Can I leave Istanbul airport on a 22-hour layover without taking my luggage?
I'm planning to fly through Istanbul with Turkish airlines and would have a 22-hour layover there. Would it be possible to exit the airport without retrieving my luggage? Do I have to specifically mention that I will leave the airport to the airline employees?
Best Answer
I'm not sure about Turkish Airlines but my wife had a 23hr stop in Dubai with Emirates and they offered to keep her checked luggages because it was < 24 hours. Airlines rules might differ.
If they do offer to keep your luggages then you'd be totally fine since airlines have no way of checking whether you are intending to stay in the airport or leaving the airport to do your business in the city in advance.
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Can you leave the Istanbul airport during a layover?
If you leave the airport, you will need an e-Visa. It's a quick and easy online process, which involves filling out this online application, paying the $50 fee (for US citizens), and printing your confirmed e-visa, and Be sure to apply at least 48 hours before the departure time from your original destination.Do I need to pick up my luggage if I have a layover?
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).Can I leave Istanbul airport during layover without visa?
Do I need to get transit visa? Answer: If you will not leave the transit lounge at the airport you are not required to have transit visa. Otherwise, you have to make visa application to the nearest Turkish Representation.Can I get out of airport if I have 20 hour layover?
Yes, you can leave the airport during a layover, provided your passport allows you visa-free entry to the country you're in and you have enough time between flights. In fact, some people intentionally book flights with longer layovers (which are often cheaper) so they get to see a new city.How to get a free hotel from Turkish Airlines in a layover in Istanbul
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