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The Complete Guide to TourIstanbul with Turkish Airlines

Did you know that Turkish Airlines offers a free tour of Istanbul if your layover is longer than six hours? It’s called TourIstanbul, and you can book it directly at the airport! It is a great way to get out and see the city! I recently took a TourIstanbul tour when I had a 14-hour layover at the Istanbul airport. Keep reading for the complete guide to TourIstanbul!

What is TourIstanbul?

What does the tour include, is touristanbul really free, how to signup.

• Is There Luggage Storage Available?

Is TourIstanbul Worth it?

• Get a Free Hotel Room from Turkish Airlines

TourIstanbul is a free tour of Istanbul offered by Turkish Airlines. If your layover at the Istanbul Airport is longer than six hours and the times align, they will take you on a fully guided tour! Additionally, you must be flying on Turkish Airlines to be eligible for these tours.

They pick your tour based on your flight times, so some offer more than others. Either way, it’s a great way to fight that layover boredom!

If you are worried about returning to the airport on time, don’t stress! The TourIstanbul team has planned their schedules carefully to work with your flights. If something goes wrong with the timing, Turkish Airlines will book you on the next flight to your destination!

TourIstanbul provides a bus to the city, a meal, and entry fees into all museums/attractions. Tours range from a few hours to a full-day tour and have a variety of activities.

Unfortunately, my tour didn’t go into specific attractions due to timing. However, we saw iconic landmarks such as the Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque, and many more. After sightseeing, we sat down and had a delicious multi-course meal where I got to try traditional Turkish food. They were even able to accommodate my dietary restrictions as a vegetarian.

Click here to check out the different tours that they offer!

It sounds too good to be true, but TourIstanbul is actually free! However, if you don’t have a visa to enter Turkey, you’ll need to pay for it. You can purchase it on-site at the airport or online in advance. I purchased my visa at the airport because I wanted to make sure that my flight to Turkey wasn’t delayed, and that I would have time to go on the tour.

I have a United States passport and paid around 50 USD for my visa. Click here to review visa information based on which passport you have.

Click here to learn about getting an e-visa in advance.

You can’t signup for TourIstanbul in advance. You have to visit the desk at the airport to register for a tour. Before heading to the tour desk, you must purchase your visa if you don’t have an e-visa. There are visa desks before passport control where you can buy one. Once you purchase it, follow the signs to exit the airport and proceed through passport control. The TourIstanbul desk is opposite of meeting point 4 by arrivals. Click here to view an interactive map to locate the TourIstanbul desk.

Once you locate the desk, you can speak with the agent to schedule your free tour! You will provide them with your ticket number so they can assign you to the tour that best fits your travel day. From there, you can hang out in that area until 30 minutes before your tour time. At that point, return to the desk to prepare for your tour! A guide will meet you and take it from there.

Is There Luggage Storage Avaliable?

If you are traveling with carry-on luggage, you can locate lockers next to the TourIstanbul desk. You can leave your luggage here for a small fee. As you will be walking around the city, I recommend storing your bags in the lockers where they will be safe. I left my backpack and suitcase here, and it was safely stored until I returned from my tour.

It is totally worth it! I love exploring new places, and there’s no better time to do that than when the only other option is sitting in the airport. I loved getting a taste of Istanbul and exploring some of its most iconic destinations. As a solo traveler, it was also a great way to meet others, as we sat together at large tables, and I met travelers from all over the world!

Get a Free Hotel Room From TurkishAir

Some passengers may also be eligible for a free hotel room from Turkish Airlines based on their layover time! You can not take advantage of the free TourIstanbul tour and the hotel room. Additionally, there are many more conditions to receive free accommodation. Check out the list below to see if you qualify!

• If you are economy class, your layover must be longer than 12 hours. For business class, it must be longer than 9 hours.
• If there was a shorter layover time offered, you are not eligible, even if that option is full! This means that you are only eligible if this was the best flight option offered by Turkish Airlines. For example, if you booked a flight that had a 12-hour layover, but there was also a flight with a 4-hour layover to your destination, you are not eligible.
• If you are under 18 you must be accompanied by an adult.

Click here for more information on the Turkish Airlines website! To claim this offer, you must visit the Hotel Desk at the Istanbul airport.

Next time you pass through Istanbul Airport, take advantage of these great opportunities offered by Turkish Airlines! I love finding ways to maximize my flights! Have you been on a TourIstanbul tour before? Leave a comment below about your experience!

If you are booking flights soon, check out my article: “How to Find Cheap Plane Tickets in 2o23!”

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Touristanbul - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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5 Things to Know Before Flying Turkish Airlines

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Turkish Airlines is a viable option for international travel as the airline flies to over 260 destinations around the world, including to nearly 50 airports in Turkey.

If you’re wondering "how is Turkish Airlines?," read these five things to know first in our Turkish Airlines review.

1. You’ll have better luck with the website, not the app

Pretty much every airline these days offers an app where passengers can search for flights, check-in, select seats and more. While Turkish Airlines is no exception, don’t expect its app to be your best resource — on a recent series of flights I took on the airline this summer, app functionality was strained at best.

The app was glitchy, would frequently crash and was far from intuitive to navigate. Checking in was occasionally an exercise in futility, there was no digital boarding pass available for many flights and trying to find my flight information involved a deep dive into menu tabs.

Even a simple task, like signing into my Miles&Smiles loyalty account, was challenging at best and didn’t work at all at worst. The only task I was able to complete with confidence was selecting my meal preference for long-haul flights.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

2. You can pick your in-flight menu

On that note, I was impressed with the options available for in-flight meals on Turkish Airlines international flights. No matter your dietary restrictions, there’s likely to be a meal option for you on most long-haul trips (not on domestic flights, though, so bring your own snacks if you have allergies or restrictions).

Choose from vegan, gluten-free, diabetic, Hindu, Kosher and more. Some of the meal menus may overlap at times (gluten-free and vegan, for example), but the fact that there are so many options is a plus. Meals feature Turkish or world cuisine menu items, are adequately portioned and aren’t lacking in the flavor department.

There’s complimentary beverage service on all flights, and even domestic flights often serve simple hot or cold meals like sandwiches in economy class and full meals in business class on many routes.

International business class passengers flying out of Istanbul to select destinations are able to view their main course options (including meat, seafood and pasta dishes) and make a meal selection up to a week — and no less than 48 hours — in advance of their flight.

3. You’ll enjoy comfort amenities on international flights

We'd be remiss to share our Turkish Airlines review without mentioning that the airline provides quite a few comfort items for their long-haul flight passengers depending on the route.

Upon boarding a flight from Houston to Istanbul, I found a light blanket and headphones for the seat-back in-flight entertainment already in my economy class seat , and crew members handed out amenity kits with a sleep mask, ear plugs, socks, lip balm, and a toothbrush and tiny toothpaste.

Business class passengers get an upgraded amenity kit plus access to noise-canceling headphones.

While Turkish Airlines doesn’t offer first class cabins, business class provides a similar experience depending on the route. On longer flights and depending on the aircraft, you may have access to lie-flat seats with massage functionality, privacy screens, storage lockers, an 18-inch entertainment screen and plenty of space to spread out.

» Learn more: Sweet spots for Turkish Airlines miles

4. You’ll have plenty of in-flight entertainment

Don’t worry about what to do during your transatlantic flight when flying with Turkish Airlines: there’s plenty of in-flight entertainment options to keep you occupied. There are hundreds of thousands of songs available via the music player and plenty of TV and movie options for adults and children, including Turkish entertainment, all available via a seat-back entertainment system.

As for internet connectivity, Wi-Fi is available on many international routes. Economy class passengers who are not part of the Miles&Smiles program will have to purchase service. But business class passengers with top Miles&Smiles elite status will have unlimited access to free Wi-Fi.

All other business class passengers and Miles&Smiles members in any class will also be able to access free Wi-Fi up to a limit. Once that limit is met, they can still use the internet for a fee.

5. You can schedule a free stopover or tour in Istanbul

One major perk of flying with Turkish Airlines is its free stopover option , which means your final destination doesn’t have to be in Turkey to enjoy Istanbul. In fact, on most round-trip itineraries, when you schedule a stopover in the city and stay for 20 hours or more, you can receive a voucher to stay in a partnering five-star hotel for two days (when traveling in business class) and in a four-star hotel for one day (when traveling in economy), totally free of charge.

Passengers are responsible for getting any required visas and paying for transportation between the airport and the hotel.

To check if your final destination is on the approved list and request a free hotel voucher, send an email to the appropriate destination email address listed on the airline website under the “Cities and countries in the scope of stopovers” drop-down menu at least 72 hours before your flight. You must have a voucher for a free hotel stay, and you can use the benefit only once on either your departure or return trip, not both.

Alternatively, if you have a shorter layover (between 6-24 hours) or don’t plan to spend the night in Istanbul, you can opt for a TourIstanbul experience instead, which is complimentary to all international passengers flying on a Turkish Airlines ticket.

Different tours are available depending on the day of the week — they vary from walking tours to boat tours to sightseeing tours. The tour you’ll have access to depends on your flight schedule, as tours run on a set timetable. To sign up for a tour, head to the Hotel Desk in the International Arrivals Terminal once your international flight lands in Istanbul. You’ll be picked up for the tour and driven back to the airport when it’s over.

Note that passengers can take advantage of either the stopover free accommodation service or the TourIstanbul service, not both.

» Learn more: The best airlines for free stopovers

Is Turkish Airlines good?

Turkish Airlines is a comfortable airline that offers flights to hundreds of destinations around the world. And while the airline app certainly leaves something to be desired, the flight experience, entertainment options, and free stopover or tour options for international passengers can more than make up for it.

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25 Best Things to Do in Istanbul

From historic squares to the Grand Bazaar, there's much to do in the Turkish metropolis.

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Surely there has never been a dull moment in Istanbul . An imperial capital for 1,700 years, the metropolis has long stood as a gateway between the East and West, and that has made it a hub for crossing cultures, religions, ideologies, and cuisine. And the legacy of the city — formerly Constantinople — has withstood the test of time. "It is a city with an incredible depth of culture, and history like no other," says Liam Dunch, product manager of Abercrombie & Kent, Europe. "Discovery through the stratification and the layers will be constant and unending. Observing the way that people of the city blend together the notions of the East and those of the West is an incredible experience."

Mina Agnos, president of Travelive and a Travel and Leisure A-List Advisor , agrees that the bustling city is a quintessential destination for anyone aiming to understand Turkey. "Every visit to Turkey either starts or ends with Istanbul," she adds. "It is a uniquely diverse city with so many unforgettable sites to discover." Read on to learn what these experts name as the best things to do in Istanbul.

Related : Travel + Leisure Readers' 3 Favorite Hotels in Istanbul of 2023

Experience Taksim Square.

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Taksim Square is in the heart of modern Istanbul, perched at the end of the famous pedestrian street Istiklal Caddesi. Past meets present here; at one end you have the grand Taksim Mosque, and at the other is the modern Ataturk Cultural Center . This is where the hum of Istanbul’s activity vibrates at its highest level.

Stroll down Istiklal Caddesi.

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Speaking of Istiklal Caddesi, this pedestrian-only walking street is the place to soak in the vibe of Istanbul. It is one of the most famous thoroughfares in the country today and is flanked by both Ottoman-era buildings and Art Nouveau and Art Deco structures. The buildings house everything from boutiques and art galleries to cafes, theaters, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Sample Turkish kebab.

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Turkish cuisine includes a dizzying array of grilled meats, seafood, salads, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern spices, rich desserts, coffee, and tea. When visiting Istanbul, you will want to try as many of the above as possible, but perhaps Turkish kebab especially. Made of marinated lamb or beef, the kebab is cooked on skewers and served alongside vegetables or wrapped up in lavash bread.

Visit the Galata Tower.

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Rising from the historic streets of Istanbul's Beyoglu district, Galata Tower was originally constructed as a watchtower during the Byzantine era. The structure that stands today, however, dates back to the 13th century and serves as a gallery and museum. A primary feature of the tower is a 360-degree observation deck that overlooks Istanbul.

Shop and party in Beyoglu.

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"The European side of Istanbul is home to the main historic district," says Agnos. "This side of the city is considered more 'Western' and it includes nightlife spots and more cosmopolitan districts such as Beyoglu and Karakoy. Beyoglu is famous for its vibrant atmosphere; this area offers wonderful stops for shopping, dining, and nightlife." It's likely you will spend a lot of time in Beyoglu should you travel to Istanbul. Steeped in more than a thousand years of history, the neighborhood is the beating heart of modern Istanbul on the European side of the city.

Grab a drink at Grand Hotel de Londres.

A grande dame of Istanbul, Grand Hotel de Londres is a beautifully preserved building from the 1800s. It's all about opulence here, from the rich color palette and glittering chandeliers to plush wall-to-wall carpeting. The terrace bar is a favorite hangout for tourists and locals; there's often live music here, plus beautiful sunset views over the Golden Horn. "This is a good suggestion for travelers that have been to Istanbul," says Agnos. "It's an off-the-beaten-path suggestion for visitors to really feel the vibe of the city."

Explore Karakoy.

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"Karakoy, the modern name for the old Galata, is part of the Beyoglu district," says Agnos. "It is known as one of the hippest and oldest neighborhoods in Istanbul, home to arty cafes, local boutiques, cocktail bars open late into the night, and art galleries. There is a growing local fashion and art scene in this area."

Marvel at the Blue Mosque.

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One of the most recognizable landmarks in Istanbul, the Blue Mosque (also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is a beacon in the city skyline. It is known for its gorgeous domes and six soaring minaret towers. The mosque dates back to the 17th century and is still a functioning mosque today.

Visit Hagia Sophia.

Not far from the Blue Mosque is the equally impressive Hagia Sophia. Originally built as a church where rulers of the empire were crowned, it was later converted to a mosque. Today it serves as a museum dedicated to Turkey, and it remains one of the most important monuments for both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires.

Roam the Hippodrome.

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Back when Istanbul was the imperial capital of Constantinople, it was known for its horse and chariot racing, and the Hippodrome was where these exciting, adrenaline-pumping races took place. While the original venue is no longer around, what stands in its place is Sultanahmet Square, where several monuments serve as reminders of the area's millennia-old past.

Explore the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum.

The Turkish and Islamic Art Museum is a revolutionary museum for Turkey, being the first in the country to showcase Turkish and Islamic artwork together. Opened in 1914, it was the last museum to open during the Ottoman Empire period. The museum has 1,700 pieces of art, and its carpet collection is among the most impressive in the world.

