Originally Posted by
br2k
Hello all!
I have a very long connection at IST on one ticket (SQ to TK). I will also need to get my bags in town - so will check them to IST only (and re-check later).
- Can I visit the lounge at arrival first (using my boarding pass for the next TK flight late in the day), and then exit outside through immigration?
Thanks!
In order to be eligible to visit TK's arrival lounge in IST you need 1) to be arriving to IST on a long-haul TK flight AND 2) have flown TK business on that flight, or be a TK Elite Plus. The lounge is quite small but pretty nice and decent. There are beverages, snacks, light food, beds/couches, showers, and you can order warm sandwiches and Turkish coffee
Originally Posted by
br2k
- How is the process for unclaimed bags at baggage claim/how safe is the area? I.e. will it be ok to let my bag spin for a while or go into baggage office, and pick it up an hour or two later?
TK Lounge Arrivals is located after immigration and baggage claim, just next to the terminal's exit. So you have to leave the secure area to visit it, meaning than reclaiming your bags could be problematic once you are out.
Do you need all of your bags in town? If not you could try checking the rest of your luggage all the way to your final destination, even if the connection if very long. I have done before for a 12-hours layover in IST, for flights booked separately and with different booking refs (although both of them were with TK).