I stopped by the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge while in Istanbul and it remains one of my favorite business class lounges in the world.
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge Istanbul Review (IST)
My original review below is still valid in terms of the food and beverage selection (although Turkey pulled Coke products from its lounge when the war in Gaza broke out…). You can expect to eat and drink well in this lounge. I had dinner, including a delicious salad (lettuce, beets, cucumber, carrots), grilled beef and chicken with vegetables and bulgar, gozleme (that quesadilla-looking thing that is a savory Turkish stuffed turnover), and a selection of pide, perhaps my favorite food of all in the lounge. I rounded out the meal with barista-made cappuccino and raspberry lemonade.
Frequent Turkish flyers complain that the food in the lounge never changes, but I quite appreciate that the selection has been consistent for many years, even stretching back to the old airport.
Seating has changed a bit: the daybeds are gone (the entire area was blocked off). The art gallery was also closed, although the closure appeared temporary.
Sleeping rooms are still available, but the criterion (below) for access is fairly narrow and rigidly enforced.
Bathrooms and showers are still available.
…and golf too.
In short, my review below still sums up what to expect. I find this lounge is worth a stop, even when crowded.
My original Turkish Airlines Business Lounge Istanbul review from March 24, 2020, is below.
Spoiler alert: the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge in Istanbul is one of the best business class lounges in the world. While you’ve got to visit this lounge to truly appreciate its size and scope, I hope you’ll get a good sense of it in the comprehensive review below.
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge Istanbul Access + Hours
The lounge, technically called Turkish Airlines Lounge Business, is open 24/7 and available to Turkish Airlines and Star Alliance business class passengers. This is not a Star Alliance Gold lounge. It is over 60,000 square feet (5,600 square meters) and can accommodate 765 passengers. You’ll find it near Gate E1.
As you enter, your credentials will be checked at the base of the escalator by an attendant. At the actual entrance to the lounge, you’ll need to scan your boarding pass.
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge Istanbul Map
Here’s a floorpan of the lounge, which might help you better visualize the space:
Use your boarding pass to enter the lounge, which uses automatic gates.
As you enter the lounge, you’ll be greeted by fresh-cut flowers and a large screen showcasing Turkish Airlines and some of the worldwide destinations it serves.
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge Istanbul Seating
If you remember the old lounge in Istanbul Ataturk, you’ll see that Turkish kept the same furniture in its new lounge: you’ll see white sectional couches and Parisian cafe style tables and chairs spread throughout the lounge. Even during peak periods, the lounge never became so busy that it felt packed, just full…
In addition to the old seating, there are also blue velvet couches that run the length of the lounge and offer comfortable seating to work or eat at.
There’s also an area of the lounge called the Tea Garden with backlit photographs of Turkey that offers a more tranquil environment to sit in.
There’s also a “library” area:
Scattered throughout the lounge are additional nooks and crannies with chairs and tables.
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge Istanbul Food + Drink
I appreciated both the quality and variety of food in this lounge. In the morning, omelets and breakfast sandwiches are made-to-order along with an extensive buffet of cereals, yogurts, and Turkish mezze. Croissants are fresh-basked and there is fresh-squeezed orange juice available. Baristas are available around-the-clock to make delicious coffee. There’s also speciality Turkish dishes like Kumru (sausage and cheese sandwich) and Gözleme (flat-bread pastry).
Around 10:30AM, the transition to lunch/dinner is made, which includes a salad bar, Asian wok station, pasta station, panini station, grill station with grilled vegetables, beef, and chicken, and a pide station, which is delicious Turkish flatbread topped in various meat, cheese, and vegetable toppings.
You’ll find self-serve drink stations, alcohol, nuts, and desserts around the lounge.
Don’t forget the tea in the Tea Garden:
Each month there are also specials. During my visits (February and March), the pasta special was Manti, a Turkish ravioli.
During the current health scare, the buffet has been scaled back, with all options served in individuals containers.
With a large variety, I think this lounge sets the tone in terms of cuisine among its business class peers.
