Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles - Transferring/Transit in Istanbul

I'm flying from IAD to TLV on Turkish Airlines and the itinerary is only giving me 55 minutes to make the connection in Istanbul. Has anyone experienced a similar connection time in IST? Also, would I need to go through customs in IST (at which point I'll never make it)? I leave Friday and am just getting my act together. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

You don't need to go through customs in IST BUT you will go through security. I don't know if it was just because I was taking a flight to LAX from IST but I have to say that their security is INSANE. It took at least an hour just lining up and going through security check. They check your bags twice via X-Ray then do random bag checks AND then they check your passport a ton of times before you finally get to the waiting area.

It's absolute chaos.

The OP is not flying to the US but arriving at IST from the US; a totally different situation in terms of security (however, it may be that additional security is applied for TLV flights - I don't know).

Anyway, 55 min is more than enough for this transfer, which will be very easy. Just follow the transfer signs, show your onward BP (or if you didn't get it at IAD, obtain a BP from the TK transfer desk on arrivals level) and take the escalators one level up; you will then be in the transit/departure hall. It is very very easy; no need to to worrry.

You will not pass customs or immigration for this transfer.

Security checks take place at the departure gates. I have passed IST many times and I have never experienced security checks to be "chaos" or time consuming. No need to worry about this.

I have transfered at IST and it was not the most painfree transfer nor was it the worst. You will not have to go through customs or immigration, just follow the sights for conncetions, it is doable in 55 mins but you don't have much time. Make sure you get your boarding pass for TLV when you check in at IAD as there can be long lines at the transfer desk at IST.

I seem to remember that there were 3 or so countries which the special security checks apply for at IST. USA, Israel, and I believe one other. This meant an additional passport check before going to the transfer line, it didn't take long, maybe added 10 minutes to the process.

I seem to remember that there were 3 or so countries which the special security checks apply for at IST. USA, Israel, and I believe one other. This meant an additional passport check before going to the transfer line, it didn't take long, maybe added 10 minutes to the process.

And CAN.

Also the U.K.;) All done by the friendliest staff of Gözen Aviation, a IST classic:D

Also the U.K.;) All done by the friendliest staff of Gözen Aviation, a IST classic:D

Absolutely ! Sometimes I got invited to coffee & cake :D

The security line for connecting flights when I transferred there last week was extremely long, and while I was spared its pain (I was traveling with someone in a wheelchair), I would doubt that it could be cleared in less than 40 minutes.

The security line for connecting flights when I transferred there last week was extremely long, and while I was spared its pain (I was traveling with someone in a wheelchair), I would doubt that it could be cleared in less than 40 minutes.

Just to be clear - they have a new security set up for transit pax?

I ll be flying YYZ-IST-DEL with 2.5+ hr each way, So I m not too worried, but I d like to know the setup each way. Would I have to clear it in both directions?

As of last week you clear security before entering the departure terminal, not at the gate. Related thread - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/turkish-airlines-miles-smiles/1303774-ist-back-open-gate.html

Hi Everybody
I'm new to FT. Will be travelling JNB-CAI with just over an hour stopover in IST, and then return a couple weeks later. In your experiences, will my bags move from one aircraft to the other without going missing?
I look forward to some good conversations in future! :)

Welcome to FT!

The chances of your bags making the connection are fair, but it would not harm to pack essentials in your carry on bag, so that you are not devastated if your check in luggage does not make it.

Do transit pax need a visa. I will be flying from MUC to IST-DEL and I hold a CAD pp?

Hi Everybody
I'm new to FT. Will be travelling JNB-CAI with just over an hour stopover in IST, and then return a couple weeks later. In your experiences, will my bags move from one aircraft to the other without going missing?
I look forward to some good conversations in future! :)

Welcome to FlyerTalk and the TK forum Hoss007 ^

The bags should make it but then again as with any flight you never know until you are at your final destination. ;)

Thanx folks. That helps.

Do transit pax need a visa. I will be flying from MUC to IST-DEL and I hold a CAD pp?

No you don't because you'll stay air side except you wish to explore Istanbul.
In your case you would have to pay for a Visa.

No you don't because you'll stay air side except you wish to explore Istanbul.
In your case you would have to pay for a Visa.

So you mean I will not have to pay for a Visa since I am only in transit right?

No, you will not need a visa unless you formally enter Turkey.

The security line for connecting flights when I transferred there last week was extremely long, and while I was spared its pain (I was traveling with someone in a wheelchair), I would doubt that it could be cleared in less than 40 minutes.

