After a long flight, the last thing you want at the terminal exit is to search for your driver among the crowd, signs and arrows. Meet and greet solves exactly that moment: a representative waits in the arrivals hall with a sign showing your name, takes your luggage and walks you straight to your vehicle. This guide explains how the service works step by step, who really benefits from it and how it is arranged at Istanbul's two airports.
What is meet and greet, and how does it differ from a standard transfer?
With a standard private transfer the driver waits at a set meeting point, which is communicated to you in advance. With meet and greet you do not look for the meeting point: the representative finds you.
- Waits at the exit door of the arrivals hall with a name sign.
- Takes over your luggage trolley and accompanies you the whole way.
- Walks you to your vehicle, introduces the driver and the journey begins.
How it works, step by step
- Booking: when you book your transfer, add your flight number and mention in the notes that you would like meet and greet. Our team adds the service to your booking and confirms the fee with you in advance.
- Flight tracking: your landing time is monitored using the flight number. If you land early or late, the representative is ready for the actual time.
- The greeting: when you leave the baggage hall you will see your name on the sign. The sign shows the name on the booking; for group bookings, the name of the person who booked is used.
- To the vehicle: the representative takes you to your vehicle in the car park; the driver loads the luggage and you set off.
Who really benefits?
First-time visitors to Istanbul
Istanbul Airport is one of the largest terminals in the world; exit doors and car park levels can be confusing the first time. Meet and greet removes the orientation effort entirely.
Families with children and older travellers
Managing a pram, children and suitcases while finding your way is hard. A representative who takes over the luggage removes the most tiring minutes of the journey. For family travel, see our guide on child seats and luggage.
Hosting guests and business partners
The first face your guest sees in Istanbul is the representative holding the name sign. On corporate visits, that first impression sets the tone of the meeting.
Night arrivals
After midnight the terminal is quieter but harder to navigate: fewer staff, and the signs are not enough. Meet and greet makes the biggest difference on night arrivals.
Meet and greet at Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen
At both airports the greeting takes place in the arrivals hall. At Istanbul Airport, international and domestic arrivals have separate exits; the door where you will be met depends on your flight and is communicated to you in advance. At Sabiha Gökçen the arrivals hall is more compact, and the representative waits at the arrivals hall exit. For transport options at each airport, see our Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen guides.
Four tips for a smooth meet and greet
- Enter the right flight number: tracking uses this number. On a connecting journey, give the number of the last flight landing in Istanbul.
- Keep your phone on: switch off flight mode after landing so you can be reached if needed.
- Confirm the name on the sign: if you are booking for a guest, write the name you want on the sign in the notes.
- Let us know if your luggage is delayed: the representative waits in the arrivals hall; if baggage formalities take longer, a short message with your booking reference is enough.
Is meet and greet charged?
Yes. Meet and greet is a separate service added to the transfer price. The fee is confirmed with you when the service is added to your booking, so there are no surprises at the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add meet and greet?
Write "meet and greet" in the notes field when you book, or contact us with your booking reference; the service is added to your booking and the fee is confirmed with you.
How will the representative recognise me?
They wait at the exit door of the arrivals hall with a sign showing the name on your booking.
Is meet and greet cancelled if my flight is delayed?
No. Your flight is tracked using the flight number, and the representative arrives for the actual landing time.
Is meet and greet available for domestic flights too?
Yes. Meet and greet can be added to any transfer that starts with an airport pickup; for both domestic and international arrivals, the representative waits at the exit of the relevant arrivals hall. On a connecting journey, just give the number of the last flight landing in Istanbul.
How do I find the driver without meet and greet?
With a standard transfer your driver waits at the meeting point communicated to you in advance; the meeting details are sent to you before the journey.
Meet and greet is a small extra that changes the first ten minutes of your journey completely. Add it to the notes when you book, or check your price and message us with your booking reference.