Journey underground at the Basilica Cistern.

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Istanbul's skyline soars with some of the world's most beautiful and historic monuments, and the beauty continues underneath the pavement, too, thanks to masterpieces of engineering and infrastructure. The primary water reservoir for Constantinople, the Basilica Cistern is cathedral-esque and a sight to see. Built during the 4th century, it is supported by 336 columns and can hold up to 17.5 million gallons of water.

Visit Topkapi Palace.

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This 15th-century palace was once the administrative headquarters for the Ottoman Empire. Now a museum, the venue is full of treasures, from walls festooned with gorgeous paintings to rooms that give way to sumptuous courtyards — you can even explore the opulent former harem. It's one of the best places in Istanbul to learn about the former grandeur of the Ottoman Empire.

Check out the Süleymaniye Mosque.

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Istanbul is not short on impressive mosques, and Süleymaniye Mosque is certainly one of its most beautiful. Considered the masterpiece of architect Mimar Sinan, the mosque was built in the 16th century to honor Sultan Süleyman, the longest-reigning sultan of the Ottoman Empire. The central dome stands at a staggering 154 feet tall and the interior is beautifully decorated with colors of gold, green, red, and blue.

Ferry to Istanbul’s Asian side.

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Istanbul stands as an important crossroads between Europe and Asia, and the city itself is divided between the two continents by the Bosphorus Strait. Be sure to immerse yourself in both sides of this rich city in order to best understand its history. There are more than 20 ferry routes across the Bosphorus, and the crossing takes only 15 minutes.

Admire Beylerbeyi Palace.

Across the Bosphorus, Beylerbeyi Palace is a 19th-century estate built as a summer palace for royalty. It was also used as a residence for visiting heads of state. The now-museum is a gorgeous example of interior design and architecture, with nods to both Ottoman and Neo-Baroque styles. The stunning gardens that surround the palace are equally impressive.

Shop around Kadikoy Market.

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Kadikoy Market is part of a buzzy bazaar on Istanbul's Asian side. Overlooking the Sea of Marmara, the market is a historic one, home to more than 4,000 vendors selling everything from fruits and vegetables to carpets, pottery, textiles, and paintings. It is also one of the best spots in the city to sample Turkish street food and Turkish delights, a jelly candy made with rosewater.

Walk the Kuzguncuk neighborhood.

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Sandwiched between Uskudar and Beylerbeyi, Kuzguncuk is one of the most lively and vibrant neighborhoods in Istanbul's Asian side, and it has always been a melting pot of religions and cultures. You'll see mosques, churches, and synagogues here, plus the neighborhood's funky mishmash of coffee shops, restaurants, tree-lined cobblestone streets, and brightly colored historic homes.

Bargain at the Grand Bazaar.

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Prepare to feast your eyes on the granddaddy of all covered markets. One of the world's oldest and largest venues of its kind, the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul contains a maze of streets and thousands of shops. Vendors sell everything you could possibly think of, so if you're a professional at haggling, this will be like your Super Bowl.

Get a serious scrubbing at Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı.

Wellness has been "on trend" in Turkey for hundreds of years, and visitors can step back into the old ways of wellness with a visit to the iconic Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı. The building dates back to the 16th century and serves as one of the top spots in the city for a classic hamam ritual today. Remember to book accordingly — the hamam is open to women in the morning and men in the afternoon.

Visit the Monastery of Zoodochos Pege.

This early Byzantine monastery has a history of miracles and legends tied to it, thanks to a spring that is believed to have magical powers. It's also set on a hilltop, making it a great place to take in city views.

Connect with the local community.

If you like to step into the shoes of a local when you travel, you can do that in Turkey. Agnos recommends visiting the island village of Bozcaada in August to harvest and sell tomatoes with the local community. Or, if you're in Bodrum, join the olive harvest that occurs between September 15 and December 25.

Enjoy the Mediterranean climate.

Istanbul may be a cosmopolitan city, but it is surrounded by nature at every turn, with coastal views, island-style living, forests, and parks. "There are many seaside promenades where locals walk, run, or socialize and hang out," says Dunch. "From early June to the end of September, public beaches on the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara are open." Dunch also recommends enjoying open-air concerts in the summer, or visiting Belgrad Forest, north of the city. "Around Prince's Island," he adds, "sailing and water sports are popular."

Discover your favorite ‘esnaf lokantası’.

Istanbul has some of the top restaurants in Europe, but local, homestyle street food cafes are where the city really shows its heart. "I recommend eating at a craftsmen's eatery," said Dunch. "They are referred to as 'esnaf lokantası,' frequented by shopkeepers and craftsmen in commercially vibrant areas, such as the markets, and they offer underrated and extremely tasty home-style cooking. This is as close as a visitor can get to the heart of Turkish cuisine."

Be entertained at Bomontiada.

The impressive Bomontiada complex is a center for the arts. There's the Ara Güler Museum, restaurants, and a calendar of outdoor concerts and movie screenings, making this the place to go for all forms of entertainment. It also happens to be housed within the once-abandoned Bomonti beer factory, and it was integral to helping redefine this formerly desolate part of the city.

Find cheap Turkish Airlines flights to Istanbul Airport from $444

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Good to know

When to book flights with turkish airlines to istanbul airport, faqs for flying to istanbul airport with turkish airlines, is turkish airlines cheaper than other airlines flying to istanbul airport.

Turkish Airlines is currently the only airline with deals flying to Istanbul Airport, with an average return price of $1,238.

How much is a flight to Istanbul Airport with Turkish Airlines?

On average, Turkish Airlines flights to Istanbul Airport cost $709 for one-way and $1,238 return.

Which airport do Turkish Airlines flights to Istanbul Airport fly into?

You’ll fly into Istanbul Airport when flying to Istanbul Airport with Turkish Airlines.

Are there any other airlines in Star Alliance that fly to Istanbul Airport?

Unfortunately, there are no other airlines in Star Alliance that fly to Istanbul Airport.

Top tips for your flights to Istanbul Airport with Turkish Airlines

• Looking to fly from the United States to Istanbul Airport with Turkish Airlines? 25% of our users found flights for the following prices or less: From Newark Airport $573 one-way, $926 round-trip; from Seattle $624 one-way, $977 round-trip; from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport $695 one-way, $1,047 round-trip.
• The cheapest flight to Istanbul Airport with Turkish Airlines found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks departed from Newark Airport and cost $465.

Turkish Airlines customer reviews

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• Little more comfortable seats. (in 429 reviews)
• The food was good too (in 729 reviews)

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Turkish Airlines resumes complimentary Istanbul city tour

By anadolu agency.

National flag carrier Turkish Airlines (THY) has resumed its complimentary Istanbul city tour for its international transit passengers.

The "Touristanbul" facility will enable Turkish Airlines passengers with connecting flight times of six-24 hours at Istanbul Airport to discover the unique wonders of İstanbul, according to a statement from the flag carrier Monday.

Passengers are picked up from Istanbul Airport by a Touristanbul vehicle and taken on a tour that includes Sultanahmet Mosque, Ayasofya Mosque and Topkapı Palace accompanied by a guide and are brought back to the airport for the next leg of their flights.

