What to Do if You Miss Your Connecting Flight | Turkish Airlines New Istanbul Airport ▸ Travel Tips

[@JustinThailand]

I just deleted a post by a mistake. Please re-post :) Sorry :)

[@guitarsingaporeRapture]

Coincidentally we just missed our connection too! And we got a “free” night stay. Your video was very useful. Thanks again.

[@JustinThailand]

Thank you, Happy to hear the video helped :)

[@SalaKahle]

This happened to me 3 years ago in Istanbul when i missed my connecting flight , coming from Budapest and going to Durban, because of a big storm in Budapest. Next available flight was in 5 days, so after overcoming the initial shock, we enjoyed a wonderful vacation by the sea, in a lovely hotel with all you can eat Turkish food! Still, i would very much prefer to catch my flight this time. Justin, thank you very much for your videos, I've been watching them all day , as I'm fast approaching my next trip to South Africa, and I'll be running for my connection flight in scary Istanbul.

[@JustinThailand]

Hi and thank you so much :) wow, 5 days, that is long :) Happy to hear it turned out to be a nice holiday :) But I agree with you, I would also prefer to catch the flight :) So I really hope you have a relaxing and a nice transit in Istanbul next time :)

[@masterc140]

Literally just happened to me now. Same route. We got off at F zone and the flight was departing from B zone. The way I didn’t want to stay here I RAN like ngihujwa iphara… only to find i was unable to make just 3 minutes shy. However the 2 days i got should be a nice Vacae

[@guitarsingaporeRapture]

Very useful video! Thank you.

[@JustinThailand]

Thank you very much :)

[@zachvanwolf2123]

I will never book again with Turkish Airlines! I personally booked and paid for the flights from BSL to CAI (via IST) and the same return flights of my younger brother recently. He returned from vacation in Egypt 8.5 later than initially planned to BSL Switzerland, due to bad time management of two flights, both operated by them: He was denied boarding for the connection flight (TK1923 departing at 07:30 from IST and planned to land at 09:55 in BSL), as the previous flight (TK693 from CAI to IST) arrived about one hour too late in IST. He was not offered any other compensation by your airline, except for a ticket for the flight which brought him home 8.5 later in the evening on Monday, May 8 2023 (TK1925 from IST to BSL) at 18:25 at BSL. He was too exhausted for work on the consequent day, and would have deserved a good rest before taking up work again at home after returning from his vacation in Egypt. I first informed our local Turkish Airlines office in BSL by e-mail. They simply gave me the link for feedbacks about the airline. There I described the case and gave them all the documents regarding the flights, supporting my claim in the compensation process. The airline insisted first that my brother opens a feedback case on his own. Which he then did on my instruction. Then he received a lame response by e-mail, listing the various causes of the delay of the first flight by minutes and not feeling obliged to any compensation, but appreciate the feedback in order "to improve their processes... bla bla". Each time we could not simply answer the e-mail but write again (via the feedback ticket number on their web site) whether they are serious and said he would complain elsewhere, but they sticked to their version. So here I am shaming this trashy customer service and the actual service of the airline whenever and wherever I can. Never going to fly again with them! Ever!

[@JustinThailand]

So, that happened to me too. They left me behind in Istanbul. You are absolutely correct, the Feedback system is just bullshit. I will make video about this later. It took me 10 month, but I got my compensation of 600 Euro.´, but I didn't do it for the money, I just wanted to show them they was wrong. So my recommendation to you is, take the case to the Consumer board in your country. I did that, after I won the case, I sent them a mail to the office in Oslo, and told them they had 14 days to fullfil the payment, if not I would send the case to the conciliation council. There they will have to respond, if not they loose the case, and will have to pay you anyway. But you need to check the procedure in your country. As mentioned, I will make a video about this, and how to do this, but it will take me some time to make the video.

[@marinatraverso9288]

Thank you for this video! I was about to purchase this flight but I saw I had 1hr layover as well and I travel with a toddler. I don’t think I will be able to make it with a kid. I’ll look into another airline for sure 😅

[@JustinThailand]

By having enough time for transit, you will have a nicer experience at the airport :)

[@MassimoMassarenti]

Ho trovato questo canale estremamente utile. Sto pianificando un volo con cambio aereo a Istambul, verso Bangkok. Hai spiegato tutto estremamente bene, con numerosi dettagli. Ti ho scritto direttamente in italiano, perché so che potrai tradurlo facilmente. Grazie.

[@JustinThailand]

Thank you very much ❤️ It means a lot 👍

[@kajkajal6950]

thank you so much for always helping

[@trantuong789]

I admire the dedication to actually miss a flight to see what happens lol. That would have stressed me out so much. BTW, do you know how to get on one of those electric mover inside the airport? Is it free?

