How we nearly missed our flight because of a taxi in Istanbul: a family’s story
This is a typical situation faced by many tourists in Istanbul. We’ve put it together in online booking of a story to show how slightly underestimating the time needed can ruin the last day of your holiday.
The journey back to the airport
A family with two children planned to leave for the airport three hours before their flight – plenty of time, or so they thought. They hailed a taxi directly from their hotel, without booking in advance.
Unexpected delays on the way
The car arrived 20 minutes late. Then traffic jams began on the bridge across the Bosphorus – a common occurrence during the day, but the family hadn’t taken this into account. The driver wasn’t familiar with the alternative routes and didn’t speak English.
Every minute spent in the traffic jam turned into mounting tension. The children were tired, the parents were getting nervous, and they couldn’t get in touch with anyone who could help — the language barrier meant they couldn’t even make themselves properly understood by the driver.
The Race to Check-in
The family arrived at the airport 40 minutes before check-in closed — instead of the planned hour and a half. They just managed to check in for their flight, with no time left to go through security at a leisurely pace.
Analysis of what went wrong
What went wrong:
- There was no advance booking, so there was no guarantee of when the car would arrive.
- Daytime traffic on a popular route wasn’t taken into account.
- There was no ‘Plan B’ in case of delays.
How a transfer service prevents such situations
A professional transfer service calculates the departure time taking into account typical traffic conditions on the specific day and at the specific time of the journey. The driver knows the route and alternative detours in advance.
The agreed pick-up time is confirmed in advance — rather than being decided ‘on the spot’, as is often the case with street taxis.
Conclusion
The difference between ‘we’ll probably make it’ and ‘we’ll definitely make it’ is the difference between a relaxing holiday and a stressful end to it. Planning your return transfer in advance removes this uncertainty entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance of your flight should you set off for IST Airport?
It is recommended to allow at least 3 hours before an international flight, and more during peak hours.
Can I book a transfer to the airport, not just from it?
Yes, most services operate both ways — offering both a pick-up and a return journey to the airport.