Well, I got out of that horrible line this morning by trying to do someone a good turn. Spotted this chap on crutches in the line almost next to me and I really don't think someone on crutches should have to go through all that! Found someone to ask about it and he said I could bring him up to where he was, accompanied him through security and all the way through duty-free and to his gate for good measure. :)

Flying TLV-IST-JFK with about an hour layover. Can I make the lounge? (Flying in C)

I'd say no chance. For US-bound flights you need to go through the additional "interview", which can kill anything between 10 and 30 minutes. The only good news might be that typically flights to JFK leave from gate 219, the closest to the TK Lounge.

IF your transfer process is fast and IF your gate is close to the lounge, you can enjoy 15 minutes there...

I'm in a similar situation as OP.
I am flying TK from JFK-IST-TLV on a Taca/Avianca Award , with a 1 hour connection. Assuming the JFK flight lands on time, will I make it? I'm TK Gold via Status Match if that matters.
If not, will there be any trouble moving me to the next TK flight to TLV? Right now they're on a 4x daily schedule..

I'm in a similar situation as OP.
I am flying TK from JFK-IST-TLV on a Taca/Avianca Award , with a 1 hour connection. Assuming the JFK flight lands on time, will I make it? I'm TK Gold via Status Match if that matters.
If not, will there be any trouble moving me to the next TK flight to TLV? Right now they're on a 4x daily schedule..

MCT at IST International/International is one hour, however you have to keep in mind the extra security protocol for any TLV bound flights.

Should your inbound flight be late and you can't make the TLV flight you will be rebooked on the next available flight. Your TK status will help you getting on that flight should it be fully booked.

MCT at IST International/International is one hour, however you have to keep in mind the extra security protocol for any TLV bound flights.

Should your inbound flight be late and you can't make the TLV flight you will be rebooked on the next available flight. Your TK status will help you getting on that flight should it be fully booked.

OK - having never transited through IST before, how bad is the TLV bound security? Is it all in the same Terminal?

OK - having never transited through IST before, how bad is the TLV bound security? Is it all in the same Terminal?

It is the same terminal, for example today it is leaving from 205.

TLV procedures are pretty much the same everywhere: secondary security screening, a brief Q&A by officials and sterile gate area (meaning you can't leave after security).

http://www.staralliance.com/assets/images/global/services/destination-information/airportinformation/airportmaps/large/IST_map_large.gif

Should your inbound flight be late and you can't make the TLV flight you will be rebooked on the next available flight. Your TK status will help you getting on that flight should it be fully booked.

In addition to that, the additional security screening for Israel/US/Canada/UK flights has a separate line for TK Elite and Elite Plus members to speed up the process if that helps at all.

Every time I've been transiting through IST for the additional securityt o the US, I've seen the TK E and E+ posters, but there is no actual line there. There has only been one line available for everyone to use which is usually a bit chaotic.

Every time I've been transiting through IST for the additional securityt o the US, I've seen the TK E and E+ posters, but there is no actual line there. There has only been one line available for everyone to use which is usually a bit chaotic.

I saw that, so I just walked around to the right next to the sign, flashed my card and they called me over :)

Good idea! Guess I need to push more!

I will be on two separate tickets. I am a TK Elite but will be crediting to UA.

Arriving on LH FRA-IST @1210
Depart on UA IST-EWR @ 1355

Do I have enough time to make the connection? I think so given I can use my TK credentials at the secondary security but wanted to confirm with the experts.

more than 1h is enough in my experience as long you can check your luggage to the final destination in FRA and as long your flight out of FRA is not delayed over 30min.

I will be flying the following itinerary on separate tickets:

JRO - IST on TK arriving at 10:55
IST - EWR on UA departing at 13:55

Based on reading this forum it appears there is ample time for the transfer. It sounds like I can expect a security check (due to travel to the US) if I have a UA BP and my bags are checked in all the way through to EWR at JRO. Having never flown through IST or on TK I have a couple of questions:

1. Does anyone have any experience with TK on their ability/willingness to check bags to a different final destination on a separate Star Alliance carrier (UA in this case) compared to what has been ticketed with TK?
2. Does anyone have any experience with TK on their ability to provide the BP for my IST - EWR leg on UA upon check in at JRO for the TK leg?
3. How long should I plan to stand in line to get a BP at a transfer desk if I am unable to get the UA BP in JRO? Is there a separate line for Star Alliance Gold members?
4. If I am unable to get my bags checked through to EWR would I have enough time to pick up my checked bags, check in with UA at IST and then go through security/immigration?

