TK's Flagship IST *G Lounge [2015 onwards Master Thread]
 

To make it easier to search and find up to date information about TK's International CIP lounge at IST this new thread has been created. You can find the previous thread here.

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Given this, what options do I have for having a 8.5hr layover between 2 TK longhauls (>10h)? Traveling in J, no FF status.

With that much time, I'd endeavor to go into the city (there's a metro in the basement of IST, not far from a supermarket) for a spell. Upon returning to IST, I'd use the J-class (and TK Elite +) immigration post/security check that leads directly into the lounge and feast.

On a 8,5 hr layower in J you get a hotel room if your onward flight is the closest to your arrival,with the new metro from Yenikapi to Taksim,you can be in Taksim in apr 45 minutes,or you can take a very short cab to the Sultanahmet area from Yenikapi,which is the last stop now on the airport metro line,plenty of time.

Do not take a cab.though,the airport is the last stop,so you will always get a seat on the train,and its much faster,at almost any time the train operates.

Appreciated !

Thank you both. I will be in Istanbul during the first half of my trip for a 2-3 days (few more days allocated for Cappadocia); I suppose given that short trip it wouldn't hurt to make another day trip! Some last minute treats shopping on the way back to Canada.

Otherwise, I now know the hotel would be an option as well, as my outbound flight is the earliest available. Thanks again for the info!

EDIT: For a separate flight - I have a TK J departing at 0115, I assume I wouldn't need to wait till 0001 before I can access the lounge? Referring to this post: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/21188506-post2.html

Lounge is open h24 . No problem for an early access.

Thought that should be the case. Thanks!

Istanbul Turkish Air - World's finest airline lounge?
 

We were in the TK Lounge in IST last week, and it is by FARRRRRRRRRRRRRRR the best lounge I've ever been in.

And that covers top end lounges for most carriers globally. :cool:

Indeed we had 12 hours in the Thai First Class Lounge in Bangkok each way, and there is no comparison, fine as that is.

Massive and clean and modern, on 2 open plan levels with a pool table, library, mini 'Formula 1' racing track, golf driving range, Pianos on each level, many cooks working on whatever you want, endless food and beverage stations, masseuses walking around offering neck massages - the list goes on and on and on.

Makes any UA Red Carpet Club look like a homeless shelter. :D

Even the bathrooms are out of this world - with a wall of TV sets etc. :cool:

Can anyone point to a finer lounge they've been in?

Glen


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Wow ,Thanks for the Fotos and Info it looks realy nice, by the way 99% of the US Airlines Lounges are realy like for homeless ones, with no food at all no open self service bar no showers and so on.

Istanbul Turkish Air - World's finest airline lounge?
 

I agree. I've been in and out several times this week, next time will be Friday. I love it

the entertainment and distractions are great to keep kids entertained, but i travel solo, and dont partake in any of that

my main problem with this lounge is that it is farrrrr too crowded. at all times of the day. what im looking for in travel is less so amenities, but rather privacy.

i do appreciate its hours, and especially the food selection. connecting through IST at all strange times of the day, for variable duration, its a pleasure to have real food. e.g. rushing back home after a business meeting.

the secure luggage hold is also nice.


but i will take LH FC, LX's FC, TG's RF, BA's CCR any day for the to-order food and service.

likewise most asian carrier's like CX's various lounges at HKG or ANA's with the noodle bar........

Istanbul Turkish Air - World's finest airline lounge?
 

Crowding can be a problem but I rarely find the downstairs to be over crowded. When it does get very crowded it can be difficult to get a wifi signal.

As for privacy there is this really nice room to the right as you walk in full of lazy boys. Would be a great place to relax if they didn't insist on blasting music from the tv. I spent four hours in the lounge this morning and they were showing a Coldplay concert in there. Very loud. Oh well

One thing I don't think anyone's ever mentioned in the voluminous number of threads on this lounge - it is fantastically easy to meet people here. There are hordes of people about, some killing many hours. If one isn't shy it is an incredibly easy place to strike up a conversation

I've read a lot about this one...I assume it's for those flying 3-cabin F on TK metal only, right?

Did you sample (or notice) their selection of Scotch?

LH FCT still occupies the #1 slot for me. Only place I've ever been where I wanted to shoo them away when they came to gather me for my flight. :p Can you just hold the 747 while I finish one more Glenfarclas? They only have Johnnie Blue on the flight... :(

I think it is for all *G. I didn't check the Scotch; I gravitate to the wines, which I wouldn't consider a really great selection compared to LH's lounge offerings