Do you want to visit Istanbul but worry about high flight costs? There are many ways to find cheap flights from the United States and by following a few simple tips and using some internet tools, you can see this beautiful Turkish city and save money.
Just imagine yourself exploring the Grand Bazaar, visiting the Blue Mosque, and eating delicious Turkish food in a restaurant overlooking the Bosphorus. Your journey to Istanbul can be truly amazing and it is possible to do without overspending and this short air travel guide will show you how.
Key Takeaways
- Use flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak to compare prices across airlines.
- Check flight prices on Turkish travel websites and compare.
- Travelling out of the high season will cut the price of your air ticket.
- Book in advance to get maximum discounts.
- Consider being flexible with your travel dates and airports to unlock the cheapest fares.
- Monitor for price alerts, fare sales, and discounted deals to grab the best bargains.
- Explore budget airlines and low-cost carriers for discounted fares to Istanbul.
- Weigh the cost-effectiveness of connecting flights with layovers against direct routes.
- Understanding the factors Influencing flight costs.
Seasonality and Peak Travel Times
The time of year when you travel can really affect how much your flight costs. Peak times, like summer holidays and festivals, mean more people are flying. This makes flights to Istanbul more expensive. Therefore to minimise your spending on flights you should consider flying in the off-season or during shoulder months. You might find tickets for a lot less. April to mid-June and September to mid-November are great times to visit Istanbul and Turkey, the weather is more comfortable, there are fewer tourists and prices are lower, not only for flights, but also for accommodation. You can find the cheapest flights in mid-winter, but you should remember that Istanbul can be very cold in December to February, sometimes having heavy snow.
Airline Competition and Route Popularity
The amount of competition on a route also matters. Routes to Istanbul from the United States are dominated by Turkish Airlines, in fact they are the only airline that offers direct flights from the States to Turkey. In recent year the prices of Turkish Airline flights have increased significantly. However, sometimes if you book in advance or buy during a special sale, you can still get flights at a competitive price.
However, there are often cheaper flights available than those offered by Turkish Airlines, but they will require a stopover and change of airplane somewhere along the way. This can add travel time on to your flight but it can often knock dollars off the price of your flight. This is all made possible because airlines are trying to get your business, you often need to make a decision that is based on a travel time, ticket price and overall comfort.
Flights from US Cities to Istanbul
Here are some price comparisons between direct flights with Turkish Airlines and combination flights to Istanbul using major airlines
From New York (JFK) to Istanbul (IST):
Turkish Airlines, 10h 15m, Direct, $800-$1200
Lufthansa (Frankfurt) and Turkish Airlines, $700-$1100
From Chicago (ORD) to Istanbul (IST):
Turkish Airlines, 11h 30m, Direct, $900-$1400
United Airlines (Washington DC) and Turkish Airlines, $800-$1300
From Los Angeles (LAX) to Istanbul (IST):
Turkish Airlines, 13h 45m, Direct, $1100-$1800
American Airlines (Dallas) and Turkish Airlines, $1000-$1600
From Miami (MIA) to Istanbul (IST):
Turkish Airlines, 12h 30m, Direct, $1000-$1600
Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) and Turkish Airlines, $900-$1500
From San Francisco (SFO) to Istanbul (IST):
Turkish Airlines, 14h 15m, Direct, $1200-$2000
United Airlines (Washington DC) and Turkish Airlines, $1100-$1800
From Atlanta (ATL) to Istanbul (IST):
Turkish Airlines, 11h 45m, Direct, $900-$1500
Delta Air Lines (New York) and Turkish Airlines, $800-$1300
From Houston (IAH) to Istanbul (IST):
Turkish Airlines, 12h, Direct, $950-$1550
United Airlines (Washington DC) and Turkish Airlines, $900-$1500
From Washington DC (IAD) to Istanbul (IST):
Turkish Airlines, 10h 45m, Direct $900-$1400
United Airlines (Chicago) and Turkish Airlines, $850-$1300
As you can see, the savings you make on combining two-major airline companies isn´t big enough to justify the longer flying time. Therefore, if you want to make bigger savings, you will have to look at different options.
Advance Booking and Last-Minute Deals
When you book your flight is important too. Booking early can save you money. However, occasionally, but not very often these days, a few airlines sometimes discount seats just before the flight. Keep an eye out for these deals. They could make your flight to Istanbul cheaper, but personally I wouldn´t rely on a last minute deal, as in my experience I have always ended up paying more.
Strategies for Finding Affordable Flights
If you’re looking for cheap flights to Istanbul, Turkey, some smart moves can help. Using flight search engines and comparison sites is a great start. They can show you many options quickly. Websites like Skyscanner, Kayak and even Google Flights, can be very helpful. They let you see prices from different airlines all in one place. You can spot flight deals to Istanbul easily this way.