[@JustinThailand]

😂😂 Thank you, but I have to be honest, it wasn't planned :) The plane was actually delayed out of Oslo, and therefore I missed the connecting flight :) If you by electric mover mean the Buggy, it was at that time about 6 Euro, but I think it has gone up to 7-8 Euro now. They also had some electric scooters placed at the arrival gates, but I haven't had the opportunity to check them out yet, nor the price.

[@_Tripsandtips101]

Hva skjedde med det første flyet ditt? Ble det forsinket? Du var heldig at flyselskapet passet på deg. Jeg vet ikke andre flyselskap som er hjelpesome som Turkish.

[@JustinThailand]

Ja, forsinket fra Oslo. Alle flyselskaper har ett ansvar for å ta vare på deg. Men noen ganger har de kanskje ikke servicedesk på den flyplassen du er, da må du ordne dette på egenhand, også sender du inn refusjon. Så når jeg ble tatt hånd om av Turkish, så var det ikke særlig, hverken hotell eller mat. Når jeg mistet forbindelsesflyet i Frankfurt, og SAS ikke har kontor, så ordnet jeg med luksushotell på flyplassen, og spiste en nydelig middag på SAS` regning :)

[@tommymag235]

Helpful video ! I have a short connection, 65 minutes, so I’m getting myself ready to the prospect of getting the ‘free hotel’. As a US passport holder, I believe you do need a visa though to exit the airside area ? Best I prepare that in advance in case I do miss my connection

[@JustinThailand]

Well, in my case, I didn't need any visa. They told me the new boarding pass for the next day was enough. In the passport control they just stamped the boarding pass. But, Ive been getting reports of people being told they need visa. So at the moment I'm not sure if there's been a change of rules, or if it is just a lack of knowledge from the ground staff. So, better safe then sorry :) But, normally, if no delays, 65 minutes should be enough. But things can happen. Please do come back and tell how it went for you, and have a nice flight :)

[@Decasper85]

When I went ( us citizen too) we were required to get a visa.. no problem $50 I think.. however no one asked for a copy of it or to see it ! Very odd

[@milosavbjelica1096]

Thanks 👍 Justin,, Very good explanation $$$

[@JustinThailand]

Thank you :)

[@matiassebastian8739]

Hello, I have a conection in Istanbul and I need to print my ticket to pass to security control? in that case where I can print it because Im going with a another Airline. My boarding pass in cellphone isn't enough to pass to security control? Thanks

[@JustinThailand]

There are transfer kiosk on your way to the sercuritycontrol. I think you might be able to use your boarding pass in your cellphone. I would have tried that first.

[@rebeccafridaylover]

I got the same hotel lol. 😂 Thank you for the video!

[@zachbrown5031]

What is the difference between Fast Check, Short Connection, and Meet & Greet? How do you sign up for these ahead of time?

[@JustinThailand]

Fast track is normally for business class passengers. Short Connection is for passenger with less then 90 minutes to transfer. Meet and Greet is a payable service.

[@identidad75]

Hello, is two hours enough to get to the connecting flight?

[@JustinThailand]

Yes, normally, 2 hours is enough time. If any delays, you will have some time to do the transit :) So have a nice travel and enjoy Istanbul Airport :)

[@vasugoel2395]

Hello Justin, the same happened with me. The Airline booked next day's flight and hotel. Do i need to get an E-Visa?

[@JustinThailand]

No, you don't need an E-visa. Go to the service desk, get your new boarding pass, and go through the passport control, and show them your new boarding pass, and they will let you trough. And then find the Turkish Airlines Hotel Desk.

[@originalname2118]

Thank you so much for your video! I will travel with Turkish Airlines in a month and I was wondering if I have a transit flight in Istanbul will I need a new boarding pass? Or at the first check in they will give me the 2 boarding passes? Thank you so much! My anxiety is through the roof as its my first time flying alone haha, your videos have been so helpful for transit information.

[@JustinThailand]

Thank you very much :) Yes, they will normally give you the 2 boarding passes. Just ask them during check in. Istanbul Airport is huge, but easy to navigate, so just relax and enjoy your time there :) if you have more question i will do my best to answer them :)

[@DirtMankee]

@@JustinThailand Do you get the 2 boarding passes even if u check in online?

[@JustinThailand]

Yes, I got for the whole trip, but this might vary from airport/airlines to airport/airlines. I would make sure during check in that I got boarding passes to the final destination, if possible.

