Assuming everything else being equal which would be prefeble? asking from a standpoint of a passenger not an aviator.
USA to Asia via ORD (UA) - IST (Ataturk) - KUL (TR) or NA to Asia via IAH - NRT-KUL (UA/ANA) ?
Never been to IST .. how's the airport/terminals etc? is it hectic crazy? how are the delays? what about safety? TR is not exactly known for their punctuality and safety is so so at best... and there is always the slight fear of terrorism in Turkey.
The last time I took the latter route it was a a nightmare! MY flight got delayed out of Dulles which caused a snowball effect.. On the bright side at least got to see the town of Narita for a couple hours
Thanks