Last edit by: starflyergold
This thread is strictly for information and experience sharing of the COVID-testing facilities at IST, it is NOT for any broader theorising about PCR or other tests' effectiveness or their limitations, COVID conspiracies or the like. Any posts falling into the latter category will be summarily deleted. Please familiarise yourself with the FT Rules https://www.flyertalk.com/help/rules#stayontopic before posting. Repeated violations will be dealt with in line with the FT rules.
starflyergold
TK forum moderator
starflyergold
TK forum moderator
Covid PCR Test at IST Airport
#151
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 15,323
That's nice. Those of us who have had to travel over the last year plus did not have the nicety of such tests, nor do people that have to travel to 99% or the World's destination's today. You do know that outside of the United States there is not a Walgreen's or whatever on every corner, nor are such other niceties and much of the World does not have an abundance of vaccine's available as the US does.
#152
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Texas
Posts: 98
That's nice. Those of us who have had to travel over the last year plus did not have the nicety of such tests, nor do people that have to travel to 99% or the World's destination's today. You do know that outside of the United States there is not a Walgreen's or whatever on every corner, nor are such other niceties and much of the World does not have an abundance of vaccine's available as the US does.
Since this is the second undeserved rude comment from you, I hope you find happiness soon.
#153
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Earth
Programs: whatever it takes
Posts: 680
#155
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Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
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However, if Turkey is on the green or amber list of UK, an antigen test would be accepted, however, the rapid do-at-home Abbott COVID test might not be accepted. If you're going to take an antigen test, do take it at a lab.
#156
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 90
Assuming that you are heading from Turkey, unless you are an UK citizen and Turkey is still on the red list of the UK, you wouldn't be able to board a flight from Turkey to the UK.
However, if Turkey is on the green or amber list of UK, an antigen test would be accepted, however, the rapid do-at-home Abbott COVID test might not be accepted. If you're going to take an antigen test, do take it at a lab.
However, if Turkey is on the green or amber list of UK, an antigen test would be accepted, however, the rapid do-at-home Abbott COVID test might not be accepted. If you're going to take an antigen test, do take it at a lab.
#157
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Exactly, an antigen test performed by a lab would be sufficient to fly IST-LHR-ORD as today.
#158
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Earth
Programs: whatever it takes
Posts: 680
Just back from Turkey. . I can post some better photographs later of the testing facility / process
When I first checked out the facility after a domestic flight on June 4, they saw my plan and said come back the day off - June 6. Was a little miffed as I wanted to get it over with and I knew I was within the 72 hours (Or 3 calendar days). I tried getting it anyway, but they were having none of that. At least at the BIOTEST window. THere are 2 other companies, but I didn't try.
But I did learn about the quick turnaround times. It was posted as such.
PCR tests - 1.5 hours to process - 300 TL - $35 USD
Antigen - 20 minutes - 175 TL - ~$20 USD
So I got to the airport a little earlier on June 6 and took the Antigen. They were either confused as to whether USA would accept Antigen, whether Doha required a PCR test, and / or trying to upsell me on the PCR...but I insisted on the Antigen. You think they would know with the volume of folks they get....
Did the mouth and nose swab. Nose was a quick poke, not too deep...though it took an hour or so for the feeling to go away. Mouth swab was a bit annoying. I did not ask about a blood test option. I just went with the flow.
Of course I passed as I am now back in the USA. I got a print out which I showed to the Qatar Airways rep - who also made me sign a CDC affirmation that I got a test. Never showed that to anyone in the USA. What bureacracy B/S
All in all...pretty painless. Though if travel volume picks up / when it does, one might have to wait longer to register and the test result itself.
A lot cheaper and easier than the PCR saliva test I got to go to turkey which cost me $105 + $60 24-hour turnaround. (Which in hindsight I would not pay the $60 rush fee. First time "i got suckered" charge.) Plus I had to go to a specific lab which required a drive into Seattle area.
While the US now accepts "telehealth" tests....if you are returning from Turkey (via Istanbul....supposedly other airports have a decent setup - but I can't speak to those), don't bother with that hassle. Other countries YMMV.
EDIT: The 20 minutes passed fast. As I walked down the airport to an airport Burger King for a meal. Yes, I had a US fast food craving after 2+ weeks of not eating any US brand chain restaurants (Except a brief stop to get a decaf coffee / cookie at a Starbucks near Cesme. I resisted Starbucks, BK and McD @ a Sanliurfa mall).
When I first checked out the facility after a domestic flight on June 4, they saw my plan and said come back the day off - June 6. Was a little miffed as I wanted to get it over with and I knew I was within the 72 hours (Or 3 calendar days). I tried getting it anyway, but they were having none of that. At least at the BIOTEST window. THere are 2 other companies, but I didn't try.
But I did learn about the quick turnaround times. It was posted as such.
PCR tests - 1.5 hours to process - 300 TL - $35 USD
Antigen - 20 minutes - 175 TL - ~$20 USD
So I got to the airport a little earlier on June 6 and took the Antigen. They were either confused as to whether USA would accept Antigen, whether Doha required a PCR test, and / or trying to upsell me on the PCR...but I insisted on the Antigen. You think they would know with the volume of folks they get....
