The Newbie Zone: ask your questions here
Jun 17, 2015, 10:23 pm
#901
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: DTW
Programs: TK E+, WY, Radisson R
Posts: 2,360
See answers in red italic
First time flying Turkish Airlines few questions:
1. Flying Dublin-IST-HKG in IST will I need to get a transit visa or anything or is it just a straight forward transfer no visa needed, straight transfer if under 1 PNR and under 24 hours
2. Have a decent layover in IST am I stuck with the normal *G lounges /any worth visiting
You may use this lounge if you have United MP vanilla *G (1P) or higher
http://www.yelp.com/biz/turkish-airl...ounge-istanbul
3. Or would I be better off with a 8 hr layover leaving the airport and coming back ? I get into IST at 5:20 PM and fly out at 1:15 AM
Possible but not worth it for 8 hours considering you have lounge access.
The traffics in Istanbul are among the worst in the world (this is not an understatement), you have to see it to believe. You may also need visa depending your nationality. If you really want to see something in 8 hours outside the airport after getting visa, go to Şirinevler (Ataköy) metro station, about 2-3 stops from the airport station and see where locals live, shop and hang out during the evening, and get back to the airport with enough time to eat, relax, and get shower before flying to HKG.
1. Flying Dublin-IST-HKG in IST will I need to get a transit visa or anything or is it just a straight forward transfer no visa needed, straight transfer if under 1 PNR and under 24 hours
2. Have a decent layover in IST am I stuck with the normal *G lounges /any worth visiting
You may use this lounge if you have United MP vanilla *G (1P) or higher
http://www.yelp.com/biz/turkish-airl...ounge-istanbul
3. Or would I be better off with a 8 hr layover leaving the airport and coming back ? I get into IST at 5:20 PM and fly out at 1:15 AM
Possible but not worth it for 8 hours considering you have lounge access.
The traffics in Istanbul are among the worst in the world (this is not an understatement), you have to see it to believe. You may also need visa depending your nationality. If you really want to see something in 8 hours outside the airport after getting visa, go to Şirinevler (Ataköy) metro station, about 2-3 stops from the airport station and see where locals live, shop and hang out during the evening, and get back to the airport with enough time to eat, relax, and get shower before flying to HKG.
Jun 19, 2015, 10:58 pm
#902
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Berkeley, CA
Posts: 125
Another noob/silly question. Flying to Istanbul from Kathmandu tomorrow (Economy).
What's the 'best'/'efficient' way of upgrading? I have points with US airways (50k) but I don't think they belong to same alliance/group.
What's the 'best'/'efficient' way of upgrading? I have points with US airways (50k) but I don't think they belong to same alliance/group.
Jun 20, 2015, 1:58 am
#903
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Planet Earth
Programs: | *G | STE | HGP ♦ | SPG Au | MR Au
Posts: 3,772
Jun 23, 2015, 2:35 pm
#904
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: WC1
Programs: BAEC Gold, SK *G, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 660
I haven't had activity on my M&S account for over a year, and I have decided to use all my miles for a redemption in August. However, in order to do this, I would like to purchase a few thousand miles. The website doesn't allow me to do this, saying that:
"at least one Turkish Airlines or Star Alliance member Airlines flight should be registered automatically (during check-in or reservation) into the membership account within one year."
What does this actually mean? If I were to book a Star Alliance flight tonight and input my M&S FF number into it, would I then be able to purchase miles?
"at least one Turkish Airlines or Star Alliance member Airlines flight should be registered automatically (during check-in or reservation) into the membership account within one year."
What does this actually mean? If I were to book a Star Alliance flight tonight and input my M&S FF number into it, would I then be able to purchase miles?
Jun 24, 2015, 7:37 am
#905
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: IST
Programs: TK E+ | HHD | Marriott TE LTG | etc.
Posts: 286
You have to fly that itinerary on a qualifying flight, earn miles for that flight to your TK M&S account. Also, your booking class has to be eligible for earning miles on TK.
Jun 24, 2015, 4:05 pm
#907
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 11,593
I'm very much a TK virgin but I am researching a trip to Alexandria (HBE) and TK the best fares and reputation.
Flights will be in whY and I have a choice of A321 or A330 to/from IST. What would be the better aircraft for a couple? I presume the A330 given it will have AVOD (?) and 2-4-2 config?
Are TK using a lounge in HBE? I know it will be horrible but it will be some place to wait away from the rest of the pax.
Is (middle) seat-blocking common on TK? Soft bennie?
I already have Star Gold, is it worthwhile getting a match to TK just for this set of flights? Preference for op-ups etc? I heard TK flights can be very oversold.
Flights will be in whY and I have a choice of A321 or A330 to/from IST. What would be the better aircraft for a couple? I presume the A330 given it will have AVOD (?) and 2-4-2 config?
