Arrival into Turkey was quite hectic. It wasn’t the arrival itself, more like arranging the departure to Dalaman. I was fortunate enough to get a seat in Business Class so I was able to get a few hours sleep on the plane. I didn’t have a flight to Dalaman pre-arranged so I texted John as soon as I landed. He was hesitant to get me a ticket on the next flight scheduled at 11:25 seeing that it was 10:15 when I texted and the plane still had to taxi, I needed to get a visa and then clear through passport control. However, the next flight wasn’t until 16:45 and I did not want to sit in the airport for 6 1/2 hours. I was determined to get on that flight.
First stop, visa. Americans amongst other nationalities have to get a visa to visit Turkey. It’s a 90 day visa and only cost $20 USD. I was very patient waiting in the visa line thinking John had already purchased my ticket for the 11:25 flight. Once I got my visa I texted John to update him on my status. He alerted me to the fact that he had not purchased the ticket. He, the travel agent, and Turkish Air representative on the phone were not as optimistic about me being able to make the flight on time. Basically, they flat-out said it wasn’t possible. But I was determined. I ran to passport control. Wrong one. After waiting my turn behind a couple making inquiries, I was directed to the correct passport control. I ran. This is where I said to myself, “good choice on wearing Converse.”
The line at passport control was ridiculously long. Even I started to doubt that I would make it, but I was determined. Once I got through the line maze I looked to my right where everyone was going and saw that each agent had long lines in front of their windows. Then I looked at the agent in the window straight in front who was clear. I gave him a pleading look. He must have sensed my desperation because he signaled me to come up.
Ok…I was now legal but still had no ticket. I was told to go to domestic terminals. “How far?”, I asked. Ten minute walk. I sprinted. I ran up to the window to buy a ticket, panting, completely out of breath. “Can I buy a ticket to Dalaman for the 11:25 flight?” Response…”get a number”. Number? What number? I get the number…435. “I have a number” I announced. As she pointed up to the digital displays 428, 429, 430, 431 she politely informed me that it wasn’t my turn.
It was about 11:00. I texted John to buy my ticket NOW. He was at a travel agency across the street from the marina and they were on the phone with a Turkish Air representative. He gave the signal and my ticket was purchased. I ran to the Turkish Air check-in counter. She looked at the time, looked at me, printed my ticket, then stood up as she handed the ticket to me and pointed in the direction I needed to go and said, GO. Of course I ran. I had to ask people at security to let me in front. I don’t know if they understood but they sensed my urgency and let me pass in front. I ran to my gate and was able to board by 11:15. I was drenched, but relieved that I didn’t have to sit in the airport.
Oh yeah, I failed to mention that I was fortunate that I didn’t have to wait for checked bags at baggage claim. I had my 20″ carry-on with me the whole time.
