The new IGA Lounge in Istanbul is a worthy competitor to the Turkish Airlines lounge and a wonderful addition to the Priority Pass portfolio.
IGA Lounge Istanbul Entrance Requirements
I had the chance to visit this lounge for a couple hours before my British Airways flight to London. It serves as the lounge for many carriers in IST, even some Star Alliance members that would ostensibly use the Turkish Airlines lounge. To reach the lounge, just follow the signs (bear left) after passport control and security.
Once inside, just scan your business class boarding pass to gain access. Priority Pass members need to check-in at the front desk.
What Time Does The IGA Lounge Open?
The lounge is open 24/7.
IGA Lounge Istanbul Seating
Spread out over a huge space with soaring ceilings, the lounge has seating for hundreds of passengers. Couches, chairs, and tables offer a mix of seating. While there is no sleeping room, I noticed several people dozing on couches in the early morning hours. Power plugs are located throughout the lounge, though U.S. passengers will want to bring their adaptor along.
Conference rooms are located in the rear of the lounge:
IGA Lounge Istanbul Dining
In the center of the lounge is a buffet are offering self-serve food and drinks. I was disappointed with the selection when comparing it to the Turkish Airlines lounge, but there were still many choices available of hot and cold food items.
Since I was there during the breakfast window, I tried a few items. Only the eggs were actually served at a hot temperature.
IGA Lounge Istanbul Beverages
I was excited to see a “proper” manual coffee machine at the bar. There, the barista made a nice cappuccino, which always makes me smile.
The bar also offers beer, wine, and hard liquor.
There is a self-serve beverage station with water, juice, and soft drinks near the buffet:
and a couple other self-serve drink stations in the lounge.
IGA Lounge Istanbul Restrooms
Restrooms are located in the middle of the lounge. Looks for the gold doors. With attendants on duty, the restrooms are kept clean.
IGA Lounge Istanbul Showers
Inside the gender-designated restrooms, shower suites (without toilets) are available.
IGA Lounge Istanbul Massage
Toward the end of my stay, I noticed a massage chair had been set up. It appears free neck and shoulder treatments are offered on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 9:00AM.
IGA Lounge Istanbul Children’s Room
A children’s play room features a large space for children to run around or watch a movie.
IGA Lounge Istanbul Smoking
Smoking is not allowed indoors, but a large screened-in patio offers ample space to vape or smoke a cigarette.
IGA Lounge Istanbul Duty Free
Near the entrance, the lounge has its own duty free shop.
IGA Lounge Istanbul Luggage Storage
Also near the entrance is a luggage storage area in case you don’t want to deal with your bags while in the lounge (or even if you go into the city during a very long layover). Lockers are password protected.
IGA Lounge Now A Priority Pass Lounge
Priority Pass recently announced that IGA is now a part of its lounge network. This marks the first Priority Pass lounge in Istanbul’s new airport and as far as Priority Pass lounges go, a great one.
CONCLUSION
This is a solid lounge and helpful addition to IST. While not as nice as the Turkish Lounge, it’s worth a visit before your flight.
Have you visited the IGA Lounge? Did you like it?
Superb photos and a nice comprehensive review. Are there nap areas, day beds, loungers etc?
Sadly, there are not. Only some couches.
The worst lounge o have been until now, and i ve been in a few. Just a nap
area for such a big lounge with only 7 day beds and 200 normal chairs. Landed there a bit after midnight, waiting for my morning flight, no food available except lentil soup and sandwiches. Few turkish delights, noisy as fuck as you could here all the outside people passing by, kids screaming, not 1 single closed room where you can chill. Very poor
Infinitely better than the PP options at the old airport.
Thank you for the review.
I need to stay in the airport for about 8 hours (night hours). Priority Pass website shows 3 hours max stay. Do you know if they really count your hours?
Thanks.
The lounge is so big…I strongly doubt they will check. But if they did, you just have to slide your card again.
TERRIBLE SERVICE!!!!! Payed for Meet&Greet transfer service over 1000 EURO: for fast-track, buggy and IGA lounge, but the representative of the IGA didn’t take passengers to lounge! They had to wait at the departure gates without food and drinks, despite the fact that there was a baby among them and elderly disabled woman. And IGA Service refuses to compensate unused services! SCAMERS!