From a good airline to the worst.

Absolutely disgusted at the service I received from Turkish Airlines at O.R. Tambo. The staff were rude, unfriendly and extremely unprofessional. I have previously had great experiences with Turkish Airlines, but after how I was treated by their staff today, I honestly have nothing good left to say.

I was refused check in for my flight as I didn’t have a Visa to enter a country where, on their government website for this country, it states that you don’t need a Visa for entry if coming from South Africa.

I was verbally attacked over trying to explain that, the requirements needed for the flight that were found on multiple sources online said that no visa was required, however I was denied being able to check in. Apparently Turkish Airlines use their own list of requirements that customers don’t have access to, but are somehow expected to know what’s on there.

I spent three hours at the airport trying to reason with the staff while being met with absolute disrespect, being told that if I caused a scene my flight would be cancelled. At no point was I even trying to cause a scene.

I have been personally invited to a world renowned event again this year, that I didn’t need a visa to attend last year - but apparently this year you need a visa - unfortunately I can’t be there due to someone else having a bad day and refusing to help me to figure out how to get on my flight.

I have now missed my flight. I have lost money - a lot of it. I’ve lost months of preparation for this event. Time and money that I won’t get back.

To say I am extremely disappointed and frustrated is an understatement.

@TurkishAirlines, you really need to do better.