Ahmet Olmuştur, Turkish Airlines' chief marketing officer, recalled that the service was suspended due to COVID-19 in 2020. "Our goal is to increase transfer passenger numbers and our market share with this privileged service," Olmuştur stressed. Some 349,738 guests have had the chance to discover Istanbul with the service since 2019, he noted. "We expect approximately 60,000 guests to benefit from the Touristanbul privilege until the end of the year."

Aiming to increase its share in the international transit passenger market and contribute to the promotion of Turkish tourism with this service, the THY initially arranged tours to explore Istanbul within the scope of the project it started in 2009. While the highest demand comes from Russia, Indonesia and France, passengers can join six different tours organized every day in accordance with their flight times.

Turkish Airlines, founded in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, currently has nearly 380 aircraft, including passenger and cargo planes. It flies to 340 destinations – 287 international and 53 domestic – in 129 countries. Last year, Turkish Airlines carried 44.8 million passengers, down nearly 40% compared to the pre-pandemic period in 2019.

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• February 13, 2024
• By TheBestIstanbul

Guide To Turkish Airlines Lounges at Istanbul Airport (IST)

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Welcome to a world of sophistication and comfort at the Turkish Airlines Istanbul Airport Lounges. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the offerings and exclusive services these lounges provide, ensuring an unforgettable journey for every traveler. I’ll also address inquiries collected from various platforms such as TripAdvisor and Flyertalk to provide you with comprehensive insights.

Turkish Airlines Lounges at Istanbul Airport (IST)

In Istanbul Airport (IST), you can find a total of four Turkish Airlines Lounges. Three of these lounges are situated in the international departures terminal. Additionally, there is a Turkish Airlines Lounge located at the Domestic Terminal. Regrettably, Istanbul Airport does not have an arrivals lounge. In the upcoming chapters, we will delve into the whereabouts of these lounges, examine their offerings, and discuss the eligibility criteria for access.

Turkish Airlines Lounges Istanbul – Locations

The International Departures Terminal at Istanbul Airport (IST) houses three lounges: the Miles & Smiles Lounge, Business Lounge, and Exclusive Lounge. Situated adjacent to each other on the upper floor after the passport control, these lounges offer a convenient and accessible experience. The Arrivals Lounge is situated on the arrivals level of the International Terminal, just outside the baggage claim area. To find it, simply take a left. The Domestic Lounge is positioned in the Domestic Terminal outside the security area. Access it through the external entrance located at the arrivals level. Alternatively, you can reach the lounge through the elevator across from Gates G6 and G7.

Chart of Eligibility for Turkish Airlines Lounges at Istanbul Airport (IST)

The Eligibility Chart for Turkish Airlines Lounges at Istanbul Airport (IST) delineates the access criteria, specifying which Turkish Airlines lounge individuals are eligible to enter at the Istanbul Airport. It’s important to emphasize that eligibility is contingent on several factors. Primarily, it depends on whether you are flying with Turkish Airlines or a Star Alliance member airline on the given day. Additionally, the class you are flying and the level of your Miles&Smiles Card or Star Alliance Card play a pivotal role. These parameters collectively determine both your access to specific lounges and the possibility of bringing guests. Below, I’ve crafted charts for various scenarios to provide clarity on these aspects.

Turkish Airlines Lounge Business: Guest/Family Right Eligibility

Three crucial points determine eligibility for Turkish Airlines Lounge Business access:

• Passengers flying in Business Class, whether with Turkish Airlines or a Star Alliance Member Airline, can access the Turkish Airlines Lounge Business, regardless of their card type.
• Only Business Class passengers can enter the Turkish Airlines Lounge Business. Business Class passengers with the appropriate card type may bring a guest into the Lounge Miles & Smiles section.
• First-class passengers flying with a Star Alliance member airline have the privilege of bringing guests to the Turkish Airlines Lounge Business.

Turkish Airlines Lounge Miles&Smiles: Guest/Family Right Eligibility

Passengers with M&S Elite Plus, M&S Elite, SAG, PLM and CORP cards can enter the Turkish Airlines Lounge Miles & Smiles section. Passengers can also use Miles to purchase entry into this Lounge. As stated in the Lounge Business Eligibility section, Business Class passengers with the relevant card type have the option to bring a guest into the Lounge Miles & Smiles section. Below, you’ll find the guest eligibility chart for reference.

For details regarding guest policies and pricing for the lounges, please refer to the terms and conditions on the Turkish Airlines lounges website.

Turkish Airlines Lounge: Miles & Smiles

To reach the Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles Lounge, proceed left after passing through security and make your way toward gate C1. Look for an escalator and a prominent sign guiding you upstairs to the lounge entrance. This exclusive space is accessible to Turkish Airlines Business Class passengers, Star Alliance Gold members, Turkish Airlines Corporate Club members, Miles&Smiles Elite, Elite Plus members, and individuals flying with Star Alliance member airlines. Moreover, those holding these statuses are entitled to bring along one guest to enjoy the lounge facilities. The Turkish Airlines Lounge Miles&Smiles spans an expansive 5,600 square meters, providing seating for up to 765 people. Indulge in a revitalizing experience within our passenger lounge, featuring 12 suites equipped with showers. While waiting for your flight, unwind on plush couches and savor delectable treats from Turkish and global cuisines specially crafted for your enjoyment. Your ideal destination for a delightful time awaits. Within the Turkish Airlines Lounge Miles&Smiles, discover a cinema, console gaming experience, and a spacious children’s playground where endless fun unfolds. For those seeking productivity, take advantage of our well-equipped meeting rooms and library to make the most of your time.

Turkish Airlines Lounge: Business

To reach the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge, turn right after passing through security and proceed towards gate E1. Look for the escalator and a prominent sign that will guide you upstairs, granting access to the lounge. Entry to this lounge is extended to Business Class passengers flying internationally with Turkish Airlines or Star Alliance airlines. For Business class passengers, the perk is dual access to both lounges. However, for Star Alliance and Turkish elite members, access is limited to the Miles & Smiles lounge. Crafted for an exceptional travel experience, the Turkish Airlines Lounge Business spans an impressive 5,600 square meters (Same as Miles & Miles Lounge), accommodating 765 individuals. Elevating your journey, They’ve collaborated with Istanbul Modern to seamlessly integrate a 130-square-meter museum within Business lounge for your enjoyment. At Turkish Airlines Lounge Business, entertainment and comfort converge. Prior to your flight, unwind in private suites and indulge in a revitalizing shower. Within the lounge, find solace on cozy couches while relishing delectable, exclusive offerings from Turkish and international cuisines. The hours will effortlessly pass with the immersive console gaming experience and the expansive children’s play area. Despite the apparent contrast, our experience indicates that both Miles&Smiles and Business lounges offer nearly identical amenities, with only minor distinctions favoring the business class lounge. The overall ambiance in the lounge closely mirrors that of the Miles & Smiles lounge, but with a subtle elevation in various aspects. Unique additions, such as a golf simulator and a couple of more food options, contribute to this elevated experience.

Difference between Miles&Smiles Lounge and Business Lounge

In comparing the two, the Business Lounge boasts an art exhibition gallery, whereas the Miles&Smiles Lounge offers a movie theater experience. Additionally, the Business Lounge stands out with features like a golf simulator and virtual reality flying simulator, amenities not found in the Miles&Smiles Lounge. Another distinctive service in the Business Lounge is the availability of an ironing service, a convenience absent in the Miles&Smiles Lounge. Furthermore, the Business Lounge tends to be slightly less crowded, enhancing the overall tranquility of the space. While I could add a video and numerous pictures showcasing both of these lounges, the experience is best captured by my favorite travel YouTuber, Vicarious Voyager. Therefore, I’ve included a link to his video for you to enjoy the immersive journey.