[@DirtMankee]

@@JustinThailand ok. thanks for the respons. I'm flying with turkish airline.

[@ruolov1]

I have like a 12 hr plus layover. The connecting flight is scheduled to leave around 6 am Istanbul time so do i have to know the gate for the morning flight immediately? How much extra time do we need to get to the gate since that airport is huge? How much is the buggy ride and do I have to exchange to Lira to buy food at the airport? Thank you.

[@JustinThailand]

Hi. They are normally informing which gate your plane departure from about 1 hour 30 minutes before departure. If you are in the middle of the airport, I would say about maximum 20 minutes from the gates far away. The Buggy is 5.9 Euro. You can use your credit card at the airport.

[@azzan14]

If you have more than 7 hours connecting time with Turkish Airlines then you can benefit from free Istanbul tour

[@sushi777300]

Happened to me once in Atlanta where Delta gave me a hotel room and once in Heathrow where British Airways refused to do so even though my connection was cancelled and I would have had the right to one. Damn British Airways lost me as a customer that day

[@stephaniekosger8527]

0:17 thank you so much for your videos! But now I’m more worried than ever. TK booked us LAX-IST-GTW with a one hour layover BIZ class. I watched the first video with the screaming lady then the follow up video of your missed connection. So, would you recommend following the screaming lady then? 😅. Our flights is in just a few days. Thanks for all the help!

[@JustinThailand]

Hi, and thank you :) Ok, so normally, you would be safer when following the ground staff (screaming lady), but as you can see in my "missed connection flight", it didn't help at all at that flight :) Ok, so.... 1 hour, if no delays, is normally enough time to do the transit. And, what's even more better is that you are traveling business class, life is always better traveling on business class :) That mean, you will have access to the business class security control. You will find it at the same area as the ordinary security, just look for the dark/black sign saying Business class or something like that. But since you have less than 90 minutes you are eligible to use the "Short Connection". Also, traveling in Biz, if your plane has to stop on the tarmac, and the passengers has to be transported to the terminal by bus, you will get a Business class bus, with big seat inside :) And as a business class passenger you will disembark the plane first :) So to be honest, I am very optimistic for your flight, and think it will work out for you :)

[@stephaniekosger8527]

@@JustinThailand THANK YOUUUUU

[@babydrum]

@@JustinThailand I am in a similar situation as this poster. I have a business class flight that originally had a 1 hour 45 minute connection but TK changed it to a 45 minute layover. It looks like the flight to Singapore is late in leaving most of the time so I might make it. If i accept the change and miss my flight even if they arrive on time, will it be on them or me since I accepted the change?

[@spoondippinggoodrecipes7382]

Sir I had a question if a party of 2 was traveling and missed their connection in Turkish airlines in Istanbul does the airline book you right the next flight ?

[@JustinThailand]

Yes, they will book you on next flight, but you normally need to contact a servicedesk.

[@mrjisan621]

Hi Justin, thank you for your nice video. I book a flight from Turkish airlines (BCN-IST-DHK) which include 65 min layover at Istanbul. If I miss the connecting flight, should I get free ticket from Turkish airline for the next available flight?

[@JustinThailand]

Yes, if you miss your connecting flight, you just go to the Turkish Airlines Care Point. Here they will issue a new boarding pass for you on the first available flight. And from there you just follow their instructions.

[@mariamdoukkali841]

Hi, very informative video, but I still have some questions: Do I need any insurance for this? So if I have just an economy ticket is it also aright then?, also: Do I have to follow the same steps if I have booked my flight via booking? And last question, is 1h 25 enough time to make it? (is it actually 1h05 min time that I have to transfer bcs on the website it says that we have to be there 20 min before departure?so the gate close earlier?)

[@mariamdoukkali841]

I mean just a standaard ticket and not an economy one.

[@JustinThailand]

Hi Mariam. No, you don't need an insurance for this. This is the responsibility of the airline to get you to the final destination. Any ticket is valid if this happen. Yes, its the same step whatever method you used to buy your ticket. Yes, normally 1 hour 25 min is enough. Remember you can use the Short Connection when your transit is less then 90 minutes. That will save you some time.

[@janetf3377]

Do the taxis take credit cards? The currency is liras but do the taxis accept dollars and euros?

[@JustinThailand]

I think they take credit cards. I paid with euro on this trip.

