Airport Lounge Guide: Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)
Are you looking for a more comfortable travel experience at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)? An airport lounge might be just what you need.
With five exclusive airport lounges, including four that are accessible for a fee, travellers can find a peaceful retreat offering various amenities and services to improve their journey.
These lounges provide a welcome escape from the bustling atmosphere of air travel, making your overall experience more pleasant.
In this guide, we'll explore the lounge options available at this airport and provide details to help you determine which lounge best suits your needs.
Introduction to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, which opened in 2001 to help manage the growing passenger numbers at Atatürk International Airport, is one of Istanbul's two main international airports.
Located on the Asian side of the city, it serves as a complement to its European counterpart, reflecting Istanbul's distinctive position as a city spanning two continents. The airport is named after Sabiha Gökçen, a trailblazing aviator and adoptive daughter of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who was the world's first female fighter pilot.
The airport serves a wide range of airlines and connects passengers to major destinations around the world. In a significant development, the extension of the M4 Metro subway line in 2022 made it easier for passengers to reach the airport from various locations, improving its accessibility and convenience.
With over 30 million passengers passing through its terminals in 2022 alone, Sabiha Gökçen International Airport continues to experience rapid growth, highlighting its increasing popularity.
For travelers passing through Istanbul, the airport provides an appealing alternative to Atatürk International Airport, accommodating individual preferences and needs with its unique offerings and services.
Summary of Available Lounges
Whether your journey takes you across domestic or international skies, Sabiha Gökçen International Airport offers an array of lounges tailored for comfort and convenience.
Alongside one airline-affiliated lounge, multiple lounges are available for paid access, presenting travellers with a range of options to suit their preferences.
The following list provides an overview of the lounges at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, with direct links to our deals site if you are looking to buy access.
International
Turkish Airlines Lounge
Domestic
Please refer to the detailed listings below for information on amenities, opening hours, and paid access options for each lounge.
Domestic Terminal Lounges
Plaza Premium Lounge (Domestic)
Location: Domestic departures level located near Gate 206.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours.
Amenities: Charging stations, Flight information, Wi-fi, Tv screens with various channels, a smoking area, complimentary food and drink with vegetarian options and a children’s playroom.
How to access: Purchase access via LoungePair from €40.00 (US$44.00). Lounge accessible for 3 hours. Access to this lounge is also available through American Express, Priority Pass, DragonPass, MasterCard LoungeKey, and Diners Club. This lounge is only accessible by passengers departing on Domestic flights.
Children: Under 2 years are admitted free.
International Terminal Lounges
Plaza Premium Bosphorus Lounge
Location: International departures level located near Gate 205.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours.
Amenities: Charging stations, Flight information, Wi-Fi, TV screens with various channels, complimentary food and drink with vegetarian options and a Bar (charges may apply for certain drinks).
How to access: Purchase access via LoungePair from €40.00 (US$44.00). Lounge accessible for 3 hours. This lounge is only accessible by passengers departing on international flights. Access to this lounge is also available through American Express, Priority Pass, DragonPass, MasterCard LoungeKey, and Diners Club.
Children: Under 2 years are admitted free.
Kepler Club
Location: After Passport Control, turn left. Take the escalator on the right hand side up to the Mezzanine Floor.
Opening Hours: Open 24 Hours (self-service check-in and check-out kiosks).
Amenities: Private sleeping units, Wi-Fi, TV, Universal Charging stations, Alarm clock, Air conditioning unit, Flight information via a tablet computer, foldable work table, showers, seating area, locker rooms and Self-service check-in and check-out kiosks.
How to access: Purchase access via LoungePair from €38.00 (US$43.00). Lounge accessible for 3 hours, which include access to a sleeping space. This lounge is only accessible by passengers departing on international flights. Access to this lounge is also available through American Express, Priority Pass, DragonPass, MasterCard LoungeKey, and Diners Club.
Children: Children under 7 are not allowed within a single cabin or the salon areas however, a family room can be booked but this must be organised with Kepler club directly.
Plaza Premium Marmara Lounge
Location: International departures level located near Gate 204.
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours.
