Frequently Asked Questions
Official Manchester City Travel Packages to UEFA Champions League Final, Istanbul in 2023
1. Travel Packages
2. Accommodation
3. Flights
4. Match Tickets
5. Payment Options & Refunds
6. Stadium & Match Information
7. About Turkey
8. Contact Us
What is included in a Sportsworld travel package?
Sportsworld are offering a range of travel packages, for details please refer to our website. Please note, packages do not include a match ticket unless specified in the package inclusions.
Will transfers be included to/from the airport & stadium?
Package inclusions vary, should your specific package include transfers this will be clearly detailed both on the website and in your package confirmation. As a rule, overnight packages include transportation from the airport to the hotel and back.
There will be a complimentary bus shuttle service provided by the tournament organisers for match ticket holders from Istanbul airport to the city centre transport hub, and from the city centre transport hub to the Ataturk Olympic Stadium on the match day.
Is there an airport taxis service to get me from Istanbul Airport (IST) to my hotel?
Istanbul Airport (IST) is situated just over 30miles from Istanbul City Centre. A taxi service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at Istanbul Airport (IST), see details here. In addition, UEFA have prepared travel information and tips (taxi colours & fares, traffic, cash payments, etc.) for getting around Istanbul, for further information see UEFA website.
Please note: Departure and Arrival terminals and confirmed flight times will be included in the pre-departure information being sent to passengers 72-48 hours before travel.
Who can book Sportsworld travel packages?
Sportsworld travel packages are available to be purchased by MCFC to Citizens members and hospitality season ticket holders.
When are Sportsworld packages going on-sale?
When will I receive pre-departure information so I can plan my travel arrangements to Manchester Airport?
Departure and Arrival terminals and confirmed flight times will be included in the pre-departure information being sent to passengers 72-48 hours before travel.
If I pay for a travel package now, is this transferable to other packages when new products become available?
Travel packages are 100% non-changeable and non-refundable. Name changes, however, are permitted until 26thMay at 17:00hrs for a £50 per change administration fee. Any change requests after this date cannot be guaranteed, but we will try to assist.
What happen if I cannot travel anymore?
It is very important that you book travel insurance immediately after making a booking. This will be the only way you can claim monies spent of the travel package if you can no longer attend. We will endeavour to re-sell your package and if we do will return 80% of the value back to you.
What is the best way to book if I want to travel together as a group?
Due to the complexity and timelines for this event, only customers that book together will be guaranteed to travel together.
Can I tailor the package inclusions?
Travel package inclusions and itineraries are confirmed and therefore cannot be changed by the customer.Should customers choose to deviate from their package itinerary (ie. return flight dates/times, etc.), and costs incurred and making alternative arrangements will be the responsibility of the customer and no refunds will be made.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
Is there large group booking availability?
We allow group bookings of 20 passengers maximum. If you have a group of 20 or more people, please contact our team by email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to discuss your requirements in more detail.
Is there an age limit for buying packages?
Minimum age of the lead passenger must be a least 18 years old and there must be at least one person who is 18 or over staying in an individual apartment or hotel room. We highly recommend children under the age of 16 and adults over the ages of 65 years do not travel on Day Trips, as the duration of the travel day can mean up to 36hrs without sleep.
Is there a reduced travel package price for my child?
Are accessible travel packages available?
There are a number of accessible travel options and packages. When booking Day Trips, please inform us immediately with your requirements at: [email protected].
When booking hotels, there are specific packages available online to book with Accessible rooms. There will be transport available at the stadium for those in need to help with the 900m walk from the Fan Zone to the Accessible gate entry to the stadium.
Do you offer any discounts for a carer that is travelling with a wheelchair user or someone with a registered disability?
No, due to package elements (ie. transfers, flight and accommodation) being used in full, it will not be possible to offer any discount.
Our team are experienced in managing accessible needs for all our customers and we will be available to plan all your requirements to make your trip to Istanbul a seamless travel experience.
What should I do if I have special requirements?
Customers that have any special requirements in relation to their travel should let us know at time of booking or as soon as possible to enable us to support you with your needs. The team can be contacted by email on [email protected].
When will I receive my travel documents?
You will receive a booking confirmation summarising your package inclusions once your payment has been processed. Please check your junk mail as the confirmation is automatic and we advise you print this document to bring with you. In addition, 48hrs prior to departure you will receive pre-departure information including confirmed flight times, airport terminal, itinerary, etc. Should you not have received the email, please check your junk folder or contact the team by email on [email protected].
Do I require a visa to enter Turkey?
Please refer to the GOV.UK website for entry requirements to Turkey.
Note: passports require 150 day validity to enter Turkey, you will be not admitted to the country if you passport is not valid!
What happens if I lose my passport?
You will not be able to return after the match if you lose your passport.The British Embassy opens on Monday 12th June and it will take 24hrs to issue and emergency passport. This means you will be stuck in Turkey until at least Tuesday. Any additional costs for flights and hotels would need to be claimed via your travel insurance.
