Turning left for less Turning left for less
  • Home
  • Beginners guide
  • Reviews
    • Hotel reviews
    • Flight reviews
    • Airline Lounge Reviews
    • Travel companies, luggage, travel tech & apps
    • Destination Dining
  • Destinations
    • Barbados
    • Las Vegas
    • Alicante
    • Marbella
    • All other destinations
  • About us
    • Meet the Team
    • Contact us
    • Privacy & Disclosure
      • Join our email list & data protection
    • Youtube and Podcast
  • BOOKING ENQUIRY
Categories
  • Air France
  • Airlines
  • Airport hotels
  • American Airlines
  • Avios
  • Black Friday 23
  • Black Friday 24
  • British Airways
  • British Airways Executive Club
  • Business class
  • Cashback
  • competition
  • Credit cards
  • cruises
  • Destinations
  • Emirates
  • Etihad
  • Finnair
  • First class
  • General
  • Guide
  • Heathrow and Gatwick
  • Hilton
  • hotels
  • IHG
  • London hotels
  • Lounges
  • Marriott
  • Michelin star dining
  • News
  • Offers
  • Oneworld
  • parking
  • Qatar
  • reader questions
  • Reader review
  • Reviews
  • Skyteam
  • Star Alliance
  • Starwood
  • This Week in Travel
  • Trains
  • UK country hotels
  • UK hotels
  • USA
  • Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
Turning left for less Turning left for less
Turning left for less Turning left for less
  • Home
  • Beginners guide
  • Reviews
    • Hotel reviews
    • Flight reviews
    • Airline Lounge Reviews
    • Travel companies, luggage, travel tech & apps
    • Destination Dining
  • Destinations
    • Barbados
    • Las Vegas
    • Alicante
    • Marbella
    • All other destinations
  • About us
    • Meet the Team
    • Contact us
    • Privacy & Disclosure
      • Join our email list & data protection
    • Youtube and Podcast
  • BOOKING ENQUIRY
  • Lounges

Turkish Airlines Business Lounge at Istanbul Airport Review + Other Lounge Options at IST

  • 27/05/2023
  • Sylvie Simpson

 

I visited the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge before flying from Istanbul to London Heathrow with Turkish Airlines on an evening flight. This was part of a press trip to try Turkish Airlines new menus. I loved spending time at the lounge; there are more facilities and things to do than any other lounge I have visited.

The lounge is a luxurious oasis of calm in the bustling airport, with a warm, welcoming atmosphere complemented by outstanding service. The food was delicious, and there was a wide variety of food and drink options. 

 

In this post:

  • How to Get to the Turkish Airlines Lounge
  •  
  • Who Can Use the Turkish Airlines International Lounge?
  • Opening Times
  • My Experience
  •  
  • Seating
  •  
  • Food 
  • Drinks
  • Toilets and Showers
  • Other Facilities
    • Nap Rooms
    •  
    • The Children’s Area
    •  
    • Champions League Museum
    •  
    • Meeting and Work Spaces
    •  
  •  
  • Finding the Gate and Departure
  • Other Lounges at IST Airport
    • Domestic Lounges at Istanbul Airport
    • International Lounges at Istanbul Airport
  • Turkish Airlines Lounges Around the World
  •  
  • Final Words

How to Get to the Turkish Airlines Lounge

Business class check-in
The business class airport entrance

 

The Turkish Airlines Business Lounge is at Airside in the international terminal on the departure level near gate E1. After passing through business class check-in and security, walk to the right until you reach the central part of the airport (pictured). You will be able to see the lounge on the first floor overlooking the terminal.

Walk to the right and past the disabled entrance, and you will reach the escalators. 

You must scan your boarding pass on the automatic scanners to enter the lounge. Staff are on hand to help if you meet other criteria to enter the lounge.

 

finding the Turkish Airlines business lounge, IST airport international terminal
Finding the lounge. You can see it overlooking the terminal on the first floor.

 

Who Can Use the Turkish Airlines International Lounge?

