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
Aug 24, 2020, 12:11 pm
#406
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
According to some others, the bar in the iGA Lounge has re-opened and there are more food options available.
Aug 24, 2020, 5:58 pm
#407
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: UK/Mauritius
Programs: EK Skywards silver Miles and Smiles Hilton Honours Hyatt Priority Club Kestrel A
Posts: 683
OK thanks for that.
So if TK business lounge remains closed and TK business pax arent allowed in the IGA lounge and only the Miles and Smiles lounge my options are limited, plus no glass of wine.
Any chance the business lounge will be back by early December?
So if TK business lounge remains closed and TK business pax arent allowed in the IGA lounge and only the Miles and Smiles lounge my options are limited, plus no glass of wine.
Any chance the business lounge will be back by early December?
Aug 25, 2020, 1:22 am
#408
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
With the elite and premium cabin passenger percentage being low, I don't think that TK needs to re-open the international lounge for a while.
Also, the reason that there are no alcoholic options in the lounge is nothing else than cost-cutting.
Aug 30, 2020, 1:17 am
#409
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 3
Long layover options at IST
I am star alliance gold member fly Turkish Air economic from IAD vis IST to TPE with 10 hours layover (3PM to 1:30AM). I prefer to stay in the airport to get some rest, what options I may have other then miles and smile lounge. Thanks for any suggestions.
Aug 30, 2020, 8:00 am
#410
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
For all other options including the;
- iGA Lounge
- Sleepods
- YOTEL
you would need to pay them at your own expense.
There are free public nap zones at the airport but I am not sure if they are available at the moment.
Aug 30, 2020, 9:30 am
#411
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: DFW
Programs: OWE AA EXP;*A TK Gold; Marriott LTT; Hyatt Globalist; IHG Plat; National VIP
Posts: 3,097
IGA Lounge offerings
If one wants to have a glass of wine does IGA lounge have wine on offer now? Flying TK Business but if TK lounge doesnt have wine we would rather use Priority Pass for the IGA lounge. Can anyone confirm they have wine and if the food is serviceable?
Aug 30, 2020, 9:39 am
#412
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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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
See my trip report from last month: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/32542837-post1.html
Sep 1, 2020, 7:51 pm
#414
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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
You would be able to visit the domestic lounge in IST, however, the only things that are offered are packaged sandwiches, pastries, and cakes. No alcohol, no soft beverages other than water, soda, juices; however, coffee and tea are available, espresso machine closed.
Sep 2, 2020, 7:59 am
#415
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA, UA, GE
Posts: 5,123
No lounge in ORD unless you take the shuttle bus to Terminal 1 for the United Club. Definitely not worth the detour.
You would be able to visit the domestic lounge in IST, however, the only things that are offered are packaged sandwiches, pastries, and cakes. No alcohol, no soft beverages other than water, soda, juices; however, coffee and tea are available, espresso machine closed.
You would be able to visit the domestic lounge in IST, however, the only things that are offered are packaged sandwiches, pastries, and cakes. No alcohol, no soft beverages other than water, soda, juices; however, coffee and tea are available, espresso machine closed.
Regardless of the status of the Polaris lounge, the logistics of checking in at the TK counter in T5 (assuming you have luggage and/or need a boarding pass), getting to T1, clearing security, walking to the C concourse and getting back to T5, clearing security in plenty of time to ensure you don't get bumped off the flight really reduce the benefit of a couple of drinks and a snack in the lounge.
If you are arriving at ORD on a connecting flight and your bags are checked through and have your TK boarding pass and have plenty of time to make your connection at T5, I would recommend the Polaris lounge wholeheartedly.
Sep 2, 2020, 1:57 pm
#416
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
When open, the Polaris Lounge in Terminal 1 (near gate C18) is better than most if not all the T5 lounges at ORD. But all of UA's Polaris lounges were closed at the end of March and I am not sure if it is open at this time. The OP would need to verify the Polaris lounge status in the UA forum. The rest of the United Clubs open at ORD are nothing special and have limited amenities due to the pandemic.
Regardless of the status of the Polaris lounge, the logistics of checking in at the TK counter in T5 (assuming you have luggage and/or need a boarding pass), getting to T1, clearing security, walking to the C concourse and getting back to T5, clearing security in plenty of time to ensure you don't get bumped off the flight really reduce the benefit of a couple of drinks and a snack in the lounge.
If you are arriving at ORD on a connecting flight and your bags are checked through and have your TK boarding pass and have plenty of time to make your connection at T5, I would recommend the Polaris lounge wholeheartedly.
Regardless of the status of the Polaris lounge, the logistics of checking in at the TK counter in T5 (assuming you have luggage and/or need a boarding pass), getting to T1, clearing security, walking to the C concourse and getting back to T5, clearing security in plenty of time to ensure you don't get bumped off the flight really reduce the benefit of a couple of drinks and a snack in the lounge.
If you are arriving at ORD on a connecting flight and your bags are checked through and have your TK boarding pass and have plenty of time to make your connection at T5, I would recommend the Polaris lounge wholeheartedly.
Sep 2, 2020, 2:05 pm
#417
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA, UA, GE
Posts: 5,123
I agree. The Polaris lounges will not open anytime soon. I have used the ORD Polaris lounge using a TK business class boarding pass.
Sep 5, 2020, 10:40 pm
#418
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,695
No lounge in ORD unless you take the shuttle bus to Terminal 1 for the United Club. Definitely not worth the detour.
You would be able to visit the domestic lounge in IST, however, the only things that are offered are packaged sandwiches, pastries, and cakes. No alcohol, no soft beverages other than water, soda, juices; however, coffee and tea are available, espresso machine closed.
You would be able to visit the domestic lounge in IST, however, the only things that are offered are packaged sandwiches, pastries, and cakes. No alcohol, no soft beverages other than water, soda, juices; however, coffee and tea are available, espresso machine closed.
Sep 6, 2020, 8:55 am
#420
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