Winter flights to Izmir in my experience are always via Istanbul.

Thanks Lyndie that was my next option to look at.

It is not as bad as you might imagine having to transfer. They do the luggage thing for you, all you have to do is get off of one plane, follow the English signs to the next departure lounge and get on the next plane in exactly the same way you got on the first one. If anything it makes a bit of a break to get out and stretch your legs.

Izmir is a lovely friendly small airport, the 'domestic' arrivals is so small and 'kind'
don't worry
Bon Voyage!

Thanks Lyndie! I have just checked on the net and found the transfer time is only one hour! it seems very easy! Thank you

It really is very easy - don't worry about it at all. Remember the airline is arranging the transfer, they will not land you at Izmir too late for your transfer or without telling you where to go and how to get there. (I was worried about this myself)
You can of course then say in all honesty that you have been to Istanbul!

The only thing I would add if you do have to fly out or back via Istanbul is, when you check in, get confirmation that it's a 'connecting' flight and your bags will be sent straight on. At the check in when I came back from Antalya last time, I heard a guy being told that he had to collect his bags at Istanbul and check them in again. I decided I would ask to be on the safe side and I'm so glad I did, otherwise my suitcase would still be going round on the carousel at Istanbul airport! Although it went straight through on the way out, they decided that it wasn't a 'connecting' flight coming back after all and I did have to collect it and check it in again. Better to be safe than sorry!

If anyone sees a direct flight from Manchester to Dalaman (or even via Istanbul) for Christmas and New Year, would you please let me know. I haven't managed to find one yet. Or, if I have to go Manchester-London-Dalaman, I'd rather do that than go to Antalya then have a 3-4 hour drive on top. Thanks very much x

PS! I've just checked H4U and they show a flight from Manchester to Dalaman on 23 Dec for £279. I'm going to ring them tomorrow but I am really looking for a flight on 19/20 Dec. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

Hi my stopover is in Munich only 1 hour not too long. I am flying from Heathrow. I spent hours on the internet checking as many deals as I could and found this was the cheapest.

Hi just read all the posts....do you have transport to get from Dalaman to your destination...if you fly turkish airlines they have transport to Marmaris...Hope all goes well.
xx Enjoy Marmaris in the winter is quiet but sooo fun!!

Try this link for flights into Dalaman via Istanbul.

www4.thy.com/troyaonline

found some cheaper flights.