Can I have my luggage transferred in Istanbul without me claiming and rechecking it myself for a transit trip?
I have a flight to Istanbul via Saudi Airlines, and from there to Moldova via Air Moldova. The tickets are separate, and so my question is, since I don't have Turkish visa and I can't claim and recheck-in my luggage, is there a service to do that for me, in Istanbul Ataturk airport? I'm asking because there are such services in Dubai (eg:- Marhaba).
Best Answer
Luggage or not, you're unlikely to get on the plane to Istanbul.
Luggage is one aspect; the second one is that, if your connection goes awry for whatever reason, you're not "insured" and will be stuck in Istanbul. Unless you pay for a new onward ticket, Saudia would then have to return you to Saudi, a situation they want to avoid at all costs.
This is why most handling agents simply don't classify transit on separate bookings as transit.. In fact, though Marhaba offers a self-connection service in Dubai, I've observed people (who only had hand luggage to boot) being denied boarding on flights Munich/Zurich -> Dubai due to the aforementioned connection risks.
The only one who can give you a binding answer is the handling agent for Saudia at your departure airport, so you need to contact them, explain your situation and ask whether they'll check your bags through and let you board the flight.
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Do transfer passengers have to check their luggage at the transfer counter?
Baggage transferFor most transfers, you don't have to pick up your checked baggage. Airport staff will ensure it gets onto your next flight, so you only have to pick it up at your final destination.Do you have to recheck baggage for connecting flights?
When you purchase a layover flight, you will need to claim your bags when you land at your layover destination, and recheck them the next day when you continue your flight(s).Is luggage automatically transferred on connecting flights?
In most instances, no. Your bag will more often than not be put on the next available flight to your final destination. Make sure to ask an agent to help you figure out your next steps.Do I need to collect my luggage during transit?
If the same airline is giving you a connection, then you do not require to take your check- in baggage. It is called through check-in. The airline will transfer your baggage on its own. In case your connecting flight is on different airline, then yes you will have to collect your baggage and check in again on your own.NEW ISTANBUL AIRPORT Terminal tour, how to transfer and complete transit guide
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