Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul Arrival

Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul Arrival – Istanbul Ataturk (IST)

The Turkish Airlines arrivals lounge (officially named Lounge Istanbul Arrival) at Istanbul airport serves Turkish’s business class passengers arriving on international flights in the morning. The access policy is generous since many intra-European flights are short, yet all premium passengers are welcome.

The lounge gives patrons an opportunity to enjoy a shower and a hot breakfast prior to their work day.

Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul Arrival ISL design

Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul Arrival is a miniature replica of the airline’s humongous and widely acclaimed Lounge Istanbul departure lounge. As such, it features the signature arches or “bubbles” that break up the space and make the décor unique and visually striking. It’s much smaller however, at just a bit over 2,100 sqf (200 sqm.)

Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul Arrival – Istanbul Ataturk (IST)

There are a few idiosyncrasies. While we expect that most visitors would want to have breakfast or catch up on work, somehow there are only a handful of dining or work tables; the airline has allocated most of the space to open, living room like seating, with armchairs and coffee tables—they’re great for relaxation but far less convenient for productivity. And then there’s the two large, comfortable daybeds, which just happen to face the bright window.

Minor details aside, the Turkish Airlines Arrival lounge is a spectacular facility with a gorgeous and intimate design.

Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul Arrival – Istanbul Ataturk (IST)

Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul Arrival ISL amenities

The breakfast selection is sumptuous—as expected from Turkish Airlines, who caters exclusively from prestigious provider Do&Co. In addition to a traditional continental breakfast offering, patrons may order cooked-to-order dishes such as fresh pancakes, paninis and waffles. There are also Turkish specialties including dates and loukoums, as well as an espresso machine. The items are meticulously laid out in a small buffet area by the reception desk.

Our only suggestion: it would be great if servers roamed the room to take orders, potentially helping patrons save a few precious morning minutes by not having to go order in person and potentially wait briefly in line.

Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul Arrival – Istanbul Ataturk (IST)

An elegant spa-inspired hallway, decked in gorgeous wood and outfitted with shelves of carefully rolled towels, leads to the shower suites. Each elegantly appointed suite features a sink, a toilet, a rain shower, and a broad range of amenities including multiple towels, a robe and slippers. Some aspects of the design are remarkable—we love the mix of trendy and traditional light fixtures—while others are rather unfortunate: the showers tend to overflow, so don’t leave anything on the floor.

An ironing table and washing machine are available to guests. Technically, they’re self-service, but the staff might offer to assist you.

Should you need to take a nap after a brutally short flight, ask the staff to use one of the two large, comfortable day beds.

Wi-Fi is of course available, albeit a bit slow in our experience—and that’s as we were literally the only visitors. Two self-service computers are located by the reception desk.

Other amenities include a selection of newspapers and magazines, as well as a library with various coffee table books.

Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul Arrival – Istanbul Ataturk (IST)

Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul Arrival ISL bottom line

Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul Arrival is a luxurious facility which offers an excellent breakfast selection, rejuvenating shower suites, and a beautifully decorated seating area. As an added bonus, it’s quiet – much more so than the splendid but bustling Lounge Istanbul departure lounge: with just 38 seats, if you are arriving from an international flight with a connection in Istanbul (and a Turkish visa or passport that allows visa-free entries), the arrivals lounge is a more intimate and relaxing alternative. Just be sure to leave early enough to go through security and reach your gate.