Originally Posted by
Tinseltown
For future reference: three hours before the flight. There’s nothing to do before check-in (not even a coffee shop in sight). Nice new airport though. IGA Lounge was not too full and we didn't have to queue (although there was a queue as we were leaving the lounge).
For those without lounge access, there are numerous nap areas, eateries, etc. Honestly, there’s more space than people know what to do with.
Too late to be of use to you this time but for future reference there is an upstairs area behind the check in desks but before security that has various restuarants and cafés. Although given the ridiculous prices charged at IST you had a lucky escape.