Apr 2, 2019, 3:31 am
Last edit by: starflyergold
Unlike like Atatürk Airport, at Istanbul Airport there is more than one international lounge. Eligibility depends on your travel of class and your frequent flyer card status. PLEASE READ THIS WIKI BEFORE ASKING QUESTIONS.
For discussions and questions regarding outstation lounges ( Moscow, Nairobi, Washington DC ) and all other domestic lounges ( including SAW ) please refer to the respective forum.
For PriorityPass Lounges in Istanbul Airport (IST) please consult this thread in the Europe forum or the Istanbul Airport Master Thread for questions regarding contract lounges.
This thread covers TK Lounges at IST airport.
Chart of Eligibility for Lounges:
Thanks to DELLAS for sharing this chart.
International Lounges:
Miles&Smiles Lounge: This lounge is open to all Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles Elite, Elite Plus card holders and Star Alliance Gold status holders along with one of their guests when flying Turkish Airlines or another Star Alliance member. Miles&Smiles Elite Plus members are also able to guest family members regardless of the number of people (spouse and children). Also Turkish Corporate Club members are allowed to access this lounge with one fellow guest who holds a valid boarding pass on Turkish Airlines.
To access this lounge take the elevators across gate C1 to the mezzanine level.
Business Lounge: This lounge would be open for all Business Class passengers on Turkish Airlines and Star Alliance partners. Unfortunately, no guests are allowed to this lounge.
To access this lounge take the elevators across gate E1 to the mezzanine level.
Both lounges are non-smoking. The nearest "terrace" (IST does not advertise smoking areas) is: For the business lounge: exit via the escalators, turn left and left again, past the public rest areas, and the terrace is on the right hand side. For the M&S lounge: exit via the escalators, turn right and right again, past the public rest areas, and the terrace is on the left hand side. In both cases a 3 minute walk.
Exclusive Lounge: No details, no plans as of yet
Arrivals Lounge: No details, no plans as of yet
Both the Business Lounge and the Miles&Smiles Lounge have showers, sleeping rooms and Turkish speciality food.
To use the sleeping rooms, you must have a connection time between 4h and 9h and the duration of one of your flights must be more than 8 hours. Unfortunately, Miles&Smiles Elite card holders and Star Alliance Gold card holders traveling in Economy Class are not eligible to use the sleeping room service. For sleeping room related issues please consult the this thread.
None of the international lounges have direct lounge access from the check-in hall; however, priority immigration and security checkpoint are available both for transfer passengers and passengers starting their journey in Istanbul.
Domestic Lounges:
The domestic lounge has two sections; one for Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles Classic Plus and Elite card holders, Star Alliance Gold card holders and Turkish Corporate Club members (if they have a same day onward international connection); and the other one for Business Class passengers and Miles&Smiles Elite Plus card holders.
Miles&Smiles Elite passengers, Star Alliance Gold card holders and Turkish Corporate Club members can invite one guest into the lounge. Miles&Smiles Elite Plus passengers can also guest one passenger or their family members regardless of the number of people (spouse and children). Miles&Smiles Classic Plus card holders do not have the right to guest someone.
The lounge has a separate entrance and check-in lobby from the street, along with a special valet parking drop-off point. Transfer passengers and passengers who decide to use the main terminal building can also access this lounge by using the elevators across gates G6 and G7. Be aware that there are no lounge signs within the terminal so it's advised to follow signs for gates G6 and G7.
For discussions and questions regarding outstation lounges ( Moscow, Nairobi, Washington DC ) and all other domestic lounges ( including SAW ) please refer to the respective forum.
For PriorityPass Lounges in Istanbul Airport (IST) please consult this thread in the Europe forum or the Istanbul Airport Master Thread for questions regarding contract lounges.
This thread covers TK Lounges at IST airport.
Chart of Eligibility for Lounges:
Thanks to DELLAS for sharing this chart.
International Lounges:
Miles&Smiles Lounge: This lounge is open to all Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles Elite, Elite Plus card holders and Star Alliance Gold status holders along with one of their guests when flying Turkish Airlines or another Star Alliance member. Miles&Smiles Elite Plus members are also able to guest family members regardless of the number of people (spouse and children). Also Turkish Corporate Club members are allowed to access this lounge with one fellow guest who holds a valid boarding pass on Turkish Airlines.