The lounge is not just for Turkish Airlines business class passengers. Here is how you can enter:

  • Turkish Airlines International Business Class Passengers
  • Star Alliance Gold Members + 1 Guest
  • Star Alliance Business Class Passengers 
  • Turkish Airlines Corporate Club card holders + 1 Guest
  • Miles&Smiles Elite and Elite Plus members + 1 Guest or family, including all children under 25.

 

Opening Times

The lounge is open 24 hours!

 

My Experience

After a seamless check-in experience, I was impressed.

There was a self-playing piano in the eating area. After passing the entrance, it was clear that the lounge was huge, and there was a huge array of things to do. Many people were in the lounge, but it did not seem crowded. There were still plenty of places to sit.

 

A lovely ambience

 

Seating

The sheer size of the lounge, which accommodates around 1000 people, means it did not feel crowded. The lounge is spacious and spread out, blending traditional Turkish motifs, creating a sense of place and a relaxed ambience.

With various seating options, from plush armchairs to private sleeping rooms, there was something for everyone in our group.

 

Comfy, spacious seating

 

Food 

A real standout feature is the lounge’s exceptional dining offerings. There is a vast selection of food, ranging from fresh Turkish mezes and a variety of international dishes to delectable pastries and desserts. #

The open kitchen concept adds a dynamic element to the dining experience. There was a  small selection of hot dishes. But there was a vast variety of lovely-looking cakes.

 

 

A snack table

 

More snacks and a glimpse of the live cooking station

 

You can try traditional Turkish yoghurt.

 

Lovely presentation and outside views

 

Lots of the things on offer are also available on the new Turkish Airlines menu. The selection is very recognisable from the menu launch.

Drinks

There was a huge array of soft and hot drinks on offer in different locations throughout the lounge. It does not  look like they would run low on supplies any time soon!

 

 

There was a small self-service alcohol section:

 

 

Toilets and Showers

The lounge also has shower facilities which you can view below. You can book a slot with the concierge, and you will be given a buzzer which will go off when you can enter. 

The toilets were spacious, and there were lovely big mirrors. There seemed to be an attendant cleaning every time someone went out.

 

Shower facilities at the Turkish Airlines business lounge

 

Other Facilities

 

Views of the main terminal from above

 

As well as the classic buffet, bar and seating options, this lounge offered a huge range of extras.

 

Nap Rooms

You can access a nap room if you have a layover of 4-9 hours as long as one of your flights is over 8 hours. You can book a room at the concierge desk.

 

 

An example of one of the nap rooms

 

The Children’s Area

This is the only children’s area I have ever seen in a lounge. It was extensive, with resting places, little tables and chairs and even a popcorn machine! Some colouring on the tables may have been better, though!

 

 

 

Champions League Museum

Plenty of other fun activities are in the lounge for older children and adults alike. Visit the Champions League area/museum, go on the miniature golf course or try the race car simulator.

 

 

Meeting and Work Spaces

As well as having work booths, you could also use the lounge’s state-of-the-art facilities located in a quiet area at the back of the lounge near the sleeping pods (see the door).

 

The perfect place to catch up on work!

 

There are also meeting spaces available.

 

I enjoyed looking at the large models of Istanbul and Turkey

 

There were no worries about missing the flight. The large screens have all the information.

airport departure board, Istanbul airport business lounge
Looking for my flight

 

There was also a helpful screen about how long it would take to walk to each gate. I usually only see these guides on the journey to the gate! This was a good addition.

 

boarding gate information, walking time to gate, IST airport
Guidance in the lounge

 

Finding the Gate and Departure

There was quite a long walk to the gate. We were not expecting this! On arrival, everything seemed to be going well until Heathrow Airport phoned to say we could not take off because we could not land.

The departure time we kept being pushed back 15 minutes, leading to everyone queuing unnecessarily. Knowing about this delay would have been nice so we could have spent more time in the lounge.

However, the time in the lounge had left me refreshed, so I wasn’t as worried about this delay as people who had been waiting at the gate a long time.

 

Boarding at Last!

 

Other Lounges at IST Airport

If you’re due to visit Istanbul Airport, there are a variety of other lounges available:

 

Domestic Lounges at Istanbul Airport

Turkish Airlines Domestic Lounge: This lounge is a smaller version of the business lounge in a separate part of the airport. The lounge has the same entry requirements as the business lounge, but you can also enter if you hold Miles&Smiles Classic Plus status. Similar facilities and services include hot dishes, drinks, workspaces, relaxation areas, rooms, and another children’s area.

