UA: EWR-IST $638 ai round trip (everything included). [W fare $938 ai]
May 18, 2012, 10:24 am
#91
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Arlington, VA
Programs: UA 1K, AA PLT, SPG PLT
Posts: 1,612
I did a same day Delta turn mileage run to IST recently. In that case, I could find absolutely no way to get a boarding pass printed for Delta prior to arriving in IST since it was my "destination" not true transit airport. I tried online, I tried at Sky Club, and I even tried at a desk before I had to go through immigration at IST to no avail. I was only able to get my boarding pass by going to the actual Delta desk in IST past immigration.
Moral of the story: You must have your boarding pass for your departing IST flight. If you do, you are golden and I am not as familiar with what you can do on United. If not, no choice but to clear immigration. It was very easy on a Sunday for me and I made a 2 hour turn with no problems.
Moral of the story: You must have your boarding pass for your departing IST flight. If you do, you are golden and I am not as familiar with what you can do on United. If not, no choice but to clear immigration. It was very easy on a Sunday for me and I made a 2 hour turn with no problems.
Given that both times I went to IST, I had a visa already, I've never had this issue. However, when I was transiting there, I saw a few open 'transit desks' even at 05h00 that seemed like their sole purpose was to produce boarding passes for folks in transit. They might have been signed TK (I don't really remember), but I do know that there were security folks checking boarding passes (for onward travel) then sending passengers to the departure hall above, otherwise you were sent to the immigration line/visa windows.
-jeremy
May 18, 2012, 12:08 pm
#92
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 766
So, assuming you are a US citizen - you had to pay the US$30 visa fee at the window, then proceed through immigration, then immediately return?
Given that both times I went to IST, I had a visa already, I've never had this issue. However, when I was transiting there, I saw a few open 'transit desks' even at 05h00 that seemed like their sole purpose was to produce boarding passes for folks in transit. They might have been signed TK (I don't really remember), but I do know that there were security folks checking boarding passes (for onward travel) then sending passengers to the departure hall above, otherwise you were sent to the immigration line/visa windows.
-jeremy
Given that both times I went to IST, I had a visa already, I've never had this issue. However, when I was transiting there, I saw a few open 'transit desks' even at 05h00 that seemed like their sole purpose was to produce boarding passes for folks in transit. They might have been signed TK (I don't really remember), but I do know that there were security folks checking boarding passes (for onward travel) then sending passengers to the departure hall above, otherwise you were sent to the immigration line/visa windows.
-jeremy
I know exactly the desks you are speaking about and that is where I tried to get my boarding pass before going through immigration. It was what the security agent who checks boarding passes suggested when I tried to use the transiting walkways to the departure hall. I literally had a lady writing out a boarding pass for me, when her supervisor stepped in and pointed out this is my destination and I am not really "transiting" in the true sense of the word. I had the distinct suspicion he knew exactly what I was us to; heck I admitted it to him! At that point, I just abided and didn't waste time. I was in the departure lounge within 1/2 hour thanks to Elite status. (please note they have ways for you just jump to the head of the departure immigration lines if you have status)
May 18, 2012, 1:13 pm
#93
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Arlington, VA
Programs: UA 1K, AA PLT, SPG PLT
Posts: 1,612
Yes, I paid the fee, and went through immigration. I then went to the delta desk and went through immigration again after that.
I know exactly the desks you are speaking about and that is where I tried to get my boarding pass before going through immigration. It was what the security agent who checks boarding passes suggested when I tried to use the transiting walkways to the departure hall. I literally had a lady writing out a boarding pass for me, when her supervisor stepped in and pointed out this is my destination and I am not really "transiting" in the true sense of the word. I had the distinct suspicion he knew exactly what I was us to; heck I admitted it to him! At that point, I just abided and didn't waste time. I was in the departure lounge within 1/2 hour thanks to Elite status. (please note they have ways for you just jump to the head of the departure immigration lines if you have status)
I know exactly the desks you are speaking about and that is where I tried to get my boarding pass before going through immigration. It was what the security agent who checks boarding passes suggested when I tried to use the transiting walkways to the departure hall. I literally had a lady writing out a boarding pass for me, when her supervisor stepped in and pointed out this is my destination and I am not really "transiting" in the true sense of the word. I had the distinct suspicion he knew exactly what I was us to; heck I admitted it to him! At that point, I just abided and didn't waste time. I was in the departure lounge within 1/2 hour thanks to Elite status. (please note they have ways for you just jump to the head of the departure immigration lines if you have status)
And yes, I remember when waiting in IST for immigration to leave, I had a Comfort Class BP (TK) and I'm a *G, waiting in the normal line...I don't mind at all and I didn't need to rush, but a bunch of other people (Turks) all pointed to their BPs and skipped the queue, but I saw that a lot in the country, so I guess it's 'common' ;-)
-jeremy
May 18, 2012, 4:34 pm
#94
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: IAD
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Rewards - LTPP
Posts: 4,240
I did a same day Delta turn mileage run to IST recently. In that case, I could find absolutely no way to get a boarding pass printed for Delta prior to arriving in IST since it was my "destination" not true transit airport. I tried online, I tried at Sky Club, and I even tried at a desk before I had to go through immigration at IST to no avail. I was only able to get my boarding pass by going to the actual Delta desk in IST past immigration.
Moral of the story: You must have your boarding pass for your departing IST flight. If you do, you are golden and I am not as familiar with what you can do on United. If not, no choice but to clear immigration. It was very easy on a Sunday for me and I made a 2 hour turn with no problems.
Moral of the story: You must have your boarding pass for your departing IST flight. If you do, you are golden and I am not as familiar with what you can do on United. If not, no choice but to clear immigration. It was very easy on a Sunday for me and I made a 2 hour turn with no problems.
May 19, 2012, 11:36 am
#95
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 766
If you have 2 hours or more and have elite status, you are fine clearing immigration. Just be sure to use your status to jump the line for leaving the country.
May 22, 2012, 3:52 pm
#96
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
May 23, 2012, 7:26 am
#97
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 766
One other tip, as a Skyteam Elite, I recieved access to the Mellenium Lounge for free, but no showers. But, right across from there, the CIP VIP lounge I do believe has showers. I am going to use my lounge club membership from my Ink Bold to get in there for free on my next run to IST......
May 26, 2012, 8:31 am
#98
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: SEA
Programs: UA AS DL Hyatt SPG/Bonvoy HHonors
Posts: 2,008
Ticket-By?
Is there a ticket-by date for the IST W fare? I read through the ticket rules and didn't see any purchase-by date.
The routing rules from SEA are very generous, and allow a couple of intermediate connections in Europe - where you can do a 23-hour stopover for free, or a real stopover in each direction for $100 each.
The routing rules from SEA are very generous, and allow a couple of intermediate connections in Europe - where you can do a 23-hour stopover for free, or a real stopover in each direction for $100 each.
May 26, 2012, 7:56 pm
#99
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: IAD
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Rewards - LTPP
Posts: 4,240
Is there a ticket-by date for the IST W fare? I read through the ticket rules and didn't see any purchase-by date.
The routing rules from SEA are very generous, and allow a couple of intermediate connections in Europe - where you can do a 23-hour stopover for free, or a real stopover in each direction for $100 each.
The routing rules from SEA are very generous, and allow a couple of intermediate connections in Europe - where you can do a 23-hour stopover for free, or a real stopover in each direction for $100 each.
May 27, 2012, 7:08 am
#100
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
The cafeteria and other lounges are at the opposite end of the terminal from the TK elite check-in/premium security/immigration line and lounge entrance area.