To access this lounge take the elevators across gate C1 to the mezzanine level.
Business Lounge: This lounge would be open for all Business Class passengers on Turkish Airlines and Star Alliance partners. Unfortunately, no guests are allowed to this lounge.
To access this lounge take the elevators across gate E1 to the mezzanine level.
Both lounges are non-smoking. The nearest "terrace" (IST does not advertise smoking areas) is: For the business lounge: exit via the escalators, turn left and left again, past the public rest areas, and the terrace is on the right hand side. For the M&S lounge: exit via the escalators, turn right and right again, past the public rest areas, and the terrace is on the left hand side. In both cases a 3 minute walk.
Exclusive Lounge: No details, no plans as of yet
Arrivals Lounge: No details, no plans as of yet
Both the Business Lounge and the Miles&Smiles Lounge have showers, sleeping rooms and Turkish speciality food.
To use the sleeping rooms, you must have a connection time between 4h and 9h and the duration of one of your flights must be more than 8 hours. Unfortunately, Miles&Smiles Elite card holders and Star Alliance Gold card holders traveling in Economy Class are not eligible to use the sleeping room service. For sleeping room related issues please consult the this thread.
None of the international lounges have direct lounge access from the check-in hall; however, priority immigration and security checkpoint are available both for transfer passengers and passengers starting their journey in Istanbul.
Domestic Lounges:
The domestic lounge has two sections; one for Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles Classic Plus and Elite card holders, Star Alliance Gold card holders and Turkish Corporate Club members (if they have a same day onward international connection); and the other one for Business Class passengers and Miles&Smiles Elite Plus card holders.
Miles&Smiles Elite passengers, Star Alliance Gold card holders and Turkish Corporate Club members can invite one guest into the lounge. Miles&Smiles Elite Plus passengers can also guest one passenger or their family members regardless of the number of people (spouse and children). Miles&Smiles Classic Plus card holders do not have the right to guest someone.
The lounge has a separate entrance and check-in lobby from the street, along with a special valet parking drop-off point. Transfer passengers and passengers who decide to use the main terminal building can also access this lounge by using the elevators across gates G6 and G7. Be aware that there are no lounge signs within the terminal so it's advised to follow signs for gates G6 and G7.
TK in Istanbul Airport: Thread #2 - Lounges
Dec 11, 2019, 3:34 am
#316
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Toronto
Programs: UA 1K, AC MM E75, Marriott LT Ti, IHG Dia Amb, Hyatt Glob
Posts: 15,521
i don't like to be kill-joy, but Turkey doesn't stand below the banner of developing country under any definitions used by credible organisations. Tap-water is potable, though the claim is it tastes bad, so many take the advantage of cheap bottled water. My understanding is that plastics are recycled.
I've certainly imbibed tap water and noticed no alien taste. But habits die hard ....
Long and short: fill up your trusty bottle from a tap or give in to bottle culture.
I've certainly imbibed tap water and noticed no alien taste. But habits die hard ....
Long and short: fill up your trusty bottle from a tap or give in to bottle culture.
Dec 11, 2019, 4:23 am
#317
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: Honors Diamond, Bonvoy Gold, Accor Gold, OW Emerald, SIXT Diamond
Posts: 833
had my first experience of TK and IST lounge last week and it was great ! For a newbie, thought 5 hours in the lounge would be too much ... but definitely not. With the food (seems they only rotate between Breakfast 0200 - 1100 ? and Day Meal 1100 - 0200 ? ) the Private Suites and Showers (Miles&Smiles Lounge had loads more availability than Business Lounge), although Business Lounge was less crowded.
My one gripe was the inadequate signage to Tour Istanbul. From the 5 people we asked, (cabin crew, the ground staff including security, immigration etc) NONE actually said it was on the right end side of the terminal as you exit from baggage claim. Ended up at bottom Bus Level before figuring out there was no Desk of any kind there before crossing the entirety of the terminal because one of the Security Personal said to turn left and go the the lowest level for Tour Istanbul !
