Oct 5, 2018, 9:18 am
Last edit by: ISTFlyer
Please note that this thread discusses only TK operations from the new airport. There will be no discussion of the politics involved. These can take place in OMNI PR. Anyone interested in general issue surrounding the new airport may find these in the "Europe" forum. The usual FT rules apply.
For a general discussion about the airport, not related to TK, please visit: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/europe/1955797-istanbul-new-airport-ist-isl-master-thread.html
Lounge questions have now a dedicated thread: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/turkish-airlines-miles-smiles/1963594-tk-istanbul-airport-thread-2-lounges.html
starflyergold
TK forum moderator
-----------------
This is the list of all Istanbul Airport threads where you could find more details related to your question if it's discussed in one of the forums below.
TK in Istanbul Airport: Thread #1 - General Discussion ( YOU ARE HERE )
This is the thread that you could ask your questions about the airport related to Turkish Airlines which doesn't have a dedicated thread. For example questions about check-in desks, the Miniport service, fast-track security, care points, etc... could be asked here if they are directly or indirectly related to TK.
TK in Istanbul Airport: Thread #2 - Lounges
This is the thread dedicated for lounges and questions about the TK lounges at Istanbul Airport. Sleeping rooms in the lounge could be discussed in the third thread as it's mainly related to longer connections. Please do refer to the respective threads in the Europe forum for other contract lounges at Istanbul Airport and PriorityPass lounges.
TK in Istanbul Airport: Thread #3 - Stopover Hotel, Touristanbul, Sleeping Rooms
This is the thread for passengers booked a long connection. The thread has a guide that would give basic information about the free city tour, the stopover hotel option for eligible passengers as well as the sleeping rooms in the lounges in Istanbul Airport. For issues onlyrelated hotel suggestions refer to the Europe forum.
TK in Istanbul Airport: Thread #4 - Transferring/Transit at Istanbul Airport
This is the thread were you could ask your questions about any type of transfer at Istanbul Airport. Such as what to do within a xxx hour layover, or facilities at the transfer area directly related to transit issues. Also questions related to transfer security, immigration in single/seperate tickets could be discussed here. As well as what to do in case of misconnections. The transfer hotel where passengers could access by paying: YOTEL has a dedicated thread where you could find here.
TK in Istanbul Airport: Thread #5 - Miles&Smiles Card Pickup at Istanbul Airport
If you want to pickup your Miles&Smiles card in Istanbul Airport, please consult this thread where you would be able to find the locations of the card print points for Miles&Smiles members.
There are also threads not only related to the TK pax but to all passengers traveling from Istanbul Airport. These take place in the Europe forum.
Istanbul Airport Master Thread
For any question related to the airport instead of TK ( facilities, pay-to-use services not related to TK, transportation, rental car services, hotel services, non-TK lounges ) please consult this thread in the Europe forum. Also please discuss, Flightradar24 related ADS-B issues, delays related to the airport here, unless it's a direct TK issue.
PriorityPass Lounges in Istanbul Airport
There is no PriorityPass Lounges at Istanbul Airport at the moment. However, I would update this thread when there is an available lounge for PriorityPass at the airport.
I (ISTFlyer) have removed the FAQ's as they are now all answered in the respective WIKI sections of the respective forums.
For a general discussion about the airport, not related to TK, please visit: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/europe/1955797-istanbul-new-airport-ist-isl-master-thread.html
Lounge questions have now a dedicated thread: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/turkish-airlines-miles-smiles/1963594-tk-istanbul-airport-thread-2-lounges.html
starflyergold
TK forum moderator
-----------------
This is the list of all Istanbul Airport threads where you could find more details related to your question if it's discussed in one of the forums below.
TK in Istanbul Airport: Thread #1 - General Discussion ( YOU ARE HERE )
This is the thread that you could ask your questions about the airport related to Turkish Airlines which doesn't have a dedicated thread. For example questions about check-in desks, the Miniport service, fast-track security, care points, etc... could be asked here if they are directly or indirectly related to TK.
