Apr 19, 2019, 4:13 pm
Last edit by: DaveS
In Turkey, as in most of the world, clearing immigration is not required for an international to international connection. The passenger can remain airside, and does not need to enter Turkey.
HOWEVER, the transfer passenger may have to go through transfer security inspection.
Arrivals from EU, UK, USA or Canada continuing to other international destinations are not generally subject to transfer security.
All other international-international transfer passengers should clear transfer security.
Domestic to domestic transfer passengers are not subject to transfer security.
International to domestic transfer passengers are subject to security screening regardless of their arrival point.
Domestic to international transfer passengers are subject to security screening.
For international to international transfers, passengers who have less than 75 minutes for their next flight could benefit from the short connection points which are located at the end of concourses. This is only a fast-track for short connections which avoids passing from the duty free area. ( Similar to London Heathrow Terminal 5B and 5C transfer security ).
There is a fast track lane for international to international transfer passengers traveling on Business Class or holding M&S Elite or Elite Plus, or *G status. This service is only available at the main transfer security checkpoint area.
Link for Airport Map:
https://inmapper.com/istanbul-havalimani/ (Turkish)
https://inmapper.com/istanbul-airport/ (English)
https://turkishairlines.ssl.cdn.sdlm...92261056WE.pdf(Map for all TK facilities)
HOWEVER, the transfer passenger may have to go through transfer security inspection.
Arrivals from EU, UK, USA or Canada continuing to other international destinations are not generally subject to transfer security.
All other international-international transfer passengers should clear transfer security.
Domestic to domestic transfer passengers are not subject to transfer security.
International to domestic transfer passengers are subject to security screening regardless of their arrival point.
Domestic to international transfer passengers are subject to security screening.
For international to international transfers, passengers who have less than 75 minutes for their next flight could benefit from the short connection points which are located at the end of concourses. This is only a fast-track for short connections which avoids passing from the duty free area. ( Similar to London Heathrow Terminal 5B and 5C transfer security ).
There is a fast track lane for international to international transfer passengers traveling on Business Class or holding M&S Elite or Elite Plus, or *G status. This service is only available at the main transfer security checkpoint area.
Link for Airport Map:
https://inmapper.com/istanbul-havalimani/ (Turkish)
https://inmapper.com/istanbul-airport/ (English)
https://turkishairlines.ssl.cdn.sdlm...92261056WE.pdf(Map for all TK facilities)
Transferring/Transit at Istanbul (IST) airport
Jun 24, 2022, 10:39 pm
#736
Join Date: May 2015
Location: ATL/MCO
Programs: Costco Executive, RaceTrac Sultan of Soda, Chick-fil-A Red
Posts: 5,662
Looking for advice/confirmation on our transit through IST. We are flying ORD-IST-BLQ in J. My understanding from reading this thread is that there may or may not be a passport check on arrival on our way to the lounge? Then when we leave the lounge for our gate, there would only potentially be a security screening at the gate? We have 10 hr layover (not eligible for the sleeping rooms unfortunately, as there is an earlier flight to BLQ), so not pressed for time, just wanted to make sure I understood the process.
Also, with a long layover are there any "highlights" in the terminal areas to check out? Also anywhere we can get some natural light (probably no outside terrace?) to help re-adjust our jet lag? We land at 6 AM. Thanks!
Also, with a long layover are there any "highlights" in the terminal areas to check out? Also anywhere we can get some natural light (probably no outside terrace?) to help re-adjust our jet lag? We land at 6 AM. Thanks!
Jun 25, 2022, 12:12 am
#737
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denmark
Programs: TK Elite
Posts: 11,837
Thank you so much. That is good information. I am glad to know that estimates are offered.
Yes, it is under 9 hrs. At least as of this writing. Oh, you're right. Passport is before the lounge. But between lounge and departing gate, I presume we have to go through security again. So, since the lounge is air side, we will probably have to go through that and passport check again? I don't know, but at least now it is good to know that an estimate is offered. Less guestimating.
Yes, it is under 9 hrs. At least as of this writing. Oh, you're right. Passport is before the lounge. But between lounge and departing gate, I presume we have to go through security again. So, since the lounge is air side, we will probably have to go through that and passport check again? I don't know, but at least now it is good to know that an estimate is offered. Less guestimating.
Your TK boarding pass will state that boarding starts 1 hour before scheduled departure time, so if you allow 20min to get to far end gates and leave the lounge in ample time, it will be fine. Just look at the screens and follow the directions; nothing to worry about. You have plenty of time for this transfer, so don't overthink this.
Last edited by SK AAR; Jun 25, 2022 at 12:22 am
Jun 25, 2022, 12:30 am
#738
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denmark
Programs: TK Elite
Posts: 11,837
Looking for advice/confirmation on our transit through IST. We are flying ORD-IST-BLQ in J. My understanding from reading this thread is that there may or may not be a passport check on arrival on our way to the lounge? Then when we leave the lounge for our gate, there would only potentially be a security screening at the gate? We have 10 hr layover (not eligible for the sleeping rooms unfortunately, as there is an earlier flight to BLQ), so not pressed for time, just wanted to make sure I understood the process.
Jun 26, 2022, 6:52 am
#741
Join Date: Jan 2011
Programs: oneworld, * Alliance, Marriott Bonvoy, HHonors, WoH
Posts: 2,120
Jun 27, 2022, 8:06 am
#742
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA, TK, UA, HH
Posts: 52
LHR-IST (BA-J) x IST-SZF (TK-Y)
hi
Flying into Istanbul from LHR with BA (Business class) and connecting with TK (economy) to Samsun (Domestic flight). Tickets are booked separately by BA and TK. I am travelling with luggage so doubt if BA at LHR will check it through to Samsun. I have 2 hours connection time.
1) Would it be possible to collect luggage at IST from BA flight and re-check for TK domestic flight?
2) Is there a fast lane for immigration for BA business class passengers on arrival at at Istanbul?
Many thanks
Flying into Istanbul from LHR with BA (Business class) and connecting with TK (economy) to Samsun (Domestic flight). Tickets are booked separately by BA and TK. I am travelling with luggage so doubt if BA at LHR will check it through to Samsun. I have 2 hours connection time.
1) Would it be possible to collect luggage at IST from BA flight and re-check for TK domestic flight?
2) Is there a fast lane for immigration for BA business class passengers on arrival at at Istanbul?
Many thanks
Jun 27, 2022, 9:13 am
#744
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 701
I hope this is helpful to someone - we flew home ATH-IST-BOS and did not expect extra baggage screening at the gate in IST. The lines were huge and moving veeerrrrrryyyy slowly as the IST gate agents (?) were THOROUGHLY checking luggage. One of my traveling companions described as "they tossed my luggage and left me to put it back together". There was no room anywhere to put your luggage back together - it was a complete $hitshow. She used packing cubes (young blond American girl who hardly looked suspicious) and they undid those. We were totally unprepared for that and would have gone to the gate sooner had we known.
Jun 27, 2022, 10:59 am
#745
Join Date: Sep 2017
Programs: TK E+, RJ S, AZ E
Posts: 1,869
I hope this is helpful to someone - we flew home ATH-IST-BOS and did not expect extra baggage screening at the gate in IST. The lines were huge and moving veeerrrrrryyyy slowly as the IST gate agents ... We were totally unprepared for that and would have gone to the gate sooner had we known.
Jun 27, 2022, 10:09 pm
#746
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
I hope this is helpful to someone - we flew home ATH-IST-BOS and did not expect extra baggage screening at the gate in IST. The lines were huge and moving veeerrrrrryyyy slowly as the IST gate agents (?) were THOROUGHLY checking luggage. One of my traveling companions described as "they tossed my luggage and left me to put it back together". There was no room anywhere to put your luggage back together - it was a complete $hitshow. She used packing cubes (young blond American girl who hardly looked suspicious) and they undid those. We were totally unprepared for that and would have gone to the gate sooner had we known.
hi
Flying into Istanbul from LHR with BA (Business class) and connecting with TK (economy) to Samsun (Domestic flight). Tickets are booked separately by BA and TK. I am travelling with luggage so doubt if BA at LHR will check it through to Samsun. I have 2 hours connection time.
1) Would it be possible to collect luggage at IST from BA flight and re-check for TK domestic flight?
2) Is there a fast lane for immigration for BA business class passengers on arrival at at Istanbul?
Many thanks
Flying into Istanbul from LHR with BA (Business class) and connecting with TK (economy) to Samsun (Domestic flight). Tickets are booked separately by BA and TK. I am travelling with luggage so doubt if BA at LHR will check it through to Samsun. I have 2 hours connection time.
1) Would it be possible to collect luggage at IST from BA flight and re-check for TK domestic flight?
2) Is there a fast lane for immigration for BA business class passengers on arrival at at Istanbul?
Many thanks
If you are a Turkish citizen/blue card holder, wait times at immigration for Turkish citizens is close to zero. If you have a Turkish passport, you could use the e-gates. If you are not a Turkish citizen or blue card holder, immigration wait times would depend on the time you arrive.
As SK AAR mentioned, BA is not participating at the fast-track program at Istanbul.
Jul 5, 2022, 9:08 am
#747
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Up in the Air
Programs: DL MM; UA MM/1K
Posts: 613
I am transiting through IST later this week connecting from TK12 (JFK-IST) to TK788 (IST-TLV).
This is a 1:50 connection so I was not worried, but on recent days TK-12 is approx. 45 minutes late which leaves me with a 1 hour for transit + TLV gate security.
Will I make it?
Happy Travels
DLP
This is a 1:50 connection so I was not worried, but on recent days TK-12 is approx. 45 minutes late which leaves me with a 1 hour for transit + TLV gate security.
Will I make it?
Happy Travels
DLP
Jul 5, 2022, 11:34 am
#748
Join Date: May 2000
Location: HFA
Posts: 1,712
Gate security for TLV (or the US) is never the issue: if you're at the gate on time, you'll get on the flight. Plus, you're not going to be the only one making this connection, so if your incoming flight is late, there are good chances they will delay the TLV flight. I wouldn't be worried about such a connection.
Shuly
Shuly
Jul 5, 2022, 6:54 pm
#749
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Up in the Air
Programs: DL MM; UA MM/1K
Posts: 613
Gate security for TLV (or the US) is never the issue: if you're at the gate on time, you'll get on the flight. Plus, you're not going to be the only one making this connection, so if your incoming flight is late, there are good chances they will delay the TLV flight. I wouldn't be worried about such a connection.
Shuly
Shuly
Will keep this itinerary.
DLP
Jul 11, 2022, 11:30 am
#750
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: JFK/LGA/EWR
Programs: IHG - Platinum; Hilton - Gold; Accor - Gold; Radisson - Gold; Hyatt - Globalist
Posts: 75
Hello all - planning to fly EWR-IST-BJV on TK in Business on both legs. Official connection is 90 mins. Inbound flight (TK30) is almost always late (75% or more frequent). Is there a fast track for business pax flying TK int'l to domestic flights? Does anyone have any insight or experience making this or similar connections? Many thanks.