Jul 21, 2015, 8:54 pm
Last edit by: ISTFlyer
It's strange this thread has no Wiki, so here it is, created 7/21/2015
PLEASE READ THE OP Post first
For case related questions ( ex: Am I eligible, etc... ) contact[email protected] first before posting your question here.
TK free hotel room rules:
Note:
- You still need e-VISA to enter Turkish for a Tour or Hotel. The prices vary by countries ($60 USD for Canadian, $20 for USA, etc...)
You can apply here at https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/
Tour website is at http://www.istanbulinhours.com/
There are 3 tours offered (Schedule)
A Bosphorus cruise, with food and drinks, is available for business class passengers of more than 7 hour layover (€183 as of Nov. 2017)
Here's a list of the common hotels that are reported in this thread:
Marriott Renaissance Polat Istanbul Hotel (72% TripAdvisor – most common)
Akgün Istanbul Hotel (44% TripAdvisor–common – far from the airport)
Wow Airport Hotel (56% TripAdvisor–common - very close to airport)
DoubleTree
Wyndham İstanbul Petek (92% TripAdvisor)
Radisson Blu Conference & Airport Hotel (53% TripAdvisor)
Hilton Garden Inn
Courtyard by Marriott Istanbul International Airport
Gonen Hotel Istanbul
Pullman Istanbul Airport Hotel
PLEASE READ THE OP Post first
For case related questions ( ex: Am I eligible, etc... ) contact[email protected] first before posting your question here.
TK free hotel room rules:
A complimentary hotel accommodation (maximum 2 nights) will be provided to our valuable passengers when there are more than 10 hours (for economy cabin passengers) and 7 or more hours (for business cabin passengers) waiting during their international connecting flights due to Turkish Airlines’ schedule structure. However, if your destination can be reached by an alternative flight to your first flight and the waiting time is less, you cannot take advantage of the hotel service. This service is not applicable when there is a shorter connection available within the time frame mentioned above. The first and the connecting flights must be with Turkish Airlines. All passengers must hold a confirmed reservation for the first and the connecting flights. Complimentary accommodation will be arranged with Turkish Airlines’ corporate partners and will be provided through the “Hotel Desk” located after the customs’ check point at the arrival. Passengers must check for any visa requirements when entering Turkey. In the event where a visa is not granted, Turkish Airlines assumes no responsibility for providing complimentary hotel accommodation.
Note:
- You still need e-VISA to enter Turkish for a Tour or Hotel. The prices vary by countries ($60 USD for Canadian, $20 for USA, etc...)
You can apply here at https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/
Tour website is at http://www.istanbulinhours.com/
There are 3 tours offered (Schedule)
- Tour 1 8:30am - 11am - Sightseeing Tour
- Tour 2 9am - 3pm - Tour
- Tour 3 9am - 6pm - Tour
- Tour 4 12pm - 6pm - Tour
- Tour 5 4pm - 9pm - Cultural Walk Tour
A Bosphorus cruise, with food and drinks, is available for business class passengers of more than 7 hour layover (€183 as of Nov. 2017)
Here's a list of the common hotels that are reported in this thread:
Marriott Renaissance Polat Istanbul Hotel (72% TripAdvisor – most common)
Akgün Istanbul Hotel (44% TripAdvisor–common – far from the airport)
Wow Airport Hotel (56% TripAdvisor–common - very close to airport)
DoubleTree
Wyndham İstanbul Petek (92% TripAdvisor)
Radisson Blu Conference & Airport Hotel (53% TripAdvisor)
Hilton Garden Inn
Courtyard by Marriott Istanbul International Airport
Gonen Hotel Istanbul
Pullman Istanbul Airport Hotel
FAQ 8: Free hotel/tour/cruise when connecting at IST
Nov 30, 2015, 11:37 am
#451
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,203
hotel vs tour
is it true that strct enforcement of 10+ hour layover based on shortest possible layover in schedule (not the flights u are taking) is for hotel only and tour is available to anyone with 7+ hour layover?
for example, instead of taking connection within 4 hours, if you opt for coonection in 14 hours, you are not entitles to hotel room but will you be allowed to join tour?
In past, some posters here had reported that they were allowed to join tour even next morning. Any recent data points or confirmed policy?
for example, instead of taking connection within 4 hours, if you opt for coonection in 14 hours, you are not entitles to hotel room but will you be allowed to join tour?
In past, some posters here had reported that they were allowed to join tour even next morning. Any recent data points or confirmed policy?
Dec 5, 2015, 8:38 am
#452
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 1
Hello everyone
I am new to the thread...so apologies in advance if my question has already been answered somewhere I am planning to travel from Toronto to Delhi in January. but there is a stopover in Istanbul for 10 hrs & 15mins approx. Am I eligible for the the tour from 12pm-6pm as I reach istanbul at 9.25am?
