Turkish Air/ Connection in Istanbul

[Anonymous]

I am looking at a trip from DC to Italy and Turkish Air has the lowest prices by a mile (and then some).

Can anyone provide recent feedback on Turkish Air?

Is 1.5 hours enough time to get through customs in Istanbul between connections?

Do you think this is a safe option?

[Anonymous]

I am guessing Ataturk. Yes and yes. It's pretty small.

[Anonymous]

We did this exact trip last May. Our layover was about 1.5 hours and we made it through in time. Going back, we had several hours of a layover and enjoyed the TA lounge!

We felt incredibly safe while we were there. This was before all of the attacks and unrest of the summer but I imagine the security is even more increased. We went through at least two different security checks.

I will say that we flew Business Class which was phenomenal but I don't know that if we had to fly economy, we would do it. You are really adding a lot of time onto your travel time and not sure if the $$$ saved would be worth it. I think I'd rather pay more and get there quicker. But, we had a great experience on Turkish Airlines start to finish.

[Anonymous]

Turkish Air is really great and that flight from DC to Ataturk is on a nice plane with great food. I actually prefer Turkish to American carriers, particularly since Air France has gotten stingy with the alcohol.

The airport is relatively small, so you should have an okay time getting to your gate. I had no concerns about security on a recent visit, but did avoid the part of the airport that is directly in front of the entrance, just in case!

[Anonymous]

Istanbul is the 11th busiest aiport in the world. More passengers than JFK for example:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_busiest_airports_by_passenger_traffic

It's bursting at the seams, but still manageable. One thing to note is the flight to IST from Dulles leaves at 11pm at night. This can be good or bad. Most European flights leave late afternoon/early evening by comparison, so you're in Europe by morning. You'll instead be there teh following afternoon.

As for the transfer, it should be OK, as you dont' do immigration there since they aren't Shengen area. You'll do it in Italy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We did this exact trip last May. Our layover was about 1.5 hours and we made it through in time. Going back, we had several hours of a layover and enjoyed the TA lounge!

We felt incredibly safe while we were there. This was before all of the attacks and unrest of the summer but I imagine the security is even more increased. We went through at least two different security checks.

I will say that we flew Business Class which was phenomenal but I don't know that if we had to fly economy, we would do it. You are really adding a lot of time onto your travel time and not sure if the $$$ saved would be worth it. I think I'd rather pay more and get there quicker. But, we had a great experience on Turkish Airlines start to finish.

We'd be looking at economy, sadly. Our other option would be to fly into Milan and then take a train to Venice, rather than fly into Venice directly. That option would be even cheaper and not on Turkish Air. I'm worried about using up our allotted Venice time in the train between Milan and Venice.

[Anonymous]

I would do milan and take a look around milan too.

[Anonymous]

I am the first PP. And it just occurred to me that if you are doing the same flight in reverse, build time in because you need to go through two security screenings for US bound flights.

[Anonymous]

Go to Milan. The train trip is definitely not wasting time! It's gorgeous!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We did this exact trip last May. Our layover was about 1.5 hours and we made it through in time. Going back, we had several hours of a layover and enjoyed the TA lounge!

We felt incredibly safe while we were there. This was before all of the attacks and unrest of the summer but I imagine the security is even more increased. We went through at least two different security checks.

I will say that we flew Business Class which was phenomenal but I don't know that if we had to fly economy, we would do it. You are really adding a lot of time onto your travel time and not sure if the $$$ saved would be worth it. I think I'd rather pay more and get there quicker. But, we had a great experience on Turkish Airlines start to finish.

We'd be looking at economy, sadly. Our other option would be to fly into Milan and then take a train to Venice, rather than fly into Venice directly. That option would be even cheaper and not on Turkish Air. I'm worried about using up our allotted Venice time in the train between Milan and Venice.

We flew into Venice and we left IAD at 11:30 and got to Venice at 4:00 the next day. So, if you could get into Milan earlier in the day, I don't think you would be losing much time, plus any opportunity to see Italy via train is a must in my book!

[Anonymous]

OK, so Milan. I was there once in college for less than a day. I saw the cathedral but the Last Supper was closed for renovation. I'd want to do those two things. What else is a can't miss in Milan? (Keeping in mind we'd be exhausted)

[Anonymous]

Op, I flew Turkish late summer and it was fine. The only issue is that to fly to Europe it takes longer through turkey cause you fly east and then fly back west to Italy. If the savings are worth the extra flying time, then go ahead.

1.5 is doable.

I just read about your other option, hands down, fly to Milan and take train to Venice, you'll enjoy it and it's not that far.

[Anonymous]

Op, I flew Turkish late summer and it was fine. The only issue is that to fly to Europe it takes longer through turkey cause you fly east and then fly back west to Italy. If the savings are worth the extra flying time, then go ahead.

1.5 is doable.

I just read about your other option, hands down, fly to Milan and take train to Venice, you'll enjoy it and it's not that far.

[Anonymous]

I flew Turkish to SE Asia a year and a half ago. I would highly highly recommend it. One of the best international carriers I've ever flown.

We flew in coach. The food was amazing. Are you flying with kids? The kids meals were great and my kid got a little variety pack with headphones and a coloring book and some other bits and pieces.

As for the layover time -- is this an itinerary the airline offers? If so, you should be fine. We were in transit in Istanbul and did not have to collect checked baggage or clear customs until our destination.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, all. I decided I just couldn't deal with worrying about Istanbul - plus the flight was longer and the arrival time was really late (meaning we'd have to pay extra to check in.) So, we're headed to Milan! Turkish Air gets really great reviews online - even the food! - so you braver folks should be very happy with them.

Anyway, I appreciate all your feedback. Thanks!