Is 1 hour and 30 minutes enough time to catch connecting flight in Istanbul Atatürk Airport, Turkey? [duplicate]
I am traveling from New York City to Skopje and I found cheaper tickets with Turkish Airlines from NYC to Istanbul then I'll have 1 hour and 30 minutes to catch my connecting flight to Skopje.
Is this enough time to get through all the security checkpoints at that airport since all of the attacks have increased security?
Best Answer
While Crazydre's answer is factually correct, it's worth noting that "the next flight to Skopje" may be the following day, in which case they would have to provide you with accommodation and meals. Yet this means you'll arrive at your destination a day later, which may not be acceptable (e.g. you have connecting flights in Skopje or somebody is waiting for you, etc., etc.).
From personal experience, 1.5 hours is absolutely fine for international to international connection at Ataturk airport. I've travelled via that airport many, many times; the shortest connection I have had was 50 minutes - and I made it just fine, along with my luggage.
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How long do you need for a connecting flight in Istanbul?
If you're connecting at IST, give yourself a minimum of 90 minutes to go through customs and immigration. Note that some domestic flights arrive and depart from Sabiha G\xf6k\xe7en International Airport (SAW). If you need to connect between IST and SAW allow at least four hours.Do I have to go through security again for connecting flight in Istanbul?
In Turkey, as in most of the world, clearing immigration is not required for an international to international connection. The passenger can remain airside, and does not need to enter Turkey. HOWEVER, the transfer passenger may have to go through transfer security inspection.What is the minimum connection time in Istanbul airport?
You are required to be at the terminal at least 3 hours before your international flights and at least 2 hours before your domestic flights.Is 1 hour 30 minutes enough for connecting flights?
The recommended layover time for international flights is generally longer, as you will have to go through customs and immigration before boarding your next flight. In most cases, a 30-minute layover for domestic flights and an hour for international flights is considered a minimum, or short, layover.Flying Alone for the First Time | Connecting Flight Procedure | How to Catch a Connecting Flight
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Answer 2
This should be no problem. I had a two-hour connection at IST a few days ago (on a Budapest-Istanbul-Atlanta itinerary) and found it long enough to spend a bit too much money at the souvenir stores. 1.5 hours would have definitely been sufficient. Istanbul is a crowded airport, but it is not particularly large.
On the way back from Skopje to New York, you should be aware that Istanbul-US flights are subject to some special screening now, so get yourself to the gate in plenty of time.
Answer 3
Adding another personal anecdote. I made a EU-IST-UK and UK-IST-EU transit in the last month. I had a 3 hour connection in IST on separate tickets. On the outbound and I didn't even pass security but went straight to airside transit. I had 2:50 to spare.
On the inbound I was required to go via airside transit and was the only passenger there. I started taking out my liquid bag and they told me to put it back in my hand luggage. I had a 4 hour transit and had a mere 3:45 left over after passing through security. As long as you don't have to go landside, I can't see this taking much time.
Since I had 4 hours and no status on the last leg, I purchased lounge entry for 25 euro at IST for a comfortable place to sit, some hot food and a couple of beers.
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