Thanks in advance for any information and advice.

1. You should carry a printout, showing that you have an onward connection to EWR. They should be able to check your bags all the way to destination, even if on 2 separate tickets. It can vary though, not sure about any specific rules in JRO.
2. If on the same ticket, they MUST give you a BP for second leg. If on separate tickets, they might have some limitations in the system to do that, because of this being a US-bound flight.
3. If the queue is longer than 20 people, and if you do NOT need visa for Turkey, you can use an alternative: use the Star Gold immigration queue, enter Turkey, then go to Departure area at the check-in desks. You have plenty of time for that, only works if you do NOT need a visa.
4. Absolutely, plenty of time, if no delays...

CAlex, thanks for the responses, particularly the suggestion about the Star Alliance Gold immigration line.

First of all, thanks to everyone that has contributed in this forum. I've learned so much about Turkish Airlines and am really looking forward to my flight next month. I arrive into IST at 8am and do not leave for CAI until 6pm. I intend to go into the city and enjoy a nice lunch and see at least one of the sites. I have two very specific questions:

(1) IST website advises that there is a left luggage facility on a fee basis (http://www.ataturkairport.com/en-EN/airportguide/Pages/BaggageCustodyServices.aspx). Can anyone comment on whether they have used such facility and whether their items will be secure? Fortunately, I am not traveling with anything valuable, but will have a CPAP machine with battery that I would prefer not to lug around Istanbul.

(2) For my 6:05p departure to Cairo, I was thinking of returning by 3pm to have use of the lounge for a quick shower. Can I re-enter 3 hours before departure? (On the flipside, is that cutting it too close?).

First of all, thanks to everyone that has contributed in this forum. I've learned so much about Turkish Airlines and am really looking forward to my flight next month. I arrive into IST at 8am and do not leave for CAI until 6pm. I intend to go into the city and enjoy a nice lunch and see at least one of the sites. I have two very specific questions:

(1) IST website advises that there is a left luggage facility on a fee basis (http://www.ataturkairport.com/en-EN/airportguide/Pages/BaggageCustodyServices.aspx). Can anyone comment on whether they have used such facility and whether their items will be secure? Fortunately, I am not traveling with anything valuable, but will have a CPAP machine with battery that I would prefer not to lug around Istanbul.

(2) For my 6:05p departure to Cairo, I was thinking of returning by 3pm to have use of the lounge for a quick shower. Can I re-enter 3 hours before departure? (On the flipside, is that cutting it too close?).

There are luggage lockers at the departure level - it's close to the shops/toilet at the end of the check-in counters. It was on Jan 5.

You can join the free city tour if your flights are all TK flights. You leave IST at 9am and you can either go back at 1pm or 3pm.

Don't know about the lounge access - I'm running for it at the moment.

Yes, you can enter the lounge from the dedicated door with separate security control, if you have a BP for your next flight. Being on TK you can get one from any desk, even 4h before your flight.

...
use the Star Gold immigration queue, enter Turkey, ..

Hi CAlex,

i haven´t seen this immigration queue during my last visits to IST. Could you give me a hint, where to find it? I only saw a special counter / queue where you should have had a special card. Unfortunately i forgot the name of it.

I will be travelling to IST in february and would be great, if i could use this queue for entering Turkey without queueing at the ordinary counters.

Thks in advance.

There are luggage lockers at the departure level - it's close to the shops/toilet at the end of the check-in counters. It was on Jan 5.

You can join the free city tour if your flights are all TK flights. You leave IST at 9am and you can either go back at 1pm or 3pm.

Don't know about the lounge access - I'm running for it at the moment.

Thank you.

Yes, you can enter the lounge from the dedicated door with separate security control, if you have a BP for your next flight. Being on TK you can get one from any desk, even 4h before your flight.

Oh this is good to know.

How about this scenario, since you have to reclear security anyway - if the line to enter Turkey is not too bad, go through immigration & customs (no visa needed for my nationality), out the door, up one (or two) level(s) and to the line with direct access to the lounge?

Hi CAlex,

i haven´t seen this immigration queue during my last visits to IST. Could you give me a hint, where to find it? I only saw a special counter / queue where you should have had a special card. Unfortunately i forgot the name of it.


I only saw it myself last week. The dedicated immigration line for business class / Star Gold members is at the right-hand side of the immigration "section". On the left you have the Transfer Desk, then the TAV-Premium immigration line (the one requiring some special card), then the visitors, then locals, and then the business class line. I hope this helps.

How about this scenario, since you have to reclear security anyway - if the line to enter Turkey is not too bad, go through immigration & customs (no visa needed for my nationality), out the door, up one (or two) level(s) and to the line with direct access to the lounge?

I've done it several times, it can save sometimes 15-20 minutes, compared to regular transfer options.

I will be on two separate tickets. I am a TK Elite but will be crediting to UA.

Arriving on LH FRA-IST @1210
Depart on UA IST-EWR @ 1355

Do I have enough time to make the connection? I think so given I can use my TK credentials at the secondary security but wanted to confirm with the experts.

I know I just posted it in another thread, but it might be also useful here:

The problem of connecting in IST is the great variance in connecting times.

I had everything form 10 minutes to 2 hours.

This depends on some factors you can't control or predict:
- arriving gate/apron +/- 1h
- if apron: bus... +/- 20min
- if you don't have your boarding pass add 5-20min

absolutely worst case is apron, bus full, boarding card pickup, apron but gate on the other end of the terminal

I'll be doing Izmir-IST-ATH in a month with an hour layover, first time going through IST.

While I know I'm coming into the domestic term, do I still go through security to reach my ATH-bound flight? How far b/t the 2 terminals?

Thanks.

I'll be doing Izmir-IST-ATH in a month with an hour layover, first time going through IST.

While I know I'm coming into the domestic term, do I still go through security to reach my ATH-bound flight? How far b/t the 2 terminals?

Thanks.

Roughly about a 10 minute walk between the terminals

Dare we book a one-hour connection time at IST?

Here are the details:
We arrive IST at 13:45hrs on Alitalia flight from Rome on Fri Mar 22 on previously booked ticket (Assuming new Pope is elected by then, right?)
There are IST-to-Izmir (ADB) flights on Atlas leaving IST at 1500 and 1800.....one connection looks too short, one rather long.....

My thought is to book the later 1800 departure, but based on some good news from other FTers, we might make the 1500 departure..... does Atlas Airlines let you pay any increased fare at the gate? Or not be fussy about L fares?

More background and questions:
We want see ruins at Ephesus, which means a flight to Izmir (ADB).....
Our original plan was to see Istanbul for a few days, then do a day trip to Ephesus, which would mean an very early morning taxi from Istanbul hotel to IST airport (and back at night)......so avoid an extra trip to airport by going ahead to Izmir upon first arrival at IST airport???? Make sense?

......thanks for advice......

Dare we book a one-hour connection time at IST?

Here are the details:
We arrive IST at 13:45hrs on Alitalia flight from Rome on Fri Mar 22 on previously booked ticket (Assuming new Pope is elected by then, right?)
There are IST-to-Izmir (ADB) flights on Atlas leaving IST at 1500 and 1800.....one connection looks too short, one rather long.....



No!
75mins is easily possible on a good day from international arrival to domestic departure, no question.
But from Alitalia to Atlas??? Even if you should be one one ticket (which I highly doubt possible) and even in this case they offer to check luggage through, it would be safer to check luggage to IST, pick it up and check it in again and that is hardly possible in IST. Workable if only with hand luggage.
But IST is one of the most congested airports I know, slight delays are very frequent and you have absolutely no room for that!

I fly regularly between AMS and JNB in J class. For the past several years I've exclusively flown BA via LHR. I'm not completely satisfied with the airline nor their transfer hub, and have decided to test alternative options. TK via IST is first out. I've never flown TK, nor transfered at IST and therefore purposely booked longer connections that strictly necessary on both the outward and return legs. That should give me more time to find my way around, and I prefer traveling at a leisurly pace anyway. I do not check any luggage.

A few newbie questions:

1. Do flights to/from AMS/JNB usually use jetways at IST? Remote stands? Or is it just luck of the draw? Are the longhaul and shorthaul gates in different parts of the terminal?

2. As a transfer pax traveling in J I understand I have access to Fast Track security. Is there a dedicated lane that's easy to find, or do I have to cut in somehow at the head of the regular line?

3. If security at transfers looks like a chaotic mess, would it be worth my while to exit through arrivals (I do not need a visa) and then enter the terminal again from departures? I believe there is a dedicated security checkpoint with direct access to the lounge?

Thanks!

Johan

Dare we book a one-hour connection time at IST?

Here are the details:
We arrive IST at 13:45hrs on Alitalia flight from Rome on Fri Mar 22 on previously booked ticket (Assuming new Pope is elected by then, right?)
There are IST-to-Izmir (ADB) flights on Atlas leaving IST at 1500 and 1800.....one connection looks too short, one rather long.....