Are TK using a lounge in HBE? I know it will be horrible but it will be some place to wait away from the rest of the pax.
Is (middle) seat-blocking common on TK? Soft bennie?
I already have Star Gold, is it worthwhile getting a match to TK just for this set of flights? Preference for op-ups etc? I heard TK flights can be very oversold.
Jun 25, 2015, 2:15 am
#908
Join Date: Nov 2005
Programs: BA Gold, TP Silver
Posts: 888
M&S upgrades: http://www.turkishairlines.com/en-in...-smiles/awards
UA star alliance upgrades (note booking class requirements) http://www.united.com/web/en-US/cont...rade/saua.aspx
Jun 25, 2015, 2:18 am
#909
Join Date: Nov 2005
Programs: BA Gold, TP Silver
Posts: 888
I'm very much a TK virgin but I am researching a trip to Alexandria (HBE) and TK the best fares and reputation.
Flights will be in whY and I have a choice of A321 or A330 to/from IST. What would be the better aircraft for a couple? I presume the A330 given it will have AVOD (?) and 2-4-2 config?
Are TK using a lounge in HBE? I know it will be horrible but it will be some place to wait away from the rest of the pax.
Is (middle) seat-blocking common on TK? Soft bennie?
I already have Star Gold, is it worthwhile getting a match to TK just for this set of flights? Preference for op-ups etc? I heard TK flights can be very oversold.
Flights will be in whY and I have a choice of A321 or A330 to/from IST. What would be the better aircraft for a couple? I presume the A330 given it will have AVOD (?) and 2-4-2 config?
Are TK using a lounge in HBE? I know it will be horrible but it will be some place to wait away from the rest of the pax.
Is (middle) seat-blocking common on TK? Soft bennie?
I already have Star Gold, is it worthwhile getting a match to TK just for this set of flights? Preference for op-ups etc? I heard TK flights can be very oversold.
- star-alliance lounge finder doesn't show a lounge available (never been there though)
- no middle seat blocking
- preference for op-ups definitely there, also better recognition of elite status - decision depends on whether you want to accumulate miles on your existing program
Jun 27, 2015, 3:10 pm
#910
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: London
Programs: BA - Gold for Life, CCR & GGL; IC Spire Elite Ambassador; Diamond Hilton Honors; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 6,720
I should be grateful if someone would clarify the check in and lounge arrangements at BJV as I am a little unclear about the following on TK's website:
"Passengers travelling on domestic flights from Bodrum Airport will now have to head to the check-in counters in Terminal A, instead of Terminal B. The change will be effective as of 6 a.m., Dec. 5 and will not apply to the passengers who use Turkish Airlines lounge in the airport."
I will be flying in J.
Thanks.
"Passengers travelling on domestic flights from Bodrum Airport will now have to head to the check-in counters in Terminal A, instead of Terminal B. The change will be effective as of 6 a.m., Dec. 5 and will not apply to the passengers who use Turkish Airlines lounge in the airport."
I will be flying in J.
Thanks.
Flying from Bodrum to Istanbul next month so keen to know the check in and lounge arrangements.
Thank you.
Jun 28, 2015, 3:40 am
#911
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Indianapolis
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Gold, HH Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 383
First time TK flyer here.
I'm in business class JFK-IST and IST-ORD. Does TK serve alcoholic pre-departure beverages (sparkling wine, mimosas as examples)? I don't want to pull an etiquette faux pas if they don't...
I'm in business class JFK-IST and IST-ORD. Does TK serve alcoholic pre-departure beverages (sparkling wine, mimosas as examples)? I don't want to pull an etiquette faux pas if they don't...
Jun 28, 2015, 3:52 am
#912
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: GYD
Programs: Azerbaijan Airlines Gold, Turkish Miles and Smiles, IHG Plat
Posts: 663
No. They bring round a tray with about 4 choices - juice, water and 2 other great drinks - a lemonade type of drink plus a pink drink which I think is strawberry. Recommend the strawberry one.
Jun 28, 2015, 7:44 am
#913
Join Date: May 2000
Location: HFA
Posts: 1,712
But if you ask politely for a glass of champagne before take off, you will get one. It's real champagne, although they only have a single type of glasses for all beverages. And they're usually eager to please, so your request will more often than not be granted with a smile.
Shuly
Jun 29, 2015, 2:54 am
#915
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Indianapolis
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Gold, HH Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 383
The pink is raspberry. And they call the lemonade "home made" though I doubt it is.
But if you ask politely for a glass of champagne before take off, you will get one. It's real champagne, although they only have a single type of glasses for all beverages. And they're usually eager to please, so your request will more often than not be granted with a smile.
Shuly
But if you ask politely for a glass of champagne before take off, you will get one. It's real champagne, although they only have a single type of glasses for all beverages. And they're usually eager to please, so your request will more often than not be granted with a smile.
Shuly