Thank you
I am new to the thread...so apologies in advance if my question has already been answered somewhere I am planning to travel from Toronto to Delhi in January. but there is a stopover in Istanbul for 10 hrs & 15mins approx. Am I eligible for the the tour from 12pm-6pm as I reach istanbul at 9.25am?
Thank you
Dec 5, 2015, 8:24 pm
#453
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 625
Hello everyone
I am new to the thread...so apologies in advance if my question has already been answered somewhere I am planning to travel from Toronto to Delhi in January. but there is a stopover in Istanbul for 10 hrs & 15mins approx. Am I eligible for the the tour from 12pm-6pm as I reach istanbul at 9.25am?
Thank you
I am new to the thread...so apologies in advance if my question has already been answered somewhere I am planning to travel from Toronto to Delhi in January. but there is a stopover in Istanbul for 10 hrs & 15mins approx. Am I eligible for the the tour from 12pm-6pm as I reach istanbul at 9.25am?
Thank you
Dec 6, 2015, 4:56 am
#454
Moderator, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles & Accor ALL
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: BRU
Programs: TK*G, Accor ALL Platinum
Posts: 7,592
Hello everyone
I am new to the thread...so apologies in advance if my question has already been answered somewhere I am planning to travel from Toronto to Delhi in January. but there is a stopover in Istanbul for 10 hrs & 15mins approx. Am I eligible for the the tour from 12pm-6pm as I reach istanbul at 9.25am?
Thank you
I am new to the thread...so apologies in advance if my question has already been answered somewhere I am planning to travel from Toronto to Delhi in January. but there is a stopover in Istanbul for 10 hrs & 15mins approx. Am I eligible for the the tour from 12pm-6pm as I reach istanbul at 9.25am?
Thank you
Dec 19, 2015, 12:54 pm
#455
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 10,971
Hi....just want to make sure:
1 - on the same PNR, can one to the free tour on one way (purposely book a long connection for the tour, pay for own hotel) and STPC hotel another way (forced connection overnight)?
2 - Is the STPC hotel offered even for the lowest TK Website fares (like $699 between USA and Europe)?
Thanks.
1 - on the same PNR, can one to the free tour on one way (purposely book a long connection for the tour, pay for own hotel) and STPC hotel another way (forced connection overnight)?
2 - Is the STPC hotel offered even for the lowest TK Website fares (like $699 between USA and Europe)?
Thanks.
Dec 19, 2015, 5:02 pm
#456
Join Date: May 2005
Location: UK
Programs: ROP *G, BAEC Gold, HH Lifetime Diamond
Posts: 969
FAQ 8: Free hotel/tour when connecting at IST
Hi all, I need some help please:
I am booked on TK1764 (HEL-IST) for a Sat departure connecting to TK9 (IST-LAX) next month (J class).
I chose the shortest connecting time for a Sat departure without realising that there is another flight (TK1426) that leaves Sunday morning that would connect me to TK9. I only notice this a week after I booked.
am I out of luck with the free hotel by TK? (I have used it in the past in the reverse direction from LAX)
thank you
I am booked on TK1764 (HEL-IST) for a Sat departure connecting to TK9 (IST-LAX) next month (J class).
I chose the shortest connecting time for a Sat departure without realising that there is another flight (TK1426) that leaves Sunday morning that would connect me to TK9. I only notice this a week after I booked.
am I out of luck with the free hotel by TK? (I have used it in the past in the reverse direction from LAX)
thank you
Dec 20, 2015, 9:14 am
#457
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: NAP
Programs: LH, BA, TK
Posts: 2,409
Hi all, I need some help please:
I am booked on TK1764 (HEL-IST) for a Sat departure connecting to TK9 (IST-LAX) next month (J class).
I chose the shortest connecting time for a Sat departure without realising that there is another flight (TK1426) that leaves Sunday morning that would connect me to TK9. I only notice this a week after I booked.
am I out of luck with the free hotel by TK? (I have used it in the past in the reverse direction from LAX)
thank you
I am booked on TK1764 (HEL-IST) for a Sat departure connecting to TK9 (IST-LAX) next month (J class).
I chose the shortest connecting time for a Sat departure without realising that there is another flight (TK1426) that leaves Sunday morning that would connect me to TK9. I only notice this a week after I booked.
am I out of luck with the free hotel by TK? (I have used it in the past in the reverse direction from LAX)
thank you
TK is strict about this perk.
Jan 11, 2016, 3:08 pm
#458
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,913
Question never been to IST before and have 9.5 hrs arriving late afternoon in J and next flight is very late also in J. I am really excited to spend alot of time in the CIP Lounge but after a long overnight flight from the USA, I feel like the Hotel will be welcome to take a nap and get back to the airport. I would ideally like to use the rooms in the lounge to sleep for a few hours and be in the leave for 4-5 hours. I feel like I may not have enough time to go through customs take transport to a local Hotel and come back to the airport. Do I need to get any Turkish Lira if I decide to do this and should I request a specific Hotel for them to place me that is very close. I have never done this before and would appreciate any feedback. Like I said arriving in J and departing in J for reference.
