About Istanbul New York Flights with Ukraine International Airlines

THY vs Ukraine Airlines: Flights to New York

When it comes to affordability, it's no secret that many travelers on the Istanbul to JFK (New York) route opt for Ukraine International Airlines. But before making your final decision, there are a few important factors to consider.

When searching for flights from Istanbul to New York on Skyscanner or similar websites, the most reasonably priced and time-efficient options are typically offered by Ukraine International Airlines. Based on my comparison of JFK to Istanbul flights for the upcoming week, I can confidently recommend Ukraine International Airlines as the best choice for budget-conscious travelers looking for a convenient flight experience.

UIA offers a round-trip flight for a total of 3,816-TL and takes 14 hours, while Turkish Airlines offers a 10 to 11-hour flight for 4,924-TL. While the price difference of 1,108-TL may be tempting, we strongly advise against choosing Ukraine Airlines due to their poor flight quality and service.

If you opt for UIA, you will first travel to KBP Boryspil and wait there for an average of 2 to 3 hours. You will then transfer to New York, go through another security check, and repeat many procedures. This long and tedious journey can be extremely unpleasant. Therefore, we highly recommend choosing Turkish Airlines for a more comfortable and convenient travel experience.

Passengers frequently face issues with their hand luggage. The box hand luggage measurement devices placed before boarding the plane occasionally judge passengers' hand luggage as too big or unsuitable for the plane, resulting in additional fees. I have personally witnessed several airport altercations resulting from this new policy introduced by the UIA. In my confident opinion, it is a significant inconvenience and should be reviewed.

Ukrainian flight attendants are known for their professionalism and dedication to their job. While they may not always have the opportunity to engage in casual conversation, this is due to the demanding workload set by their airline company, rather than any lack of warmth or friendliness on their part.

Ukraine International Airlines Serves Only 1 Meal

Great news! The airline has made some updates to enhance your inflight experience. The number of meals served has been optimized for your convenience, and we now offer a delicious and satisfying sandwich in place of the second meal. Outside of meal service hours, we provide refreshing water free of charge, while other beverage options are available for a small fee. We hope these changes make your journey even more enjoyable.

Turkish Airlines, on the other hand, provides its passengers with a truly magnificent experience by offering two meals a day, along with unlimited drinks and treats. Dining at the airport in Turkey will only cost you an average of 100-TL, whereas dining abroad will cost you around 200-300-TL.

UIA No Longer Provides Earplugs and Sleeping Eye Patches for You to Sleep

As this is a long-distance flight, it is important to get some sleep to minimize jetlag upon arrival. However, Ukraine Airlines no longer provides passengers with the earplugs and eye patches that were previously offered. While it may seem trivial, these items are essential for comfortable sleep during the flight and can greatly aid in minimizing jetlag. Don't underestimate the value of a sleeping mask and earplugs!

In conclusion, I highly recommend choosing Turkish Airlines over UIA, despite the price difference. Your decision to spend an additional 1,000 TL will not only ensure a comfortable travel experience but also contribute to the growth of our national carrier. So, make a smart choice and support our country by flying with Turkish Airlines.