Suites at the Turkish Airlines Lounges

Turkish Airlines provides various complimentary options for their connecting passengers, ranging from free city tours to overnight hotel stays, or the opportunity to transform an extended layover into a complimentary stopover. For business class passengers and elite members, Turkish Airlines offers private suites within their Miles&Smiles and Business Class lounges at Istanbul Airport. The Business Class lounge features 24 suites, conveniently grouped together, and provides shower facilities for connecting passengers. Each suite is equipped with a single bed, a work desk, and a designated area for clothes storage and luggage. A flat-screen TV, offering a selection of both local and international channels, is positioned in front of the bed. Additionally, passengers can reserve showers on a first-come, first-served basis.

Travelers with a Business Class ticket or an Elite Plus Card, who have a minimum 8-hour flight to/from IST and a layover time between 4 and 9 hours, can take advantage of Turkish Airlines suites in IST.

Turkish Airlines Lounge: Exclusive

Situated between the Miles&Smiles and Business Lounges at Istanbul Airport, the Turkish Airlines Exclusive Lounge, as the name suggests, will represent the pinnacle of luxury within the Turkish Airlines lounge offerings. Originally slated for an earlier opening, the lounge’s debut faced delays due to the impact of COVID. Anticipated to open sometime in the future, this exclusive lounge promises an elevated experience for travelers.

Turkish Airlines Lounge: Domestic

Situated in the Domestic Terminal Outside Security, access to this lounge is granted through the external entrance located at the arrivals level. Alternatively, you can reach the lounge via the elevator across from Gates G6 and G7. If you’re traveling domestically within Turkey on a Turkish Airlines business class flight, entry to this lounge is automatic. Miles & Smiles Classic Plus, Elite, and Elite Plus passengers also enjoy lounge access, even when flying in economy class. Turkish Airlines Corporate Club members transferring to international flights are entitled to use the lounge. Additionally, Star Alliance members, regardless of class, can utilize the lounge through a dedicated gate outside the terminal. A designated bus service directly transports lounge visitors to their flights. Within this domestic Turkish Airlines lounge in Istanbul, you’ll discover a scaled-down version of the food and beverage offerings available in Turkish Airlines’ other lounges. For families, a playground is available to let children expend some energy before their flight, and video console games add an extra element of fun. If you need to work before your flight, take advantage of the numerous private meeting rooms available.

Other Lounge Options at the Istanbul Airport (IST)

Apart from the lounges operated by Turkish Airlines, Istanbul Airport (IST) features three additional lounges. In the Domestic Departures Terminal, there is the IGA Lounge, and in the International Departures Terminal, you’ll find both the IGA Lounge and the Sky Team Lounge.

IGA Lounge at Istanbul Airport (IST)

Located on the International Departures Floor, the iGA Lounge offers a distinctive environment for indulging in various amenities before your flight.

Spanning an impressive 5,150 m2, the iGA International Lounge has the capacity to host 650 guests on the international departures level. Recognized as one of the world’s top four airport lounges by the prestigious international rating agency Skytrax, the iGA Lounge is a five-star private service hall celebrated for its outstanding hygiene standards and service quality. Notably, it stands as the exclusive lounge at iGA Istanbul Airport that includes an outdoor terrace for added comfort and relaxation. The IGA Lounge at the International Terminal currently allows entry with a fee of 85€+VAT and the IGA Domestic Lounge entrance costs ₺750.00 +VAT (Around $25). Moreover, IGA provides various services, including Sleeping Pods, Business Pods, Showers, Baggage Wrap, and Luggage Lockers. For a comprehensive list of services and additional information, please refer to this link.

Who can get in?

• Passengers with iGA Pass Card (Plus, Extra, and Premium)
• Passengers of Partner Airlines
• Passengers who are members of a contracted travel program (Priority Pass, Dragon Pass, High Pass, LoungeMe)
• Passengers with iGA Daily Pass
• Passengers Making Individual Purchases at the Desk
• Passengers Making Digital Purchases
• Passengers using the iGA Meet and Greet Service

SkyTeam Lounge at Istanbul Airport (IST)

Situated on the International Departures Floor, the SkyTeam Lounge provides a diverse range of amenities for passengers awaiting their flights. These include access to television, newspapers, magazines, snacks, a bar, showers, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, rest areas, a masjid, places of worship for various religions, ablution areas, open buffets, and dining spaces, ensuring a comfortable experience until boarding. Spanning an expansive 611 m2, the lounge is conveniently located on the airside of the international departures floor. After passing through passport control and turning left, passengers can access the mezzanine floor using the escalators. Positioned on the right side of the mezzanine floor, adjacent to the iGA International Lounge, the SkyTeam Lounge is exclusively available to passengers traveling on international flights.

SkyTeam Member Airlines:

• Middle East Airlines
• Saudia Airlines
• TAROM Airlines

How can you get in?

• First or Business Class Passengers of SkyTeam Member Airlines
• Passengers and Guests holding the SkyTeam Elite Plus Card

Is it worth it to pay for lounge access?

I had the privilege of exploring the Turkish Airlines Lounge Business, Turkish Airlines Lounge Miles&Smiles, IGA Lounge at both the International and Domestic Terminals. Particularly, the lounges at the International Departures terminal left a lasting impression, with the Turkish Airlines Lounge Business ranking as the second-best Airport Lounge I’ve experienced, following the Al Safwa First Class Lounge at Doha Airport. So, if you’re flying business with Turkish Airlines or a Star Alliance member airline, the Turkish Airlines Lounge Business is a no-brainer. The same applies to the SkyTeam Lounge. However, let’s delve into the discussion of whether the price for IGA Lounges and Sleeping Pods justifies the expense. Frankly, I find the cost to be on the higher side. Currently, the price for the IGA International Terminal Lounge is 85€+VAT, nearing 100€. For the same amount, you could indulge in a variety of food and beverages at the airport restaurants. While the lounge offers some amenities like resting and shower options, if you only have a 2-hour wait, paying such a premium might seem unnecessary. However, if your wait extends to 4-5 hours, the investment might make more sense. Personally, I accessed the IGA Lounges with Priority Pass, a valuable asset for frequent travelers. If I didn’t have the Priority Pass, gaining access would have been unlikely. According to their website, the IGA Lounge is available for a maximum of 4 hours, but I ended up staying there for 6 hours, and surprisingly, no one mentioned anything about the extended duration. Wishing you fantastic journeys and exciting explorations as always! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me anytime.

Discover some of the world’s finest lounges at Istanbul Airport. If you’re embarking on a long-haul journey, consider securing a business class ticket with a layover in Istanbul. Alternatively, an even better idea is to spend a couple of days exploring Istanbul before continuing your journey to your final destination. Whether you’re a business traveler or a family on vacation, these lounges are tailored to meet every need, transforming your layovers into experiences as delightful as the destination itself.

FAQs about Turkish Airlines Lounges at Istanbul Airport (IST)

Experience a wealth of amenities, including spa services, shower suites, gourmet dining, and exclusive business facilities, designed to elevate your travel experience.