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge Istanbul Private Suites
Eligible passengers can take advantage of a private hotel-like room inside the lounge, although you must satisfy all three conditions below:
- Traveling in Turkish business class (not on a Star Alliance partner)
- Award tickets qualify
- A connection between four and nine hours
- At least one of your flights (either arriving or departing) needs to be at least eight hours
I recently qualified while traveling from Cotonou (COO) to London (LHR) via Istanbul, because COO-IST is blocked at 9hrs, 15min. But when I traveled from Frankfurt (FRA) to Atlanta (ATL) via Istanbul I did not qualify because my layover was longer than nine hours.
The room contains a twin bed, alarm clock, and luggage rack, but does not have a private bathroom. Do note that an attendant lets you into the room and once you enter, you cannot leave…even if going to bathroom down the hall…without having to return to the attendant so that she can open it again. Turkish needs key cards like Qatar Airways’ Al Safwa Lounge.
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge Istanbul Daybeds
If you are not edible for the Private Suite, try to snag a daybed. There are about ten of them in the lounge and they are, understandably, quite popular. You’ll find them on the north side of the lounge, with each one separated by a thick curtain. Blankets and pillows are available on request. Expect plenty of foot traffic in this area since these daybeds are so popular.
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge Istanbul Showers
Showers are available. Head to the Private Suite desk and you can register for a shower (expect waits of up to one hour during peak periods). The shower suites include toilets and water pressure is strong. Additional amenities are available upon request.
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge Istanbul Conference Rooms
A trio of conference rooms are available, which can be reserved at reception or even using the screen on the door of each lounge.
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge Istanbul Locker Storage
Lockers are available if you don’t want to worry about your bag while in the lounge. Turn left as you enter the lounge and you’ll find the lockers.
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge Istanbul Wi-Fi Internet
I heard that internet was horrible in this lounge, but when I spent more than a half day in this lounge in February, the internet worked just fine. However when I returned last week, the internet was so bad it did not function…it drove me insane, to the point that I left the lounge early because I could not stand the inability to connect.
As you enter the lounge, there are two stations which dispense internet vouchers with a unique username and password. Simply scan your boarding pass and a voucher will print.
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge Istanbul Service
Staff are courteous in the lounge. Some of the baristas are on the shy side, but all know how to make great coffee. The chefs smile, but the nicest people are the guys stationed in the restrooms to ensure it is always clean. If you need help with a flight, there is always staff available just outside the upper level entrance to the lounge.
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge Istanbul Restrooms
Two large restrooms are available in the lounge and these were never crowded. As I mentioned above, staff are positioned in the restroom to keep it clean and smelling fresh…there is even fresh cut flowers there too.
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge Istanbul Golf + Video Games
Fancy a game of golf? Near the panini station is a golf simulator that was so popular I did not get a chance to try it. Nearby there were several video game stations and a miniature model of Istanbul.
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge Istanbul Kids’s Area
Around the corner in the main seating area is a children’s area that can keep your little one occupied for hours.
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge Istanbul Theatre
While there is no formal theatre like in the old lounge, there is a TV area with 12 screens. You can borrow noise cancelling headphones and a device that allows you to tune into the screen of your choice.
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge Istanbul Ironing Service
Ironing service is available each day, which came in quite handy when I pulled out a clean shirt from my bag only to discover that it was quite wrinkled. Usually my trick is to use the steam from the shower to straighten it out, but this was much more expeditious.
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge Istanbul Roaming Massages
Look for the ladies in white roaming the lounge in the late morning and early afternoon hours. If you flag one down, you’ll be treated to a 5-10 minute neck and shoulder massage, which hit the spot after a long flight.
Turkish Airlines Business Lounge Istanbul Art Gallery
Located within the lounge is modern art gallery, showcasing a variety of Turkish art. You can visit this 24/7.
