Jazmin Li
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) in Istanbul has received mixed reviews online. While some travellers have complained about long lines, others have praised the airport for its safety, functionality, and ease of navigation. The airport has implemented several measures to ensure the safety of its passengers, including advanced security screening, special services for vulnerable passengers, and a COVID-19 response plan.
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What You'll Learn
- Saw airport is safe for foreigners, with some travellers rating it 7.7/10
- It is recommended to arrive 3-4 hours before your flight to account for long lines
- The airport has free wifi and HAVABUS transport into the city for 38TL
- The airport has implemented a COVID-19 response plan to ensure a safe environment for staff and travellers
- There are banks of ATMs and a taxi stand to utilise upon exit
Saw airport is safe for foreigners, with some travellers rating it 7.7/10
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) in Istanbul is generally considered safe for foreigners. On average, travellers rate it 7.7/10, indicating very good service. The airport has a modern and well-equipped terminal that handles both domestic and international flights. It offers a wide range of facilities and services for travellers, including efficient check-in and security services, advanced security screening, and special services for those who need assistance.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport implemented several safety measures to ensure a safe environment for travellers, such as enhanced sanitisation, health and social distancing protocols, and improved air circulation. These initiatives have been recognised by organisations like ACI World, which awarded the airport the 'Voice of the Customer' initiative for prioritising customers during the pandemic.
However, some travellers have expressed concerns about congestion and long queues at the airport, especially at passport control and security for international departures. It is recommended that passengers arrive at least three hours before their flight to account for potential delays. The airport has also been described as "crowdy" and some have noted a lack of counters open for foreigners, which can contribute to longer wait times.
Despite these challenges, many travellers have shared positive experiences at SAW. Some have found it easy to navigate, with short distances between gates and convenient access to ATMs, taxi stands, and bus services. The availability of free Wi-Fi and comfortable lounges has also been highlighted as a positive aspect of the airport. Overall, while there may be occasional delays and congestion, SAW is generally considered safe and functional by most travellers.
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It is recommended to arrive 3-4 hours before your flight to account for long lines
Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) in Istanbul is considered safe for foreigners. Travellers have reported feeling safe at the airport, which is described as "highly functional" and easy to navigate. It has an average rating of 7.7/10, indicating very good service.
When it comes to arrival time, it is generally recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight. However, in the case of Sabiha Gökçen Airport, some travellers suggest arriving 3-4 hours early due to potentially long lines and early check-in times. This is especially important if you are checking luggage, as you will need to factor in additional time for bag drop and security screening.
Arriving early can also provide some personal benefits. It allows you to relax and unwind before your flight, grab a bite to eat or do some duty-free shopping. If you are a nervous flyer, the extra time can help you calm down and ensure you have everything you need for your trip. It also accounts for any unexpected delays or changes in boarding times or gates, which can sometimes occur.
Additionally, if you are travelling through an unfamiliar airport, it is advisable to add some buffer time. This accounts for any unknown factors or potential delays unique to that airport. For example, at Istanbul Airport, passengers have reported multiple document checks and bag screenings before reaching the departure gate. Thus, arriving 3-4 hours before your flight when travelling through Sabiha Gökçen Airport can ensure a comfortable and stress-free experience.
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The airport has free wifi and HAVABUS transport into the city for 38TL
Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) offers free wifi and HAVABUS transport into the city for 38TL. The wifi was initially advertised as 30 minutes of free access, but some travellers have reported having access to it for a whole day.
The airport has been described as "highly functional" and "easy to navigate" with short distances, although it is reportedly quite busy with long and slow-moving lines. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport 3 to 4 hours before their flight to account for potential delays.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport implemented several initiatives to ensure the health and safety of its passengers and staff. These included social distancing, strict sanitisation, and enhanced air circulation and disinfection systems.
Overall, SAW airport seems to be generally safe for foreigners, with some travellers reporting that they had no problems and did not feel hassled during their time there. However, it is always a good idea to be cautious and aware of your surroundings when travelling in unfamiliar places.
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The airport has implemented a COVID-19 response plan to ensure a safe environment for staff and travellers
Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) in Istanbul has received mixed reviews from travellers. While some people have complained about overcrowding, a lack of Wi-Fi, and insufficient toilets, others have praised the airport for its ease of navigation and smooth transfers. However, it is important to note that people are more likely to post reviews when they have had a negative experience. Overall, travellers have given SAW a rating of 7.7/10, indicating very good service.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, airports around the world have implemented various relief measures and response plans to ensure a safe environment for staff and travellers. The pandemic has severely impacted the aviation industry, and governments and airport authorities have taken several steps to aid recovery and maintain safe operations.
The White House, for instance, signed a relief package that included funding for airports to help them operate while limiting the spread of COVID-19. Similarly, the European Commission approved temporary measures to support airports, with Germany receiving approval for an aid scheme to assist airports financially. In the United Kingdom, the case-by-case approach was criticised by the industry, which lobbied the government for a comprehensive support package.
To assist airports in planning for emergencies and unforeseen events, organisations like ACI World have produced handbooks and guidelines. The Emergency Preparedness and Contingency Planning Handbook provides airport management and staff with best practices and references to relevant standards and recommended practices. Airports are also encouraged to collaborate with local, regional, and national organisations, such as health providers and government agencies, to effectively respond to incidents and develop comprehensive plans.
These COVID-19 response plans aim to ensure that airports can continue delivering uninterrupted services while prioritising the health and safety of staff and travellers.
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There are banks of ATMs and a taxi stand to utilise upon exit
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) in Istanbul has received mixed reviews online. While some passengers have complained about congestion, a lack of facilities, and poor signposting, others have praised the airport for its ease of navigation and functionality.
One of the main concerns raised by travellers is the congestion at the airport, particularly at passport control and security. Some passengers have reported long queues and delays due to a limited number of channels open for checking non-Turkish passports. It is recommended that passengers arriving at the airport allow at least one hour, and up to three hours, for clearing passport control and security, especially at international departures.
However, several reviews from travellers state that they had no problems navigating the airport and found it safe and functional. The airport has also implemented various initiatives to improve the passenger experience, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These include a COVID-19 response plan, a digital transformation and expansion project, and various health and safety measures to ensure a safe environment for staff and travellers.
Upon exit, there are banks of ATMs and a taxi stand to utilise. The ATMs are located on the left side as you head towards the exit, and the taxi stand is straight ahead. Additionally, the HAVABUS is available outside the airport, providing transportation into the city for a reasonable fare. Overall, while there may be mixed reviews, SAW airport appears to be safe for foreigners, with easily accessible amenities and transportation options upon exit.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is a modern, efficient, and safe airport. It offers advanced security screening and special services for passengers requiring assistance. The airport has implemented several initiatives to ensure passenger safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, including enhanced sanitization, health and social distancing measures, and improved air circulation and disinfection systems.
It is recommended to arrive at the airport 3-4 hours before your departure time to account for potential congestion and long lines at passport control and security. The airport has a single terminal for both domestic and international flights, making it relatively easy to navigate. There are also various transportation options available to and from the airport, including shuttle buses, public buses, taxis, ride-hailing services, car rentals, and private transfers.
The airport offers a range of facilities and services, including premium lounges, comfortable seating, refreshments, Wi-Fi, efficient check-in and security services, self-check-in kiosks, ATMs, and banks. It also provides facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, such as wheelchair access and dedicated staff assistance.
