Your guide to smooth connections and layovers at Istanbul Airport
Book a comfortable hotel room or lounge access for your transit. Relax, refresh, and recharge before your next flight.
After disembarking, follow the "Transit/Connecting Flights" signs. Do NOT follow signs for "Arrivals" or "Baggage Claim" unless you need to collect your luggage or leave the terminal.
Check if your baggage is checked through to your final destination. Look at your baggage tags - if they show your final destination, you don't need to collect them. If they show Istanbul Airport only, you'll need to collect and re-check.
Even for airside transfers, you may need to go through security screening again. This is a standard procedure for connecting flights. Remove liquids, electronics, and metal items as instructed.
Check the flight information displays for your connecting flight's gate number and terminal. Gates are typically assigned 2-3 hours before departure but may change. Confirm your gate before proceeding.
If you have a long layover, explore the airport's facilities. Istanbul Airport offers extensive shopping, dining, lounges, and relaxation areas. Make sure to return to your gate in time for boarding.
Listen for boarding announcements and proceed to your gate when called. Have your boarding pass and passport ready. Boarding typically starts 30-40 minutes before departure.
Information desks specifically for transit passengers. Staff can help with gate information and transfers.
Store your carry-on luggage if you want to explore the airport hands-free during a long layover.
YOTEL hotel offers rooms for short stays. Perfect for long layovers or overnight connections.
Extensive shopping available airside. Turkish specialties, electronics, cosmetics, and souvenirs.
50+ dining options airside. Turkish and international cuisine available 24/7.
Free WiFi throughout the terminal. USB charging stations available at gates and lounges.
Verify if your baggage is checked through to your final destination. This determines if you need to go through immigration.
If you need to leave the terminal (landside transfer), check if you need a transit visa for Turkey. Airside transfers typically don't require a visa.
Short layovers (under 90 minutes): Stay near your gate. Long layovers (4+ hours): Consider exploring or using a lounge/hotel.
Check gate assignments regularly as they can change. Use flight information displays or the airport app for updates.
Even for airside transfers, you may need to go through security again. Have liquids and electronics ready.
If you're unsure about your connection, ask at transit desks or information counters. Staff are trained to help connecting passengers.
This depends on your airline and ticket. If your baggage is checked through to your final destination (check your baggage tags), you don't need to collect it. If your tags show Istanbul Airport only, you'll need to collect and re-check. Ask your airline if unsure.
If you're staying airside (within the secure terminal area), you typically don't need a visa. If you need to leave the terminal (for baggage collection, hotel stay, or city tour), you may need a transit visa. Check Turkey's visa requirements based on your nationality.
For short layovers, proceed directly to your connecting gate. Don't stop for shopping or dining. If your connection is tight, inform airline staff upon arrival - they may be able to assist with expedited transfer.
Yes, if you have a long layover (typically 6+ hours) and the required visa, you can leave the airport. However, you'll need to go through immigration, collect baggage if needed, and return through security. Allow at least 3 hours before your next flight to return and clear security.
Contact your airline immediately. They will rebook you on the next available flight. If the delay was due to your first flight being late, the airline is typically responsible for rebooking and accommodation if needed.
Yes, Istanbul Airport offers YOTEL hotel rooms, lounges, restaurants, shopping, and relaxation areas. For very long layovers (8+ hours), you might consider a city tour (if you have a visa and time).
For airside transfers (staying within the secure area), you typically don't need to go through passport control. Only if you need to leave the terminal (landside transfer) will you need to go through immigration.
Yes, you can shop at duty-free stores airside. However, be aware of your final destination's customs allowances. Some countries have restrictions on items purchased in transit.
Istanbul Airport has inter-terminal transportation. Follow signs for your terminal or ask airport staff. Allow extra time (15-30 minutes) for terminal transfers. The airport provides free shuttle services between terminals.
Yes, minimum connection times vary by airline and route. Typically 60-90 minutes for domestic connections and 90-120 minutes for international. Airlines won't book connections shorter than the minimum required time.
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