The Newbie Zone: ask your questions here
Dec 10, 2013, 1:21 am
#286
Moderator, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles & Accor ALL
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: BRU
Programs: TK*G, Accor ALL Platinum
Posts: 7,586
What you encountered is a mix between normal security checks and airline mandated passport checks. Gate checks and airline queue checks are designed to make sure pax have the correct passport and visa where applicable. The airlines want to make sure they don't have to pay huge fines if they fly pax without required documentation. This is especially true for flights from non EU countries (such as Turkey) to the EU and the US.
IST's security check when entering the terminal is somewhat unique for a large hub and adds another layer.
IST's security check when entering the terminal is somewhat unique for a large hub and adds another layer.
I don't have a TK question, but I figured this might be the best place to ask. I was leaving IST last week and was confused by the number of security checks at the airport. It seemed excessive and it sounds like it could have been worse, especially if I was going directly to the US.
I had heard about the initial checkpoint just to get into the airport. Then an airport worker checked my passport just to get in line at the LH counter. He put a sticker on the passport. After going through passport control, i found my gate which was being used for a TK flight. After that flight left, another airport worker kicked everyone out of the gate area, made us line up, and checked our passports and boarding passes again. This was for a LH flight to MUC.
Was there a point to all of this? Is it unique to IST? I've only been to Europe a couple of times and never seen anything like this. It seemed strange and pointless.
Another strange thing was that nobody ever asked to see my visa, other than the Swiss airline counter agent at ORD. I purchased it online. I don't remember anyone scanning my passport though. I thought he just stamped it entering the airport, but I was tired so I could be wrong.
I had heard about the initial checkpoint just to get into the airport. Then an airport worker checked my passport just to get in line at the LH counter. He put a sticker on the passport. After going through passport control, i found my gate which was being used for a TK flight. After that flight left, another airport worker kicked everyone out of the gate area, made us line up, and checked our passports and boarding passes again. This was for a LH flight to MUC.
Was there a point to all of this? Is it unique to IST? I've only been to Europe a couple of times and never seen anything like this. It seemed strange and pointless.
Another strange thing was that nobody ever asked to see my visa, other than the Swiss airline counter agent at ORD. I purchased it online. I don't remember anyone scanning my passport though. I thought he just stamped it entering the airport, but I was tired so I could be wrong.
Dec 15, 2013, 10:55 am
#287
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum
Posts: 3,704
does TK offer bonus mile earning for J on SQ, a la LH and TAP? When I go to the TK Partners page and click on SQ, it leads to a broken link.
EDIT: The Aussie version of the link is alive. It says 150% on J.
EDIT: The Aussie version of the link is alive. It says 150% on J.
Dec 16, 2013, 10:41 am
#289
Moderator, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles & Accor ALL
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: BRU
Programs: TK*G, Accor ALL Platinum
Posts: 7,586
Dec 16, 2013, 11:43 am
#291
Moderator, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles & Accor ALL
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: BRU
Programs: TK*G, Accor ALL Platinum
Posts: 7,586
Dec 17, 2013, 1:41 am
#292
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: CDG
Programs: TK Elite
Posts: 1,611
Thanks for the above.
I have another question, I credited some miles on A3 a few months ago after flying TK and I am regretting it, is there anyway I could ask A3 to remove those miles and get them credited on TK?
I have another question, I credited some miles on A3 a few months ago after flying TK and I am regretting it, is there anyway I could ask A3 to remove those miles and get them credited on TK?
Dec 17, 2013, 1:45 am
#293
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: ARN
Programs: AC UA TK FI DL
Posts: 800
You should focus on accumulating A3 then, or else those miles will be wasted.
Dec 17, 2013, 2:14 am
#295
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: ARN
Programs: AC UA TK FI DL
Posts: 800
Just focus on A3, same crap, different program. Dealing with TK is not easy, unless you speak Turkish. Too many horror stories to tell, just scroll through the forum.
At least with A3, they have English speaking agents, and A3 gold is way easier to maintain.
With gold status, you get all the perks anyways. Upgrades are only available if seats are available anyways, which more times than not, they are not available.
At least with A3, they have English speaking agents, and A3 gold is way easier to maintain.
With gold status, you get all the perks anyways. Upgrades are only available if seats are available anyways, which more times than not, they are not available.
Dec 17, 2013, 3:57 am
#297
Join Date: Mar 2009
Programs: LT NoN REV
Posts: 566
Just focus on A3, same crap, different program. Dealing with TK is not easy, unless you speak Turkish. Too many horror stories to tell, just scroll through the forum.
At least with A3, they have English speaking agents, and A3 gold is way easier to maintain.
With gold status, you get all the perks anyways. Upgrades are only available if seats are available anyways, which more times than not, they are not available.
At least with A3, they have English speaking agents, and A3 gold is way easier to maintain.
With gold status, you get all the perks anyways. Upgrades are only available if seats are available anyways, which more times than not, they are not available.
I stıll get the same treatment and results as ı were to communıcate ın englısh.
Dec 17, 2013, 4:16 am
#298
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: CDG
Programs: TK Elite
Posts: 1,611
Dec 17, 2013, 9:46 am
#299
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: ARN
Programs: AC UA TK FI DL
Posts: 800
Status for A3 gold is valid for 3 years. With minimal upkeep.
Status for TK gold is valid for 2 years. With mileage upkeep requirements.
Simple google searches of the programs and reading their T&C will provide you with all the answers if you wish to educate yourself.
Dec 17, 2013, 12:24 pm
#300
Join Date: Aug 2010
Programs: TK Elite Plus, SAS EBG, QR Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,297
C'mon you are asking for too much! Life long *Gold status for nothing, and you still expect upgrade vouchers… No TK don't provide upgrade vouchers for the regular Elite (lowest Star Gold level), only Elite Plus get the vouchers.