How do I get around Istanbul-Atatürk airport when flying to Izmir?

9/19/2018 9:27:03 PM

As already indicated in other answers or comments, if you have a single ticket for both legs and something goes wrong with the first leg, it is the airline’s responsibility to get you to your booked destination, which will usually manifest itself by them putting you on a later flight on the second route if you miss the originally scheduled connection.

One important point not yet covered, however, is that, come December, you may not have to find your way around Atatürk airport. There is a new airport under construction north-west of Istanbul proper that is scheduled to take over the role, airport code and operations of Istanbuls main airport
by the end of October 2018. Atatürk Airport is supposed to be closed then.

For an airport allegedly so close to operation^, information relevant to would-be passengers is surprisingly hard to come by, but from the looks of it, the airport building is more compact than the one at Atatürk, so the maximum length between distant gates should be somewhat shorter.

^ Here is at least one source casting the “full transition within 48 hours starting Oct 29, 2018” plan into doubt, predicting a more gradual transition. Transport from your origin to your destination will still be the airline’s responsibility, so that is still no cause for concern regarding your eventual arrival at the final destination (although an airport-to-airport transfer on Istanbul’s European side within an hour and a half sounds somewhat less realistic).

9/19/2018 12:48:20 PM

I’ve heard how terrible this airport is, how rude people are to the Americans, and seriously delayed flights.

If you look up reviews for any airport in the world on the Internet, you’ll always find some horror stories by some wronged passengers. It’s unfortunate, but it happens all across the world, and cannot be otherwise considering how many millions of passengers each major airport serves every year.
Think of it this way: if an airline flies to Atatürk, they deem it reasonably safe and convenient for their passengers. And it just happens that over 60 airlines from all over the world fly to your destination.

What do I need to know to fly international as an American? I have my passport already. Its brand spanking new so that’s good. But I just feel so under prepared for this trip.

You need not know anything in particular, but learning the basics of the language and the social etiquette will help, because not everyone will speak perfect (or any) English. This is not a requirement in any way, but it will help you mentally prepare for the environment you’ll be in and not feel too alienated.

Lastly, try to focus on the good things in your travel and avoid applying negative stereotypes. Visiting a country with prejudice is a recipe for an unfulfilling trip and more problems along the way.

9/20/2018 9:21:55 AM

If you look at Istanbul Atatürk airport on Google Maps, you’ll see that it only has a single terminal measuring about 1.6km between the most distant gates – 1,5 hours layover is plenty of time.

So pretty much the only thing that can make you miss the connection is if your first flight is delayed. In that case, since you booked the flight as one, the airline has to get you to your destination, typically by putting you on a later flight, free of additional charges.

9/19/2018 4:23:01 AM

I’m from India, but have flown often through Istanbul.
Istanbul has 2 airports, check which one you are landing in and if your connection is from the same airport.
1.5 hours is fine, even in the bigger airport (Ataturk) and there are plenty of flights to Izmir if your incoming flight is delayed.
I found the airport staff and Turkish people in general to be polite and friendly to foreign visitors of all nationalities.

9/19/2018 3:25:59 AM

Don’t panic! Istanbul airport is generally just fine (much nicer than most American airports, in fact) and in my experience quite friendly.

1.5 hours should be OK as long as your incoming flight is not delayed. If you do miss the connection, and you have a single ticket for the whole trip, you’ll be put on the next flight to Izmir and there are plenty (hourly or so on Turkish).

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About me

Hello,My name is Aparna Patel,I’m a Travel Blogger and Photographer who travel the world full-time with my hubby.I like to share my travel experience.

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