This airport is extremely security conscious. You have to clear security twice before you get to…read moredepartures. It is a very clean and very busy. It's an airport. There are so many options for purchasing duty free and gadgets. That's all.

We had a connecting flight through Istanbul Airport on our way to Frankfurt, and overall it was a…read morevery positive experience. The airport is definitely very busy, so be prepared for crowds. That said, everything is well-organized, and we were able to make our connection in no time. What really stood out to me was the virtual information kiosks--such a great concept! When we arrived, our gate wasn't showing, and we weren't sure where to go. Within seconds, we connected to a live person through one of the screens, and they helped us right away. It made the experience so much less stressful. The airport itself is beautiful, modern, and full of options--plenty of shops, cafés, and restaurants to explore while you wait. And I have to say, the Turkish people we encountered were incredibly friendly and helpful. If you have a layover here, take a little time to look around--it's a great airport despite the hustle and bustle!

Another trip, another gem, and by gem I mean SAW İstanbul, where travel dreams go to die. First…read moreoff, nothing screams "welcome" like being herded through security twice because why not spice things up with a little déjà vu and a bonus pat-down? The signage? Oh, it's there. Somewhere. Probably hiding behind a guy chain-smoking under a No Smoking sign. Yes, this airport smells like a tavern. Staff range from visibly annoyed to outright hostile, as if your very presence personally offended them. Honestly, I think the ticketing agents made a blood pact to make sure no one leaves here with their sanity intact. Are you hungry? Hope you brought a second mortgage. You can treat yourself to a sad sandwich that tastes like betrayal and costs more than your flight.

I used this airport twice. One for arrival and ones again for departure. It's a big airport. They…read moreprefer you pay with euros or dollars here. They do take Turkish currency. Some of the vendors will give u a hard time but they do specifically in the duty free stores. My arrival was smooth. It was the normal process. What made an impression was my departure. Five security checks!, wow. The first one when I entered the airport. A metal detector for all my belongings and one for me. The second the one for my boarding ticket and luggage, same thing . The third at a nother station when checking for my passport. It was again a metal detector and items check. The fourth at the gate. Before entering the gate a passport check. It was actually a second person inside stopping every other person. I recommend going to the bathroom before getting to this check. If u have to go because You have to go back to line again if you exit. The gate is closed in with a glass surrounding. The last before boarding the plane, wow.