JFK or Newark to Istanbul Airport
~10 hours
Turkish Airlines, United — allow jet-lag buffer before assessment.
- Flight time ~10 hours
- Frequency Multiple daily departures
- Entry Arrive at least one full day before assessment — not same day as transatlantic flightFlexible return fare until surgeon …
- Typical stay 5–7 nights for laser
JFK or Newark — your departure airport
Most USA patients fly from JFK or Newark (JFK). Share your confirmed flight numbers with IPC — meet-and-greet is coordinated at IST or SAW arrivals.
- Istanbul Airport (IST) — primary hub; most international services land here
- Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) — some routes; IPC transfers included either way
Planning
Booking tips
- Arrive at least one full day before assessment
- Book flexible return until surgeon confirms fly-home clearance
- Travel insurance covering elective surgery abroad is strongly recommended
- Share flight numbers with IPC when dates are confirmed
Included
Airport meet
IPC coordinates meet-and-greet at arrivals and transfer to your partner hotel — included in your package after confirmation.
Family
Companion travel
Dual-occupancy hotel rooms available. Companions wait at the hospital campus — not in the laser suite. Companion guide →
Sample itinerary
Typical laser pathway for USA patients — exact days confirmed by your surgeon after assessment. See stay length guide →
Day 1
Arrive Istanbul
Transatlantic arrival. IPC meet. Hotel transfer. Rest — no surgery same day.
Day 2
Rest & adjust
Recovery from jet lag. Light hotel rest before hospital assessment.
Day 3
Pre-op assessment
Pentacam, refraction, surgeon consultation. Written platform confirmation.
Day 4
Surgery
LASIK or SMILE Pro AM. Post-op check PM.
Day 5
Buffer day
Morning check. Rest. Surgeon confirms return-flight clearance.
Day 6
Fly home
Return transatlantic flight with discharge letter and medication in hand luggage.
You arrange
- Return flights USA ↔ Istanbul
- Travel medical insurance (strongly recommended)
- Personal spending in Istanbul
- Any US optometrist follow-up you arrange locally
IPC arranges after confirmation
- Hospital screening and surgery appointments
- Partner hotel — nights matched to procedure
- Airport meet-and-greet and VIP transfers
- Post-op medication and 3-month video aftercare
Common questions
Does IPC meet me at arrivals?
Yes — once flights are confirmed, IPC coordinates meet-and-greet at IST or SAW.
Can I extend my stay for tourism?
Yes, after surgeon clearance. IPC can advise on timing relative to post-op checks.