Absolutely! Turkish Airlines Istanbul Airport Lounges are family-friendly, offering dedicated play areas and amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for travelers of all ages.

Access to the lounges varies depending on your ticket class and loyalty status. Business and First Class passengers, as well as elite members of the Miles&Smiles program, enjoy complimentary access.

Access is granted based on ticket class, Miles&Smiles status, or through various lounge access programs. Check eligibility table in the article criteria to make the most of your lounge experience.

Guest policies vary, with some lounges allowing guests for a fee. For details regarding guest policies and pricing for the lounges, please refer to the terms and conditions on the Turkish Airlines lounges website.

To determine eligibility for access to the international terminal, please refer to the “Eligibility” section in this article

Access to the Turkish Airlines Lounges is restricted based on eligibility, with entry available only to those meeting specific criteria. However, the Domestic Lounge permits entry for a fee, starting January 1, 2024. Turkish Airlines passengers can refer to the fee list for private passenger lounge usage, with the cost for entry to the Domestic Lounge set at 900 Turkish Liras (approximately $30).

FAQs about other Lounges in Istanbul Airport (IST)

Access to the IGA Lounge in the international departures terminal of Istanbul Airport is available for a fee, which is currently set at 85€ + VAT. For further details about this lounge, you can find more information here .

Currently, Turkish Airlines operates three lounges at Istanbul Airport: the Miles&Smiles Lounge and Business Lounge in the International Departures Terminal, along with the Domestic CIP Lounge situated in the Domestic Departures Terminal. Additionally, passengers have the option to access the iGA International Lounge and SkyTeam Lounge in the International Departures Terminal. For those in the domestic departures area, the iGA Domestic Lounge is also available.

While there isn’t a strict dress code, it’s recommended to dress in a manner suitable for a sophisticated environment, ensuring a pleasant atmosphere for all guests.

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Russia Accuses U.S. of Pressuring Turkish Airlines to Deny Russians Flights to Mexico

Turkish Airlines Boeing 737-800 plane TC-JVV taxies to take-off in Riga International Airport, Latvia January 17, 2020. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins/File Photo

By Gleb Stolyarov and Lucy Papachristou

(Reuters) - Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has accused the United States of exerting pressure on Turkey's national airline to bar Russian citizens from flights bound to Mexico.

His comments came after Moscow's embassy in Ankara this week complained that some Russian airline passengers were being indiscriminately denied boarding while transiting on Turkish Airlines flights from Istanbul to some Latin American countries.

War in Israel and Gaza

"Specifically in relation to Mexico, the reason, I think, is easy to guess", Ryabkov was quoted late on Wednesday as saying by the TASS state news agency. "It lies in the pressure that is exerted on the authorities of this country by Washington."

He did not provide evidence for the accusation.

Two industry sources told Reuters they believed Turkish Airlines was acting at the behest of the U.S. in an effort to stem immigration flows of Russians to its southern border.

Photos You Should See - April 2024

"Turkish Airlines was somehow pressured or persuaded or intimidated to be so strict," said Artur Muradyan, vice president for international tourism at the Russian Association of Tour Operators, an industry group.

"I think they are under pressure from the U.S. to do this."

A second source, who requested anonymity, said: "(Turkish Airlines) think people are flying (to Latin America) to cross the border into the U.S.". Most of the Russians denied boarding were flying to Mexico, the source added.

The U.S. State Department did not immediately reply to Reuters request for comment. Turkey's foreign ministry and Turkish Airlines were not immediately available for comment.

At least 73,000 Russians have tried to enter the U.S. via official southern border crossings in the past two years, Customs and Border Protection data show, part of a historic exodus of people since the war in Ukraine began in Feb. 2022.

The sources told Reuters that as many as 1,000 Russian travellers had been refused boarding to flights leaving Istanbul Airport for a slew of destinations in Latin America over the past 2-3 months.

Russia's embassy in Ankara spoke out against the practice in several statements this week, but did not specify when the practice began or how many passengers had been denied flights.

The embassy said airline employees barring passengers cited restrictions imposed by their destination countries, including a valid hotel confirmation or proof of a return ticket.

When contacted by Reuters for comment, the Russian embassy said it had nothing to add beyond its published comments.

(Reporting by Gleb Stolyarov and Lucy Papachristou; Additional reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu and Ceyda Caglayan; Writing by Lucy Papachristou; Editing by Gareth Jones)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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Exploring i̇stanbul’s rich history: the historical peninsula, one city, three days: madrid, what’s on in april: türkiye’s guide to culture and arts, türkiye’s gateway to tnrc: the new nicosia ercan international airport, all you need to know about the türkiye museum pass (müzekart), an exclusive airport experience: iga pass, a recent favorite: mauritius, towards the heart of indonesia: yogyakarta, capital of the northern lights: tromso, an extraordinary i̇stanbul experience: a day with touristanbul.

Turkish Airlines international passengers transiting through İstanbul have a unique opportunity. International passengers who have layovers that are between 6 and 24 hours can enjoy a complimentary tour of İstanbul with Touristanbul, along with delicious treats from Turkish cuisine. Keep reading for a description of the flow of two of the eight Touristanbul tours – and discover the details of the Touristanbul experience under the headings of “First round” and “Second round”.

First tour: Meeting at İstanbul Airport

Touristanbul offers eight different tour programs for passengers who want to explore İstanbul. After selecting the tour that suits our transfer times and area of interest, all we need to do is go to the Hotel Desk at İstanbul Airport – We’re not expected to make a booking or register ahead of time for  Touristanbul.  We head to the tour bus with our guide, who meets us at the Hotel Desk at the time of the tour. Since it’s 08.30, we are still a bit sleepy, so we nap on the bus as we move towards the city. After a 45-minute drive, we are in the heart of the city, on the Historical Peninsula – and we’re ready for our Touristanbul.

Turkish breakfast, tea and coffee, and Sultanahmet Square

Before embarking on our Touristanbul, our first stop is a hearty breakfast. Together with our guide, we recharge on various breakfast items, tea and coffee in an authentic breakfast room. During the breakfast, which lasts about 30 minutes, we chat with other guests from different countries who have come to İstanbul. When we finish breakfast, we’re ready to explore, so we set out, following our guide. We are at the first Touristanbul address in Sultanahmet Square.

Our tour is T04, which is the full-day tour that starts at 08.30 in the morning and concludes around 18.00 in the evening. Our first stop is the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii). The majestic 17th-century mosque was built by Sedefkar Mehmet Ağa, a student of Mimar Sinan, and is one of the city’s most spectacular structures. We admire its elegance and the 21,043 enormous İznik tiles on its walls and proceed towards the second stop, the Hippodrome.

Hippodrome Square, Serpent Column and Theodosius Obelisk

The Hippodrome – now called Sultanahmet Square – was used for chariot races during the Roman era. Within the area are three monuments, which our Touristanbul guide describes to us as we take photos. The elegantly domed (Alman Çeşmesi), was built to commemorate the visit of the German Emperor of the time, Kaiser Wilhelm II, during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid II. The Serpent Column (Yılanlı Sütun), a bronze work depicting three entangled pythons, is an Ancient Greek artifact that has been in İstanbul since the 300s. Adjacent to the Serpent Column is the Theodosius Obelisk (Theodosius Dikilitaşı), an Ancient Egyptian obelisk. We leave the Square, where traces from different geographies of the world come together, with lots of new information and many pictures.

