Pegasus Airlines Review: A Real Turkish Delight From Gatwick to Istanbul
By Mr Plane Guy, Travel Blogger and Flight Expert
Disclosure: Pegasus Airlines gifted my flights for this trip so I could experience its new London Gatwick to Istanbul route. However, every word and opinion in this review is my own. Gifted flight or not, this is still a Plane Honest review. Just ask FlixBus, they once called me their biggest critic!
After 15 years working as cabin crew, I’ve flown with rather a lot of airlines.
Some have been fabulous. Some have been forgettable. And some have left me trapped at an airport for eight hours, questioning every life decision that led me to the departure board.
Looking at you, Schiphol.
So, when Pegasus Airlines invited me to experience its new direct flight from London Gatwick to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport, I was genuinely curious.
Would this be bargain brilliance or low-cost chaos?
Well, spoiler alert: Pegasus was a real Turkish delight.
The Boeing 737-800 was surprisingly roomy, my cabin suitcase disappeared easily into the enormous overhead lockers, the crew were friendly and professional, and somehow, despite dreadful air traffic control disruption at Gatwick the previous day, we departed and arrived completely on time.
Honestly, after my eight-hour Schiphol ordeal, an on-time flight felt almost suspicious.
Quick Answer: Is Pegasus Airlines Good?
Based on my flight from London Gatwick to Istanbul, yes. Pegasus was a real Turkish delight.
My Boeing 737-800 had considerably more legroom than I expected, the crew were warm and professional, the overhead lockers were huge and against the odds following major air traffic control disruption the flight operated on time.
It’s still a low-cost airline, so check exactly what your fare includes and don’t arrive with a suitcase containing your entire emotional-support wardrobe.
But for a comfortable, affordable flight between Gatwick and Istanbul, Pegasus genuinely impressed me.
My Plane Honest rating: 4 out of 5
My Pegasus Airlines Flight Details
Flight detail | My journey |
Airline | Pegasus Airlines |
Flight number | PC1186 |
Route | London Gatwick to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen |
Departure terminal | Gatwick South Terminal |
Scheduled departure | 15:20 |
Scheduled arrival | 21:15 |
Aircraft | Boeing 737-800 |
Cabin | Economy |
Flight provided by | Pegasus Airlines |
The afternoon departure time is excellent. You don’t have to wake up at an offensive hour, but you still arrive in Istanbul at around 9pm, leaving enough time to reach your hotel and get a proper night’s sleep.
Pegasus Airlines Check-In at Gatwick South Terminal
Pegasus Airlines operates from Gatwick Airport’s South Terminal, with check-in located in Zone G during my visit.
Now, I’ll declare my bias immediately: South Terminal is my favourite terminal at Gatwick.
Why?
It has a Nando’s.
Airport architecture, transport links and lounge options are all very important, obviously, but sometimes the deciding factor is whether you can order butterfly chicken before boarding.
Check-in was straightforward, although staff did weigh cabin baggage to ensure it complied with the allowance.
My cabin suitcase was slightly over the stated limit, but it wasn’t an issue on this occasion. That doesn’t mean everybody will receive the same flexibility, so please don’t arrive at Zone G with a 19kg cabin bag and tell them Mr Plane Guy said it would be fine.
If this had been another certain airline beginning with W, I suspect a credit-card machine might have been pushed into my face before I’d even had time to put on my most innocent expression.
Perhaps Pegasus knew who I was.
Or perhaps they were simply being reasonable. Either way, we were off to a good start.
Do You Need Fast Track Security at Gatwick?
You can purchase Fast Track security at Gatwick, but for an early-afternoon flight I personally wouldn’t automatically bother.
Security in the South Terminal was relatively quiet when I travelled. In my experience, this part of the day is often considerably calmer than the early-morning rush.
However, queues can be very different during:
Bank holidays
School summer holidays
Christmas and New Year
Particularly busy weekends
Periods of airport or airline disruption
Check the situation on the day before paying extra. Fast Track can be useful during peak periods, but on my trip it wouldn’t have saved me much time.
A Pre-Flight Feast at My Lounge
I resisted Nando’s on this occasion because I had another important piece of airport research to conduct: lunch in My Lounge at Gatwick South.
