JFK to Baku for 100,000 points + $700

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For only 100,000 ANA miles transferred from American Express and $668.21, I was able to fly 13 hours in comfort on Turkish Airlines' business class via Istanbul to Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.


For the first time on an international flight, I was able to check in entirely online and bypassed physical check-in entirely since I wasn't checking any bags.


Having spent the night prior at the Hyatt Regency, we arrived at the airport too early to enter the Turkish Airlines lounge, but I was able to come back later and board directly from the lounge.


In the meantime, we headed down to the primeclass lounge which I was able to access thanks to Priority Pass which is included with the newly re-vamped American Express Platinum Card and Chase Sapphire Reserve cards.


As we were the first guests of the day, we had the lounge to ourselves for a while but it filled up by lunchtime.  


Breakfast was delicious and as I was leaving to head to my gate, they were setting up lunch which looked equally appealing.


By noon, we were ready to board and I was able to catch a nice glimpse of the A350 that would be my home for the next 10 hours.  


Once airborne, the cabin crew handed out warm nuts, which is always a nice touch paired with champagne, followed "The Oldest Bread" that originated in what is now Turkey thousands of years ago. 

As we boarded from door number two, I was ushered left into a gorgeous new business class cabin in a 1-2-1 layout.


  

After settling into my pod, I was offered a welcome drink and left to peruse the culinary offerings on this 10.5 hour flight.


One of the most unique aspects of Turkish Airways' business class is their trolley display of appetizers, which tasted just as good as they looked!



Unfortunately, I couldn't say the same of the steak, which was extremely overcooked.


Prior to landing, I ordered the French toast which was accompanied with a gorgeous tea service.


Our connecting flight to Baku was onboard a narrowbody A320 with a regional business class that was plenty comfortable for the short ~2 hour 30 minute flight.


Despite the short flight time, the crew served a multi-course breakfast accompanied by a Turkish coffee.


Upon final approach into Baku I was treated to some excellent views over the Caspian sea.



Follow for more about the trip in subsequent post and reach out at wheelsupwithpoints@gmail.com if you have travel goals you'd like help in achieving with points and miles.

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