I am scheduled to depart Ataturk airport for a flight back to the US at 1:55pm on United. I am considering taking an Atlas Jet flight from Bodrum into Ataturk that morning. The Atlas Jet flight would be scheduled to arrive at 10:05 am. Four hours seems like sufficient time to make the connection, but I would like to have some other opinions, particularly from those who have travelled through Ataturk and/or made connections between domestic and international airlines in Turkey. Thanks!
Posted by
Atlanta
3250 posts
I'm always a little nervous about making a flight on the same day as I'm scheduled for an international flight. Four hours should be sufficient if everything is on schedule. It's quite a walk from the domestic terminal to the international one. Best wishes!
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
Do you feel lucky? That's the only true answer. If you do, you can do this, as you will most likely be fine. If, however, you are unlucky, and something goes wrong, you'll be in BIG trouble, as you'll have to buy a last minute ticket back the US (full price) and wait until there's a flight (maybe later that day with a connection, or else the next day or even later). The hassle and expense of a missed flight in this scenario mean you couldn't pay me to do this; I'd fly in the day before and spend the last night in Istanbul. But, it's your trip, and as I said, if you're less risk-averse than I am, go for it. BTW, Atlas Jet was very nice, and they offer a nice perk: they have free buses from the airport to most places of interest. Check their website for details, and take advantage - the bus was very nice (although it did not have a bathroom) and very convenient.
Posted by
Dunwoody, Georgia
338 posts
You should have plenty of time even with a small delay. The typical recommendation is to check in for international flights about two hours in advance. If you're worried about a significant delay, you could always investigate a carrier that will fly both the domestic leg and the international leg. Turkish Air comes to mind. Of course that will only work if they fly to a U.S. destination that works for you (e.g. New York). Good luck.