can change to an A321. Especially with business class this can be disappointing.
Changing capacity on AMS in particular can therefore produce surprises. Can sometimes also have its advantages.
For the first and last time with Turkish Airlines, and we still have to go back and I'm holding my breath...
Our original flight on 20 Feb was already cancelled from Amsterdam to Istanbul… of the 5 flights that go daily, only our flight at 12.00 was cancelled due to weather. That was already strange… the flight from Istanbul to Bangkok simply left with a 45 min delay…. we had also paid for all seats and requested assistance….
I recognize all the stories above.
We had our flight rebooked but it was a hassle to get the cost of the seats back, we flew with different aircraft so paying for the seats did not add any value.
Could not check in online at home, TK could not access their own systems.
At Schiphol check in and also seats, device change unexpectedly there went the seats again. Had to walk from plane a long way before I could get into a golf cart. The grumpy lady was busier with her phone which almost made it go wrong.
TK customer service is difficult to reach…
I could go on like this for a while….
We had been advised in advance to book directly with TK and not through an intermediary... it was a bit more expensive but in retrospect it was a good move as the first flight was cancelled and the handling went directly through TK, so it was definitely worth the few tens of euros.
But it took longer to cancel and process than it did when we were on vacation.
I have been coming to Thailand for 28 years now, so I am used to some things... But I also learn from the experiences of others, so I am giving a reaction.