Turkish Airlines review by Abed 2015-07-06

I bought 2 tickets (for my wife and I in Feb 2015) to fly from Istanbul to Rome on June 23, 2015. I got online at a later date (per Turkish Airline suggestion) and selected our seats. I called the airline on Thursday June 18, 2015 and confirmed our tickets and seats and received an email to that effect. I printed the email and carried it with me. On June 23rd when we arrived (early) at the airport in Istanbul we were told that the plane was full and that we would be on Stand-By. I explained the above and showed them the confirmation email, their answer was we had to check in 24 hrs before the flights". I explained we had people meeting us in Rome and a strict schedule. They said sorry. We did end up getting on the plane because of help from a Japanese tour guide whose group was getting split up; he gave up his seat for one of us. It was very stressful. I asked on how much earlier could I have bought the tickets or confirmed the seats? There was no explanation. People at the gate were nice and helpful though. I am not sure I will fly with Turkish again.