Using Priority Pass, entry cost £24 for me and £24 for my partner. We both really enjoyed it, and the food was genuinely delicious, not merely “acceptable because it’s included” airport-lounge food.
With a proper meal, drinks and somewhere comfortable to sit, £24 each felt like good value. You could easily spend something similar in the terminal and still end up balancing your meal on your cabin suitcase.
South Terminal already wins points for Nando’s, but having several Priority Pass lounges makes it even better.
Boarding the Pegasus Boeing 737-800
My flight was operated by a Boeing 737-800.
The aircraft was clean and well presented, and the boarding process felt organised. The washrooms were also clean, which is always worth mentioning on a flight lasting around four hours. There was plenty of room in the enormous overhead lockers for my cabin trolley bag.
What Is the Legroom Like on Pegasus Airlines?
This was probably the biggest surprise of the flight.
The legroom on the Pegasus Boeing 737-800 felt remarkably good for a low-cost airline. I had enough room to sit comfortably without feeling wedged against the seat in front.
I later flew from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen to Kayseri on a Pegasus Airbus A321, and I actually found the legroom on the Boeing 737-800 noticeably better.
Seat spacing can differ depending on the aircraft and your exact row, but on my Gatwick flight I had no complaints about the space.
For passengers who want additional room, Pegasus sells Front Row XL and extra-legroom seats. Front Row XL was priced from €29.99 on my particular flight, which I don’t think is unreasonable for a journey of around four hours.
If space is important to you, check the seat map before completing your booking rather than leaving your seat allocation to chance.
Pegasus Airlines Baggage Allowance and Fare Packages
Pegasus operates a low-cost model, so it is important to check exactly what your particular package includes.
The airline currently sells four main international fare packages.
Light
The lowest-priced option includes one small underseat bag measuring no more than 40 × 30 × 15cm and weighing up to 3kg.
A full-sized cabin bag and checked baggage are not included as standard.
Saver
Saver includes a larger cabin bag measuring up to 55 × 40 × 23cm and weighing up to 8kg, together with a checked-baggage allowance on international journeys.
Saver Plus
Saver Plus includes the cabin and checked-baggage allowance alongside additional services. Check the exact inclusions shown when booking because package contents and prices can change.
Comfort Flex
Comfort Flex is the most flexible package. It can include a cabin bag, checked baggage, seat selection, a sandwich and greater flexibility if your plans change.
On international flights, Saver, Saver Plus and Comfort Flex currently include a 20kg checked-baggage allowance.
Always check the allowance attached to your booking because domestic and international entitlements can differ.
How Strict Is Pegasus Airlines With Hand Luggage?
Pegasus did weigh cabin bags at Gatwick, so you should assume that the baggage rules will be checked.
Mine was slightly overweight and the staff did not charge me, but that was my experience on one flight, not a guarantee that another passenger, airport or member of staff will take the same approach.
My advice is simple:
Check the allowance included with your package
Weigh your bag before leaving home
Purchase additional baggage online if required
Keep medication, valuables and power banks in your cabin baggage
Don’t rely on receiving flexibility at the airport
A low headline fare can stop looking inexpensive rather quickly if you have to purchase additional baggage at check-in or the boarding gate. Having said that none of my bags were checked at all on my other 3 flights with Pegasus. Let's just say by the way home, I had several Turkish souvenirs, simit fridge magnet, rug, and most of the Diptyque hotel toiletries.
Food and Drinks on Pegasus Airlines
Pegasus offers a range of food, snacks and drinks to purchase onboard.
The selection included drinks, lighter snacks and more substantial options, including pizza slices.
This is still a low-cost airline rather than a full-service experience, so food and drinks may cost extra depending on the fare package you purchased.
I had already eaten in My Lounge before boarding, so I didn’t need a large meal during the flight.
If you know you’ll want to eat onboard, check whether you can pre-order your preferred meal. This may provide a wider selection and reduce the chance of your first choice being unavailable.
Does Pegasus Airlines Have Wi-Fi?
The aircraft offered access to Pegasus Airlines’ Fly & Watch system through its onboard Wi-Fi network.
