Istanbul Airport Facilities

RTgirl



Joined: 13/03/2007
Posts: 54


Message Posted:
27/01/2008 08:13

Morning all,



I am finalizing my plans to move to TRNC at the end of April and will have to fly via Bahrain and Istanbul. I have just spoken to Turkish Airlines and they tell me that I will land in Istanbul at 06.30am and then not leave until 21.00pm. Does anybody know of any facilities in Istanbul Airport that I would be able to use during that time?? The travel agent didn't know of anything. I don't fancy wandering the terminal for approximately 15 hours. I will have been up all night as it is, having to leave Bahrain at 03.00am so a corner to snooze will be a priority! Tried to check it out on the internet but the page won't open for me just now. Any advice/suggestions gratefully received....



Thanks a lot

ukturk



Joined: 01/09/2007
Posts: 1923


Message Posted:
27/01/2008 08:47

hi rtgirl

istanbul ataturk airport has everything you need to pass your time away, if you talking about food it has a burger king, also has turkish, chinese and italian cuisines, has loads of duty free shop and even has a bazaar which is a copy of the bazaar in Istiklal Street (famours bazaar in centre of istanbul), if you are looking to chill out you can always pay a fee at the airport for a service called primeclass which is basically a v.i.p section which serves hot and cold food, has tv, internet, a creche for the young ones and much more, finally if this does not appeal then you can order a room in the on site airport hotel ecag room has a mini bar,tv with departure flight details, internet and 24 hour room service

hope this helps

regards

ukturk

RTgirl



Joined: 13/03/2007
Posts: 54


Message Posted:
27/01/2008 09:23

Hi ukturk,



As ever, a mine of useful information and just what I need. Thanks so much, I can now finalize my plans - at least I know there is somewhere to have a sleep, a wander and something to eat before heading to my new life in the sun!



Thanks again

paul90


Joined: 07/11/2007
Posts: 226


Message Posted:
27/01/2008 11:31

One suggestion to consider:

Take a taxi to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen airport.

Most days there is a Pegasus flight to Nicosia-Ercan at 1140 for only £30.

Link is:

http://www.pegasusairlines.com/EN/pegasus.uo.neden.pegasus.asp

Or go and see the Blue Mosque, Bazzar etc in the city.

Hope this helps.

ukturk



Joined: 01/09/2007
Posts: 1923


Message Posted:
27/01/2008 12:37

hi paul

thats a good suggestion, but rtgirl is using turkish airlines from bahrain to istanbul then i presume using the same airline to ercan and most of the time she wont be allowed to leave the airport and in some case's wont be allowed to leave the departure lounge

regards

ukturk

RTgirl



Joined: 13/03/2007
Posts: 54


Message Posted:
27/01/2008 13:00

Hi Paul, ukturk,



I must admit I did like the sound of a Pegasus option but my travel agent said the same as ukturk, I won't be able to do it. My cats will be coming with me just to complicate matters! Oh well there is somewhere to put my head down for a few hours so I should be okay.



Thanks again guys.

berty



Joined: 11/01/2008
Posts: 86


Message Posted:
27/01/2008 15:39

where you flying from if you are going via Bahrain. The reason I ask is that I fly to Cyprus regularly from Bahrain and then drive up or get a`taxi to TRNC. There are direct flights from Bahrain on certain days GulfAIr Cyprus Air or Emirates. Just a thought and a stop over in Bahrain is better than Istanbul if you hve to stay

Dusterbruce


Joined: 03/08/2007
Posts: 222


Message Posted:
27/01/2008 15:49

When I made enquiries about bringing my dog to TRNC but coming via Larnaca I was told it could be done but the TRNC authorities dont like it and would make things 'difficult'. Things would be traumatic enough for RTgirl's cats without the extra quarantine and checks that I was told would happen.



Ataturk airport is very modern and slick. Dont think I would want to spend 15 hours there but theres worse places.



Good luck!

turboturk


Joined: 18/01/2008
Posts: 77


Message Posted:
27/01/2008 20:08

The Turkish airlines VIP lounge is at the other end, by the Duty free.

Not sure if you can get into the Turkish Airlines VIP lounge for a fee, but you can ask.

It has everything the other lounges have and a lot more.

They have small Hamam to take a nice shower or steam, lots of little private areas to relax and they even have a dark/quiet room with recliners to sleep in.

It looks like you are in the Dolmabahce palace.

I look forward to spending a few hours there relaxing, showering and a cocktail or two before arriving nice and fresh to Ercan.

It is a long and tiring flight from LA.

RTgirl



Joined: 13/03/2007
Posts: 54


Message Posted:
28/01/2008 03:41

Morning folks!



Berty, I am at present in Saudi Arabia hence my flying from Bahrain. When I asked about flying to Larnaca and then heading up north with my cats, I was told in no uncertain terms that I couldn't do it and if I did try there was no guarantee that they would be allowed to cross the border with me. It would have made life so much easier if I had been able to go that way....



I have seen the airport website and although I am not looking forward to spending 15 hours there, it does at least have plenty of facilities and the VIP lounge option sounds worth checking out and the hotel apparently has rooms you can book at an hourly rate if you are air-side - so many options!

berty



Joined: 11/01/2008
Posts: 86


Message Posted:
28/01/2008 16:07

Hi RT girl



I am in Saudi too where abouts are you suffering at LOL? Sorry I obviously hadnt read things properly didnt know you wanted to take cats. Perhaps you should play it safe and go into the North



Lucky old you going one way i still have a little time to serve before doing the same

RTgirl



Joined: 13/03/2007
Posts: 54


Message Posted:
29/01/2008 03:28

Morning Berty, I am in sunny Ras Tanura - for my sins!! Yes, decided time to abandon ship and so TRNC drew the short straw and is going to be home to me and the moggies!

Love the e-mail address....

Yes, much as I'd prefer to go via the south I don't have a choice so am trying not to think about the airport layover too much - just what waits for me at the other end!

Your time will come soon just hang on in there!