Domestic Flights & Airport Logistics

Yes. Most multi-day Turkey packages include domestic round-trip flights between Istanbul and the route destinations in the itinerary.

• Common routes: Istanbul ↔ NAV/ASR for Cappadocia, Istanbul ↔ DNZ for Pamukkale, Istanbul ↔ ADB for Ephesus / Izmir, and Istanbul ↔ AYT for Antalya.
• Class and luggage: Economy class, usually with 15 kg checked baggage and 8 kg cabin baggage.
• Ticketing: E-tickets are usually issued 5–7 days before travel after all passport details are complete.
• No-flight option: If you want to book flights yourself, choose the no-flight version and the airfare is deducted.

Send passport details early; airline name corrections after ticketing are charged by the airline, not by the tour provider.

No. International flights to and from Turkey are booked by the traveler. This lets you choose the airport, schedule and fare that work best from your home country.

• After booking your flight: Send the flight number, arrival date and arrival time.
• Arrival airports: Transfers and tour timing can be coordinated from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW).
• Schedule planning: When possible, the tour is arranged to start the next morning so you can rest after the international flight.
• Fare timing: Booking international flights 4–6 weeks ahead is often recommended for better prices.

Arriving one day before the tour starts is usually worth it, especially after a long-haul flight.

Domestic routes are normally booked with major scheduled Turkish carriers rather than fringe operators.

• Turkish Airlines (THY): Full-service national carrier, commonly 15 kg checked and 8 kg cabin baggage.
• AJet: Formerly AnadoluJet, a Turkish Airlines low-cost subsidiary, usually with the same 15 kg + 8 kg allowance.
• Pegasus Airlines: Low-cost scheduled airline, typically 15 kg checked and 8 kg cabin baggage.
• SunExpress: Turkish Airlines / Lufthansa joint venture, often used on coastal routes.

The airline is selected according to live schedules, seat availability and the tour timing. Loyalty numbers can often be added before ticketing.

Early flights are used because they protect the touring day. A later domestic flight often removes the best morning hours at the destination.

• Typical outbound: Istanbul departure around 06:00–07:30, arrival around 08:30, first tour stop around 10:00.
• Typical return: Destination departure around 18:00–20:00, Istanbul arrival around 21:30.
• Why not midday: Key sites such as Göreme Open-Air Museum or major Istanbul monuments are best visited before heavier crowds.
• Later flights: Possible on request, but shorter tours lose sightseeing time.

For early departures, the driver may arrive about 3 hours before flight time: roughly 150 minutes to reach the airport and 90 minutes for check-in and boarding.

After passport control and baggage claim, continue to the arrivals hall. The driver waits at the meeting point with your name or the Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon sign.

• Istanbul Airport (IST): International Arrivals, outside customs, commonly near Gate F.
• Sabiha Gökçen (SAW): Arrivals exit area, close to the taxi rank.
• Cappadocia airports, NAV and ASR: Small terminals; the driver normally waits just outside the arrivals exit.

Driver name, phone number and photo are normally sent by WhatsApp the day before. If you cannot find the driver after 10 minutes, stay inside the terminal and call or WhatsApp +90 505 932 7978, +90 533 554 8555, +90 536 709 5098 and +90 532 450 8227.

The standard allowance on included domestic flights is usually 15 kg checked baggage plus 8 kg cabin baggage.

• Cabin size: Commonly 55 × 40 × 23 cm, plus one small personal item.
• Excess baggage: Paid directly to the airline at check-in, often around €8–15 per extra kilo.
• Pre-purchased extra: +5 kg may cost about €15–25 per segment; +10 kg may cost about €30–45 per segment.
• Special equipment: Skis, golf bags or diving gear should be declared at least 48 hours ahead; airline fees vary.

For long trips, keep a small overnight bag with essentials and 24 hours of clothing in case checked luggage arrives late.