You connect your phone, tablet or laptop to the Pegasus network and access its entertainment portal. Content can include films, television programmes, games, magazines, travel guides and live flight information.
This is an onboard entertainment network rather than something I would rely on for unrestricted internet access.
Having entertainment available on my phone helped the journey fly by. I always prefer using my own device and headphones rather than dealing with an ancient seat-back screen that requires increasingly aggressive tapping.
Are There USB Charging Ports?
I didn’t notice any USB-A or USB-C charging ports at my seat on the Boeing 737-800.
That isn’t disastrous on a four-hour flight, but it is worth arriving with a fully charged phone, especially if you plan to use it for Fly & Watch, photographs, your boarding pass and directions after landing.
I recommend carrying a compact power bank with built-in cables. Power banks need to remain with you in your cabin baggage rather than being placed in checked luggage.
Airline restrictions surrounding power banks can change, so always check the latest rules before flying.
Friendly and Professional Cabin Crew
The Pegasus cabin crew were friendly, professional and efficient throughout the journey.
Low-cost does not need to mean unfriendly, and the service felt polished without being overcomplicated. The cabin remained clean, the crew dealt with passengers calmly and the overall atmosphere was relaxed.
I also noticed that this was far more than a simple London-to-Istanbul flight for many passengers.
A considerable number were travelling through Sabiha Gökçen to connect to other destinations. Pegasus passengers can continue to places including:
Kayseri
Antalya
Bodrum
Dalaman
İzmir
Ankara
Dubai
Abu Dhabi
Doha
Riyadh
Jeddah
Medina
Dammam
Tbilisi
Baku
Bishkek
Pegasus has confirmed that its network now extends to 161 destinations across 57 countries, comprising 39 domestic destinations in Türkiye and 122 international destinations.
That makes the new Gatwick service useful not only for Istanbul city breaks, but also for reaching destinations across Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, Central Asia and beyond.
I was connecting to Kayseri for Cappadocia, although I deliberately booked an overnight stop rather than attempting a same-day connection. I was given my boarding card at Gatwick and checked in right through to Kayseri.
Staying Overnight Near Sabiha Gökçen Airport
After arriving at SAW, I stayed at the ibis Styles Istanbul Kurtköy before flying to Kayseri the following morning.
The room cost only £75, and we were upgraded to an enormous suite. We enjoyed some delicious local Turkish cuisine, got a proper night’s sleep and returned to the airport refreshed the following morning.
For me, this was much more appealing than worrying about a tight connection after an international flight.
An overnight stay may be particularly sensible when:
You have separate flight bookings
Your onward flight leaves early the following morning
You’re travelling with checked baggage
You want protection from possible disruption
You would rather begin your holiday rested than stressed
Based on my stay, I would happily recommend the ibis Styles Istanbul Kurtköy.
Arriving at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport
Sabiha Gökçen Airport impressed me. The terminal felt modern, the washrooms were clean and onward transport was surprisingly affordable.
You can take the metro towards the city for the equivalent of only a couple of pounds, quite a contrast to landing at a London airport and immediately being presented with a train fare that requires its own financial plan.
Remember that SAW is located on Istanbul’s Asian side. It can be particularly convenient for neighbourhoods such as Kadıköy, but journey times to the European side will depend heavily on traffic and your chosen mode of transport.
A Remarkably Punctual Flight
What amazed me most was that our flight operated completely on time. Gatwick had experienced dreadful air traffic control disruption the previous day, creating a huge knock-on effect across multiple airlines and aircraft rotations.
I knew exactly how serious it had been because I had personally spent eight hours stuck at Amsterdam Schiphol.
Did I mention the eight hours? After that experience, I arrived at Gatwick prepared for further disruption. Instead, Pegasus operated punctually and delivered us into Istanbul at around 9pm.
One on-time flight cannot prove that every Pegasus service will operate perfectly, but given the circumstances surrounding my journey, its performance was impressive.
Pegasus Airlines, one of Europe’s leading low-cost airlines!
Pegasus BolBol Rewards
Pegasus also has its own loyalty programme called BolBol.
Members can earn BolPoints from eligible Pegasus flights and use them towards flights and additional services. New members can currently receive 1,000 BolPoints following their first flight, subject to the programme’s terms.
