Istanbul new airport in beyond huge. my flight from Bodrum when off fine. I arrived at IST and headed to the excellent Business Class Lounge. The flight to Pakistan was departing at 8:30. It was over a half hour delayed. At the time of boarding, I was informed that I could not get a Visa on Arrival. I was not allowed to board the plane. I headed over to Turkish airline desk to rebook. However, since it was booked as a miles flight with Air Canada i was not able to get in touch with them, At around midnight, I gave up and the nice woman behind the desk gave me a lounge pass. I went over to the Lounge to relax and think things over. I decided to stay at the Hilton in Istanbul for 3 nights on points 93k. I book an AA miles flight for Tuesday to Oman in Business class for 44k. I cancelled my hotel in Pakistan which cost me one night charge.
I left the lounge and could not find my way out of the airport. It was like a bad movie. Finally, someone showed me the way out and I hit the ATM and took a Taxi to the Hilton..
I was emotionally, physically and mentally drained.. I knew I would be well taken care of at the Hilton.
The Disaster
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