Pegasus Airlines, often dubbed the "Turkish Ryanair," has been tested by a traveller who booked a flight from Manchester to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to see if the budget carrier lives up to its reputation. The verdict: it is a classic no-frills airline that is "completely fine," with on-time flights and straightforward transfers, despite the extra costs for baggage, food and seat selection.
The airline's network now extends to 161 destinations in 57 countries, including 39 domestic destinations in Turkey and 122 international destinations. This variety includes routes that are rarely served by other carriers.
Baggage Allowances and Boarding
The free under-the-seat bag on Pegasus measures 40x30x15 cm and must weigh under 3kg, which is 5cm smaller than Ryanair's equivalent. The larger cabin bag must measure 55x40x23 cm and weigh under 8kg, 3cm larger than Ryanair's paid-for cabin bag, though Ryanair allows up to 10kg in weight. Baggage costs vary by route, as with any budget airline.
The traveller took the same bag used for Ryanair and had no issues, with the cabin bag never weighed and hold luggage checked through to Bishkek despite online warnings about self-transferring in Istanbul. Boarding started 50 minutes before take-off, earlier than the usual 30 minutes on other European low-cost carriers, and was done by row group, which felt more methodical.
Onboard Experience and Food Prices
The seats offered classic low-cost width and legroom, comparable to Ryanair, but the thin pleather showed wear. A notable gripe was the absence of seat-back pockets, leaving nowhere to store a water bottle or book during a nap. The automated tannoy announcements were also very loud, disrupting sleep even without turbulence.
Food and drink prices onboard made Ryanair look like a bargain. A cup of Lipton tea cost five euros, and a 250ml can of Efes or Heineken beer was seven euros, compared to 6.50 euros for a 330ml beer on Ryanair. Hot meals, such as meatballs and veggies or chicken with salsa sauce, were 14 euros. Ordering in advance on the app gave 20% off, but the sandwiches were tiny. Two food and drink services were offered on the four-and-a-half-hour flight.
Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen and Final Verdict
Flights with Pegasus mid-to-long haul or to Istanbul arrive at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), not the main Istanbul International (IST). Contrary to online reviews mentioning no seats, no WiFi and nothing to do, the traveller found designer shops, dozens of coffee shops and shiny new seating areas. Self-transfer was not needed as both legs were on one booking and both international, but the traveller double-checked at the Pegasus desk upon arrival.
Pegasus left and landed on time twice, with check-in, bag drop and transfers all straightforward. The price difference between Pegasus and Turkish Airlines on the same route with a one-stop in Istanbul was over £300, which the traveller said justifies dealing with the lack of a seat pocket. The traveller was a guest of Pegasus Airlines.