TK in Istanbul Airport: Thread #2 - Lounges
This is the thread dedicated for lounges and questions about the TK lounges at Istanbul Airport. Sleeping rooms in the lounge could be discussed in the third thread as it's mainly related to longer connections. Please do refer to the respective threads in the Europe forum for other contract lounges at Istanbul Airport and PriorityPass lounges.
TK in Istanbul Airport: Thread #3 - Stopover Hotel, Touristanbul, Sleeping Rooms
This is the thread for passengers booked a long connection. The thread has a guide that would give basic information about the free city tour, the stopover hotel option for eligible passengers as well as the sleeping rooms in the lounges in Istanbul Airport. For issues onlyrelated hotel suggestions refer to the Europe forum.
TK in Istanbul Airport: Thread #4 - Transferring/Transit at Istanbul Airport
This is the thread were you could ask your questions about any type of transfer at Istanbul Airport. Such as what to do within a xxx hour layover, or facilities at the transfer area directly related to transit issues. Also questions related to transfer security, immigration in single/seperate tickets could be discussed here. As well as what to do in case of misconnections. The transfer hotel where passengers could access by paying: YOTEL has a dedicated thread where you could find here.
TK in Istanbul Airport: Thread #5 - Miles&Smiles Card Pickup at Istanbul Airport
If you want to pickup your Miles&Smiles card in Istanbul Airport, please consult this thread where you would be able to find the locations of the card print points for Miles&Smiles members.
There are also threads not only related to the TK pax but to all passengers traveling from Istanbul Airport. These take place in the Europe forum.
Istanbul Airport Master Thread
For any question related to the airport instead of TK ( facilities, pay-to-use services not related to TK, transportation, rental car services, hotel services, non-TK lounges ) please consult this thread in the Europe forum. Also please discuss, Flightradar24 related ADS-B issues, delays related to the airport here, unless it's a direct TK issue.
PriorityPass Lounges in Istanbul Airport
There is no PriorityPass Lounges at Istanbul Airport at the moment. However, I would update this thread when there is an available lounge for PriorityPass at the airport.
I (ISTFlyer) have removed the FAQ's as they are now all answered in the respective WIKI sections of the respective forums.
TK operations from "Istanbul Airport" aka Istanbul New Airport (ISL/IST)
Apr 14, 2019, 8:30 pm
#691
Join Date: Apr 2019
Programs: United, Qatar, Marriott, IHG, Emirates
Posts: 4
Priority Pass for Istanbul Airport
To answer the question whether there is a Priority Pass lounge in the new Istanbul Airport, I just did a search in the PP app and as of this morning the only PP lounges listed in Istanbul are at the other airport (SAW). I have emailed PP to confirm this.
But at this time the answer to whether there are PP lounges in the new Istanbul Airport is apparently no...
But at this time the answer to whether there are PP lounges in the new Istanbul Airport is apparently no...
Apr 14, 2019, 8:31 pm
#692
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
To answer the question whether there is a Priority Pass lounge in the new Istanbul Airport, I just did a search in the PP app and as of this morning the only PP lounges listed in Istanbul are at the other airport (SAW). I have emailed PP to confirm this.
But at this time the answer about if there are PP lounges in the new Istanbul Airport is apparently no...
But at this time the answer about if there are PP lounges in the new Istanbul Airport is apparently no...
Apr 14, 2019, 8:41 pm
#693
Join Date: Apr 2019
Programs: United, Qatar, Marriott, IHG, Emirates
Posts: 4
Apr 15, 2019, 12:11 am
#694
Join Date: Dec 2018
Posts: 310
Oh dear. Somebody over on the BA forum is not at all impressed by the new airport ... or, indeed, by Turkish Airlines.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30998682-post177.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30998682-post177.html
Apr 15, 2019, 12:19 am
#695
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Kent, UK
Programs: M&S Elite+, BAEC Silver
Posts: 3,681
Walking through the terminal on Saturday, it is noticeable that some parts have been put together in a hurry. The floor ceramic tiles in places are a mess and would under normal circumstances have been relaid.