IGA Lounge: Anyone can purchase entry to the IGA lounge directly or with Priority Pass. The lounge features a buffet with a bar, a nap zone and a business corner. This is an excellent alternative if you do not meet the Turkish Airlines domestic lounge requirements.

 

International Lounges at Istanbul Airport

IGA Lounge: The IGA lounge in the international departure area has many additional facilities compared to the domestic space. There is also a free massage service on selected days and shower facilities! You can purchase entry direct with Priority Pass.

SkyTeam Exclusive Lounge: This extensive lounge can be accessed if you hold a first or business-class ticket for an international flight or an Elite Plus Frequent Flyer travelling with Air France, KLM, MEA, Korean Air, Saudia or Tarom. There is an extensive buffet with live cooking and a bar.

 

Turkish Airlines Lounges Around the World

  • Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta
  • Miami
  • Bangkok Suvarnabhumi 
  • Washington Dulles 
  • Moscow Vnukovo

 

Final Words

I loved visiting the Turkish Airlines business lounge. I will now be rethinking how I get to Asia on future trips. If you’re looking for the best airport for a layover, I highly recommend Istanbul Airport.

If you are not travelling in business class, this is another reason to try reaching Star Alliance Gold Status.

Like this:

Like Loading...
Tweet
Share
Pin1
Share
Reddit
WhatsApp
Pocket
Email
Flip
1 Shares
Related Topics
  • star alliance
  • Turkish airlines
Sylvie Simpson

Previous Article
Episode 20
  • This Week in Travel

This Week In Travel Episode 20 – The best apps and websites to improve your travel experience

  • 26/05/2023
  • Michele
View Post
Next Article
Virgin Voyages
  • Offers

OFFERS: Virgin Points 7 day cruise offer for 80k and 2x Virgin Points plus 2500 Virgin points bonus with Tesco Clubcard

  • 27/05/2023
  • Michele
View Post
11 comments
  1. Michael Downey says:
    27/05/2023 at 7:05 am

    My last visit there were itinerant massaeur/euses that could be ad hoc booked for a neck/back massage. I wonder if they still exist.

  2. Paul says:
    27/05/2023 at 7:38 am

    Agreed. We were there early yesterday morning en route from Mauritius and it actually got pretty full by 6.30 am. Truly fabulous scrambled egg from the cooking station and excellent sweetmeats and coffee, sitting in the quieter library-type area. All the staff, even the night shift, were pleasant and helpful.

    A word of warning about the new airport and Turkish Airlines. First, make sure you don’t risk economy if transiting in as an international traveller (v different when coming from London). There were several lines of hundreds of people queuing to go through security to get into the main area. The fast track security line was thankfully fine but they were advertising up to 20 mins for the rest. If you want to be a 24 hour airport you need to staff up in the small hours. Having to take an ordinary watch plus belt off only adds to delay, though no need to show toiletry bags separately.

    Second, be aware that even as a business passenger to London it is a long bus ride to the aircraft in a crammed bus from the downstairs A gates and before that we queued for 15 minutes to access the final lounge area for our passports/boarding passes to be scrutinised by 4 different people at 4 different desks.

    Third, the flight crew to London were awful, conducting the flight for their benefit rather than ours eg lavatories locked 40 minutes before landing at Gatwick.

    Turkish are generally ok but press trips are different from the normal experience!

  3. Greenpen says:
    27/05/2023 at 8:24 am

    There maybe a bit of hyperbole here but it’s certainly not a puff piece, the lounge really is very good indeed! It was much more crowded when I visited recently so finding seating can be a problem if you are a group; I ended up sharing a small table with a stranger. It was very early so I stuck to coffee and only had a small salad snack but the food offering was impressive.

    On many visits to the old lounge I never managed to get a shower in the time I had, but here there was no problem, even though, as I said, it was crowded.

  4. Greg says:
    27/05/2023 at 9:23 am

    Compare this to BA club lounge at Heathrow T5.

