Is it worth paying for an airport lounge during a layover at Istanbul Airport (IST)?
Based on 1 discussion with 3 participants · Last activity: 5 days ago
TL;DR
Yes, but gate-area lounges at Istanbul Airport are small (around 55 seats) and fill up fast — arrive early if you want alcohol, or you may waste an hour in line. Food and drink selection is usually plentiful, and you can look inside before deciding to pay.
What the community said
The lounge description mentions around 55 seats, so overcrowding is expected. One traveler skipped the farther lounge and used the one right at their gate — walked in, looked around first, then paid for entry. Food and drink selection was generous, more than they could try.
5 days ago ~55-seat lounge
Because so many people want alcohol (beer), queues form quickly in the lounge — arrive early if that's your priority. One couple spent about an hour just waiting to get water.
5 days ago ~1 hour wait for water
During a flight delay, airline staff sometimes hand out water directly at the gate — just show your boarding pass. Don't count on getting food this way, as it may run out before everyone is served.
5 days ago