Turkish Airlines - Houston to Istanbul

Do you absolutely have to go to Instanbul? I am not one to stay away from any place because one bad thing happened but Istanbul has been attacked multiple times, including the airport. I think I would avoid for the time being and go somewhere else if possible.

Parents made the flight last August with Turkish and said it was a great flight and business class was excellent

Did it on our honeymoon a few years ago. Had a great experience. Layover wasn't bad.

We went to Athens, santorini, Rhodes , bodrum , Istanbul

I know Turkish Airlines' flights are much cheaper to Europe all routed through Istanbul. Kind of like Aeroflot does through Moscow. From a pragmatic risk-reward standpoint, the likelihood of something bad happening is low going through Istanbul but I'd rather spend the extra $350 pp then expose myself to that risk. I know exactly zero folks in Turkey.

I wish now I'd have visited Turkey ten or twenty years ago, it is interesting but a bit too potentially hot politically for my tastes now.

I flew Turkish airlines to Istanbul from Barcelona a few years ago and it was top notch. Obviously, things are a bit unstable in Istanbul now, but if you're just connecting there and staying within the secured area, then I wouldn't worry too much.

Yes, it's just a connection and I've heard it's a very stringent security process. You'd think it would even be safer after the attack.

Flew the Houston to Istanbul flight last year on Turkish. Not sure about coach, but the business class food was excellent. 4-5 course meal with braised lamb shank for the entree.

Coach food was great. They bring hot towels before your meal to freshen up also.

Thanks, that is what I'm thinking. It's just a 2.5 hour layover.

The Turkish lounge there is phenominal