breevesms

I will be arriving at IST on Turkish Airlines from USA and departing to Dalaman (DLM) the same day on Onur Air. How long do I need to allow between the arriving flight and the departing flight in Istanbul?

If arrival on Turkish Airlines is 16:55 (4:55 pm), would I be safe in booking a 18:20 (6:20 pm) fight on Onur Air to Dalaman?

Thanks in advance!!

greg

I don't see Turkish Airlines and Onur having a codeshare agreement http://www.turkishairlines.com/en-in...share-airlines
Are you buying two separate tickets you have to make the connection on your dime?

Here is the supposed transfer process, they I think they fouled up the explantion: http://www.turkishairlines.com/en-in...ger-procedures
If two different tickets, look under "International transfer passengers (flight routes issued on separate ticket ) continuing to a domestic destination with customs control" (I think they mixed up domestic and international in their explanations. Passport control is a part of the step.)

gertie3751

I came into IST at Christmas, though didn't transfer to a domestic airline. The immigration procedure was very fast, about 10 minutes. Get an electronic visa online ahead of time then just go to the immigration desk. Don't know about baggage but I suspect it will be quick and painless to pick up and check in with Onur Air though that depends on how efficient they are. I think you are cutting it fine. If your incoming flight is on time it should be OK. Let's see what otherchelebi says!

breevesms

Thanks.

Yes, buying 2 different tickets.

otherchelebi

You need to arrive at Onur air check in at Domestic one hour before flight.

- 0-30 minutes possible delay at arrival

- 10-30 minutes from plane to pass through passport control
depending on gate availability, walk to and congestion at passport.

- 10-30 minutes waiting for baggage.

- 10-15 minutes walk to domestic and go up escalator to departures and find Onur air check-in.


I see at least 60 minutes for you to get to Onur Air check in counter. Plus the 60 minutes you need.

You may just be able to make it if your flight is early and there is no congestion and if Onur Air is flexible.

I would not take the chance unless I was looking for a reason to stay one night in Istanbul.

Also keep in mind that Onur Air is a small airline and may not have alternatives the same evening.

breevesms

Thanks for your reply, otherchelebi!!

Your timetable looks reasonable. The reason I posted is that I had no idea what to expect time-wise at IST.

Would you change your mind if I said I was not checking baggage? Would you risk it?

gertie3751

Treat yourself and have an overnight in Istanbul. Get the metro into town and enjoy. A city not to be missed. Take Onur Air next day!

otherchelebi

breeesms,

Not having checked baggage will save you at least 30 minutes.

If the flight arrived early (known to happen) or on-time, and if it connects to the boarding bridge you will make it.

You can also try to request from security to use a special booth or people on the passport line to allow you to get in front, if you seem to have too little time.

Passport control usually moves very quickly. Make sure there are no suspicious looking characters or family with children in front of you, though.

Add the additional time to go through one more security check after check-in.

If boarding by bus (likely), the gate may close 20 minutes before ETD

Taking a chance really depends more on other factors like meeting a loved-one, cost, losing a business opportunit or reneging on a promise, etc.

I would not take the chance for the thrill of it, since whether you make the connection or not does not depend on any of your abilities (all of which you may consider highly)

otherchelebi

I also forgot to mention that JFK is famous for departure delays and runway congestion for all airlines.

greg

What you seem to frame this is as either always happens or never happens assessment. This is a probability event at this point. I have passed through IST last year. My experience was beyond upper end time estimate given by otherchelebi for the passport control. With 1 hr and 25 minutes to accomplish scheduled gate arrival to gate pull out, this transfer can succeed if every step falls on the favorable side. Unless otherchelebai can whip out a magic carpet for you from the Grand Bazaar, he can only guess the chance, not assurance, of success. Onur's official site says must complete check-in 30 min before departure. They probably have some latitude.

If you decide to proceed this route, least you can do is to scope out what happens if you cannot make the connection. It would speed up damage control if you already know how you would spend time until the next departure you can find a seat and minimize the damage on Dalaman side.

breevesms

Thanks all for the comments.

I was hesitant to book such close connections, and you convinced me that I do not want to take the chance of any impediment. I will go to Plan B.

Again, thanks for taking your time to insure that I do not have any problems with my flights that are under my control.

jasonposnansky

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr-Clr_ddwc

check out my Istanbul videos...Enjoy!