If you plan to fly with Pegasus more than once, it makes sense to join before booking and ensure your BolBol membership number is attached to your reservation.
One important detail is that Pegasus says BolPoints may not be earned on flights purchased through some online travel agencies. Booking directly with Pegasus may therefore be more rewarding if the overall price is competitive.
Even low-cost flying can earn points. You know I approve of that.
Pegasus Airlines: The Pros and Cons
What I liked
Excellent afternoon departure time
The flight operated completely on time
Surprisingly generous legroom on the Boeing 737-800
Spacious overhead lockers
Friendly and professional cabin crew
Clean aircraft and washrooms
Food and drinks available to purchase
Reasonably priced extra-legroom seats
Useful connections through Istanbul SAW
BolBol rewards programme
Easy onward travel to Cappadocia and other parts of Türkiye
Departing from my favourite Gatwick terminal
Did I mention it has a Nando’s?
What could be better
USB charging at my seat
The lowest fare includes only a very small underseat bag
SAW may be less convenient for some parts of European Istanbul
The different fare packages require careful comparison
Is Pegasus Airlines Better Than Wizz Air?
Based on this particular journey, I found Pegasus more pleasant than several of my recent experiences with ultra-low-cost European airlines.
The Boeing 737-800 felt roomier than expected, the crew were friendly and the approach to my slightly overweight cabin bag was reasonable.
That does not mean Pegasus will ignore its baggage rules, and nobody should arrive expecting special treatment. However, the overall experience felt less confrontational than the aggressive gate-baggage enforcement sometimes associated with other low-cost airlines.
Pegasus also has a major advantage for travel beyond Istanbul: its extensive network from Sabiha Gökçen.
Would I Fly With Pegasus Airlines Again?
Yes, I would and I did the following morning.
Pegasus delivered the things that mattered most to me:
The flight operated on time
The aircraft was clean
The seat was comfortable
The crew were excellent
My cabin suitcase fitted easily
The fare model allowed me to pay for what I needed
SAW offered useful onward connections
The lack of charging ports was a minor irritation rather than a deal-breaker, and it can easily be solved by carrying a power bank.
This isn’t a luxury-airline experience, but it isn’t pretending to be one. Pegasus provides practical, affordable flights with a large network through Istanbul, and on my journey it delivered remarkably well.
Is Türkiye Worth Visiting Beyond the Beach Resorts?
Absolutely.
I adore Türkiye. The coastal resorts are wonderful, but the country has so much more to offer.
Spend a few days exploring Istanbul’s mosques, markets, rooftop restaurants and neighbourhoods. Then fly to Cappadocia for cave hotels, extraordinary landscapes and those famous hot-air balloons.
Pegasus makes it possible to combine both destinations using Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen as the connecting point.
👉 ISTANBUL TRAVEL GUIDE (coming soon)
FINAL BOARDING CALL
Pegasus Airlines was a genuine Turkish delight. This is a low-cost airline that understands what it needs to deliver: useful flight times, reasonable fares, friendly service and an enormous network through Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen.
The new Gatwick route is particularly good news for travellers across London and South East England. You can leave from my favourite Gatwick terminal and connect through Istanbul to destinations across Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, Central Asia and beyond.
Gifted flight or not, you know I would tell you if it was dreadful. FlixBus can confirm. (They called me their biggest critic!)
But on this occasion, Pegasus impressed me. I arrived in Istanbul on time and flew onwards to Kayseri the following morning ready for Cappadocia.
Plane Honest verdict: friendly, punctual, surprisingly roomy and excellent value when you understand the fare rules.
Teşekkürler, Pegasus. You were a delight a Turkish one, naturally. FlyPgs.com
Let’s make travel better.
Check out the Gatwick Airport South Terminal Lounges
Plane Related Blogs:
Continue Planning Your Türkiye Trip
My Complete Istanbul Travel Guide (coming soon, like this week)
Gatwick Airport Hotel Reviews:
Pegasus Airlines Review: A Real Turkish Delight From Gatwick to Istanbul
Airport lounges, free upgrades, travel chaos and the occasional meltdown. Real travel, not influencer nonsense.
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