What's Included in a Cappadocia Balloon Ride + Packing Checklist

“So what do I actually get for EUR 175?” We hear this question daily. Fair enough—a balloon flight is not a small purchase, and the last thing you want is surprise costs at 5 AM. Here is exactly what every Above Cappadocia flight includes, what differs between tiers, and a printable packing checklist so you show up prepared.

What Every Flight Includes

Hotel Pick-Up and Drop-Off

A minivan collects you from your hotel in Göreme, Uchisar, Urgup, Avanos, or the surrounding area. Pickup time is confirmed the evening before by SMS or WhatsApp. After the flight, the same vehicle returns you to your hotel. The entire transfer is included—no tipping expected, no taxi needed.

Pre-Flight Breakfast

At the launch field, you are greeted with a buffet-style light breakfast: Turkish tea and coffee, fresh orange juice, pastries (börek and simit are regulars), cheese, olives, and sometimes seasonal fruit. It is not a full Turkish breakfast—your stomach will thank you for that at altitude—but it is enough to settle the early-morning nerves and fuel you for the flight.

Safety Briefing

Before boarding, your pilot delivers a five-minute briefing covering the landing position (knees bent, holding the rope handles inside the basket), basic safety instructions, and what to expect during the flight. Questions are welcome. The briefing is in English by default; we can arrange Turkish, German, or Spanish-speaking pilots on request.

The Balloon Flight

This is obviously the main event. Flight duration ranges from 45 to 90 minutes depending on your tier. For a full breakdown, see our flight duration guide.

Champagne Celebration

After landing, the crew pops champagne and you toast to a successful flight—a tradition dating back to 1783 France. Non-alcoholic options are always available. This is also when you receive your flight certificate, a nice keepsake with your name, date, and pilot's signature.

What Differs by Tier

Want a detailed comparison? Compare all three flight tiers side by side.

What Is NOT Included

We want to be upfront. Here are the things your flight price does not cover:

• •Travel insurance: We strongly recommend travel insurance that covers activity cancellations. We do not sell insurance directly.
• •Gratuities: Tips are not expected but appreciated if you feel your pilot and crew went above and beyond.
• •Extra photo prints: Digital photos are included in Comfort and Private tiers. Printed photo souvenirs are available for purchase at the landing site.

Your Complete Packing Checklist

You do not need much, but the right items make a real difference at 5 AM when it is 8°C and you are standing in a field waiting for inflation to finish.

Essential (Every Season)

• ☐Flat, closed-toe shoes (you will step into a basket that is about 1.2 metres tall)
• ☐Fully charged phone or camera with wrist strap
• ☐Sunglasses (sunrise light can be intense at altitude)
• ☐Small crossbody bag or zipped pocket (no backpacks—space is tight in the basket)
• ☐Hair tie if you have long hair (the burner creates updrafts)

Spring & Autumn (April–May, September–November)

• ☐Light jacket or fleece (mornings are 7–15°C at ground level, cooler at altitude)
• ☐Long trousers (the burner heats the air above you, but your legs stay cool)

Summer (June–August)

• ☐Light layers (it is still only 15–18°C at 5 AM even in July)
• ☐Sunscreen (the burner heat plus sunrise UV adds up quickly)
• ☐A hat with a strap (loose hats blow off—we have seen it happen)

Winter (December–March)

• ☐Warm coat, thermal base layer, scarf, and gloves (temperatures can drop to -5°C)
• ☐Hand warmers (touchscreen-compatible gloves are ideal for photography)
• ☐Beanie or ear-covering hat

For a full seasonal clothing breakdown, check our what to wear guide.

What to Leave at the Hotel

• •Large backpacks (no room in the basket)
• •Tripods (not usable in a moving basket, and they take up space others need)
• •Heels or open sandals (the basket floor is wicker—not heel-friendly)
• •Loose scarves that could catch on basket hardware

Frequently Asked Questions

Is breakfast a full Turkish breakfast?

No—it is a light continental-style spread. A full Turkish breakfast can easily take an hour, and the timing before a sunrise flight is tight. You will get tea, coffee, juice, pastries, and some small bites. We recommend saving your big breakfast for after the flight, when your cave hotel terrace has a completely different view from the one you had the day before.

Can I bring a GoPro or drone?

GoPros and action cameras are fine—attach them securely with a chest or wrist mount. Drones are strictly prohibited in the Cappadocia balloon flight zone. SHGM bans all drone operations during balloon flight hours for safety reasons. Violations carry serious fines.

What happens if my flight is cancelled due to weather?

You get rescheduled to the next available morning at no extra cost. If you cannot stay for a rescheduled flight, we offer a full refund. Weather cancellations are decided by the SHGM, not by individual operators, so it is the same call for every company. See our cancellation policy for complete details.

Do I need to print a booking confirmation?

No. We confirm everything via WhatsApp or email the evening before your flight. Your driver will have your name on a list. Just bring yourself, your phone, and whatever is on the packing checklist above.