Originally Posted by
iCarpeDiem
Firstly, once checking in online and arriving 3 hours prior to the departure time, since we don't need to wait in line for the check in desk, where do we place our baggage? I'm aware we need to get baggage tags from the counter but dropping our baggage off, I'm not so sure. I am departing from Heathrow Terminal 3.
In order to check your baggage, you need to go to the counter. This usually means waiting in line, then the agent at the ticket counter will process your checked baggage, including confirming your identification, printing the baggage tags, and possibly collecting payment (if applicable). If you've already printed out your boarding pass from home, bring those with you. They may go ahead and print out new boarding passes anyway.
Originally Posted by
iCarpeDiem
Secondly, since we are connecting at Turkey, Istanbul Ataturk, will we able to print out both boarding passes for both flights, for Heathrow to Istanbul and for Istanbul to our destination? Also, if yes, can we print out both boarding passes for our arrival back to Heathrow?
Usually, you will get all your onward boarding passes at your initial departure point. That means if you're flying Heathrow-Ataturk-XYZ, you will get boarding passes for both segments at Heathrow. You will not need to print out new boarding passes for your next segment in Istanbul.
Originally Posted by
iCarpeDiem
Thirdly, since we will have to print out our boarding papers at home, once we arrive at the airport, do we go straight from dropping our baggage to security checks and from there wait in the departure lounge for our flight? Is this what the 'Fast Track' signs at the airport mean?
You don't HAVE to print them from home, this is just an option that is provided to you. You can check in online the night before and print from the airport the next day. You don't even HAVE to check in 24 hours ahead of time. You can check in once you arrive at the airport for your flight, but it's generally "safer" to do so ahead of time in the event of traffic or some other circumstance delaying your arrival to the airport.
Originally Posted by
iCarpeDiem
Fourthly, on our reservation, we might have selected an aisle seat and window seat as our preference. Can I change my seat preference to any other seats for those that I have specified when checking in online? So, if I've chosen a window seat, can I change this seat to a non-aisle seat? Or will I only be allowed to choose window seats?
Originally Posted by
iCarpeDiem
Fifthly, this 'liquids and baggage' allowance and rules are the most annoying. I'm travelling economy, internationally and the Turkish Airline website says 20kg is allowed per adult. However, my family is convinced it's 30kg per person...! Someone explain that it isn't, or am I wrong?
Show the website to your family. You appear to be correct, your family incorrect. If you have further questions, contact the airline directly. There are also different limits for hand luggage (carryon) vs. checked luggage, so be sure you're both talking about the same thing.
Originally Posted by
iCarpeDiem
Finally, I have found out that one plane we are travelling in is a three by three seat plane, meaning there is only one aisle. This sounds quite crammed? Anyone experienced this type of seat plan before since I'm fairly new to this all new smaller plane than what I usually fly on.
Depends on the type of plane, but it sounds like a standard mid-size aircraft, like a Boeing 737 or Airbus A320. It's not particularly cramped, in my opinion. Also, width is usually not the issue, but seat pitch (basically, legroom).
www.seatguru.com shows the seating configurations for most airlines. Look up the aircraft on which you'll be traveling with Turkish for further thoughts on the seating charts. 31"-32" is generally considered a little snug, 33" is decent, 34"+ is considered pretty roomy.