We had a roughly two hour layover in Istanbul, as we were arriving from Atlanta at around 4:40PM, and departing to Cluj at around 6:45PM. Two hours is about the minimum connection time I’d want at this airport, given its size.
I’ve reviewed Istanbul’s new airport before, so check out my previous review for full details. As I like to describe it, the airport is a hot, beautiful mess. It’s beautiful architecturally, but way too big and impractically designed.
As Turkish business class passengers we had access to Turkish Airlines’ business class lounge, which is very good overall. However, I’ve reviewed that before, and wanted to review something new, so we checked out the 24/7 IGA Lounge, which is the airport’s contract lounge. It can be accessed by business class passengers on most non-Star Alliance airlines, and the lounge also recently joined Priority Pass.
Since we arrived at a remote stand we had to go up an escalator on arrival, and then had to pass through security, where there was no wait.
New Istanbul Airport terminal
After clearing security we were in the central part of the terminal, which connects the various concourses. We followed the signage towards the IGA Lounge, which is one level up from the main concourse.
New Istanbul Airport terminal
New Istanbul Airport terminal
The signage pointing to the lounge was pretty good, and then it was tough to miss the escalator leading to the lounge, given the big IGA Lounge logo.
IGA Lounge Istanbul escalator
IGA Lounge Istanbul entrance
I knew this would be a big lounge when I saw that they had a map of the entire lounge out front.
IGA Lounge Istanbul entrance
IGA Lounge Istanbul map
Well, our time in the lounge wasn’t off to a good start when we saw just how long the queue was to get in. The line might not look that bad, but they have one of the most inefficient systems for admitting Priority Pass members, and I swear it took a couple of minutes of typing to admit each guest.
It took us over 15 minutes to even be admitted to the lounge. On the plus side, I guess that’s one way to be sure the lounge never gets too full, since it’s massive, and admitting only a couple of people every couple of minutes sure seems to limit crowding.
IGA Lounge Istanbul line to enter
The lounge has automatic gates, so after they check you in you just have to scan your boarding pass and you’ll automatically be let in.
IGA Lounge Istanbul entryway
The IGA Lounge is about 48,000 square feet and has seating for nearly 600 passengers, so it’s a huge lounge. Then again, as if now this is the only non-Turkish Airlines lounge at the airport, so that seems like an appropriate size (though Istanbul Airport should get a SkyTeam lounge soon as well).
The lounge had a long entryway leading into the main part of the lounge with a duty free shop on the right.
IGA Lounge Istanbul entryway
IGA Lounge Istanbul duty free shop
There was one main walkway along the center part of the lounge. To the left of that was a majority of the seating in the lounge.
IGA Lounge Istanbul seating
IGA Lounge Istanbul seating
IGA Lounge Istanbul seating
IGA Lounge Istanbul seating
IGA Lounge Istanbul seating
Along this area was a pool table, as well as the bar.
IGA Lounge Istanbul pool table
IGA Lounge Istanbul bar
There was also a small business center with some computers.
IGA Lounge Istanbul business center
The lounge doesn’t have any direct apron views, but rather just faces the terminal.
IGA Lounge Istanbul view
Further into the lounge is the main dining area, which consists of dozens and dozens of dining tables.
IGA Lounge Istanbul dining area
IGA Lounge Istanbul dining area
Then even deeper into the lounge is more seating, including a TV area.
IGA Lounge Istanbul seating
IGA Lounge Istanbul seating
There are also some daybeds in this area, but they were all occupied when I was there, so I couldn’t really snap pictures of them.
IGA Lounge Istanbul TV area
The lounge’s food selection was in the dining area, and was pretty solid. There was fresh fruit, a huge selection of sweets, bread, salads, and about five hot dishes.
IGA Lounge Istanbul buffet
IGA Lounge Istanbul buffet
IGA Lounge Istanbul buffet
IGA Lounge Istanbul buffet
IGA Lounge Istanbul buffet
IGA Lounge Istanbul buffet
There were a couple of fridges with soft drinks, water, and juice.
IGA Lounge Istanbul drinks
Then there were both coffee and tea stations.
IGA Lounge Istanbul buffet
IGA Lounge Istanbul buffet
There were a couple of additional drink stations throughout the lounge with coffee, tea, and soft drinks.
IGA Lounge Istanbul drink station
Alcohol was only available at the bar, though, and I’d also note that the lounge doesn’t have any barista made coffee (unlike the Turkish Lounge, which has baristas).
The IGA Lounge also has shower rooms and bathrooms, though given our (very) limited time in the lounge, I didn’t have time to check them out.
Our flight was scheduled to board at 5:45PM, so between our arrival at a remote stand and the amount of time it took us to get into the lounge, we only had about 15 minutes in the lounge before it was time to head to our connecting flight.
Our flight to Cluj was departing from gate A4A, which was only about a 10 minute walk from the lounge. That’s about the shortest walk imaginable at this airport.
Istanbul Airport terminal
A4A is a remote gate, so we had to take the escalator down a level, where all six “gates” belonging to A4 were located.
Escalator to departure gate Istanbul
This was fairly nice as far as remote gates go.
Istanbul Airport departure gate
At 6PM boarding started for business class passengers, though everyone piled onto the same bus.
Istanbul Airport departure gate
IGA Lounge Istanbul Bottom Line
The Turkish Airlines Lounge is definitely a step up over the IGA Lounge in terms of design, food, and drink quality. However, I’d say that all things considered this is still a very good contract and Priority Pass lounge.
My biggest issue with the lounge is the queue to get in, which I found to be ridiculous, and we weren’t even at the airport during peak times. They really need to figure out a way to admit people more efficiently.
Perhaps in a way that’s a blessing, because the lounge wasn’t crowded, which is what you get when you can only admit a couple of people every couple of minutes in a nearly 50,000 square foot lounge.
This lounge is a very nice addition for Priority Pass members at Istanbul Airport.
If you’ve visited the IGA Lounge Istanbul, what was your experience like?
Membership is free and takes no more information than commenting as a guest. Earn status points for good contributions, and see fewer ads as your status grows.