Flying BA from Ataturk

joandjelly


Joined: 24/02/2008
Posts: 2953

Message Posted:
12/11/2008 11:35

I have a friend coming to stay next week and when she goes home she is flying from Ercan to Ataturk on CTA then BA to Heathrow. Has anyone done this route and if so, will she be flying in to and out of the same terminal at Istanbul?



Thanks.



Jo

fire starter


Joined: 19/06/2008
Posts: 3401

Message Posted:
12/11/2008 11:42

hi there i'm not sure about that.

i do know the drinks and snacks are very expensive at that airport

so send them with lots of goodies!

brian24001


Joined: 23/03/2008
Posts: 606

Message Posted:
12/11/2008 13:30

there is only 1 terminal at Ataturk.

they will have to clear immigration (GBP 15) and customs though, collect bags and check in again upstairs.

As someone who travels an awful lot, I would say stay away from BA where possible, i'd rather walk than put cash in their bank account.

Oilman


Joined: 19/09/2008
Posts: 225

Message Posted:
12/11/2008 14:20

I too travelled internationally many years and have to agree with brian24001 on the BA issue. Their arrogance seems to know no bounds and they even think that the average person in the street will pay grossly inflated prices just to travel with them. Think again BA! Of course if you like to treated like cattle and have air crew talk to you like you are a human sub-species go ahead!

MaggieAndBernie



Joined: 26/07/2008
Posts: 2012

Message Posted:
12/11/2008 14:28

My son & daughter-in-law are travelling through Ataturk (Manchester to Ercan with Turkish Airlines) on route to Ercan in Dec. They have 1 hour to make the connection - will they have to clear immigration & customs etc or if in transit, can they just go to next plane? Sorry I know this thread is about BA but thought someone might know

Maggie

Oilman


Joined: 19/09/2008
Posts: 225

Message Posted:
12/11/2008 14:41

No you stay on the plane. I do it regularly and did so last Saturday. The usual mixed bag with CTA. The staff and service were excellent on my trip back. Definitely the airline with the split personality!

Oilman


Joined: 19/09/2008
Posts: 225

Message Posted:
12/11/2008 14:44

Sorry I missed the Turkish Airlines bit and thought you said CTA. You don't need to collect your baggae but you do need to clear passport control.

brian24001


Joined: 23/03/2008
Posts: 606

Message Posted:
12/11/2008 15:17

Maggie and Bernie,

Non of the Turkish flights connect directly on, they will change planes.

No need to collect bags (same airline), and no need to clear immigration, they will be 'in transit'

With a 1 hour connection, they will make it but will really need to get a move on. Just by the immigration area there is a doorway to departures, it's well signed 'International Departures', go up the stairs and they will be straight into departures, they can find the gate number from one of the screens.

Make sure they have a copy of the boarding pass as they are sometimes asked for.

Will be well impressed if the bags make it though with only 1 hour, in fact tell them not to expect the bags until a later flight.

Hope this helps,

Brian

MaggieAndBernie



Joined: 26/07/2008
Posts: 2012

Message Posted:
12/11/2008 15:45

Thanks for the info Brian & Oilman. Have copied out & printed to put with their stuff! I presume if the worse happens and they miss it they get out on the next flight out?

joandjelly


Joined: 24/02/2008
Posts: 2953

Message Posted:
12/11/2008 16:00

Thanks from me too. With regard to BA, my friend gets free flights through air miles so it's a no brainer for her.

Oilman


Joined: 19/09/2008
Posts: 225

Message Posted:
12/11/2008 16:11

I've done an hour connection time a few times and never missed the flight but as Brian said you need to get a move on. Regarding the BA issue even if they were free flights I would have tio think long and hard! Sorry to air my venom on this forum but it is a long story!!!!

Cyprusunday


Joined: 16/06/2008
Posts: 53

Message Posted:
12/11/2008 17:39

BA my favorite airline. OK maybe a little behind Qatar and Emirates but I rate them highly.