[@Decasper85]

I flew with them in October 2023.. from lax to Istanbul with 90 min layover.. Turkish was delayed 60 min… had 20-30 min to get off and to the next gate to go to Athens.., didn’t happen., they automatically rebooked our flight to Athens at 2am… 6 hours later !!!!! all they did was give a voucher for a meal .. equivalent to $5 usd .. the kicker was they never made any announcements.. I didn’t realize until almost to Istanbul that we were late!!! How do I get refunded for this

[@JustinThailand]

You can try the Feedback system on their website. From my experience, Turkish is the worst/most difficult to get any refund/compensation from. That said, I have managed to get compensation 2 times, but they will do anything to avoid paying your rightful compensation. I used the EU regulation 261/2004. But I don't think you can use this in this case, since you travelled from outside of EU, on an Airline bases outside the EU. Here is the link to the Customer Feedback Section : www.turkishairlines.com/en-int/any-questions/customer-relations/feedback/

[@phester28]

i cant find turkish airlines policy on this. Sounds like they follow eu261 but on our return leg eu261 does not apply (from a non eu country via Istanbul. Good info none the less as it can be a frustrating time

[@JustinThailand]

yes, that Is correct. Flying from outside EU into Eu as an airline not based in EU, they not have to follow the 261/2004 regulation. But they will have to follow the Montreal Convention, not as good as the 261. Here is the passenger rights for Turkish Airlines cdn.turkishairlines.com/m/4365a15e0f5af528/original/FR_67_0329_EN-PDF.pdf

[@zeeshanhaider1532]

i have 1 hour 20 mins connection time of pegasus airline at Istanbul. will i make it?

[@JustinThailand]

Yes, if no delays, you will make it :) Have a nice trip :) And remember you can use the Short Connection. Just look for the pink signs with "Short Connection".

[@SuperNaimuddin]

Any video about this short connection?

[@fazpuff6741]

I book my ticket a few months ago and today Turkish airlines cancel my flight for next week and give me new flight time which will not work out for me because I will still be enroute to turkey... So my travel agent is trying to book the next flight out which is 24 hrs after I land ..will I also be able to get access to the free hotel, food and transportation?

[@JustinThailand]

Ehhh.... normally no, but ....... If you bought the complete travel under 1 ticket, Turkish Airlines has a lay-over service called Touristanbul. Touristanbul is a free layover service for all international transfer Turkish Airlines passengers. Anyone who flies through İstanbul and has a 6-24 hours layover time welcome to Touristanbul. You will find more info here : www.turkishairlines.com/en-no/flights/fly-different/touristanbul/what-is-touristanbul/

[@dilpreet8457]

Can you get .... boarding pass of any airline at Istanbul airport if i missed mine flight

[@JustinThailand]

Well.... to be honest, I dont know. Ive only used Turkish traveling through Istanbul.

[@craigaston3643]

Hi Justin. Can I ask what you mean by the airline keeping your luggage in a transit?

[@JustinThailand]

Yes :) They will keep your checked-in luggage at the airport. So you will not be able to get your luggage during your 1 night stay in the hotel.

[@amin8w]

@@JustinThailand Thanks Justin, your video was a god send! I am a subscriber now... My sister got stranded in Istanbul today (flight from Manchester) and I used your video to help her. Related to the above question, what happens when you return to the airport the next day for the new flight? Should you talk to the Turkish reception (where you normally hand in your luggage) to take care of your luggage? Or would your luggage automatically go to the new flight? Based on your answer, I would imagine that it would be the latter, but it would not hurt to ask :) The second question is: Would there be any way to check and make sure Turkish indeed moved her luggage out of the delayed flight and kept it for the next day?

[@JustinThailand]

Hi, so glad the video helped you and your sister ❤️ Ok, no, you don't need to contact Turkish reception or anything like that. She just go straight to the passport and security control. All luggage is automatic being moved to the flight she's on. Everything is taken care of :)

[@amin8w]

@@JustinThailand Yes, I confirm that this is the case. Thank you very much! For the future people who read this: My sister missed the her flight on 20 : 05, which was definitely dinner time. But when she took care of the new ticket and reached to the TurkishAirline's hotel, they refused to provide dinner for her and more importantly her kids, stating that its 11 PM and the kitchen is closed. Its understandable that they can not deliver a good dinner, but refusing to provide anything (not even a piece of bread for her kids) was a bit cruel. The next day, she got a good breakfast. But again the lunch was terrible and not enough to make them half full, they left the hotel hungry and got something in the airport for themselves!

[@JustinThailand]

Thank you for sharing this :) And I totally agree. Breakfast was good, Lunch was terrible, that's why I left hotel early and headed for the airport. I talked to a group of people that waited for the dinner, they said the dinner was terrible too. And disappointed to read that they didn't provide some food for your sisters kids.