Amenities: Charging stations, Flight information, Wi-fi, Tv screens with various channels, a smoking area, complimentary food and drink with vegetarian options and a children’s playroom.
How to access: Purchase access via LoungePair from €53.00 (US$58.00). Lounge accessible for 3 hours. This lounge is only accessible by passengers departing on international flights. Access to this lounge is also available through American Express, Priority Pass, DragonPass, MasterCard LoungeKey, and Diners Club.
Children: Under 2 years admitted free.
Turkish Airlines Lounge
Location: International departures level inside security, mezzanine level.
Opening Hours: This lounge is open from the first until the last departure (times may vary).
Amenities: Premium Food, Snacks, Beer & Wine, Wi-Fi, Flight Monitors, Newspapers & Magazines, TVs, Internet Terminals.
How to access: Access to the Turkish Airlines Lounge is available to Turkish Airlines Business Class passengers, Miles&Smiles Elite and Elite Plus members (with one guest), Miles&Smiles Elite and Elite Plus members traveling with families (spouse and children under 25 years), Star Alliance Gold members in Turkish Airlines Economy Class (with one guest), Turkish Airlines Corporate Club members, and Star Alliance Gold members in Economy Class on other Star Alliance airlines (with one guest). As of May 3, 2021, Star Alliance Gold Card passengers and their guests must travel on the same flight, while Miles&Smiles Elite and Elite Plus members can access Turkish Airline lounges even when traveling on a different Star Alliance flight.
Children: Infants and children between the ages of 0 and 12 can access the lounge with their family at no cost. Children under 25 years travelling with Miles&Smiles Elite and Elite Plus members can also enter for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What international lounges are available at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport?
Sabiha Gökçen Airport offers several international terminal lounges, including Plaza Premium Bosphorus Lounge, Plaza Premium Marmara Lounge, Kepler Club, and Turkish Airlines Lounge.
Where are these international lounges located within the airport?
These lounges are strategically located on the international departures level. Plaza Premium Lounge - Bosphorus is near Gate 205, Plaza Premium Lounge - Marmara is near Gate 204, Kepler Club is situated after Passport Control, and Turkish Airlines Lounge is inside security.
What amenities do the international lounges offer?
Amenities vary but generally include charging stations, flight information displays, Wi-Fi, TV screens, complimentary food and drinks (with vegetarian options), and some lounges offer additional services such as private sleeping units, smoking areas, and children’s playrooms.
How can I access these international lounges?
Access to these lounges can be obtained through various means including with LoungePair, purchasing a pass directly from the lounge's website, using lounge access programs like Priority Pass or DragonPass, or having specific high-end credit cards such as American Express and Diners Club. Additionally, Turkish Airlines Business Class passengers and Star Alliance Gold status members flying on Turkish Airlines or other Star Alliance airlines will have complimentary access to the Turkish Airlines Lounge.
Are these lounges suitable for families traveling with children?
Many lounges provide family-friendly amenities such as children’s playrooms. The lounges in this guide also admin children under two years of age for free. Specific policies may vary, so it's advisable to check with individual lounges beforehand.
Can I use the international lounges during a layover at Sabiha Gökçen Airport?
Yes, passengers with layovers at Sabiha Gökçen Airport may access the international lounges, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and adhere to the policies for each lounge. It's recommended to check with the lounge operator or your airline for specific details regarding access during layovers.
Are there any domestic lounges available at Sabiha Gökçen Airport?
Yes, Plaza Premium offer a lounge facility for passengers departing on domestic flights. This lounge provides similar amenities to the international lounges at Sabiha Gökçen Airport and is located on the domestic departures level near Gate 206.
Summing Up: Sabiha Gökçen International Airport Lounges
Sabiha Gökçen Airport offers travelers a variety of lounge options to choose from.
Whether you're looking for a quiet place to work, a chance to sample local cuisine, or simply a break from the hectic pace of travel, these lounges have something for everyone.
While airport lounges can sometimes be seen as a luxury expense, LoungePair offers various access options to match your needs, striking a balance between cost and flexibility.
Through our platform, we aim to enhance the comfort of all travelers by connecting them with the ideal lounge based on their preferences and requirements. With several lounges available at Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, we hope our guide has helped to simplify the selection process.