Due to my flight delay and a change of plan, I have an extended transit at Istanbul Airport. I had hours to kill. Istanbul is one of the worst places for a long transit. They have a total of 4 recliners in the Business Class Lounge. After spending most of my time at the lounge, I went out to explore Istanbul Airport and also to visit the two contract lounges that Priority Pass had access to. Istanbul Airport is huge and it can take some time to walk from one side to the other.
Access Requirements
Pop up Lounge Istanbul is open 24 hours daily. You can access this lounge via lounge program membership like Priority Pass. I have an unlimited Priority Pass through my Citi Prestige Credit Card or my UOB Reserve Card and I use that to access the lounge. A normal entrance will cost 35 USD via PP. Typical guest entitlements follow. You can also pay directly for an entrance to the lounge.
Arrival & Location
The location of the lounge is directly opposite gate A6. You can find signs leading to the lounge easily and will be able to spot it. It was quite crowded when I was here and there was a line at the entrance. The lounge is busy since there is only 1 staff over here at the entrance.
Pop up Lounge Istanbul
You can find some pictures of the lounge here. This is how it is. You can see everything in one look. It doesn’t feel like a lounge at all. It is a spot carved out and filled with some tables. There are no other facilities in the lounge.
Food and Drinks
Some food and drinks are available here. It feels like a gate party with a buffet lineup rather than a lounge. There are some eggplant beef, rice, soup and salad.
Drinks-wise consists of canned drinks, water, beer and wine.
Conclusion
As the name suggests, pop up and pop off! This is not a lounge worth staying. Do not come here unless you have an unlimited priority pass or are getting free access. You should not pay to enter this lounge and will be better off at the IGA Lounge which is 5 to 10 minutes away. This is not even a lounge. They use an empty gate area and put in some fridges, tables and warmers. There are no facilities. Well, if your gate is nearby and you want to pop by to grab a drink or so, it makes sense. It does feel that the lounge is operated by the same operator as IGA. Please do not pay 35 USD under Priority Pass for this.
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