Apr 15, 2019, 12:32 am
#696
Moderator, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles & Accor ALL
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: BRU
Programs: TK*G, Accor ALL Platinum
Posts: 7,604
Apr 15, 2019, 2:02 am
#697
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Ljubljana, Slovenia
Programs: Skywards, Miles&More
Posts: 111
People forget quickly.... https://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/27/w....11482919.html
Apr 15, 2019, 4:04 am
#698
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: YYZ / HKG / DXB
Programs: Emirates Silver, Marriott Platinum... Previously AC*SE100K, Star Alliance Gold, Bonvoy Ambassador
Posts: 127
Thanks for the detailed response!
Do you know if Uber or Careem can be used in Istanbul?
Also do you know if there is luggage storage at the new airport?
Do you know if Uber or Careem can be used in Istanbul?
Also do you know if there is luggage storage at the new airport?
Hi and welcome to FT,
First you need to clear customs and immigration only if you intend to enter Turkey ( similar to European countries and the opposite of North American ones ); yes, there is a fast track lane at the arrivals level at Istanbul Airport. Check for the Turkish Airlines Fast Track point which may be confused with the IGA Fast Track Point ( pay to use service ). By guessing that you are not a Turkish citizen, it would take 10-15 minutes max in the fast track lane and up to an hour ( or more in peak hours ) at the regular lane. However, if the airport is empty during your arrival, you would have the luck to clear immigration within 5 minutes.
If you have a 8 hour layover, it's technically possible to spend 3h 30mins in the city in case your inbound flight doesn't have a major delay.
1h Airport at arrival
1h Transportation to City
-- 3h30 City Time --
1h Transportation from City
1h30 Airport at departure
Also it's non sense to book a private car transfer at Istanbul Airport as they overcharge tourists, which you won't realize unless you have basic knowledge about Istanbul. I would advise you to take a taxi which would take no more than ( 150₺ + toll = around $30 one way ) or take the Havaist shuttle to Sultanahmet which would be much more convenient and cheaper than using a taxi. If you want a more luxurious option to go to the city use the black taxis ( luxury taxis ) which would cost the double of a regular yellow taxi. Also be aware that there are no fix prices for taxis in Istanbul and a taximeter is used, be aware that city taxis could also try to scam tourists and ask a fix price of 40-50 ( even more ) for a ride to the airport. However, you won't have issues with the airport taxis. For more suggestions what to do in Istanbul, you are welcome to write in the Europe forum or contact myself via private message on the website.
First you need to clear customs and immigration only if you intend to enter Turkey ( similar to European countries and the opposite of North American ones ); yes, there is a fast track lane at the arrivals level at Istanbul Airport. Check for the Turkish Airlines Fast Track point which may be confused with the IGA Fast Track Point ( pay to use service ). By guessing that you are not a Turkish citizen, it would take 10-15 minutes max in the fast track lane and up to an hour ( or more in peak hours ) at the regular lane. However, if the airport is empty during your arrival, you would have the luck to clear immigration within 5 minutes.
If you have a 8 hour layover, it's technically possible to spend 3h 30mins in the city in case your inbound flight doesn't have a major delay.
