Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul

Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul – Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) International | © Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul at Sabiha Gökçen airport is the only airline-operated club in the international area, highlighting the flag carrier’s dominant position. (Premium guests of other airlines and pay-in customers may use the independent ISG International Lounge.) The lounge welcomes premium passengers departing on Turkish Airlines and Star Alliance flights, as well as Gold members.

Guests benefit from fast-track immigration and security with direct access to the lounge, through a dedicated entrance located behind check-in row B. From inside security, the lounge can be reached by going up to the mezzanine level and crossing the bridge next to McDonald’s.

Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul SAW design

Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul – Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) International

A smaller replica of Turkish Airlines’ widely acclaimed flagship club at Istanbul’s Ataturk airport, the Turkish Airlines international lounge (“Lounge Istanbul”) at Sabiha Gökçen airport boasts the carrier’s signature design with “porticos” (arches) that break out the space into elegant and intimate zones. Hardwood floors, plush carpets, and elegant furnishing foster a homely yet upperscale vibe.

Seating options include traditional lounge seating with side-tables and individual lamps; a media zone with comfortable chairs and ottomans; dining tables; and work spaces. Power outlets are located in the ground, although unfortunately not at every seat.

Located on a mezzanine overlooking the terminal, the lounge lacks daylight and outside views, though the Earth tones blend well with a dim environment.

Lounge Istanbul has capacity for just 146 passengers—a much smaller-scale operation than the sprawling two-story international club at Ataturk airport—and easily fills up at peak times. Per local customs, the space is kept relatively warm, which may be bothersome to some western travelers.

Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul SAW amenities

Turkish Airlines lounges are known to delight with a wide range of amenities, and the Sabiha Gökçen location does not disappoint.

Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul – Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) International

Guests who enter through fast-track security and immigration will find themselves in the library, an elegant and cozy space appointed with a floor-to-ceiling bookcase with a wide range of coffee-table books; a pool table; and intimate seating for two.

The adjacent room boasts a dramatic media wall with large-screen monitors broadcasting international channels flanked by comfortable seats with ottomans. The space doubles as a makeshift napping area late at nights.

The buffet features a selection of Turkish and international fare prepared on site by high-end caterer Do&Co.

Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul – Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) International

Highlights include Turkish mezze, a salad bar, flat bread (Turkish style pine), soups, and desserts including baklava and Turkish yogurt. The flat bread is served fresh off the oven from the open kitchen.

The spread is presented with a keen attention to detail, and all ingredients are of high quality. Despite its intrinsic qualities, however, the selection on offer remains short of a substitute for a full meal, especially outside meal times.

The drink selection includes juices, soda, espresso, tea, and Turkish coffee, as well as a self-serve choice of wines, liquor, and spirits.

Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul – Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) International

Lounge Istanbul boasts stunning marble bathrooms which are a true work of art, along with two shower suites equipped with a sink, a toilet, a rain shower, slippers, clothes hangers, and bath products. Make sure to ask about a shower early should there be a wait list.

Wi-Fi is available throughout, although it’s painfully slow and the access process is cumbersome. Scan your boarding pass at the kiosk next to the reception desk in order to receive a username and an unnecessarily complex password. Note that per Turkish law, your browsing session will be tied to your identity, so the use of a VPN might be wise.

Other amenities include large baggage electronic baggage lockers, a baby changing room, male and female prayer rooms, and a selection of newspapers and magazines.

Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul SAW bottom line

Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul – Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) International

Turkish Airlines Lounge Istanbul at Sabiha Gökçen airport’s international terminal is the most impressive and best-appointed lounge at Istanbul’s secondary airport. Turkish Airlines’ signature design and vast array of amenities (including showers, baggage lockers, and extras such as the pool table and library) make for an enjoyable stay.

Catering is modest at Sabiha Gökçen airport compared to the gargantuan selection on offer at Istanbul’s Ataturk airport. And just like its much larger sibling at Ataturk Airport, Lounge Istanbul at Sabiha Gökçen can occasionally get uncomfortably busy at peak departure times. Overall, though, the lounge offers a premium experience, and catering is not much of a concern when an elevated dining experience awaits in Turkish Airlines Business Class.