Istanbul Ataturk Havalimani International Airport (IST) is the biggest and busiest international airport in Turkey. The majority of Turkey’s international visitors arrive here. Istanbul International Airport is the main hub for Turkish Airlines – and it connects to the second most destinations worldwide.
Please note: As of 6 April 2019, this airport no longer serves passengers. It’s now a general aviation and cargo airport only. Obviously, there are no more lounges here, but we’re leaving the post for posterity.
There are a few executive airport lounges in the airport, and one of them is the Comfort Lounge. Here’s a review of our stay at the Comfort Airport Lounge Istanbul, Turkey.
How to get to Comfort Airport Lounge Istanbul
The airport has two distinct domestic and international terminals. The Comfort Airport Lounge Istanbul is located in the International Terminal airside, after security and passport control.
There are a few executive lounges on the Mezzanine levels, including the HSBC Premier Lounge which is located across from the Comfort Lounge.
Keep in mind that you can only access the Comfort Airport Lounge for international flights out of Istanbul, since any domestic flight passengers won’t be able to access this secured area.
Comfort Airport Lounge Access
Priority Pass has a huge selection of executive airport lounges, and the Comfort Lounge is one of the three Istanbul Priority Pass lounges you can choose to visit at Istanbul International Airport.
When we fly, we always take our Priority Pass to get into over 1,200 lounges at airports around the world (and get discounts at several restaurants!) If you travel, consider getting a Priority Pass Membership and stop paying for drinks and food at the airport!
It’s open 24 hours daily, and has the maximum of 4 hours stay. Children under 7 years old can enter the lounge for free with an accompanying adult.
When you enter the double sliding glass doors to check-in, they have a roped-off course to the main desk. It is necessary as some visitors just enter the room without checking in.
We saw a lady who even tried to walk over the rope to gain access.
The attendant will check you in by verifying your membership, and the process won’t take long.
Comfort Lounge Layout
Basically, the lounge space is just a medium-sized room.
The main sitting area consists of long comfortable couches that were slightly too low for our liking. These couches are arranged around coffee tables to set down your cups and plates.
They also seem to be the perfect height to rest your feet on.
Don’t.
This is not an ottoman, and there are actually signs to prohibit you from putting your feet on the coffee table.
Electric outlets are located between long couches for your electronic devices.
There are a limited number of working stations by the entrance if you prefer to sit at a desk to work on your computer.
The room is brightly lit, and you will be able to spot the main beverage bar at the back of the room under the hanging glass orbs.
You can order alcoholic beverages from here.
Next to the bar is the hot beverage counter and food buffet table. There is a secluded dining area and café style tables that can only be spotted once you are standing at the back of the room.
It’s hidden behind the restrooms and shower area.
Food and Drink
There is a selection on hot food and cold sandwiches, as well as plenty of snack, such as fruits, cookies, and several versions of bite-sized cakes and Turkish delights.
It seems that the whole system of airport lounges order from the same catering company. We visited two lounges on the same day, and they had the exact same hot food.
For drinks, you can stick with the traditional water, soda, juices, beer, or coffee. Try the Efes Turkish national beer, or the famous thick and full-flavored Turkish coffee, which you must order from the bar.
They have a special espresso machine for that.
Amenities at Comfort Airport Lounge
Here are a few notable amenities inside the Comfort Lounge:
Restrooms
They are only two stalls for the whole lounge, and they are unisex. Although they are frequently cleaned, the line of people waiting to use the bathroom can be quite long.
Shower
There’s a small shower booth that you can access. A one-time use, clean towels with a very poor quality are provided inside a wooden basket at the stall.
They reminded us of the economy class blankets.
They don’t absorb water after your shower.
Half the back wall of the lounge contains oversized lockers. They have security-codes and are perfect for your carry-on bags.
That is, when the codes work. Michael was at this lounge on a separate occasion and half of the locks didn’t work.
We noticed a lot of bags piled within the waiting area between couches and chairs. Again, probably because the locks didn’t work on the lockers.
Wi-Fi
It is reliable, and password protected. You’ll receive a username and password when you enter the lounge.
Things to consider
The well-lit room is bright enough to keep you awake in this cozy lounge. Keep in mind that, since every user is within a single room space, it can be extra loud at times, especially if they are fully occupied.
And they probably are.
Get your Priority Pass here and get access to this lounge today!
Check out our other reviews of airport lounges around the world!
For More on Turkey: When we travel, we use Lonely Planet
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