Turkey: L.A. to Istanbul for $752 round trip on Turkish Airlines’ new nonstop flights

Turkish Airlines is kicking off its new nonstop service from Los Angeles to Istanbul on March 3 with a special rate of $752 round trip, including taxes and fees. As launch time nears, expect to see Laker giant Kobe Bryant in ads touting the new service as the airline’s “global brand ambassador”-- a role that has been controversial.

The deal: The only notable restriction on the Turkish Airlines offer is that travelers must spend a Saturday night in Istanbul. Nonstop service from Los Angeles will be offered Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets at this price can’t be changed and are nonrefundable.

When: The offer is good for travel through April 30, subject to availability.

Tested: I went to the airline’s website and found the discounted rate leaving Los Angeles on March 12 and returning on March 19. By comparison, costs for the same nonstop flights in May jump to $841 round trip.

Contact: Turkish Airlines or a travel agent.