[@1231rahul]

Sir ,same thing happened with me .missed my connecting flight due to delay by Turkish airlines but at Istanbul they charged me for e visa .as they issued boarding pass for next day flight. Can i get my refund for paying for e visa ??

[@JustinThailand]

This just happened to my friend too. So either I have they changed to rules, or they do this by lack of knowledge. You should get refund for this, but my experience with Turkish Airlines tell me it won't be easy, but you should try. As a sidetone; I am not flying Turkish Airlines anymore. I am working on a video about this, and how they "scam" their passengers.

[@mahalab3597]

Did u get in Tuyap Palas hotel? That happened to me last year and I got into that hotel

[@JustinThailand]

Yes, I think that was the name of the hotel :)

[@tabishzaidi6515]

Do you need a turkish visa to enter the country even if you miss your flight ?

[@JustinThailand]

@@tabishzaidi6515 no, you dont need visa. You will get a new boarding pass at the Care Point/Service desk, and you just show this in the passport control.

[@ramyyoussef9220]

Thanks for this helpful video..and i have one question please..if i miss the connecting flight (turkish airlines) do i need to book another ticket from my own money or turkish airlines will pay for me..? Thanks

[@JustinThailand]

If you miss the connecting flight, just go to Care Point (customer service) and there they will rebook you for the next available flight, this is for free. Turkish Airlines will pay.

[@ramyyoussef9220]

@@JustinThailand thank you so much

[@zenababdulrehman9011]

What happens if you don’t want to go outside the airport but remain in the airport? Can we just stay there?

[@JustinThailand]

Yes, you can stay inside the airport.

[@zenababdulrehman9011]

@@JustinThailand thank you so much for your reply ☺️ but are they gonna give us free food, accommodation in the airport or we will have to pay for ourselves?

[@nsvlogs7931]

Nice

[@wahapahapa3279]

If my flight was canceled I have to follow the same procedure?

[@JustinThailand]

It depends, but normally yes. You will have to contact the Care Point Desk, and they will find the next available flight for you. If the next flight leaves in some couple hours, then you just stay inside the airport, and wait for boarding. They might issue some food voucher for you, if they dont, just ask :) But, if you get a rebooking the next day, you will have to follow same procedure, unless you wanna stay inside the airport during the night.

[@tabishzaidi6515]

Will you need a visa to enter the country if you are not eligible for visa on arrival?

[@JustinThailand]

If you miss your connecting flight, they will issue a new boarding pass for you, and you just show this at the passport control. You don't need any type of visa if its due to a missed connecting flight. But you do need to go to the Care Point area first, and get your new boarding pass.

[@tabishzaidi6515]

@@JustinThailand Thank you so much for your reply. My layover is only 1 hour 10 mins at Istanbul so I am kinda worried that i will miss my second flight.

[@JustinThailand]

Normally, and if no delays, 1 hour 10 minutes is enough :)

[@albertomanuelcheung7103]

If you missed your connecting flight because of Turkish Airlines's fault, you will be entitled to a 5 star hotel if you are travelling Business Class, however, Economy Class passengers get just a basic hotel. All the hotels are in the outskirts of Istanbul, not near the center, but closer to the airport.

[@موسمقفصبيضبلابلالدوح]

Can i escape the airport in transit for illegal imigration?

[@JustinThailand]

You will need a E-visa to leave the airport :)

[@josephakintoye7377]

Will I pay for rebooking

[@JustinThailand]

No, they will issues a new boarding pass for you.

[@thesmartchannel3963]

I booked 4 round trip tickets from Paris - Istanbul - Saudi for around 1600 USD, I missed Istanbul - Saudi flight at Gate, Gate closed just before I arrived at gate. they charged additional 2000 USD only for re-issuing missed segment. In my experience, they will charge cancellation fee, and fare difference with new flight.

[@JustinThailand]

@@thesmartchannel3963 Why did you arrive late to the gate ? I mean, if you arrived late because of a late incoming flight, you shouldn't pay anything. If you arrived late because of shopping and drinking, then you might have to pay a fee :)

[@AmnaSalim-g5g]

They forced us to get a visa before going to the hotel!! Bad experience with this airline

[@JustinThailand]

This just happened to friend too. I am not sure if this is a change of rules, or lack of knowledge from the ground staff. Agree with you, a lot of people are reporting on bad experience, same with me. I am not travelling with Turkish Airlines anymore due to how they treat their passenger. I am also working on a video, to show how they "scam" their passengers.

[@britney7034]

@@JustinThailandthank you for all your work and honest opinion! Where that video can be found? Assuming you already made it

[@abdelkaderbemmoussat]

I just love what you do !!! hhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[@JustinThailand]

Thank you 😀 ❤️