Turkish Airlines

[miss_kimmie]

Does anyone know whether suitcases are checked through to Dalaman if flying via Istanbul (can't wait for the 11 hour layover )and if we can leave airport if we get a visa there rather than Dalaman?
Also, do you have to submit API before flying with TA and if so, how?
Thanks

[dksbbs]

If the flights have been booked together and they are both with Turkish there should not be an issue with your luggage being transferred though but to be on the safe side just double check with the agent when you checkin at your UK airport.

No issues leaving the airport as you can buy your visa in Istanbul and use it at Dalaman however a word of warning, the traffic into and out of Istanbul can be quite bad depending on the time of day so make sure you leave with plenty of time to spare to get back to the airport.

They will collect you APi at the airport if there is no where on their website to provide it.

Dave

[x-raki-girl-x]

We have been going with T.A for 2 years now.

We checked our luggage in at manchester got to istanbul and went to pasport control and got our visa then follow the signs to domestic flights and just wait around for your next flight.

When u arrive at dalaman you will get off the plane and onto a little bus that will take you from domestic flights to the international arrivals to collect your luggage.

good luck with your 11 hour wait (ours was only a hr)

ps. on your way back remind the driver to drop you off at domestic terminal.

Meera

[miss_kimmie]

Thank you both
It was all booked together so fingers crossed.

[JT]

You will get your visa in Istanbul whether you are leaving the airport there or going onto Dalaman

If the flights were all booked online or via an agent in one transaction then you do not have to pick up your luggage and it will go onto your connecting flight

If you have an 11 hour wait and it is in the day then you could take the Metro below Ataturk airport and go along to Bakirkoy where you will find many shops, bars, cafes and lots to see and do and then get back to the airport in plenty of time for your next flight

Don't forget the Dalaman flight is classed as a domestic flight so you can walk in an hour before to take this one not like the international flight where you are there hours before

Take the Metro and go and soak up the atmosphere in Bakirkoy and do some people watching

here is a link to the Metro service available so to cut out all the traffic http://www.istanbul-ulasim.com.tr/media ... -01-01.jpg

If the roads were clear then you are talking a 10-15 minute drive anyway and I have been there many times myself

Thanks for the link Rami

[miss_kimmie]

Thanks JT and Rami

Unfortunately we arrive in IST at 22:30. Is there a lounge at IST domestic that we could book into for a few hours? Is it worth it?

Kim

[blondie]

miss kimmie - Istanbul airport has various lounges, both in international and domestic terminals, which might be of interest to you. If you go to the airport website, there's loads of information about them:

http://www.ataturkairport.com/en-EN/sho ... vices.aspx

[JT]

There is also another option of booking this way and that is......

Why not let us do the booking for you and actually stay in Istanbul for 2 nights 3 days at a hotel we have used many times right across the road from the Blue Mosque and all the sights

We can arrange flights, accommodation and even excursions in Istanbul then bring you down to Dalaman, transfer you to accommodation in Icmeler, Marmaris or anywhere else in Turkey and then get you back to the airport for your flight back to the UK

We have done this many times for our guests and with flights from the UK with Turkish Airlines at good prices you could have two holidays in one

[blondie]

And that's exactly what we are doing - really looking forward to it, and it was all sorted out very quickly and at a great price, thanks to JT!

[miss_kimmie]

Thanks guys.
All booked up for this time round but will definitely consider it next time JT