    BAs offering is a complete joke in comparison

  5. Jacky Lester says:
    27/05/2023 at 11:16 am

    I regularly use this business lounge and the food is second to none. The only downside is that while the work pods near to the computer bank have usb ports – quite a few if which have been broken for ages – the only plug sockets are spaced randomly in the middle if the floor which means you have your cable stretched out along the ground presenting a trip hazard to anyone walking past. I also find the entrance to the lounge really badly signposted. I am also stunned to hear that despite using this lounge at least four times a year I had no idea that showers, nap rooms etc. were available for me to use!

  6. Paul says:
    27/05/2023 at 5:36 pm

    Absolutely, Greg. And, Greenpen, I entirely agree (and have posted) that the Miles&Smiles lounge is terrific.

  7. Maria Garcia says:
    28/05/2023 at 9:49 am

    BA Business lounge in T5 is a disgrace of a lounge (used last wed 24/05). It’s in desperate need of updating with dirty and damaged walls and doors in the toilets and elsewhere. There are not enough ladies loos. Always a queue there. There are only two taps of drinking water where often there are queues too. However, I’d never use these unhygienic system as people often fill their own bottles by pushing the bottle neck right up to the water nozzles. The food is not displayed nicely. Mountains of undercooked bacon. No butter (only little bowls brought over at s time). Dirty crockery not collected often enough and dirty tables. I’m not blaming the staff. I’m blaming greedy management.

    1. Abraham Kohen says:
      28/05/2023 at 7:20 pm

      The lounge is awesome. Too bad they no longer have hard liquor. Used to enjoy the single malt Scotch. Yes, I recently got a neck and back massage. Loved it. On the other hand it’s unbelievable that a brand new airport doesn’t have enough gates that they have to use busses.

  8. Andrew Hawkins says:
    01/06/2023 at 8:54 am

    If you’re a Star Alliance Gold you can only access the Miles and Smiles lounge opposite gate C1.
    This is a ‘mirror’ lounge complete with a similar piano, food stations, child area etc. but separated from the E1 business lounge.

    1. Andrew Hawkins says:
      01/06/2023 at 8:55 am

      I should have added ‘when travelling in economy’.

  9. James says:
    05/06/2023 at 1:21 am

    Does Turkish Airlines have any rule how early you can access their lounge at IST? If I have a flight leaving at 10am, can I access the lounge anytime after midnight if I wanted too? Thank you..

Comments are closed.

Subscribe to Turning Left for Less

Subscribe

* indicates required
Choose One Subscription Type

BOOK YOUR DREAM TRIP HERE

Want to book your hotel with extra perks such as upgrades and free breakfast? Need help booking flights? Our experts at Winged Boots can help.

Visit our booking page here

Turning Left For Less on Instagram

turningleftforless

Champagne travel on a Prosecco budget. UK blog on how to travel in luxury for less. Forbes contributor. #avgeek #luxurytravel #miles #luxuryhotel

HOTEL REVIEW Fairmont Windsor Park – Our Honest HOTEL REVIEW

Fairmont Windsor Park – Our Honest Spa Stay Review

Link in bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #fairmont #fairmontwindsorpark #windsor
FLIGHT REVIEW Qatar Airways A350 Q-suite Includin FLIGHT REVIEW

Qatar Airways A350 Q-suite Including Al Mourjan lounge by Mark Hopwood

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #qatarairways #qatar #almourjanlounge #qsuite
LOUNGE REVIEW Air Canada’s refurbished London H LOUNGE REVIEW

Air Canada’s refurbished London Heathrow T2 Maple Leaf lounge

Link in bio

#businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #loungereview #aircanada #heathrow
HOTEL REVIEW Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport – best HOTEL REVIEW

Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport – best of a bad bunch?

Link in bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #crowneplaza #crowneplazahotel #crowneplazadublinairport #dublin
FLIGHT REVIEW ITA Rome to Dubai – When Business FLIGHT REVIEW

ITA Rome to Dubai – When Business Class Feels More Like First Class – ITA’s A321neo Surprises!

