I am flying into Istanbul from London in a few days. I plan on booking a Welcome Pickups transfer. How long should I allow to get through immigration with a checked bag? I know they monitor the flights but I want to set a reasonable time after landing? If I just use the landing time they will start their waiting clock then.
I was thinking 30 -45 minutes. Does that sound right? Thanks
Just be aware that the airport is huge, including the runways, and you could be taxiing to your gate for 30 minutes after landing, before you even get off the plane (which was my experience).
Yes! I was expecting to encounter a "Welcome to Greece" sign at any moment. I wouldn't count on being really to step out of the airport in 45 minutes, but I have no idea how much variation there is in taxi time. Surely some flights have a shorter path to the gate than mine did.
It took us about 25 minutes on September 7 from leaving aircraft to entering the arrivals hall. We had checked bags, did not rush, and also made a couple of quick stops (toilets, etc). Passport control was very quick and seemingly efficient. I recommend setting a pickup time for about an hour after the scheduled landing. Welcome pickups will monitor the flight and be there upon its arrival. However, you are only responsible from the time that you request for pickup not the time that the driver chooses to arrive.
Note: they were scheduled to pick me up but things went awry with communications. The organization was phenomenal in responding to and correcting the issue.
Thank you all for your replies. Very helpful.
I have booked a pickup for an hour after we arrive this Saturday.
Ramonelle,Too bad about your communication issue but glad they acted with integrity.