Jan 14, 2016, 1:48 pm
#459
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Nebraska
Programs: HH Diamond, MR LTGold, UA, AA, AS, DL, Global Entry & TSAPre✓
Posts: 192
New morning tour (8:30-11:00) - any experiences?
Each first entry into istanbulinhours.com still has a pop-over window advertising that a new tour option will be added as of 10.08.2015. There was earlier discussion whether that meant "October 8" vs. "10 August" but we are way beyond both of those at this point. The schedule does list it, with same sites each day of the week.
Has anyone tried this new option?
Any feedback whether it is worth it to leave the airport and come back in, all for a 2.5 hour tour??
We have qualifying layovers in both directions, and will be in business on all segments:
On the outbound, the layover is 9:10, but not arriving until 15:55. Will probably just stay in the lounge.
On the return, the layover is 8:10, arriving at 05:30 and departing at 13:40. That seems about right for the morning tour, while still providing time in the lounge.
Thanks for any insight!
Has anyone tried this new option?
Any feedback whether it is worth it to leave the airport and come back in, all for a 2.5 hour tour??
We have qualifying layovers in both directions, and will be in business on all segments:
On the outbound, the layover is 9:10, but not arriving until 15:55. Will probably just stay in the lounge.
On the return, the layover is 8:10, arriving at 05:30 and departing at 13:40. That seems about right for the morning tour, while still providing time in the lounge.
Thanks for any insight!
Jan 15, 2016, 10:43 pm
#460
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: FCO
Posts: 498
Hi to everybody.
I'll fly GRU-IST arriving at 21.50 and the first IST-FCO is at 08.35 on the next day so I'm sure eligible for free hotel accomodation because the shortest layover is always >10h.
But my question is another one: taking a later IST-FCO flight, for example at 16.20, will I be eligible anyway or could TK refuse to give me the free accomodation?
Thanks
I'll fly GRU-IST arriving at 21.50 and the first IST-FCO is at 08.35 on the next day so I'm sure eligible for free hotel accomodation because the shortest layover is always >10h.
But my question is another one: taking a later IST-FCO flight, for example at 16.20, will I be eligible anyway or could TK refuse to give me the free accomodation?
Thanks
Jan 16, 2016, 1:48 am
#461
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: NAP
Programs: LH, BA, TK
Posts: 2,409
Hi to everybody.
I'll fly GRU-IST arriving at 21.50 and the first IST-FCO is at 08.35 on the next day so I'm sure eligible for free hotel accomodation because the shortest layover is always >10h.
But my question is another one: taking a later IST-FCO flight, for example at 16.20, will I be eligible anyway or could TK refuse to give me the free accomodation?
Thanks
I'll fly GRU-IST arriving at 21.50 and the first IST-FCO is at 08.35 on the next day so I'm sure eligible for free hotel accomodation because the shortest layover is always >10h.
But my question is another one: taking a later IST-FCO flight, for example at 16.20, will I be eligible anyway or could TK refuse to give me the free accomodation?
Thanks
Well, as sure as the TK call center goes...
Please do report back.
Jan 16, 2016, 6:46 am
#462
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: TLV
Programs: TK Miles & Smiles Elite Plus
Posts: 217
Theoretically you should get it, but there are reports of people who were refused.
Call center won't help you. They will say it can only be arranged on the spot.
Call center won't help you. They will say it can only be arranged on the spot.
Jan 21, 2016, 12:22 pm
#463
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: LAX
Programs: AA EXP, AMEX PLAT, Priority Pass, Admirals Club, SPG Plat, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 222
Looking on the TK website I don't see anywhere that limits it to TK issued flights only. Can I use this service if I book TK Business through Aeroplan?
Jan 21, 2016, 4:21 pm
#464
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: YHZ
Programs: TK Elite, AC SE
Posts: 192
I flew TK in business class on an Aeroplan reward in November 2015, and was put up at the Polat Renaissance (very close to the airport) in both directions. I actually inquired as to whether I could get accommodation closer to the city centre, and was told that business class passengers were always given that hotel.
Jan 21, 2016, 11:02 pm
#465
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: SIN
Programs: EK GOLD, AZ FRECCIA ALATA, PR ELITE
Posts: 27
Accepting the Elite Challenge
I am planning to fly TK in 2 months time however, I would also like to avail the free hotel.
Weird question. Am I eligible for the hotel if I have an itinerary like this: SIN-IST-KUL? It will have minimum 12 hours "layover".
Another thing, any idea of the mileage that will be accrued as well?
Thanks.
Weird question. Am I eligible for the hotel if I have an itinerary like this: SIN-IST-KUL? It will have minimum 12 hours "layover".
Another thing, any idea of the mileage that will be accrued as well?
Thanks.