need advice on 2 routes
 

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

Personally, I would route via NRT.

TK parks a lot of planes at remote parking in IST, so you then have to get bussed in to the terminal. I have been in long lines to clear inbound security to transfer.

Japan is less chaos and probably shorter lines. But you might have to take a shuttlebus to change terminals in NRT, which would add about some time?

Takes Emirates, much better trip ex ORD to KL

I would second itsbrokenagain..

As a passenger you will be comfortable in Emirates even in the economy class.

ORD DXB KUL..

Narita Route should be choice number 2..

I would avoid IST if possible..

Went there recently as crew only. There are other airlines that park at remote gates as well. The terminal I was in was busy but not crowded at the times I was there.

It appears that you are already aware of the risks involved.

thanks all.. I wish I could take emirates but they are pricey.. I have tons of UA miles and have to fly staralliance routes only. Another option is fly CP but then it would be out of pocket for me also.

Well looks like I need to reevaluate my IST route with the recent incident! Damnit!!!

If your final destination is KUL then consider routing via SIN. From SIN you can take a quick flight up to KUL with one of the low cost carriers e.g Air Asia, Scoot etc. It's only a 50 minute hop, so not difficult to endure and the cost is not going to break the bank. It might give you more options as you'd be able to fly NRT-SIN with ANA (Star Alliance). Of course, if you have the time and inclination, you could always travel by train (or coach) from SIN to KUL and enjoy some of the countryside views while you do so. I don't know where you're starting your journey in the USA but have a look at the ANA website to see their flights and you might be able to avoid the lottery of UA (in fact any US carrier) and use your Star Alliance points.