CONCLUSION
I found this lounge to be charming and exceeded my expectations…with the exception of the internet. The non-functioning wi-fi during my recent visit was simply unacceptable. I don’t understand how Turkey can build a beautiful new airport and provision internet so poorly in it…this goes beyond the Turkish lounge and is a problem throughout the airport.
What was your experience like in the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge?
They don’t want you to be working. They want you to appreciate the lounge.
Sounds like good thinking to me.
There should such known wifi dead zones. Airports and planes should be one. No wifi allowed beyond just being able to text.
Dead zones are fine, but the entire lounge (and entire airport) should not be a dead zone.
great lounge with some of the rudest/un-friendly airline staff I’ve encountered.
I hear that from others, but found the staff (for the most part) quite nice on both visits.
The best thing about this lounge is the catering.
The worst is not enough natural light…it can get a bit depressing after a few hours being there.
The decor is hit and miss. The new furniture and dinging sections look great, but they really should have left the old furniture behind.
Agreed. Those old white couches really look worn out.
Must have been off-peak as those blue couches are like magnets to the sleepers.
Looking forward to visiting again in September.
787 report coming tomorrow. I delayed it one more day!
Ugh. The Turkish 787. The most uncomfortable I’ve ever been in business class. Flew them last year IST-IAD and could not wait to get off the plane. Service was slow and not responsive, and food so so. Very rushed at the end and they nearly skipped dessert in the main meal. I had high expectations going into my Turkish flights on DOH-IST-IAD and was very disappointed.
I think I may have been there on the same day as you (Monday 3/16? – in fact, I thought I may have spotted you while I was there). In any case, I agree, the lounge is one of the best I’ve ever experienced, certainly the best outside Asia. My wife loved it, wants to go back to Turkey if only for the lounge (JK there, we cut our trip short so missed a lot, we will go back at some point, and will fly TK).
One correction: it’s not only the “ladies in white” who give massages. There was a gent in white doing massages when we were there.
I was there on Sunday from about 9am to noon. My previous (longer) visit was toward the end of February. Glad there are gents giving massages as well!
I feel like your whole review demonstrates how fantastic this lounge is (I was thrilled my recent flight with TK was delayed 3 hrs) but in your conclusion for some reason you have half a sentence dedicated to how good the lounge was, and the rest related to complaining about the Wi-Fi (2.5 sentences).
The Wi-Fi really left a bad taste in my mouth and was my final impression of the lounge. I spent 20 hours in the lounge in February and it was bliss…great coffee, wi-fi worked fine, great food…it was just better than being in a hotel, which is why I chose to spend a night there. But during my visit last week I arrived, took a shower, had some coffee and lunch, and ended up leaving a huff because I could not get the work done that I needed to get done before my flight. It upset me so much because it was paralyzing. It’s such a beautiful lounge and does so many things right; why can’t it just do internet right? Lufthansa and United, for example, have lightning fast internet in their lounges. But is it too much to ask for at least 10 up / 10 down with Turkish? Not 0.2 up and down when it works…? Internet is such a basic necessity of any lounge or airport. There is just no excuse and Turkish must fix this problem.
One slight correction, from what I’ve read elsewhere: Star Alliance Gold status doesn’t get you into this lounge (go to the Miles & Smiles Lounge not too far away), only a business class ticket with a Star Alliance member does. Did you see any *G signage while there to suggest the contrary? I can’t spot any in your pictures.
You’re correct. Thanks GDL!
I deffinetly got into this lounge as star alliance gold last year
It used to be a Star Alliance Gold Lounge, but when the Miles & Smiles lounge opened, it became a lounge only for premium class passengers.
1. You’ll never go hungry (or thirsty) in this lounge.
2. Someone raid those toilet rolls!
#2: What do you think I did? 😉
Is the piano still there?
Did you see pictures above?
Dear Matthew, do you know if this lounge is now re-opened. It was closed in August and everyone had to use the Gold card “Miles and Smiles” lounge – it was very crowded? Thank you for any information that you have
My understanding is it has reopened. The good news is the Miles & Smiles lounge is simply a mirror copy, though I understand the crowding concerns.
