Explore Istanbul Airport Lounges Guide 2024

Istanbul Airport, one of the world's largest and busiest air travel hubs, offers a diverse array of lounges to cater to every traveller's needs. Whether you're a frequent flyer, a business traveller, or simply looking to elevate your pre-flight experience, Istanbul Airport has you covered.

Istanbul Airport offers seven lounges across its Domestic and International Terminals, including options from Turkish Airlines, iGA, and SkyTeam. These lounges provide various amenities such as Wi-Fi, food and beverage areas, rest zones, and shower facilities, with access available through airline status, lounge memberships, or pay-per-use options.

In this guide, we'll take you on a tour of the airport's premier lounges, detailing their unique features, amenities, and how to gain access.

Turkish Airlines Plan on Runway

List of Lounges in Istanbul

Below is a full list of all airport lounges at Istanbul (IST) airport. All lounges are open 24 hours. There are two lounges in the Domestic Terminal, and five lounges in the International Terminal. All lounges are airside after security, except the Turkish Airlines Domestic Lounge.

Domestic Terminal

  • iGA Lounge

  • Turkish Airlines Lounge Domestic (Outside Security)

International Terminal

All of these lounges are located airside after security.

  • iGA Lounge

  • iGA Pop Up Lounge

  • SkyTeam Lounge

  • Turkish Airlines Business Lounge

  • Turkish Airlines Lounge Miles & Smiles

International Terminal Lounges

iGA International Lounge

  • Location: Airside after security, turn left after Passport Control, on the Mezzanine Level to the right.

  • Hours of Operation: 24 Hours Daily, complimentary massage is only available from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun).

  • Services and Features: Rest areas, Wi-Fi, bar area, open buffet and food & beverage area, recreational amenities, shower areas, prayer rooms and wudu/ablution areas, complimentary massage service, billiards table, workstations with computers, meeting rooms, flight information displays, children’s facilities, fresh air terrace and abundant natural light, exclusive duty-free shop.

  • Access Requirements:

    • iGA Pass Card holders (Plus, Extra, and Premium)

    • Passengers of partner airlines, including eligible guests for those with oneworld status flying on British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Royal Maroc

    • Members of contracted travel programs (Priority Pass, DragonPass, HighPass, LoungeMe)

    • iGA Daily Pass holders

    • Passengers making individual purchases at the desk or through digital channels

    • Passengers using the iGA Meet and Greet Service

    • Flexible lounge passes available through LoungePair, offering walk-up access without fixed time/date booking

  • Access Duration: Between 3-4 hours, depending on method of access.

  • Price: LoungePair offer 3 hours access from €106.00 per person, or free with LoungePair+ purchase.

  • Children: Children under 6 years are admitted free.

  • Official Website: iGA International Lounge

Bar Area at the iGA International Lounge, Istanbul Airport

Bar Area at the iGA International Lounge, Istanbul Airport

Lounge Seating Area at the iGA International Lounge, Istanbul Airport

Lounge Seating Area at the iGA International Lounge, Istanbul Airport

iGA Pop Up Lounge

  • Location: Airside after security, opposite Gate A5.

  • Hours of Operation: 24 Hours Daily.

  • Services and Features: Wi-Fi, food & beverage area with snacks and hot & cold beverages, charging stations, flight information displays, and TV viewing areas.

  • Access Requirements:

    • iGA Pass Card holders (Plus, Extra, and Premium)

    • Members of contracted travel programs (Priority Pass, DragonPass, HighPass, LoungeMe)

    • iGA Daily Pass holders

    • Passengers making individual purchases at the desk or through digital channels

    • Passengers using the iGA Meet and Greet Service

    • Flexible lounge passes available through LoungePair, offering walk-up access without fixed time/date booking

  • Access Duration: 3 hours.

  • Price: LoungePair offer 3 hours access from €42.00 per person, or free with LoungePair+ purchase.

  • Children: Children under 6 years are admitted free.

  • Official Website: iGA Pop Up Lounge

SkyTeam Lounge

  • Location: Airside after security, West Wing, Level H.

  • Hours of Operation: 24 Hours Daily

  • Services and Features: Showers, free Wi-Fi, wheelchair access, quick meal, action station, appetizers, snacks, beer & wine, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, flight monitor, TV room, newspapers & magazines.

  • Access Requirements: First and Business Class passengers on a same-day international flight with a SkyTeam member airline. Elite Plus members and one guest will also enjoy access on such flights.

