Do you need to exit through passport control and collect luggage when connecting flights in Istanbul on separate tickets from different airlines?
Based on 1 discussion with 3 participants · Last activity: 5 days ago
TL;DR
With separate tickets (e.g. two different airlines) and no checked baggage, transfer in Istanbul usually happens within the airport's transit zone without exiting — provided you've completed online check-in for the second flight. But duty-free liquids over 100ml may not clear the second security screening.
What the community said
Real case: flight Kazan–Istanbul–Belgrade on two different airlines, no checked baggage. Passenger wasn't sure if online check-in for the second flight was done in advance.
17 days ago Kazan–Istanbul–Belgrade route
With separate tickets on different airlines (e.g. Aeroflot and Air Serbia), transfer in Istanbul can be done within the transit zone without exiting the airport, if you have online check-in for the second flight and no checked baggage.
17 days ago Transit zone, no exit required
If your connection requires re-checking in for the next flight (separate tickets), avoid buying duty-free liquids over 100ml — they won't be allowed back into carry-on at the second security check.
20 days ago 100ml limit on re-screening