Another thing for first timers to watch out, is that you're required to take a number for service at the Hotel / Tour desk. When I arrived at 630am, with the crowd of people there it was not clear that there was a machine dispensing numbers. Also despite there being a separate Business Class line for Hotel desk, it's a free for all at the Tour Desk. Due to all of this, from our group of 6 in J, only 2 managed to get on a Tour as it had run out of spaces.
My one gripe was the inadequate signage to Tour Istanbul. From the 5 people we asked, (cabin crew, the ground staff including security, immigration etc) NONE actually said it was on the right end side of the terminal as you exit from baggage claim. Ended up at bottom Bus Level before figuring out there was no Desk of any kind there before crossing the entirety of the terminal because one of the Security Personal said to turn left and go the the lowest level for Tour Istanbul !
Another thing for first timers to watch out, is that you're required to take a number for service at the Hotel / Tour desk. When I arrived at 630am, with the crowd of people there it was not clear that there was a machine dispensing numbers. Also despite there being a separate Business Class line for Hotel desk, it's a free for all at the Tour Desk. Due to all of this, from our group of 6 in J, only 2 managed to get on a Tour as it had run out of spaces.
Dec 11, 2019, 4:40 am
#318
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: OTP
Programs: AF/KL platinum, Turkish gold, QR gold
Posts: 1,572
Turkey among 20 countries ?responsible for bad plastic waste management in the world? - Turkey News
On my last flights on TK there was however some special video being played after the safety instructions dedicated to combating plastic waste ending up in our oceans. If I remember correctly Turkish Airlines has actually started a special project on this. (unfortunately cannot find it on YouTube - but perhaps someone with Turkish language skills might be of more help here).
Dec 11, 2019, 10:47 am
#319
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
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
It probably is the same for Turkey
Turkey among 20 countries ?responsible for bad plastic waste management in the world? - Turkey News
On my last flights on TK there was however some special video being played after the safety instructions dedicated to combating plastic waste ending up in our oceans. If I remember correctly Turkish Airlines has actually started a special project on this. (unfortunately cannot find it on YouTube - but perhaps someone with Turkish language skills might be of more help here).
Turkey among 20 countries ?responsible for bad plastic waste management in the world? - Turkey News
On my last flights on TK there was however some special video being played after the safety instructions dedicated to combating plastic waste ending up in our oceans. If I remember correctly Turkish Airlines has actually started a special project on this. (unfortunately cannot find it on YouTube - but perhaps someone with Turkish language skills might be of more help here).
Hey that was meant tongue in cheek. I don’t think of Turkey as a developing country, thus my comment about state of the art airport. I was just replying to what the other poster said. I brushed my teeth with tap water without any concerns and drank lots of hot water with lemon which tasted fine. So maybe I will try the tap water when I go back.
Dec 14, 2019, 11:07 am
#320
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Plat, DL, AS, UA, IHG Plat
Posts: 2,406
I have a 2 hour layover at IST... not sure about the arrival and departure gate because this is my first time in TK and transiting via IST.
Any suggestion on most convenient lounge to use? Best lounge to use (don't mind walking a bit)? I may want to take a shower after the long haul flight. May eat a light meal but most likely just work and catch up on email so quite space is important.
Both segments in business class so should have access to TK lounge based on class of service. I have no *A status, but I have Priority Pass.
TK 10 LAX-IST arrive 6:25 pm
TK 1877 IST-MXP departs 8:15 pm
Any suggestion on most convenient lounge to use? Best lounge to use (don't mind walking a bit)? I may want to take a shower after the long haul flight. May eat a light meal but most likely just work and catch up on email so quite space is important.
Both segments in business class so should have access to TK lounge based on class of service. I have no *A status, but I have Priority Pass.
TK 10 LAX-IST arrive 6:25 pm
TK 1877 IST-MXP departs 8:15 pm
Dec 14, 2019, 11:13 am
#321
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
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
I have a 2 hour layover at IST... not sure about the arrival and departure gate because this is my first time in TK and transiting via IST.
Any suggestion on most convenient lounge to use? Best lounge to use (don't mind walking a bit)? I may want to take a shower after the long haul flight. May eat a light meal but most likely just work and catch up on email so quite space is important.
Both segments in business class so should have access to TK lounge based on class of service. I have no *A status, but I have Priority Pass.
