Turkish Airlines is in the process of overhauling its budget carrier. AnadoluJet has become AJet, and almost nothing remains as it was. In the course of the rebranding, every reference to Turkish Airlines and the Star Alliance was removed. This affected lounge access, additional baggage allowance, and the ability to earn miles.
Apparently, Turkish Airlines has now realized that this step went a bit too far. And so, a further change was announced to members of its own frequent flyer program. From May 1, Miles&Smiles status holders will once again be allowed to access lounges on AJet flights.
However, this applies only to 12 airports in Turkey. Istanbul-Sabiha Gökçen SAW airport, the main hub of A(nadolu)Jet, is not included:
- Antalya
- Izmir
- Bodrum
- Dalaman
- Ankara
- Adana
- Kayseri
- Gaziantep
- Hatay
- Trabzon
- Rize-Artvin
- Diyarbakir
There is also no news for Star Alliance status holders. So far, a Star Gold status in conjunction with an AnadoluJet ticket also entitled access to the lounge, but this group of people remains excluded.
Rebooked on AJet? Turkish Airlines offers cancellation or rebooking
Turkish Airlines has meanwhile revised the FAQ for the launch of AJet. It also outlines what claims travellers can make against Turkish Airlines.
According to this, those who are not satisfied with the rebooking from AnadoluJet to AJet have two options: Either they cancel the flights free of charge or they rebook on Turkish Airlines. This seems to be a much better option than flying with AJet, as Turkish Airlines offers better onboard service and seating comfort.
Between March 31 and October 26, 2024, all passengers with AnadoluJet flights arriving/departing from/to the aforementioned countries are entitled to an full refund until October 26, 2024 and a free change to Turkish Airlines flights in the same flight region (e.g. SAW-AMS flight to IST-AMS). Passengers registered on AnadoluJet flights who do not use their refund or change rights will be automatically transferred to AJet flights.
Translated by Ditmar
Cover Picture: © Jonas Senger