Hi Matthew, Do you know if one is allowed multiple entries? If, for example, one wants to eat dinner after a flight, go check in to the Yotel, return for a cocktail, and then return for breakfast before the connecting flight? This should be allowed, no?
Yes, multiple entries are allowed, as I personally utilized them during a 24-hour flight delay! ☺️
Hi Matthew! I have a business class flight from Munich to San Francisco via Istanbul this coming September, and I’m excited to visit this lounge. I was really happy about the sleeping rooms as we will be there overnight. We have a 10 hour layover followed by a 13 hour flight to US west coast. Did I read correctly that anything over 9 hours somehow disqualifies you from a sleep room?! If so, why in the heck would they do that? And do they ever make exceptions to this crazy rule?
Over 9 hours may qualify you for a free short term hotel stay. The service includes transport and room and food. It’s a great service and it keeps the sleeping rooms from being too busy.
Really appreciated the detailed look at the Turkish Lounge. I have been in the lounge in the old airport and look forward to experiencing the new one.
With a 10 hour 40 minute layover, I am a bit cautious in leaving the airport .. so the lounge will be nice place to repose.
Enjoy the lounge. Your layover will fly by, especially if you can grab a room or a chaise lounge.
Hi Matthew,
Another sleeping room question. Doe you need pre-book these or are they allocated upon arrival?
Only on arrival.
I have a question on the sleeping room. I qualify for all conditions but possibly not one of them and need clarification. My layover is 9 hours and 10 minutes; do I qualify for a sleeping room considering my layover is outside of the 4-9 hour range listed.
In my experience the 9 hour limit is strictly enforced. They will send you for a free hotel stay. This really makes the layover fly by. But if you want this don’t waste time going to the lounge.
No sampling of any of the delicious desserts they offer?
Nope. I get enough sugar with the juice and carbs with the savory treats.
There is no strong alcohol available anymore, is there?
I have to admit I did not check – I saw that after the fact and while I noted the Coke products are gone, I did not seek out the hard liquor – however the Miles and Smiles lounge on the way out had only wine and sparkling wine, so I would imagine the Business Lounge is the same.
The self serve wine cart is still here (today) in the Business Lounge.
Good that it retuned.
Thanks for the review. I have a 6 hour layover there in August. I could have chosen fights with just a 60 minute layover but decided to not stress myself by choosing that especially when I visited the lounge at the old airport and really enjoyed it. So I wanted to visit this lounge at the new airport and may even get a sleeping room. Thanks for all the details.
This is my favorite lounge in the world. Not everything is perfect, though. In the Summer time it’s excessively hot, here and in the rest of the airport. The WiFi censorship situation is nasty. Many customers with very poor manners, putting their bare feet on tables and seats, leaving trash behind etc. The food and drinks are outstanding, and I’m looking forward to visiting over my next trips.
As much as I love Turkey, the Lounge & Service in Business Class isn’t that Great anymore. The Service on Flights from IST-US is also lacking quality and ther Food is not that Great anymore. But I would still take that over many, many other Airlines .
How crowded was it?
Not bad at 7pm.
Which pieces from the art gallery would you consider for your newly remodeled mansion?
That’s a shame the daybeds were no longer available. So now there is no longer a real resting area for business class passengers in long-haul transit longer than 9h (and shorter than 20h).
I just did 4 hours here. I was extremely disappointed. Especially since it’s the flagship Turkish lounge.
No champagne. Really? How do you not serve champagne? They only had cheap Italian prosecco. Bottega Gold, which is what Canadian airline WestJet serves in premium economy.
Most of the chairs do not have USB outlets or electrical outlets.
Extremely overcrowded, especially for a business-class lounge. I can’t believe how small the lounge is given the shear number of people who have access.
And they have ELIMINATED Coke/Pepsi and hard spirits. Only wine now.
Does having a United Club membership allow you access to this business lounge?
Yes:
https://www.staralliance.com/en/lounge-access-policy