Condor: Dusseldorf to Istanbul

The carrier: Condor

About

Owned by Thomas Cook, Condor is a massive charter airline operation. Condor connects German airports to southern Europe, with a destination map that extends to Africa, Asia and the Americas. In 1971, Condor was the world's first leisure airline to use a Boeing 747 in its fleet. Note: Many of Condor's flights are essentially charter flights ferrying vacation package holders away or back home.

Upside

Great connections within Europe and beyond. Unlike other airlines, Condor usually allows reservation changes without the nasty fees.

Downside

Many routes are flown infrequently. Old planes.

Baggage

* Carry-on: One item, up to 6 kg, plus laptop.
* Checked: Limits vary according to length of trip, but you’re allowed between 20-30 kg of stuff. Excess baggage will be charged $11 per kg.

* Please visit Condor’s website for more information on its baggage policy.

Seating

You can reserve seats in advance by paying €10 on one-way flights, €20 for returns. You can choose your seats online as soon as you book the flight. And, free seat reservations are always available for small children and the disabled.

Check-in and Ticketing

Online check-in is available for several German airports, excluding flights to the US and Canada.  It is available between 30 hours and 2 hours before departure.  It is available for passengers with and without checked bagged. 

Tip

In the event that you know you'll be lugging around much more than 20-30 kg, book a "baggage allowance package". Fees apply. For example, an extra 5 kilos will cost you anywhere from €23-37 depending on the flight.

Fun Fact

To get your vacation off to a good start, Condor invites you  to have a welcome cocktail – a "heavenly delight". Choose from popular cocktails like vodka bitter lemon, gin tonic, Campari orange and from non-alcoholic beverages.

Departure: Dusseldorf, Germany - Dusseldorf (DUS)

In Brief: Germany's third busiest airport, Duesseldorf is a major Lufthansa hub. It is also an important hub for Air Berlin, and serves a smattering of low-cost and charter airlines in addition. Transportation: The S-Bahn takes just ten minutes to travel between the airport and Duesseldorf's main train station. A one-way fare costs €3.

Arrival: Istanbul, Turkey - Sabiha (SAW)

Sabiha Gokcen International Airport is named after Sabiha Gokcen, the world's first female combat pilot. Location: Sabiha Gokcen International Airport is located 31 km (19 miles) from the city center. Transport: - Bus: There is regular shuttle bus service between the airport and the city center, which takes about 30 minutes. Bus services also connect Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and Ataturk International Airport; this journey takes about an hour. - Taxi: Taxis are available 24 hours a day to destinations in and around Istanbul. Service: There are a few information desks at the airport as well as ATMs, a bank, and a post office. Various restaurants, cafes, and bars as well as shops (including duty-free) are located in the Departures area of the International Terminal. Public telephones can be found throughout the airport. Other facilities include baby-care rooms.