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #ita #itaairways
FLIGHT REVIEW Virgin Atlantic Business Class From FLIGHT REVIEW

Virgin Atlantic Business Class From London to Atlanta – “I Was Wrong”

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #virginatlantic #virgin #upperclass
HOTEL REVIEW Le Royal Meridien, Dubai – Genuine HOTEL REVIEW

Le Royal Meridien, Dubai – Genuinely a Hidden Gem (Why do we keep going back?)

Link in bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #leroyalmeridiendubai #leroyalmeridien #dubai #uae
FLIGHT REVIEW ITA Business Class – London City FLIGHT REVIEW

ITA Business Class – London City to Rome – Almost Kicked Off for Taking a Photo!

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #clubeurope #ita #itaairways #londoncity
HOTEL REVIEW Malmaison Oxford Hotel – A Prison HOTEL REVIEW

Malmaison Oxford Hotel – A Prison That You Won’t Want to Escape From

Link in bio 

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #malmaison #malmaisonoxford #malmaisonoxfordprisonhotel #oxford
HOTEL REVIEW Hotel du Vin, Birmingham Link in bi HOTEL REVIEW

Hotel du Vin, Birmingham

Link in bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #hotelduvin #hotelduvinbirmingham
FLIGHT REVIEW Gulf Air Business Class Bangkok to FLIGHT REVIEW

Gulf Air Business Class Bangkok to Manchester Via Singapore and Bahrain

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #gulfair
FLIGHT REVIEW Etihad Business Class – Abu Dhabi FLIGHT REVIEW

Etihad Business Class – Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow After a Cancelled BA Flight

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #etihad
HOTEL REVIEW Hotel Spinale, Madonna di Campiglio HOTEL REVIEW

Hotel Spinale, Madonna di Campiglio – The Ultimate Ski Retreat?

Link in our bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #hotelspinale #hotelspinalemadonnadicampiglio #madonnadicampiglio #skiresort #skichalet
Checking out the new No 1 lounge at @heathrow_airp Checking out the new No 1 lounge at @heathrow_airport T2. Very impressed with the elegant feel to the lounge. It’s definitely a step up from the older style of No1. I’d go as far to say that it looks better than quite a few airline lounges. All drinks are included apart from champagne and there was a good selection of tasty food as well. Full review coming soon. #airportlounge #heathrowairport #luxurytravel #no1lounge
Hotel Review on the blog - Intercontinental O2, Lo Hotel Review on the blog - Intercontinental O2, London & the Cable Car Experience. 

Link in our bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #london #intercontinental #intercontinentalo2 #ifscloudcablecar
THE 8 BEST EUROPEAN SKI RESORTS by Turning Left fo THE 8 BEST EUROPEAN SKI RESORTS by Turning Left for Less

Take a look at our handpicked favourites in the article in our bio.

#luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #skiing #skiresort #skiholiday
New hotel review on the blog - Sofitel Kia Ora Moo New hotel review on the blog - Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Hotel, French Polynesia

Link in bio 

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #sofitel #sofitelkiaoramoorea #frenchpolynesia
Flight review on the blog - Thai Airways from Melb Flight review on the blog - Thai Airways from Melbourne to Bangkok – ‘Old School’ but Classy 🇦🇺✈️🇹🇭

Link in bio

#flightreview #businessclass #luxurytravel #travelreview #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #instaaviation #avgeek #thaiairways #thailand
HOTEL REVIEW 🇺🇸 Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beac HOTEL REVIEW 🇺🇸

Nautilus Sonesta Miami Beach – Boutique Charm Meets Art Deco

Link in bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #miamibeach #southbeach #miami #nautilussonesta #boutiquehotel
HOTEL REVIEW 🇵🇫 Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resor HOTEL REVIEW 🇵🇫 

Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, French Polynesia

Link in bio

#hotelreview #luxurytravel #luxurytravelblog #travelblog #turningleftforless #luxuryhotel #frenchpolynesia #hiltonmoorea #hilton #moorea
Follow on Instagram
Categories
Contact us

[email protected]

Unit 143857

PO Box 6945

LONDON

W1A 6US

Privacy Policy

Find out about our privacy policy and advertising disclosure here.

Turning left for less
Champagne travel on a Prosecco budget

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

%d