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Turkish Airlines Lounge Washington DC
On my recent trip to Mexico City, I had a five-hour layover at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)—a perfect opportunity to explore some lounges. I always enjoy transiting through IAD because all the lounges are airside, and the terminals are connected via the quirky yet efficient Passenger Transfer Vehicles (PTVs) and trains. Naturally, the Turkish Airlines Lounge was high on my list. If you’ve ever passed through Istanbul or experienced a Turkish lounge anywhere in the world, you’ll know their reputation precedes them, not just for sleek design, but also for some of the best culinary offerings in the airport world.
Location/Access
The Turkish Airlines Lounge at IAD operates from 7:30 am to 10 pm and is located airside in Concourse B, near Gate B43. After clearing security, you’ll need to take the stairs to the next level and turn right. Passengers departing from other concourses can also access this lounge using the train system or the walkways—just make sure to allow enough time to return to your departure gate.
Turkish Airlines Lounge Washington
The lounge is accessible to Star Alliance Business/First Class passengers, Star Alliance elites, and Priority Pass members. With Priority Pass access, note that the lounge limits visits to a maximum of 3 hours and requires a confirmed same-day outbound boarding pass from IAD.
Seating, Layout and Ambiance
At the entrance, the friendly staff scanned my United First boarding pass and welcomed me in. The lounge is divided into two primary areas. The main hall, located immediately to the left of the entrance, is flanked by wall seating and centred by a generous buffet area. This section is airy, thanks to large windows that offer tarmac views, flooding the lounge with natural light and highlighting its refined, modern design.
Main Hall – Seating Space
More Seating – Main Lounge Hall
The decor is sleek and contemporary without feeling overly polished. The main area offered a mix of sofa-style lounge chairs and café-style seating, perfect for relaxing or dining with a plate of food.
Past the shower rooms and prayer area lies a second, quieter wing. This section features the bar and more secluded seating areas. A green wall, fireplace, and an oval central seating area made this feel more like a cocktail lounge than an airport space. There were ample single seats for solo travellers, and wingback chairs overlooking the tarmac were especially popular.
Other Amenities in Lounge
Walkway to the Bar section
Bar Area – Seating
Wingback Loungers
Fireplace and additional seating
Food & Drinks
Turkish lounges are known for their food, and the Washington D.C. outpost did not disappoint. I was genuinely impressed by the authenticity and quality of the Turkish fare—something many airport lounges tend to dilute in favour of generic international options. This one, thankfully, stuck to its roots. The buffet was divided into two key areas: a salad bar and a hot food station. Among the highlights:
Salad Bar:
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Tabouleh
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Yogurt and Mint Dip
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Olives and Tomato Salad
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Eggplant and Date Salad
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Roasted Garlic Hummus
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Cucumber Salad
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Garden Salad
Buffet Area – Salad Bar
Hot Dishes:
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Turkish-style Lentil Soup
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Kofte with Potatoes
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Curried Chicken
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Chickpea Stew
Buffet Area – Hot Food Options
Each dish stayed true to its Turkish flavour profile, especially the Kofte and Chickpea stew, which I went back for multiple servings. The rice pudding with cinnamon for dessert was satisfying and made for a perfect end to the meal.
The lounge also features a full-service bar with a cocktail menu, as well as beer and non-alcoholic options. I appreciated the cucumber-mint infused water served in real glassware, which also saw steady traffic, especially from those refilling water bottles before boarding. There were two full coffee stations in the lounge as well, one in each section, which avoided any crowding for a caffeine fix.
Turkish Airlines Lounge Washington – Bar
Coffee and Water Station
Takeaway
My time at the Turkish Airlines Lounge in Washington DC just before noon was a reminder of what a true premium Priority Pass lounge can offer. The design is thoughtful, the seating varied and comfortable, and most importantly, the food is a standout, arguably among the best I’ve experienced in a North American airport lounge.
For travellers who appreciate Turkish cuisine, this lounge is a must-visit. And even if you’re only here because of Priority Pass, you’re getting far more than what most lounges offer. This will be my go-to at IAD whenever I have time to spare before a flight.
Related Reading
Review: Capital One Lounge IAD
Review: Air France La Premiere, Paris – Washington DC
2 comments
The food is the only positive in my opinion. It is quite cramped in there generally and the staff struggles to keep the place tidy and free flowing. My motto there is come for a plate of food and leave. Even the LH lounge is more enjoyable.
Fair comment. Food was the best part, and I knew I was visiting during non-peak hours. LH food and drinks were top notch as well. Review coming shortly 🙂