TK 10 LAX-IST arrive 6:25 pm
TK 1877 IST-MXP departs 8:15 pm
Any suggestion on most convenient lounge to use? Best lounge to use (don't mind walking a bit)? I may want to take a shower after the long haul flight. May eat a light meal but most likely just work and catch up on email so quite space is important.
Both segments in business class so should have access to TK lounge based on class of service. I have no *A status, but I have Priority Pass.
TK 10 LAX-IST arrive 6:25 pm
TK 1877 IST-MXP departs 8:15 pm
You would be able to use the TK Business Lounge according to your travel class which would be the best option. The other option would be the IGA Lounge ( Priority Pass ) but the TK Business Lounge would have more and better food options. Both lounges would have showers but the wait in the IGA Lounge may be shorter.
Dec 15, 2019, 12:45 am
#323
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 4,477
You'll barely have time for the transfer process and to find your way to the departure gate. If you meet any lounge along the way and still have a few minutes to rest, just try to get in and be grateful for that opp.
Dec 15, 2019, 1:37 am
#324
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: London
Programs: Hilton, IHG - BA, GA, LH, QR, SV, TK
Posts: 17,008
The lounges are in the central block of the terminal, so if your transfer trek takes you that way you could manage a coffee. If the incoming is early and all stars align then you could have time for more, but make sure you understand exactly where and how distant your departure gate is before you commit yourself to getting under that shower!
Dec 15, 2019, 2:23 pm
#325
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Plat, DL, AS, UA, IHG Plat
Posts: 2,406
Thanks for the advice. I will check the gates when I land to see which way I'm going. If lounge is not on the way, I won't make a detour. ^
This is my first time at IST so part of it just just curiosity about the TK lounge at its home base. I travel light and walk fast so we'll see what happens in about 15 hours...
This is my first time at IST so part of it just just curiosity about the TK lounge at its home base. I travel light and walk fast so we'll see what happens in about 15 hours...
Dec 16, 2019, 8:21 am
#326
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 505
Thanks for the advice. I will check the gates when I land to see which way I'm going. If lounge is not on the way, I won't make a detour. ^
This is my first time at IST so part of it just just curiosity about the TK lounge at its home base. I travel light and walk fast so we'll see what happens in about 15 hours...
This is my first time at IST so part of it just just curiosity about the TK lounge at its home base. I travel light and walk fast so we'll see what happens in about 15 hours...
When you arrive at the lounge, make a left after the entrance, past the lockers, and see the concierge at the desk for a shower. The rest of the lounge is to the right after the entrance.
On the return, if you're connecting to the USA, they make you go through security again (transfer checkpoint), which adds even more walking time.
Dec 16, 2019, 9:25 am
#327
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Plat, DL, AS, UA, IHG Plat
Posts: 2,406
TK10 landed 10 min late at B concourse. Checked my departure gate is in D concourse so no back tracking needed to visit the lounge. Walked to the business lounge in about 15 min including stopping for a call in front of the LEGO store. Posting this from the lounge now.
First time flying TK and so far everything has been meeting or exceeding my expectations. Service on long haul business was great.
First time flying TK and so far everything has been meeting or exceeding my expectations. Service on long haul business was great.
Jan 2, 2020, 10:02 pm
#328
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,269
Issue visiting different lounges
Is visiting the M&S lounge and the Business class lounge usually not allowed on the same boarding pass?
Had a long layover and visited the M&S lounge after we landed for a quick bite. Went to the YotelAir for about 8 hours and then went to the Business lounge before our flight.
The entry gates would not recognize our bp's at the Business lounge (all was fine at the M&S lounge) and the lounge attendants were confused as to why we went to the M&S and now wanted to get into the Business lounge.
Didn't know if this was a one off or generally you're not allowed to visit both, which I don't think is a thing.
Had a long layover and visited the M&S lounge after we landed for a quick bite. Went to the YotelAir for about 8 hours and then went to the Business lounge before our flight.
The entry gates would not recognize our bp's at the Business lounge (all was fine at the M&S lounge) and the lounge attendants were confused as to why we went to the M&S and now wanted to get into the Business lounge.
Didn't know if this was a one off or generally you're not allowed to visit both, which I don't think is a thing.
Last edited by RetiredATLATC; Jan 2, 2020 at 10:36 pm