Flight Delayed? How Airport Car Pickup Works in Istanbul

What happens to your car pickup if your flight is delayed?

Tell the rental company as soon as you know the new arrival time, using the contact number you were given. Airport handovers depend on someone meeting you, so the sooner they know, the easier it is to adjust. Ask in advance how long they wait and whether a delay or no-show carries any charge.

Auris's own Turkey booking notice tells customers to confirm IST or SAW, their flight number, the meeting point, the contact person, the collection time and any parking or delivery charge before travel. It also says airport pickup does not imply an Auris terminal counter.

What should you share when you book?

• Your airport: Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW).
• Your flight number and scheduled arrival time.
• A phone number that works on arrival, ideally WhatsApp.
• Your terminal or meeting-point preference, if you have one.

Having the flight number lets the rental company follow the flight where possible, but do not rely on that alone. Message them yourself if your plans change.

Who should you contact, and when?

Contact the rental company as soon as you know about a delay or cancellation, and again when you land. Use the number in your confirmation. Our meet and greet guide explains how airport handovers usually work, and the Istanbul Airport car rental and Sabiha Gökçen car rental pages list the current details.

What if you land very late or very early?

Late-night and early-morning arrivals need a confirmed plan, not a hope. Read our late-night airport pickup guide and confirm the handover time, the person meeting you and any out-of-hours charge before you fly. If your delay pushes you into the night, ask whether the handover can still happen or should move to the morning.

What should you keep in mind about charges?

Ask whether a waiting fee, no-show fee or new handover charge applies, and get the answer in writing. Do not assume there is none. The published Istanbul delivery charge is $15 to $30, so confirm whether any delay changes it. Read the rental conditions for current terms.

What should you do when you land?

Switch on your phone and message the contact person with your terminal or exit. Walk to the agreed meeting point, show your documents and inspect the car with the handler.

• Photograph every panel and the dashboard.
• Note the fuel level and mileage.
• Confirm the return time, location and how to reach support.
• Keep your booking reference to hand.

If you cannot find the handler, message rather than wait indefinitely.

How can you reduce the risk?

• Add a buffer if you have a tight connection or a night arrival.
• Keep documents in your hand luggage: licence, passport, booking and payment method.
• Save the contact number offline, not only in an app.
• Have a fallback, such as a taxi or transfer, if the handover cannot happen. See our airport transfer or rental car comparison.

If you are connecting between airports, read IST to SAW by car. For general pickup advice, our what to check before pickup guide and the support page help.