Turkish Airlines adds a long-haul A330 aircraft to its Manchester route
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Turkish Airlines will be adding a long-haul A330 aircraft to its Manchester to Istanbul route this Summer.
The aircraft will operate three of the 14 weekly services between 28th May and 25th October. It will be on the 13.20 departure from Istanbul on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, returning at 17.00 from Manchester.
You’ll get a fully flat seat in Business Class (2 x 2 x 2 configuration). If you live in the Manchester area and have some Star Alliance miles to use, a long weekend in Istanbul – which would also let you see the new airport if it eventually opens – could be fun.
Here’s my review of the impressive St Regis Istanbul if you need a hotel idea.
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How to earn Star Alliance miles from UK credit cards (April 2025)
None of the Star Alliance airlines currently have a UK credit card.
There is, however, still a way to earn Star Alliance miles from a UK credit card.
The route is via Marriott Bonvoy. Marriott Bonvoy hotel loyalty points convert to over 40 airlines at the rate of 3:1.
The best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points is via the official Marriott Bonvoy American Express card. It comes with 20,000 points for signing up and 2 points for every £1 you spend. At 2 Bonvoy points per £1, you are earning (at 3:1) 0.66 airline miles per £1 spent on the card.
There is a preferential conversion rate to United Airlines – which is a Star Alliance member – of 2 : 1 if you convert 60,000 Bonvoy points at once.
The Star Alliance members which are Marriott Bonvoy transfer partners are: Aegean, Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Avianca, Copa Airlines, Singapore Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines and United Airlines.
You can apply here.
Marriott Bonvoy American Express
20,000 points for signing up and 15 elite night credits each year Read our full review
