As for the travel grant, it shouldn't be a problem. It's just that they have a hard limit (~$1700), and sometimes will give you even less if they feel that your entire trip "shouldn't have to cost so much" (eye-roll). We can choose our airlines/hotels, but they are stingy in general (I am a university professor, so I need to deal with the university department which deals with budgets). It's not them sending me out; it's me getting an invitation for a professional talk and presentation. The inviting institution pays me, but travel is not covered (very common in academia! you've no idea how cheap they can be). Thus, the necessity for a travel grant from my own university.
No worries , when i lived in ankara i had friends working in hacettepe , bilkent or tubitak and they told me how it works , i thought you had a private employer
I've been to all of the lounges at IST (since I work in Turkey). I fully agree with you about the ST lounge; it's a bit small and not really comparable to the TK one. Ironically though, the food is more delicious, but that's personal preference.
well the catering in the skyteam lounge + IGA lounge is the same (only minor differences) , but they are both operated by IGA . Depending on the day food can be good there , but TK definitely wins for variety of choices