My thought is to book the later 1800 departure, but based on some good news from other FTers, we might make the 1500 departure..... does Atlas Airlines let you pay any increased fare at the gate? Or not be fussy about L fares?

More background and questions:
We want see ruins at Ephesus, which means a flight to Izmir (ADB).....
Our original plan was to see Istanbul for a few days, then do a day trip to Ephesus, which would mean an very early morning taxi from Istanbul hotel to IST airport (and back at night)......so avoid an extra trip to airport by going ahead to Izmir upon first arrival at IST airport???? Make sense?

......thanks for advice......

I agree with PaxCGN - I've done the transfer many times, however, it's always been TK to TK and I've had my boarding pass for the next flight. Last time I didn't, so I went through the Transfer Desk, which was only staffed by TK. I had luggage to re-check, so I had to go through Immigration, go upstairs to Departures and deal with that. Not sure if the airport is delay prone but in my experience, TK flights can be easily delayed. So, the only way you can make this short connection is if you already have your boarding pass for the connecting flight and only have carry on luggage. Otherwise, I would strongly advise against it.

I fly regularly between AMS and JNB in J class. For the past several years I've exclusively flown BA via LHR. I'm not completely satisfied with the airline nor their transfer hub, and have decided to test alternative options. TK via IST is first out. I've never flown TK, nor transfered at IST and therefore purposely booked longer connections that strictly necessary on both the outward and return legs. That should give me more time to find my way around, and I prefer traveling at a leisurly pace anyway. I do not check any luggage.

A few newbie questions:

1. Do flights to/from AMS/JNB usually use jetways at IST? Remote stands? Or is it just luck of the draw? Are the longhaul and shorthaul gates in different parts of the terminal?

2. As a transfer pax traveling in J I understand I have access to Fast Track security. Is there a dedicated lane that's easy to find, or do I have to cut in somehow at the head of the regular line?

3. If security at transfers looks like a chaotic mess, would it be worth my while to exit through arrivals (I do not need a visa) and then enter the terminal again from departures? I believe there is a dedicated security checkpoint with direct access to the lounge?

Thanks!

Johan

Beware that TK still uses in most days A343 with non lie-flat seats to JNB, but A333 from AMS :-)

1. Aircraft stands can alternate between small and large aircraft, did not see a rule applicable 100%. General rule of thumb is that in majority of the flights they use a jetway, but haveseen buses even for A333.

2. No fast-track for business. Unless the queue is strangely huge, normal security check is faster. If you choose the alternative, there is special immigration line, at the very right. Then you can use the direct entrance to the Lounge, at thevery left of the check-in area.

Thanks!

Johan

Questions:

1)Flying ATH to IST via A3 or TK...how much time will I need from leaving my ATH hotel (downtown) to the airport, and then to clear? I know Turkey is not yet a member of the EU, so appx how long is the check-in process, until boarding? Better choice of airline, or about the same?

2) We return home via DL #73, which I know entails lengthy security at the IST airport. Any estimates on what time we should depart our hotel Radisson Blu Bosphorus in order to arrive at IST airport, clear security, etc?

Thx.

I am flying EWR - IST on United arriving around 12:30 pm. I have a seperate ticket on TK from IST o TIP departing at 4:30 pm.

1. Do I need a visa?
2. Is this enough time?
3. TK lounge an option? Star Gold here.

Thanks for your help.

I am flying EWR - IST on United arriving around 12:30 pm. I have a seperate ticket on TK from IST o TIP departing at 4:30 pm.

1. Do I need a visa?
2. Is this enough time?
3. TK lounge an option? Star Gold here.

Thanks for your help.

No
Yes
Yes :D

I am flying EWR - IST on United arriving around 12:30 pm. I have a seperate ticket on TK from IST o TIP departing at 4:30 pm.

1. Do I need a visa?
2. Is this enough time?
3. TK lounge an option? Star Gold here.

Thanks for your help.

1) for transiting no.
2) i reckon it is enough time, if you have not delays.
3) yes since you are *g, you may use the tk lounge.

I was originally scheduled to fly PHX - EWR - IST - ASR on UA/TK but they cancelled the EWR-IST leg on the day I am travelling. So I have been rebooked on TK34 from IAH to IST. So I am now PHX-IAH-IST-ASR. Originally I had 4 hours to make my connection from IST to ASR but with the new flight I have only 1.5 hrs. I called and they said the min transit time is 75 minutes so I should be fine.
Can I really go through immigration at IST and still make my domestic flight in an hour and a half? I am travelling in business class if that helps.