What are the baggage restrictions for both the aircraft & stadium?
- Day trip travel packages: NO baggage can be checked-in on the flight. 5kg carry-on baggage only. Any carry-on must be no larger than an A4 Backpack/laptop bag (210mm x 297mm). All liquids, aerosols and gels must be 100ml or less.
- 2-night packages: 1 piece of checked-in luggage per person (max. 20kg); 1 item of hand luggage (ie. handbag/laptop sized bags) with max. weight of 5kgs. All liquids, aerosols and gels must be 100ml or less.
- For Stadium bag restrictions, please refer to the UEFA website for further guidance.
What are my accommodation options in Istanbul?
Please refer to the website for package options and accommodation descriptions. Based on the unique nature of this event, hotels are in limited supply. After extensive research, Sportsworld have pre-selected suitable accommodation in Istanbul to ensure our customers have the best possible experience.
It is important to note that the accommodation offered in all our travel packages is based on availability. We recommend you book as soon as possible to ensure your chosen travel package is available. We also reserve the right to provide alternative accommodation at a similar level should it become unavailable.
Where is the accommodation located that is included as part of the travel package?
Can I book an accommodation only package?
At this stage, we will not be offering an accommodation only package, all our packages are inclusive of return flights from the UK and accommodation. Please review our website for package details.
Can I change my accommodation?
Once you have booked your travel package you will not be able to amend the selected accommodation included in your travel package. Please ensure you select your accommodation carefully at the time of booking.
Can I choose my preferred room type (bed configuration)?
There are different room types available, this is clearly detailed in the package descriptions as well as during the booking process. Please select carefully at time of booking as due to high demand, whilst we will do our best endeavours to assist, it may not be possible to change room type once you have booked your package.
Are packages available for supporters travelling alone?
Yes. Supporters can select to book a package based on single occupancy.
Are meals included in my package?
Package inclusions vary and are as specified on the website. However, we offer breakfast with hotel package bookings.
What happens if I need assistance when I am in Istanbul?
Sportsworld will have a team on-site during the tournament for local support and recommendations. We will provide a 24/7 support number 48hrs prior to travel.
What are the COVID-19 entry requirements?
Please refer to the UKGOV website for all entry requirements. Customers are responsible for checking the website for updates and ensuring they comply with these requirements.
What is the UK departure airport?
Flight departures will be from/to Manchester airport.Check-in Terminal will be confirmed in the pre-departure information 48hrs prior to travel, but is expected to by T1.Further details will be provided in your pre-departure travel information.
What are the dates of the flights?
Flight departures will be specified based on your selected package, please refer to the website for details.Exact flight departure times will be confirmed in your pre-departure travel information.
Can we upgrade our flights?
Travel packages include privately chartered flights, with economy class seats. However, some flights will have premium seats.Premium seat upgrades will be offered at the time of booking.
Can I use my airline points at the time of booking?
Which airport will we be flying to in Istanbul?
There are 3 airports in Istanbul. All of our charter flights will be arriving at the new Istanbul International Airport (IST).
Will match tickets be included in the Travel Package?
No, match tickets will not be included.
Which payment methods are available?
We accept Debit Cards as well as Visa and Mastercard Credit Cards. The cardholder must be one of the passengers travelling. Payment in full will be required at time of booking and you will be issued with a booking confirmation once your payment has been processed. American Express is not accepted on our payment gateway. Any refunds will always be processed back to the same card that makes the reservation.
Do I have to pay 100% of the price at time of booking?
Yes, we require payment in full in order to secure your booking as we have to pay all services in full. Please see our Booking T&Cs here. It is the responsibility of the lead booker to ensure that payment is made in full, and they have received the booking confirmation via email.
Do travel package prices include tax?
Yes, all taxes are included in our travel packages.
Can someone else pay for my travel package?
The cardholder must be one of the persons travelling on the booking.
What happens if my personal details are incorrect or incomplete?
If your personal details are incorrect or incomplete, you may be prevented from boarding the aircraft or entering Turkey. Please ensure you have filled in all personal details accurately and as stated in your passport.
If you need to make any changes to your personal details, please email [email protected], quoting your order number and the change that needs to be made. Sportsworld will not be responsible for any incorrect information submitted and there may be an administration fee for changes.
What are the cancellation terms?
Please view our cancellation terms here for further information. However, as the Champions League Final is classed as a one-off event and the bookings are being made within 4 weeks of travel, then 100% non-refundable terms apply to all bookings.
Is there a COVID-19 guarantee?
Your package is ATOL protected via Sportsworld Group Limited no. 2336. Should Sportsworld cancel your package due to Covid-19 travel restrictions, customers will receive a refund – please refer to our T&Cs for further details.
Should you have a personal reason around Covid-19 that will not allow you to travel, you will need to use your own personal travel insurance to get a refund on costs. We strongly encourage all passengers to have valid personal travel insurance at time of booking and to check the type and level of coverage is appropriate to your needs.