Museum Of Turkish And Islamic Arts

The next stop on this particular Touristanbul route is the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, the first museum in Türkiye exhibiting Turkish-Islamic works together. Set along the outer border of Sultanahmet Square across from the Hippodrome, the Museum features rare works of the Islamic world, from manuscripts to glass, stone and earthen objects. In addition, The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts houses one of the most qualified carpet collections in the world. There’s a spacious café in the Museum’s courtyard, where ethnographic items related to Turkish daily life are displayed. After walking around the Museum for a while, we sip a coffee at the café and play with the cats strolling around the courtyard. Meanwhile, our Touristanbul friends are still in the Museum. After the visit, we’re a little hungry, so we finish our tour and go to the restaurant for lunch.

Lunch, Topkapı Palace, Spice Bazaar

There are numerous authentic restaurants in the vicinity so we enter the one selected for Touristanbul guests and take a breather. First our soups arrive at the table, followed by kebab varieties – one of the remarkable tastes of Turkish cuisine. After we’ve eaten our fill, our next address is Topkapı Palace. Without wasting time, we set off with our Touristanbul guide. Topkapı Palace, built by Fatih Sultan Mehmet after the conquest of İstanbul, is at the most distinguished point of the city and features a lush green garden. You know, the Ottoman Empire was ruled from Topkapı Palace for a significant part of its 600-year history. In the Palace, a popular destination for many local and foreign tourists visit, our guide provides important information and then gives us free time so that we can roam around. In this Touristanbul segment, we will conclude our short but satisfying İstanbul tour with a visit to the Spice Bazaar. The aromas of the Spice Bazaar reach us before we even get there.

Spice Bazaar

At the Spice Bazaar, one of the oldest and most important covered bazaars in İstanbul, history seems to have stood still. Located inside the New Mosque (Yeni Cami) Complex, the Spice Bazaar was opened with a ceremony in 1663-64 and has been an important trade center in the city since that time. The atmosphere of this authentic market, where fabrics, jewelry, spices and much more are sold, is spellbinding. We are preparing to depart İstanbul, but we leave a little bit of our hearts behind. We meet with our guide and say goodbye to Touristanbul and the city, to meet on a longer exploration tour.

Second tour: Meeting at İstanbul Airport

Like our first Touristanbul tour, our starting point for the second Touristanbul tour is the Hotel Desk at İstanbul Airport. In fact, the starting point for all Touristanbul tours is the Hotel Desk at İstanbul Airport. We select the most suitable itinerary from the eight Touristanbul programs and, at the designated tour time, our guide greets us at the Hotel Desk. One by one, our names are read off a list. After making sure that all the guests are there, our guide accompanies us to our bus. Touristanbul begins, as we set off to explore the most beautiful corners of İstanbul.

Yedikule Fortress, Byzantine Walls, Galata Bridge

Our Touristanbul adventure kicks off with the famous Yedikule Fortress and the İstanbul Walls. On the bus, our guide describes the history of Yedikule Fortress. Dating to the fifth century, Yedikule Fortress was erected during the Byzantine Empire to defend the city against attacks from the sea. In Yedikule, which was expanded with the addition of new walls and gates over the years, the renowned “Golden Gate (Altın Kapı)” was built to welcome emperors returning from victorious battles. Armed with this information, we leave one of the most historical points in İstanbul. There are many interesting stops ahead of us.

Before moving on to our next Touristanbul stop, we take a break at the Galata Bridge, one of İstanbul’s most iconic structures. The two-level Galata Bridge features a magnificent view of Eminönü, as well as seafood restaurants on its lower level. The upper level of the Bridge has wide walking paths on both sides of the vehicle road; in these areas, there are pedestrians and people fishing off the sides. It is impossible not to take photos in this incredible scenic location.

Lunch and Pierre Loti Hill

We head to the Eyüpsultan district to eat lunch amid the unique beauty of the Historic Peninsula. The unspoiled old İstanbul texture of the district, with its artisans and tiny shops, is really impressive. We pass by rows of restaurants and head towards the eatery selected by Touristanbul for us. There, we dine on traditional Turkish dishes and then depart to continue our tour.

The next stop is a traditional Turkish tea in Eyüpsultan. Our Touristanbul guide takes us to Pierre Loti, a very pleasant spot at the top of the district, for our tea break. This hill is named for the French writer Pierre Loti, who once lived in Eyüpsultan, İstanbul, and came often to the hill to enjoy the unique view.

Although the tour bus will drive up the hill, our Touristanbul guide gives us the option to ascend Pierre Loti Hill via the cable car, free of charge. We recommend the cable car, which offers a splendid view of the Golden Horn. When we reach the top, an observation terrace, along with freshly brewed tea and warm salep – a creamy beverage made from orchid roots – awaits us. The drinks and the view are magnificent, and we are ready for our next stop.

Bulgarian St. Stephen Church and Balat

Our next Touristanbul stop is St. Stephen (Sveti Stefan) Church, also known as the Bulgarian Iron Church, standing in all its splendor along the Golden Horn. One of İstanbul’s most important structures, St. Stephen Church was erected by the Ottoman-era Bulgarian community, who did not want to be tied to the Fener Greek Patriarchate. The Bulgarian Exarchate was established in 1850, with the Bulgarian community leader Stefan Vogoridis donating his residence and three other buildings for the construction of the church. The original wooden structure was destroyed in a fire; the current church, which features Neo-Byzantine and Neo-Baroque elements, is made of iron and is one of the world’s few surviving prefabricated cast iron churches.

Afterward, we go into Balat with our guide. In this segment of our Touristanbul, our guide lets us explore freely. We gaze at the hilltop Church of Saint Mary of the Mongols (Bloody Church / Kırmızı Mektep) and take a stroll through the authentic streets of Balat, lined with colorful houses. The unique atmosphere of Balat offers us a nostalgic and memorable tour as we discover its modest venues and unique culture.

Farewell: Return to İstanbul Airport

After completing our delightful Touristanbul trip, we return to the buses and set off for İstanbul Airport. We arrive at the airport and thank our guide. And then, our group disperses, each to their different corner of the airport, to complete their journey.

*The date of this blog post may have been updated due to additional content. Please be aware that information on fees and transportation is subject to change. The content of this post reflects the author's opinion and views.

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Dear Passengers,

Due to current situation in Iran, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon, all Turkish Airlines passengers registered for departure and arrival flights to Iran, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon between 13 APRIL 2024 and 29 APRIL 2024 (included) for tickets issued on or before   13 APRIL 2024, provided that they take action until 30 APRIL 2024 (included):

1) Reservation changes will be made free of charge.

2) Refund requests will be made without penalty.

3) Extension of ticket’s duration:

The validity of the ticket can be extended until 31 MAY 2024 (included) without any rebooking/rerouting charge.

4) Relevant applications will only be valid for flights operated by Turkish Airlines.

Simple Flying

Russia in talks with turkey after citizens denied boarding on latin america flights.

Russians are complaining about being denied boarding at Istanbul for Latin America following stricter guidelines.

