Review: Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounge Istanbul Airport

Opening hours	24 hours
Time of visit	5pm
Occupancy	~30%
Location	Airside, International Terminal, near Gate E1
Entry type	Free with Turkish Airlines Business Class

How to access Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounge Istanbul Airport?

I visited this lounge while transiting in Istanbul, during my Round The World in Business & First Class using miles trip.

Review: Turkish Airlines Boeing 787-9 Business Class Kuala Lumpur to Istanbul

Eligible passengers include:

• Passengers flying in Business or First Class with a Star Alliance airline

Star Alliance Gold members have access to the Miles&Smiles lounge, next door.

Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounge Istanbul Airport

Getting there

Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounge Istanbul Airport is located after security, on level 2, near Gate E1 of the International Terminal.

Click here to view the map of Istanbul International Airport.

General areas

The lounge has a tall ceiling and plenty of natural light. I enjoyed the negative spaces around the lounge, which helped make it look really spacious.

My only complaint is that only a tiny section of the lounge has a view of the outside world.

Shower

Guests can book a shower room in-person, through the reception or the Private Suites desk.

Private Suites

Visitors may be able to book a Private Suite in-person, if they meet all of these criteria:

• At least an 8-hour Turkish Airlines flight to/from Istanbul
• Transit duration between 4 and 9 hours
• Hold a Business Class ticket or a Miles&Smiles Elite Plus Card

📽️ Click here to view a short video tour of the Private Suite.

There are a total of 24 Private Suites in the lounge, equipped with large televisions.

Although they do not come with ensuite bathrooms, this is an amazing amenity that you will not find in any other Business Class lounges around the world.

^{P.S. Cathay Pacific’s The Pier Lounge has really comfortable flat beds, but…they are not private suites!}

Food & Drinks

Visitors can help themselves to a good selection of Turkish and International hot dishes through the live-cooking stations or from the buffet.

Odd as it may sound, I particularly enjoyed watching the Turkish pastries being made in the bakery area.

Top complimentary amenities

• WiFi
• Drinks (incl. alcoholic)
• Hot food
• Showers
• Computers

My ratings

Food & Drinks	9/10	Cleanliness	9/10
Peace & Quiet	10/10	Service	9/10
Furnishing	10/10	Facilities	10/10
Privacy	10/10	View	8/10

Bottom line

With great food and decor, Turkish Airlines Business Class Lounge Istanbul Airport is a fantastic space to lounge in, while waiting for your onward flight.

There are many factors that make an airline lounge truly great. Personally, I value peace, food quality and facilities the most.

Till date, my favourite Business Class lounge has been Qatar Airways’ Al Mourjan Lounge in Doha (during non-peak hours). However, with 24 Private Suites, this one is my new favourite.

Yes, I can almost hear you champagne connoisseurs screaming, “BUT THERE IS NO CHAMPAGNE?!”. Well, guess what? Not everyone judge airport lounges based on the types of champagne served. Just grab a bottle for US$30, at the duty-free store next door. 😝