Monitoring Price Alerts and Fare Sales
Remember to use price alerts and sales notifications. These can be found on many search engines. This means you can jump in when last minute flight deals to Istanbul show up. Or, when airfare discounts to Istanbul are offered. I would also recommend that you sign up well in advance of your trip to the Turkish Airlines newsletter. It will let you know when the company is offering a sale on flights to Istanbul.
Being Flexible with Travel Dates and Airports
Being flexible makes a big difference. Try changing your travel dates by a day or two. Also, look into nearby airports for better prices. This can lead to big airfare discounts to Istanbul.
Using these steps, you could find the best time to book flights to Istanbul. You might just get the best rates for your trip
.
Booking Flights to Istanbul with Low-Cost Carriers
If you are looking for cheap flights to Istanbul in 2024, you should think about trying a budget airlines or low-cost carriers. They usually have better prices. This makes visiting Istanbul cheaper and can help you stay within your travel budget. For example, Norse Atlantic Airlines offer inexpensive flights from New York to Athens, from there you can get a cheap Aegean Airlines flight to Istanbul. On the way back you can get a budget-friendly Wizz air flight from Istanbul to London and from there a Norse Flight back to New York. However, you need to stay the night in Gatwick Airport, London.
This flight would probably save you a couple of hundred dollars, compared to Turkish Airlines but might not be suitable for families with kids or older travellers. Many cheaper flights tend to leave and arrive at the worst times of day, for example very late at night or very early in the morning. Meaning that you might need to sleep in the airport.
Low-cost Turkish carriers like Pegasus Airlines and Sun Express fly to Istanbul from many European cities. If you catch a flight from US cities to one of the cheaper European destinations (especially Frankfurt and Berlin) you can often be combined the flight with a cheap flight to Turkey with these airline companies. However, you should always consider that budget airlines have a very low baggage allowance and you will be charged heavily if you have extra luggage. They also offer very basic services, which don´t include food or drink, which you need to pay for onboard.
Sometimes the same flights on a US comparison website can be cheaper on the same website when accessed in another country using a VPN (if it allowed in your country). Make sure to clean your browser history and cookies before trying. Using the Turkish equivalent website may pleasantly surprise you. There are also Turkish comparison websites. where you can check out prices, for example Enuygun.com and Obilet.com. Of course, you need to assume the responsibility if there are any issues when purchasing air tickets using this option.
Planning and Booking Your Trip
Once you have decided when to travel and spot some good flight deals, it’s time to plan your trip to Istanbul. Booking a few months early often means you save money. Keep an eye on prices and set up alerts to get informed about any sales.
The best time to book can change but it’s good to try 3-6 months before you fly. This isn’t always the rule, though. You might also save by checking different airports and airlines. For example, if you live in New York, there are several airports to choose from.
In fact, Istanbul has two airports. Istanbul International Airport, which is located on the European side of the city and is ultra-modern and is where all the Turkish Airline flights arrive. Istanbul Sabiha Göcken Airport is much smaller and is located on the Asian side of Istanbul. It is the airport where most low-cost carriers arrive in Istanbul. Both airports have excellent transport options to the city centre. For more information, check the Turkish air travel guide.
Conclusion
Getting the cheapest Istanbul flights and the best airfare deal to Istanbul is not hard. It’s all about using planning in advance and using the right travel tools. Start by looking at the dates you want to travel and different airlines. Website tools that compare prices can really help you save money. Being open on when you can travel and where you fly from can save you a lot. Mixing flights can also cut costs. Plan your trip ahead and keep an eye out for deals to get the best airfare to Istanbul.
FAQs
What are some tips for finding cheap flights from the United States to Istanbul?
To find cheap flights, use KAYAK and Skyscanner. Be flexible with dates and airports. Monitor price alerts and look for sales. Budget airlines and low-cost carriers are good options. Booking early or choosing flights with layovers can save money.
What factors influence the cost of flights to Istanbul?
Flight costs vary with the season and popularity of the route. Prices rise in summer and holidays. Booking early or looking for last-minute deals can save money. Flexibility with your dates and airports is key to finding cheaper options.
How can I use flight search engines to find affordable flights?
Use flight search websites like Skyscanner and Kayak for comparison. Stay flexible with your travel dates and locations. Sign up for price alerts and track deals. Being open to different dates can help you find budget-friendly flights.
Are budget airlines and connecting flights good options for cheaper flights to Istanbul?
Budget airlines and low-cost carriers often offer lower prices. Watch out for additional fees. Connecting flights might be cheaper but remember they take longer. Consider your needs when trading cost for convenience.