• Turkish Airlines denying Russians boarding bound for Latin America due to concerns about illegal immigration.
• Tighter control measures implemented by Turkish Airlines for passengers heading to South American countries.
• Russian citizens facing travel restrictions in Europe due to the war, prompting destinations to shift.

One fateful night on 24 February 2022, peace in Eastern Europe was shattered as Russia launched its Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine. The Western world was quick to rally behind Ukraine and moved to impose many crippling sanctions on the Russian industry and other sectors.

Russian aircraft were soon banned from European, American, and other skies, but other countries like Turkey remained a lifeline and transit hub for Russians seeking to travel outside of Russia. In the course of the conflict, Turkey has militarily aided Ukraine while continuing to welcome millions of Russian tourists. However, according to recent reporting by Russian media, Turkish Airlines has recently been denying Russians boarding bound for Latin American countries without providing a reason.

Complaints of Russians refused boarding

According to Russian outlets, such as RusTourismNews , Russians are being denied boarding by Turkish Airlines bound for Latin American countries. The Russian news agency stated that the media reported that Russian passengers of Turkish Airlines have been increasingly often denied access to transit flights to Latin American countries while boarding at Istanbul airport. Turkish Airlines remains one of the major airlines that maintained flights to Russia in 2024 .

"The Government of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia are actively working to resolve the situation regarding refusals by Turkish Airlines to allow Russians on transit flights to Latin America, according to the Press Secretary of the President of Russia, Dmitry Peskov." - RusTourismNews

Press Secretary of the President of Russia, Dmitry Peskov stated that the " problem primarily lies with the Turkish side. .." and that the Russian government was " actively engaged, tirelessly emphasizing the unacceptability of such a situation for us, for Russian citizens.. ." Dmitry Peskov is, himself, also one of the many Russians under US sanctions (as reported by Forbes ) and has also been sanctioned by many other countries.

The Moscow Times reported that the Russian Association of Tour Operators (ATOR) attributed the boarding denials to concerns about illegal immigration to the United States. The Moscow Times also reported that Shot (a Telegram news channel with purported links to Russia's security services) estimates around 1,000 Russians have been denied boarding at Istanbul bound for Latin America.

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Stricter rules: the us connection.

Meanwhile, VisaGuide.news has reported more stringent control measures for passengers heading to South American countries are being implemented. Turkish Airlines has confirmed these changes, which states that the changes include Brazil, Cuba, Columbia, Mexico, and Venezuela. VisaGuide states these changes are in response to a surge in Turkish asylum seekers to the United States. It says an increasing number of Turkish citizens have been attempting to reach the United States by going through Mexico and Canada to seek asylum.

"Some additional controls may be applied to our passengers who have flights arriving in Venezuela (CCS), Mexico (MEX and CUN), Colombia (BOG), Cuba (HAV) and Brazil (GRU), apart from the general rules such as passport and visa requirements. Since the country's authorities may deny entry to the country with respect to the following requirements, similar controls can be carried out during boarding." - Turkish Airlines

Additional control measures include presenting visas, hotel reservations, invitation letters, and return tickets (the exact rules vary somewhat from country to country). Passengers going to some of these countries for extended periods of time are expected to have not only carry-on luggage but also checked baggage (and perhaps credit cards and cash). However, while the report talks about Turkish citizens increasingly applying for asylum, according to Russian outlets, the new restrictions are also being applied to Russian citizens.

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Not just latin america.

Before the war, it was comparatively easy for Russians to travel to Europe, but now, according to euronews.com , Russians are banned from entering most European countries for tourism purposes. This is forcing Russians to seek other destinations. While the Russian government struggles to show Russia is not internationally isolated, it has become difficult for Russians to travel to Europe, the United States, and many other nations sympathetic to Ukraine. The most stringent restrictions have been imposed by Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland - all of which share borders with Russia and have histories of Russia/USSR invading their countries.

Learn why Russia banned 27 aircraft from flying to Egypt .

Russians fleeing Russia

After a string of devastating defeats, it became apparent to Russia that Ukraine would not be a quick victory or parade through Kyiv (instead destroyed Russian tanks were paraded through Kyiv). It was also apparent that Russia lacked the manpower to continue to fight such a large war on such a large front. So in October 2022, Russia drafted hundreds of thousands into the army.

Fearing being fed into the proverbial meatgrinder, this triggered a mass exodus of military-age men from Russia. While that surge has abated since then as Russia has sought to avoid further mobilization and focus on recruiting via comparatively generous monetary incentives, many Russians have continued to search for a life outside of Russia. In February 2023, CNN reported almost 22,000 Russians had tried to enter the United States through the southern border since October 2022.

It is unclear how many Russians have been seeking asylum in the US via the southern border since the CNN report. In February 2023, the BBC reported that by January 2023, over 5,000 pregnant Russian women had traveled to Argentina and given birth there. They can obtain a visa in Argentina while the newborn child automatically obtains Argentine nationality and is entitled to free healthcare. In February 2024, CNN reported that South Korea had received a record number of Russian asylum seekers, showing many Russians are continuing to look for a home outside their war-torn country.

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Russia claims US pressured Turkish Airlines into preventing Russians from flying into Mexico

An unprecedented number of russians have attempted to leave the country since the war in ukraine began.

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Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has accused the United States of exerting pressure on Turkey's national airline to bar Russian citizens from flights bound to Mexico.

His comments came after Moscow's embassy in Ankara this week complained that some Russian airline passengers were being indiscriminately denied boarding while transiting on Turkish Airlines flights from Istanbul to some Latin American countries.

"Specifically in relation to Mexico, the reason, I think, is easy to guess", Ryabkov was quoted late on Wednesday as saying by the TASS state news agency. "It lies in the pressure that is exerted on the authorities of this country by Washington."

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He did not provide evidence for the accusation.

Two industry sources told Reuters they believed Turkish Airlines was acting at the behest of the U.S. in an effort to stem immigration flows of Russians to its southern border.

"Turkish Airlines was somehow pressured or persuaded or intimidated to be so strict," said Artur Muradyan, vice president for international tourism at the Russian Association of Tour Operators, an industry group.

A Turkish Airlines plane taxies to take-off in Riga International Airport, Latvia, on January 17, 2020. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov accused the U.S. of pressuring Turkish Airlines into denying Russian citizens flights to Mexico. (Reuters/Ints Kalnins/File Photo)

"I think they are under pressure from the U.S. to do this."

A second source, who requested anonymity, said: "(Turkish Airlines) think people are flying (to Latin America) to cross the border into the U.S.". Most of the Russians denied boarding were flying to Mexico , the source added.

The U.S. State Department did not immediately reply to Reuters request for comment. Turkey's foreign ministry and Turkish Airlines were not immediately available for comment.

At least 73,000 Russians have tried to enter the U.S. via official southern border crossings in the past two years, Customs and Border Protection data show, part of a historic exodus of people since the war in Ukraine began in Feb. 2022.

The sources told Reuters that as many as 1,000 Russian travelers had been refused boarding to flights leaving Istanbul Airport for a slew of destinations in Latin America over the past 2-3 months.

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Russia's embassy in Ankara spoke out against the practice in several statements this week, but did not specify when the practice began or how many passengers had been denied flights.

The embassy said airline employees barring passengers cited restrictions imposed by their destination countries, including a valid hotel confirmation or proof of a return ticket.

When contacted by Reuters for comment, the Russian embassy said it had nothing to add beyond its published comments.

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