After a few hours flight from Nice to Istanbul, we are now in the flagship lounge of Turkish Airlines: International CIP Lounge of Atatürk Airport.
Istanbul’s geographical position makes Atatürk Airport a hub for flights between the Americas and Asia as well as Europe to Africa and the Middle East.
Most of the passengers who are in transit here are there for several hours. When it is more than 6-7 hours, it is better to leave the airport to enjoy the city.
Turkish Airlines offers a free city tour for passengers with long connecting flights (between 6 hours and 24 hours).
For the others, the CIP Lounge is a very interesting option to explore… as Alexandra did!
This lounge is known in the world of frequent travelers as one of the largest in the world.
All passengers traveling in business class on Turkish Airlines – or any Star Alliance airline – have access to the CIP Lounge.
Access is also possible with Star Alliance Gold status. No Priority Pass here.
If you have a Priority Pass, you will have to turn to the other lounges.
Atarturk Airport has only one – huge – terminal. The lounge occupies a large space within it, almost in the center of the terminal (L5 on the map).
To access the lounge, simply scan your boarding pass. If you have any requests regarding your next flight, you can ask at the lounge reception desk (e.g. seat changes).
The Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge is composed of 2 floors and is divided into many different areas. Even though this one is particularly busy, we never felt like we were running out of room.
At the entrance, on the right, there is a space to store your cabin luggage in secure compartments. Very practical if you don’t need all your stuff.
To access the lounge’s WiFi, simply scan your boarding pass to obtain an individual code.
If your connection lasts between 4 and 7 hours, you are entitled to a private room – subject to availability. I recommend that you go to the concierge as soon as you arrive at the salon. It is located on the entrance level (2nd floor) opposite the computers provided.
This is what we did and we were able to take possession of one of the rooms. This allows you to store your belongings if you are traveling together and one of you wants to rest.
You can enter/exit the single room as you wish: it will be your room until you leave the lounge for your boarding!
The room has a bed, television, plenty of water bottles and a closet.
If you wish to take a shower, I also advise you to ask the concierge when you arrive because there is a lot of waiting. As for me, I waited too long: the waiting list was 2 hours long at the time of my registration and therefore I can’t “show you the showers”.
However, for your pleasure, here is a picture of the men’s room:
The CIP Lounge has numerous lounges with sofas and armchairs.
There is something for everyone: Asian, Western and of course Oriental.
In various spaces that recreate “brasseries”, you will find particularly succulent dessert buffets.
On both sides of the lounge are drinks of all kinds, alcoholic or not.
Next to the dessert stands are tea and coffee (particularly good).
Go to the children’s area: television, slide, and other games to pass the time for your children. Alexandra loved it and spent much of our correspondence time there.
Across from the entrance is “the library” with a pool table (first time I’ve seen this in a living room… like many other things that will follow).
Next to the entrance is a movie theater with a popcorn stand.
This room is in the dark and has particularly comfortable armchairs. This can be a good fallback solution if you can’t get a single room and want to rest.
In several places in the living room there are game consoles. Team games are emphasized in order to play with others: basketball and soccer in particular.
On the lower level of the show, you will find… a remote control car circuit.
If you want to learn golf or improve your swing, a golf instructor is at your disposal!
Although we did not take advantage of it, you should know that a masseur comes into the salon to massage your back and shoulders. To reserve it, contact the salon concierge.
We spent almost 5 hours in this lounge….without finding time to get bored. It is simply gigantic. If you are in Istanbul, don’t hesitate to visit it… the experience is unique!
Savings are here:
