R/T Flights from US to Italy Turkish Air

Why would you need a visa for Turkey? Do you plan to visit Istanbul during your layover? You don’t have time for that, not even during your 5 hour layover.
I flew via IST last summer. On the way back we had a 1 hour layover, we made the flight with time to spare.

I have flown Turkish Airlines several times (as recently as this past October), and look forward to flying with them again on my next trip coming home from Europe. Great airline, I think you will like it.

@ Dutch_traveler makes valid points about NOT needing a visa. You will not need one, because you will not technically be entering Turkey. You will remain airside in the Turkish Airlines terminal (which is absolutely gigantic, modern, and has all services you could need during your transfers). So cross the visa worries off your list of concerns.

I will share that some TK flights do get delayed, and that's not a rare thing (the TK airlines flights between IST and SEA, where I live, is chronically delayed. I have not looked at flight delay history for their other flights, but flight history data is readily available if you search for it).

The airport in IST is indeed vast, and transfers can (often do) involve a lot of walking, so given a choice between a 1 hr 25 min connection and a 5 hr one, I might be inclined to take that long 5 hour connection. Yes, it makes a long itinerary even longer, but TK does have very nice lounges in IST; if you have access to one they are pleasant places to pass time. OTOH, if you choose the shorter 1 hr 25 min connection, and you end up missing the connection, they should be able to accommodate you on the later flight. So low risk.

Hope that helps.

TA my favorite airline

Cons- Longer flight from US to connecting airport in Istanbul

Longer flight a "Con", connecting in Istanbul is a "Pro" as its one of the easiest airports to connect in. Ive done 1 hour connections but not advisable. Between 1:25 and 5, I would take the 1:25 and not worry too much. Worst case, sounds like there is another in 5 hours?

Fare does not include seat assignments

"Con" you have to pay (budget about $100 for average seats). "Pro" the more expensive seats give you a chance to buy more legroom.

$50 Visa required to enter Turkey

You dont need.

As I recall you're planning an October 2024 visit, so just know that even if you book this flight now the schedule could change in either direction. Not to worry you, but it's very likely to adjust some. And prior posters are correct, no visa required to transit only necessary if you leave the airport (I wouldn't even with 5 hours). Those transfer times are pretty slim but likely doable. If you have checked luggage on way back I would make sure you carry on important things with you.

I didn't weigh in on your other thread about itinerary, but I am in favor of a Venice stop. It's a magical place like no other, and given it may not survive the future polar ice cap melting thing. That said, you had some pretty specific things on your wish list, so if the price difference between flying to Venice or Florence is +/- a couple hundred bucks, I'd go with your original plan. Good luck!

I flew Turkish Airlines this past September. I was very happy with the entire experience. Additionally I originated and ended flights three times that month at IST. I was prepared for an overwhelming walk at a massive facility. Neither happened. Essentially there is no transportation system between gates. However it is well marked and quite easy to navigate. The TA staff were phenomenal. I arrived early for an 11:55 AM flight. They offered me seats on a flight departing immediately (10:45 AM) on a larger aircraft with same class of service and no additional cost. I could not have been happier.

Personally, I prefer the tighter connection times and would choose them while understanding and accepting the risks. I had a 1 1/2 hour connection in September and a 1 hr 45 minutes in November through CDG and shockingly made it both times with over about 45 minutes to twiddle my thumbs before boarding began. Several years ago it took almost 1 1/2 hours just to get from one gate to another for my destinations so I had been avoiding that airport. It’s now an excellent experience.

Enjoy your travels.

Some nationalities do require a visa just to transit through Turkey. As you’ve noted the visa fee is only $50 plus $3 and is available online for most countries as an eVisa. United States passport holders do not need a visa for transiting.

My daughter and her husband used Turkish Air to fly this past May from Atlanta to Sicily. Going to Catania it was not any longer than Delta would have been as there are no direct flights. Going back it was about four hours longer. They considered the price difference which was substantial and opted for Turkish air. They had no complaints. They had flown Turkish Air in 2018 to Greece and remarked on how much nicer new Airport was.

They were not required to have a visa to change planes in Turkey.

Here’s another kudo for Turkish Airlines. Our experience was quite sometime ago, but it was memorable.
We had tickets on Lufthansa, headed to Istanbul with change at FRA. After a fairly horrible initial flight, it was so nice have friendly, helpful attendants. Even on that short flight we were served a tasty lunch.

My experience with Turkish Air was also fine, but if you haven't seen Istanbul you should stop-over for a couple of days. It's a fabulous city with mind-boggling history and sites and the Turks are friendly and welcoming.

I really want to book my flight soon so that I can begin booking the lodging. In the past few days a number of the Airbnb's I had bookmarked as possible considerations are no longer available, already booked for October 2024. I need to reserve mine soon.

I don't understand why you aren't locking in your lodging - as you've seen, desirable proprperties are snapped up way in advance. Our experience with Airbnb was that little or no money was involved in advance, so you should have ample opportunity to cancel if plans change.

As for Turkish Air, another Con is the potentially larger carbon footprint from flying beyond your final destination.

Turkish air also has stopover offerings if you want to see something of Istanbul and can spare the time. For this, a visa would be needed.

I love Istanbul. The airport, no problem ...... the city ..... for me, not for the foreseeable future.

Thank you everyone!

On Saturday I booked my roundtrip flights aboard Turkish Air $790.60 (including seat selections and 1 carryon and 2 checked bags are free), arriving in Venice and departing from Rome. I did not choose the option to layover in Istanbul for further sightseeing.

I also booked via Airbnb and booking.com 2 nights in Venice, 4 nights in Florence, 4 nights in Naples and 5 nights in Rome for a total of $1986 for 15 nights = $132 a night average, which I feel is a deal. I am pleased with my selections and the locations in each city. I can cancel all lodging reservations should I find something better/cheaper.
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Sounds like a fantastic trip