UA to start EWR - IST in July

Good to see the * connection being made at IST. I wonder where this 763 is coming from.

http://airlineroute.net/2012/02/21/ua-ewrist-jul12/

Well, there are 14 of them coming off domestic/Hawaii use and being reconfigured for international flying. Even with some of those replacing the sCO 762s, there's still room for growth with those aircraft.

The sUA 763 being used on EWR-IST is a 3 class plane and the domestic reconfigured 763 will stay 2 class.

I know that. But a reconfigured 763 may replace a three class 763 elsewhere, freeing one up. In the end they're still gaining some international configuration aircraft to open new routes.

Looks to already be loaded.

United F to IST or Lufthansa/Swiss F to IST... Now that's a tough decision .

But reality dictates that few here would be purchasing F, let alone C. Issue becomes lowest K fare earning full MP miles as LH has nixed miles on K fares. Up to now this meant flying UA to FRA or MUC and LH onward, missing 1160 miles in each direction. So even with a non-stop routing, adds at least 2K EQMs and elite bonuses. Just over 5K in each direction and cheapest coach fare showing is $709 a/i (T-class). Can't seem to pull up a W or other upgradeable fare. But for 1Ks this is a nice mileage earner (10K+ EQMs, 20K+ RDMs), though not a really great MR, a city well worth visiting for a couple of days...and likely the best deal going to Europe.

TK has made a huge push getting STAR members to IST, so not sure what you mean by "* connection"?

I have to disagree, purchasing EWR-IST C or F with miles could be quite useful to a lot of us.

It just adds one more connection point via EWR.

For me it's another route to nonrev on I don't redeem my miles for UA F/C at all since I can get a better value proposition on other star alliance carriers however IST is a welcome addition to the United Route Network!

Great news
side note new TK C lounge in IST is amazing

True fly UA and avoid the K mess

The First Class Terminal in FRA should make the decision very easy to choose LH, or LX if the flight is with their new F product. Nontheless, it is always good to see UA adding new international routes.

Sure, if you've got extra hours to kill. If you're actually looking to just get to your destination, however, the non-stop flight is quite attractive. Or if you're coming from one of the many cities where it would be one-stop service on UA versus two stop on LH/LX plus another carrier.

I've only been to the old TK lounge at IST, which was super crowded (in the AM)

The new one is, too. It also has much nicer amenities. But definitely still super crowded.

ETA:

Is that self-serve Woodford I see? :-:

Miles was never mentioned in the original post.

Neither was cash.

Just sayin....

http://instantrimshot.com/

Finally saw the UA press release. Looks like it is initially a 3-cabin but they will switch over to a 2-cabin within a few weeks.

It will be very convenient to have this facility

I am pretty sure that LH operates their short haul aircraft on FRA-IST even though it is 1100+ miles ~3 hours. Meaning economy class seats and pitch with an empty middle seat is your premium seat. Now LH F on the intercontinental flight is great, but I can't say that LH C-class on their A320-family aircraft is any fun.

By the way, if you can connect to TK 738 instead, they have 2x2 seating that is definitely more comfortable, and in my opinion better catering than LH short haul.

But the UA 763 with lie flat seats in C & F will be a good way to get to IST (as are TK's own flights)