Turkish Airlines lounge at Istanbul airport accused of being ‘like a homeless shelter’
‘Turkish Airlines does not appear to enforce any sort of decorum in the lounge when it comes to sleeping,’ writes blogger
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Turkish Airlines lounge at Istanbul Airport has been accused of being “like a homeless shelter” by a disappointed passenger after they walked in to find numerous travellers sleeping with their feet up on the furniture.
In an entry on the Live and Let’s Fly travel blog, penned by Matthew Klint, he claimed that a friend had recently stopped off in the carrier’s flagship airport lounge on Klint’s recommendation, only to be let down.
“I had advised him that he was in for a treat while passing through Istanbul but instead, he sent me a series of pictures that makes me wonder why Turkish Airlines Lounge has let its lounge become a homeless shelter,” wrote Klint.
The friend arrived at the lounge at 5am, ready to relax for his three-hour stopover.
“But upon surveying the premises as he walked in, he texted me that he found it more like a bus station or homeless shelter than a premium cabin lounge,” said Klint. “I understand his disappointment.”
Pictures shared on the site show numerous passengers sleeping in chairs and sofas, many with their bare feet on the furniture.
Couches, seats and tables are all being used as makeshift beds in the photos - passengers’ shoes can be seen on the floor as they get comfy on furniture traditionally designed for sitting rather than lying down.
“Two problems are going on here,” writes Klint. “First, Turkish Airlines does not do flight banking very well (its massive flight schedule and questionable new airport make this difficult), meaning many connecting passengers wind up with very long layovers.
“Second, Turkish Airlines does not appear to enforce any sort of decorum in the lounge when it comes to sleeping.”
He added that he would expect Turkish Airlines to “advise passengers not to use the furniture to put their feet on or move couches and tables together to create beds.
“It’s rude and depending upon the personal hygiene of the passengers, disgusting.”
The Independent has approached Turkish Airlines for comment.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments