I will be traveling to Zagreb, Croatia in early September 2025 for a conference and will have a 5-hour layover in Istanbul Airport. This will be a red-eye flight from the Eastern US, so I was intrigued by the Miles & Smiles lounge for international passengers with at least a 4-hour layover. Does this lounge offer showers? Also, can I buy a day pass to visit, or do I need to signup for a Miles & Smiles credit card in advance for lounge access? I'm a bit reluctant to open a new credit card (just to access the lounge in IST Airport) since I would likely cancel the credit card after September (which would hurt my credit score).
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
7175 posts
Caveat: I have not been to the Miles & Smiles lounge in IST. I have been to the Turkish Airlines Business Class lounge in IST. It is my understanding that the two lounges are essentially identical, though there may be some (relatively minor?) differences. My reply is based on the Business Class lounge - which is indeed very nice, and a great place to kill a few hours.
Does this lounge offer showers?
Yes, it does - though in my experience, the showers often are busy. Increase your chances of getting a shower by going straight to the lounge upon arrival, and ask to get on the waiting list for showers. Then go enjoy the lounge.
can I buy a day pass to visit
I'm pretty sure you can buy a day pass for the lounge. Don't know how much.
do I need to signup for a Miles & Smiles credit card?
I THINK that if you have their credit card, and you are flying on Turkish Airlines, lounge access is free to economy passengers (but you don't get to bring a guest).
Before you rush to get the credit card, I would suggest you check with Turkish Airlines.
The lounges are very nice. When we fly on Turkish Airlines, my wife insists any layover in IST be a minimum of 2-3 hours. Who am I to argue? Tip: Try the lentil soup, it's really good.
Posted by
Portsmouth
5760 posts
You can't buy a day pass for the Miles and Smiles lounge nor will signing up for a Miles and Smiles credit card give you access, only Turkish Airlines corporate card holders have access.
There are several other lounges that do offer paid access however I have no experience of them.
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
9448 posts
Look at the IGA lounge. One of the nicer airport lounges I have seen.
Posted by
OP
Vienna, VA
14 posts
Thanks, Carol for this suggestion. It looks like the iGA lounge is available for international transit passengers as a waiting space for up to 4 hours after paying an entrance fee of 92 euros + VAT. Having showers and WiFi access would be a huge plus for a 5-hour layover after a red eye flight from the East Coast of the U.S. Besides the iGA lounge, does the IST airport have an art gallery or bookstore that is worth a quick visit?
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
23335 posts
Gilber, if just one of you, then the lounge is probalby better. But if two of you, consider airport Yotel hotel in the gate area. Last time I stayed it was about 200 euro. I cleaned up and took a nap. Then about 300 feet to my gate.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA
872 posts
The Istanbul Airport has a nice museum that rotates pieces in from other museums around Turkey.
I agree that the Yotel is worth a look if there is more than one person in your party.