  • Official Website: SkyTeam Lounge

Turkish Airlines Business Lounge

  • Location: Airside after security, opposite Gate E1.

  • Hours of Operation: 24 Hours Daily

  • Services and Features:

    • Private suite rooms, shower facilities, relaxation room, workspace, mosque and ablution areas, worship spaces for other religions, children’s playground, Wi-Fi, and an open buffet offering Turkish and international cuisine.

    • Private sleeping rooms are available for those who have a connection time between 4h and 9h, and the duration of one of your flights is more than 8 hours.

  • Access Requirements: Business Class passengers of Turkish Airlines or Star Alliance Member Airlines.

  • Children: Infant and child passengers aged 0-6 years who are traveling with family members may use the lounge free of charge if the accompanying adult has access.

  • Official Website: Turkish Airlines Business Lounge

Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles Lounge

  • Location: Airside after security, opposite Gate C1.

  • Hours of Operation: 24 Hours Daily

  • Services and Features: Library, children’s playground, cinema, PressReader, meeting rooms, private suite rooms, shower facilities, open buffet (Turkish and international cuisine), Wi-Fi.

  • Access Requirements:

    • Star Alliance Gold members including Elite and Elite Plus members of Turkish Airlines' loyalty program when departing on a same-day Star Alliance flight, regardless of class of travel. One guest travelling on the same flight will be admitted.

    • Miles&Smiles members with status have additional family guest privileges, which includes a spouse and children under the age of 25.

    • Passengers with a Turkish Airlines Corporate Club (TACC) card can access this lounge with one guest.

  • Children: Infant and child passengers aged 0-6 years who are traveling with family members may use the lounge free of charge if the accompanying adult has access.

  • Official Website: Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles Lounge

Domestic Terminal Lounges

iGA Domestic Lounge

  • Location: Airside after security, near Gate 11.

  • Hours of Operation: 24 Hours Daily, complimentary massage is only available from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun).

  • Services and Features: Rest areas, Wi-Fi, open buffet and food & beverage area, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, digital newspapers and magazines (PressReader), flight information displays, complimentary massages, working station with computer and printing facilities.

  • Access Requirements:

    • iGA Pass Card holders (Plus, Extra, and Premium)

    • Passengers from Affiliate Organizations

    • Members of contracted travel programs (Priority Pass, DragonPass, HighPass, LoungeMe)

    • iGA Daily Pass holders

    • Passengers making individual purchases at the desk or through digital channels

    • Passengers using the iGA Meet and Greet Service

    • Flexible lounge passes available through LoungePair, offering walk-up access without fixed time/date booking

  • Access Duration: Between 3-4 hours, depending on method of access.

  • Price: LoungePair offer 3 hours access from €40.00 per person, or free with LoungePair+ purchase.

  • Children: Children under 6 years are admitted free.

  • Official Website: iGA Domestic Lounge

Lounge Seating Area at the iGA Domestic Lounge, Istanbul Airport

Lounge Seating Area at the iGA Domestic Lounge, Istanbul Airport

Turkish Airlines Lounge Domestic

  • Location: Landside before security, opposite Gates G6 and G7.

  • Hours of Operation: 24 hours Daily

  • Services and Features: Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, playground for children, digital newspapers, magazines, selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, rest areas, open buffet, and dining area.

  • Access Requirements:

    • Business Class passengers of Turkish Airlines or Star Alliance Member Airlines.

    • Star Alliance Gold members including Elite and Elite Plus members of Turkish Airlines' loyalty program when departing on a same-day Star Alliance flight, regardless of class of travel. One guest travelling on the same flight will be admitted.

    • Miles&Smiles members with status have additional family guest privileges, which includes a spouse and children under the age of 25.

  • Children: Infant and child passengers aged 0-6 years who are traveling with family members may use the lounge free of charge if the accompanying adult has access.

  • Official Website: Turkish Airlines Lounge Domestic

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the lounge in Istanbul Airport?

Yes, you can use lounges at Istanbul Airport if you meet the access requirements. For example, if you're flying business class with Turkish Airlines or have Star Alliance Gold status, you can access the Turkish Airlines lounges. Alternatively, anyone can access the iGA Lounges with a pay-per-use option or through programs like Priority Pass or DragonPass.

How much is the lounge access in Istanbul Airport?