What happens if there is a venue change or force majeure events?
Should the event be cancelled due reasons outside Sportsworld’s control, then Sportsworld will not be liable to refund you. However, any monies that are recovered from suppliers in such circumstances will be returned.
What do I do if the details on my ATOL certificate are not correct?
All ATOL certificates for MCFC UEFA Champions League Final travel packages will be issued at time of booking. If you have any changes that you think need to be made to your ATOL outside of correspondence with Sportsworld, please email [email protected], quoting your order number and the change that needs to be made so we can cross-check.
ATOL is there in the unlikely event to protect your money should Sportsworld Group Ltd go into liquidation and not be able to provide your travel package.
What is the date of the Final?
Saturday 10 June 2023
What do I need to do to be able to use the dedicated Champions League Transport?
You will be able to find more information after downloading the UEFA Champions League ticket app and under dedicated ‘Fan Pass’, which allows you to travel for free.
MCFC dedicated supporter transfers will be from Yenikapi on Match Day to the stadium, which is also the location of the Champions Festival event area.
All transport provided has accessibility points for wheelchair users. Do not use the Metro to arrive at the Stadium as this will mean arriving into the AWAY supporter area and a 30 minute walk to the MCFC Fan Zone.
Where will the Champions Festival (Fan Zone) be situated in Istanbul City Centre?
The Champions Festival is free to enter and open to anyone. This UEFA event will run four days from Thursday to Sunday and will have various forms of entertainment for those who are there to celebrate the Champion’s Final weekend. The Champions Festival will be located at Yenikapi, and it is also the location of the dedicated MCFC Transport Hub to the Stadium.
How do I get to the Stadium?
On Matchday there will be a transport hub to facilitate supporters enjoying the city before using the complimentary public transport to the Stadium. A free shuttle bus service for ticket holders will be in operation between the airports, city centre and the stadium – it’s the best way to get around!
What time should I travel to to Ataturk Olympic Stadium on Matchday?
Keep in mind that stadium rules for Atatürk Olympic Stadium may differ from what you are used to. For key information relating to the Matchday, Stadium, etc. see UEFA website here. Information includes Stadium facts (Tickets, stadium facilities, smoking, etc.), Matchday schedule; Stadium rules (bag policy, coins, powerbanks, forbidden items); and Matchday FAQs.
What will be happening at the Stadium Fan Zone?
Each club has its own dedicated Fan Zone area within a short work of the turnstiles. All dedicated transport will drop and pick up from the Fan Zone.
The area is a massive 20,000sqm and will have lots going on from the main stage. The club are involved in the activation along with UEFA. We recommend supporters get to the Fan Zone early so you can relax knowing the stadium is right in front of you. There will be food, alcohol and live entertainment, along with seating areas and smoking is allowed in this area.
- Fan Zone Opens at 14:00hrs
- Directed to Stadium: 19:00-20:00hrs
- Opens post-match until all supporters have departed.
What alcohol will be sold at the stadium?
No alcoholic drinks will be sold within Atatürk Olympic Stadium. However, the Fan Zones will be serving a selection of Heineken drinks, including alcohol and non-alcoholic beer.
Fan Zones
Manchester City will be known as the ‘Home Team’
- Istanbul City Centre: TBC
- Stadium: There will be a dedicated Fan Zone for MCFC ticketholders only, located in the Stadium vicinity. This will include entertainment, music, and F&B including beer sales. Further details will be provided once confirmed by UEFA.
Where is Turkey?
Turkey is a large peninsula that bridges the continents of Europe and Asia. Turkey is surrounded on three sides by the Black Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Aegean Sea. Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, is built on land in the Bosporus seaway. The city is partly in Europe and partly in Asia.
What language is spoken in Turkey (Istanbul)?
Turkish is the official language. Istanbul is an international tourist destination where English is widely spoken.
Can you drink alcohol in Turkey?
Alcohol consumption is legal in Turkey. Whilst alcohol will be widely available throughout the city, please be aware some restaurants do not serve alcohol.
What is the legal drinking age?
18.
What is the currency?
Turkish Lira. Although card payments are widely accepted in the city, cash payments could be used at market stands and food vendors.
What is the flight time from the UK to Istanbul?
Approximately 4 hours
What is there to do in Istanbul?
Istanbul is a major tourist destination, be sure to read Istanbul’s Tourism Page. For further inspiration and suggestions of what to do and where to go, click here.
Is there a dress code?
Istanbul is a multi-cultural tourist destination, there is no visitor dress code. Modest dress is required should you wish to visit a mosque.
What are the main laws or customs to be aware of?
For more information, please visit the UK government website here.
What will the weather be like?
The average temperature in Istanbul in June is around 18-25 degrees Celsius.
How do I contact you with questions?
Any questions, our team is always happy to help. Due to volume of enquiries, we request you contact us via email on [email protected].