1h Airport at arrival
1h Transportation to City
-- 3h30 City Time --
1h Transportation from City
1h30 Airport at departure
Also it's non sense to book a private car transfer at Istanbul Airport as they overcharge tourists, which you won't realize unless you have basic knowledge about Istanbul. I would advise you to take a taxi which would take no more than ( 150₺ + toll = around $30 one way ) or take the Havaist shuttle to Sultanahmet which would be much more convenient and cheaper than using a taxi. If you want a more luxurious option to go to the city use the black taxis ( luxury taxis ) which would cost the double of a regular yellow taxi. Also be aware that there are no fix prices for taxis in Istanbul and a taximeter is used, be aware that city taxis could also try to scam tourists and ask a fix price of 40-50 ( even more ) for a ride to the airport. However, you won't have issues with the airport taxis. For more suggestions what to do in Istanbul, you are welcome to write in the Europe forum or contact myself via private message on the website.
Apr 15, 2019, 4:19 am
#699
Join Date: Apr 2019
Programs: United, Qatar, Marriott, IHG, Emirates
Posts: 4
Apr 15, 2019, 4:38 am
#700
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
Also, currently there is no luggage storage facility at the new airport, however, a facility would open shortly in an unspecified date.
Last edited by ISTFlyer; Apr 15, 2019 at 4:57 am Reason: Grammar
Apr 15, 2019, 4:44 am
#701
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 15,377
Actually the issue is that they are not yet operating illegally as the courts have not ruled on it yet this despite certain officials claiming that they have been made illegal and kowtowing to the taxi mafia, now that all elections are over for awhile, these actions should cease again (I. E the police were big in going after Uber before the last two elections) . Also despite rumors that passengers have been fined, I have yet heard of any case of this actually happening. Drivers certainly are, and their vans occasionally seized. To/fr Ataturk it was not a problem 95 percent of the time, no one really knows from the new airport yet
Apr 15, 2019, 4:49 am
#702
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
Some one of my friends got fined ₺385 ( or something around ) while the driver was fined around ₺5000 and their car was towed away. Luckily, he was one of the first ones to get a fine so Uber has paid back his fine after his complaint.
Apr 15, 2019, 5:16 am
#703
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 15,377
Right when they first started the Uber crackdown, I know of one person (passenger) who got a ticket, which they ultimately did not have to pay. Like so many things in Turkey I have heard incessant rumors of passengers getting fined, but I know of no one personally that has has this happen to, and I myself have been in 4 Uber and Careem's that were stopped by the Police, and have seen them get big fines, and even a tow, but to date have never been threatened with a fine. That being said, if the Police are cracking down on a given day to the airport, you will find that Uber's will not go to the airport, or v/v you will find that they simply won't pick you up.
Apr 15, 2019, 5:16 am
#704
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: YYZ / HKG / DXB
Programs: Emirates Silver, Marriott Platinum... Previously AC*SE100K, Star Alliance Gold, Bonvoy Ambassador
Posts: 127
Thank you once again for the detailed response.
I apologize, but I have a follow up question
For my layover from 0530-1900, my checked luggage will likely be checked through to my final destination right? This will not be an overnight layover and is less than 24 hours.
I apologize, but I have a follow up question
For my layover from 0530-1900, my checked luggage will likely be checked through to my final destination right? This will not be an overnight layover and is less than 24 hours.
Yes, both can be used in Istanbul but they are operating illegally. There is a fine also for passengers, if caught by the police ( mostly you would at the airport ), you would need to pay ₺385 ( AFAIR ) if using Uber, Careem or ride apps. I would suggest that you use taxis or public transportation. If you want to have a minivan service request a luxury taxi, "Lüks Taksi" at the airport. Be aware that on the way back to the airport, in touristic areas some taxi drivers would try to trap tourists. There are no flat taxi fares at Istanbul and the price is determined by a taximeter. However, you could request an UberTaxi from the app which a yellow cab would arrive. That is the safest for your journey back to the airport.
Also, currently there is no luggage storage facility at the new airport, however, a facility would open shortly in an unspecified date.
Also, currently there is no luggage storage facility at the new airport, however, a facility would open shortly in an unspecified date.
Apr 15, 2019, 5:17 am
#705
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold,QR Gold,HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,186
Yes, your bags would be checked to your final destination unless you request to claim at Istanbul.