Lounge access costs vary depending on the lounge and access method. Only the iGA Lounges offer pay-per-use options. Prices can range from about €35 to €85 + VAT for a single visit, depending on the specific iGA Lounge and current promotions. Access through memberships like Priority Pass or credit card benefits may have different associated costs.

How to access Istanbul Airport lounge for free?

Free access is typically available to premium class passengers and airline elite status holders. For instance, Star Alliance Gold members can access Turkish Airlines lounges for free when flying on a same-day Star Alliance flight. Some credit cards also offer complimentary lounge access as a benefit.

Can economy passengers use the Turkish Airlines lounge?

Yes, economy passengers with Star Alliance Gold status, including Turkish Airlines Elite and Elite Plus members, can access Turkish Airlines lounges when flying on a same-day Star Alliance flight. Miles&Smiles members with status can also bring family members into the Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles International Lounge, including spouse and children under 25.

Can you pay to get into Turkish lounge?

Turkish Airlines lounges are not available for direct paid access. However, you can pay to enter the iGA Lounges, which offer similar amenities. These lounges are accessible to all passengers regardless of airline or ticket class, subject to capacity.

Is there a place to sleep in Istanbul Airport?

Yes, Istanbul Airport offers several options for sleeping:

  1. Free "Nap Zones" with semi-reclined seats in the International terminal, including one near Gate D and others throughout.

  2. IGA Sleepods can be rented hourly:

    • €10 per hour from 07:00-19:00

    • €15 per hour from 19:00-07:00

    • €5 for add-on services (blanket, pillow, pillowcase)

  3. YOTEL Istanbul Hotel (both landside and airside) offers sleep cabins.

  4. Turkish Airlines Business Lounge offers private sleep suites for eligible passengers:

    • Must be traveling in Turkish business class (including award tickets)

    • Connection time between 4-9 hours

    • At least one flight (arriving or departing) must be 8+ hours long

How much is the lounge access in Istanbul?

Lounge access costs vary. The iGA Lounges offer pay-per-use options, with prices ranging from about €35 to €85 + VAT for a single visit, depending on the specific lounge and current promotions. Access through memberships like Priority Pass or credit card benefits may have different associated costs.

Which lounge can I use at Istanbul Airport?

The lounge you can use depends on your ticket class, airline status, and memberships. Turkish Airlines lounges are available for their premium passengers and Star Alliance Gold members. The iGA Lounges are accessible to all passengers for a fee or through various memberships. There's also a SkyTeam Lounge for SkyTeam airlines' premium passengers and Elite Plus members.

How to get to Turkish Airlines lounge Istanbul?

For International lounges:

  • Turkish Airlines Business Lounge: Airside, opposite Gate E1

  • Miles & Smiles Lounge: Airside, opposite Gate C1

For the Domestic lounge:

  • Turkish Airlines Domestic Lounge: Landside, opposite Gates G6 and G7

How to get free lounge access at Istanbul Airport?

Free access is typically available to premium class passengers, airline elite status holders, and certain credit card holders. For example, Star Alliance Gold members can access Turkish Airlines lounges for free when flying on a same-day Star Alliance flight. Some credit cards also offer complimentary lounge access as a benefit.

How long can I stay in Istanbul lounge?

For airline lounges, you can typically stay until your departure time. For paid-use lounges, the stay is usually limited to 3-4 hours, depending on how access was obtained (e.g., paid access, membership, or airline arrangement).

Can you sleep in Turkish Airlines lounge Istanbul?

While all Turkish Airlines lounges offer comfortable seating and relaxation areas, the International Business Class lounge provides dedicated sleeping facilities:

  1. Private sleep suites for eligible passengers

  2. Daybeds available on a first-come, first-served basis

  3. Shower suites for freshening up

Summing Up

Istanbul Airport's lounges offer a diverse range of options to suit every traveler's needs and preferences.

From the luxurious Turkish Airlines lounges catering to premium passengers and Star Alliance members, to the accessible iGA Lounges open to all travelers, there's a space for everyone to relax, work, or refresh before their flight.

With amenities ranging from gourmet dining and shower facilities to sleep suites and children's play areas, these lounges elevate the airport experience significantly.

Whether you're accessing a lounge through your ticket class, airline status, membership program, or a pay-per-use option, Istanbul Airport ensures that comfort and convenience are always within reach, making your journey through one of the world's busiest air travel hubs as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Daniel Kinnoch

Daniel can often be found in airport lounges when travelling with a coffee and something sweet.

https://www.loungepair.com
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