ISTANBUL - a warning

[mrs.dr.ron]

We recently flew into Istanbul. It took half and hour in the visa queue, then an hour in the immigration queue, so it was over and hour and a half before we picked up our luggage at the carousel. We had 2 Antler cases with TSA locks on - but the locks had been cut off, and the bags gone through.

I would suggest getting your bags plastic wrapped if flying into or out of Istanbul.

We did this flying out and it cost 10 euros per bag.

 

[Skyring]

I've never had any problems in Istanbul. I see those TSA locks as rather pointless - all it takes is a swift jab with a ballpoint through the zipper and the bag is open.

Then again, it may have been an official inspection, and Turkish security cannot be expected to have TSA keys.

Besides, when I did use TSA locks, years ago, the TSA cut 'em off anyway.

 

[Deleted member]

And don't put any valuables in your bags. .....as if anyone here needs that warning.
I believe that certain airports are renowned for breaking into your luggage.

 

[Alanslegal]

We recently flew into Istanbul. It took half and hour in the visa queue, then an hour in the immigration queue, so it was over and hour and a half before we picked up our luggage at the carousel. We had 2 Antler cases with TSA locks on - but the locks had been cut off, and the bags gone through.

And was anything missing?

Passed through IST earlier this year, less than 10 minutes to get a visa, similar time through immigration and no issues with my baggage either.

My bicycle got stolen in Ultimo NSW about a year ago, now do I post a warning here too? Bad things can happen anywhere really, we try to lower our risks but sometimes it comes down to the the luck of the draw if it happens to us or not.

 

[KitKat]

I guess it depends on when you get there.. how busy the visa and immigration line is. We took the SQ flight in and immigration took about an hour to get through (and this was with a quick walk from the pointy end of the plane). Probably got caught up with earlier arrival(s).
Thanks to AFF I knew I had to get the visa first.... there was a chap who got to the front of the immigration line but did not have a visa. There was a little scene when he was told he needed to get a visa and queue again..

Also IST like most places have Taxis that do not want to run the meters... (Rome, Kuala Lumpur...)