Did the mouth and nose swab. Nose was a quick poke, not too deep...though it took an hour or so for the feeling to go away. Mouth swab was a bit annoying. I did not ask about a blood test option. I just went with the flow.
Of course I passed as I am now back in the USA. I got a print out which I showed to the Qatar Airways rep - who also made me sign a CDC affirmation that I got a test. Never showed that to anyone in the USA. What bureacracy B/S
All in all...pretty painless. Though if travel volume picks up / when it does, one might have to wait longer to register and the test result itself.
A lot cheaper and easier than the PCR saliva test I got to go to turkey which cost me $105 + $60 24-hour turnaround. (Which in hindsight I would not pay the $60 rush fee. First time "i got suckered" charge.) Plus I had to go to a specific lab which required a drive into Seattle area.
While the US now accepts "telehealth" tests....if you are returning from Turkey (via Istanbul....supposedly other airports have a decent setup - but I can't speak to those), don't bother with that hassle. Other countries YMMV.
EDIT: The 20 minutes passed fast. As I walked down the airport to an airport Burger King for a meal. Yes, I had a US fast food craving after 2+ weeks of not eating any US brand chain restaurants (Except a brief stop to get a decaf coffee / cookie at a Starbucks near Cesme. I resisted Starbucks, BK and McD @ a Sanliurfa mall).
Last edited by EqualOpp; Jun 8, 2021 at 9:57 am
#159
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Earth
Programs: whatever it takes
Posts: 680
As noted, here are some recent photos from just a few days ago. 1st photo is looking at test registration / result booths with rest of arrivals hall in background. You DO NOT need a smartphone. Or a mobile at all. They will give you a printout. Helps to have a printed copy of your itinerary, though I reckon you could show that on your phone.
Current test time and cost
You can walk down the hall to a Burger King or a little further to Simit Sarayi (Turkish chain) for a bit while you wait for your results.
You have to walk to the very end.
Looking in the other direction. Arrivals board to left. Depending on where you are, it could be a long walk!
2 test companies pictured here
Test booths. Only 2 were open when I was there. But they are prepared for more it looks like.
Current test time and cost
You can walk down the hall to a Burger King or a little further to Simit Sarayi (Turkish chain) for a bit while you wait for your results.
You have to walk to the very end.
Looking in the other direction. Arrivals board to left. Depending on where you are, it could be a long walk!
2 test companies pictured here
Test booths. Only 2 were open when I was there. But they are prepared for more it looks like.
#160
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Earth
Programs: whatever it takes
Posts: 680
Extra random question that maybe someone can ask next time is....HOW MANY PCR CYCLES do they use? SInce I was using antigen, I think that is not relevant.
If you don't know about PCR Cycles and the casedemic...that's something you can learn about!
The nurse who took my C19 test in the Seattle area had no idea what I was talking about.
on a side note -- why are US airports so slow and expensive with results and Istanbul so fast & inexpensive? Reading about fast turnaround at Mexico airports....may have to encounter that later this year.
EDIT: Here's a link to see a terminal map. CLick on the bottom Arrivals terminal floor.
https://www.turkishairlines.com/en-u...terminal-maps/
If you don't know about PCR Cycles and the casedemic...that's something you can learn about!
The nurse who took my C19 test in the Seattle area had no idea what I was talking about.
on a side note -- why are US airports so slow and expensive with results and Istanbul so fast & inexpensive? Reading about fast turnaround at Mexico airports....may have to encounter that later this year.
EDIT: Here's a link to see a terminal map. CLick on the bottom Arrivals terminal floor.
https://www.turkishairlines.com/en-u...terminal-maps/
Last edited by EqualOpp; Jun 9, 2021 at 12:07 pm
#162
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,QR Platinum,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold, HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,180
#163
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: HEL
Programs: AY Platinum, TK Elite, AA, BA, SK, DL, NT, WB + hotels
Posts: 8,668
OTOH, on another forum, a fellow Finnish traveller wrote he was denied testing, so I guess it really depends on who you talk to...
#164
Join Date: Jan 2011
Programs: BA Silver, Hyatt Discoverist, Hilton Gold, Mariott Gold
Posts: 83
Thanks for the reference - I wish it were more certain. An antigen test costs like crazy where I'm departing from but the destination has its national day when I arrive so airport testing services aren't available.
I wish there were more details about this counter - do you know what's the original purpose of the counter for by the way, if it's not for transit passengers?
I wish there were more details about this counter - do you know what's the original purpose of the counter for by the way, if it's not for transit passengers?
#165
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Programs: TK Elite Plus,QR Platinum,BAEC GGL,ITA Executive, AFKL Gold, HH Diamond,Bonvoy Gold,ALL Gold
Posts: 14,180
Thanks for the reference - I wish it were more certain. An antigen test costs like crazy where I'm departing from but the destination has its national day when I arrive so airport testing services aren't available.
I wish there were more details about this counter - do you know what's the original purpose of the counter for by the way, if it's not for transit passengers?
I wish there were more details about this counter - do you know what's the original purpose of the counter for by the way, if it's not for transit passengers?
Although there are success reports of antigen tests taken; this test center was never advertised and was never indicated as open to the public.