New Priority Services available at Istanbul (IST)
Jul 21, 2014, 10:09 pm
#1
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2002
Location: YEG
Programs: HH Silver
Posts: 56,446
New Priority Services available at Istanbul (IST)
http://www.aircanada.com/en/news/140721.html
Effective immediately, eligible customers can take advantage of accelerated exit immigration and security screening when departing on an Air Canada flight from Istanbul Atakurk Airport (IST). International Business Class, Super Elite 100K, Elite 75K, Elite 50K and Elite 35K members must obtain an invitation at the Priority Check-in counter prior to proceeding to the Passport Control 1 (“TAV Passport”) Fast Track lane.
At the same time, accelerated immigration services will be available to International Business Class and Super Elite 100K customers arriving at Istanbul Atakurk Airport and clearing Turkey customs. Eligible customers must obtain an invitation from the “TGA TRANSFER DESK” prior to proceeding to the “TAV Fast Track Passport Control” lane.
Effective immediately, eligible customers can take advantage of accelerated exit immigration and security screening when departing on an Air Canada flight from Istanbul Atakurk Airport (IST). International Business Class, Super Elite 100K, Elite 75K, Elite 50K and Elite 35K members must obtain an invitation at the Priority Check-in counter prior to proceeding to the Passport Control 1 (“TAV Passport”) Fast Track lane.
At the same time, accelerated immigration services will be available to International Business Class and Super Elite 100K customers arriving at Istanbul Atakurk Airport and clearing Turkey customs. Eligible customers must obtain an invitation from the “TGA TRANSFER DESK” prior to proceeding to the “TAV Fast Track Passport Control” lane.
Jul 21, 2014, 10:32 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,186
Was that before or after you had to do the same to purchase a visa? IST immigration lines are truly chaotic. I just keep shuffling along until I spot an open space in one of the final lane entries to a booth. Getting yourself into the far left lane often helps get the agent who handles the special service lane since it's most often empty, thus speeding up the furthest two regular lanes.
Jul 22, 2014, 12:28 am
#4
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: DXB
Programs: EK, AA, DL, UA, SPG, HGP, Amex
Posts: 1,208
Was that before or after you had to do the same to purchase a visa? IST immigration lines are truly chaotic. I just keep shuffling along until I spot an open space in one of the final lane entries to a booth. Getting yourself into the far left lane often helps get the agent who handles the special service lane since it's most often empty, thus speeding up the furthest two regular lanes.
Those who had to purchase a visa on arrival, can now do so online before their trip.
https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/
Jul 22, 2014, 6:24 am
#5
Formerly known as tireman77
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 5,515
Those who had to purchase a visa on arrival, can now do so online before their trip.
https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/
https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/
Jul 22, 2014, 8:30 am
#7
Join Date: May 2012
Location: YOW
Programs: UA*1K, Marriott Titanium (LTP), Hilton Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,665
Fast track security was a different matter - only twice have they let me by with an AC boarding pass, and one was with a bit of pleading as I had a tight connection. Once the TK rep walked up to the immigration officer to ask if I could.
Jul 22, 2014, 9:25 am
#8
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: YEG
Posts: 3,717
http://www.aircanada.com/en/news/140721.html
At the same time, accelerated immigration services will be available to International Business Class and Super Elite 100K customers arriving at Istanbul Atakurk Airport and clearing Turkey customs. Eligible customers must obtain an invitation from the “TGA TRANSFER DESK” prior to proceeding to the “TAV Fast Track Passport Control” lane.
At the same time, accelerated immigration services will be available to International Business Class and Super Elite 100K customers arriving at Istanbul Atakurk Airport and clearing Turkey customs. Eligible customers must obtain an invitation from the “TGA TRANSFER DESK” prior to proceeding to the “TAV Fast Track Passport Control” lane.
Jul 22, 2014, 9:53 am
#9
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: YQR
Programs: no status
Posts: 1,052
Somewhat related question: I assume that Turkey is not part of Schengen, so if you are in transit ZRH -> IST -> YUL do you even have to go through customs or just stay in an international transit zone (and is there a TK lounge)?
Jul 22, 2014, 9:57 am
#10
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE MM, Bonvoy Plat, Hilton G,Nexus, Amex MR Plat,IHG Plat
Posts: 4,422
Dont know about transit visa as I got a tourist visa which is available on-line and takes all off 10 mins. The TK lounge is huge, has all the regular stuff plus cooking stations, multiple bars, pool table, free massages, lockers for hand luggage, etc. It can be very busy so you need to walk right to the back if you want a quiet zone.
Jul 22, 2014, 6:02 pm
#11
Join Date: May 2012
Location: YOW
Programs: UA*1K, Marriott Titanium (LTP), Hilton Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,665
From the IST website:
Transfer Passengers
International Transfer Passengers With An International Connection Flight) A boarding card is issued for the passenger (if not issued in the country of origin) at the transit desk of the relevant handling company on the Arrivals floor. The passenger does not go through passport control. Instead, he/she directly proceeds through the transit area into the International Departures area. Baggage will be automatically transferred to the connecting flight.
International Transfer Passengers With An International Connection Flight) A boarding card is issued for the passenger (if not issued in the country of origin) at the transit desk of the relevant handling company on the Arrivals floor. The passenger does not go through passport control. Instead, he/she directly proceeds through the transit area into the International Departures area. Baggage will be automatically transferred to the connecting flight.
Jul 23, 2014, 4:31 am
#12
Formerly known as tireman77
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 5,515
It's definitely not part of Schengen, and the visa process used to be a nightmare before they create the e-passport system. I remember the passport counter demanding cash-only unless you really pushed them on it, and strangely different prices were quoted to different people...
Jul 23, 2014, 9:23 am
#13
Join Date: May 2012
Location: YOW
Programs: UA*1K, Marriott Titanium (LTP), Hilton Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,665
I never had it happen again in all my travels through IST, but this was on my first trip there in 2012.
Jul 23, 2014, 1:42 pm
#14
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: YQR
Programs: no status
Posts: 1,052
Interesting, I have thought about an extended stopover in IST to take advantage of the TK bus tour or free hotel offer, but if there is a high visa cost and hassles then this is not appealing any more.
Jul 23, 2014, 6:31 pm
#15
Formerly known as tireman77
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 5,515
Its an amazing city. Don't let the airport experience scare you away. Truly a must see.