Terms and Conditions

Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon (“we”, “us”, “our”) operates as a tour and activity provider/booking platform based in Türkiye, focused primarily on hot air balloon flights and Cappadocia-based travel services.

These Terms and Conditions apply to all bookings made through https://cappadociahotairballoon.com (“the website”) or through our authorized agents. By making a booking, paying a deposit, or using our services, you agree to be legally bound by these Terms and Conditions on behalf of yourself and all participants in your booking.

We reserve the right to update or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. The version published on our website at the time of booking will apply to your reservation.

• Legal Entity: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon cooperates with licensed Turkish balloon operators, transport companies, and travel suppliers fully authorized under Turkish tourism and aviation regulations.
• Age & Authority: The person making the booking must be at least 18 years old and authorized to make the booking on behalf of all travelers.
• Jurisdiction: These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of Türkiye and disputes shall be subject to the courts of Türkiye.

For clarity, the following terms are used throughout these Terms and Conditions:

• “Customer”, “you”, “traveler”: The individual or group who makes and/or uses a booking through our website or agents.
• “Services”: Hot air balloon flights, daily Cappadocia tours, transfers, accommodation, domestic flights, or any travel-related service arranged or presented by us.
• “Balloon Operator”: A licensed hot air balloon company in Türkiye that actually performs the flight. In many cases we act as a booking agent for such operators.
• “Third-Party Supplier”: Hotels, airlines, local activity providers, and other independent service providers whose services may be included in your booking.
• “Booking Confirmation”: The email or document we send to confirm receipt of payment and details of services booked.
• “Service Voucher”: A digital or printed proof issued by us which may be requested by suppliers (e.g. balloon operator, hotel, transfer driver).
• “Force Majeure”: Events beyond our control such as bad weather, aviation authority restrictions, political unrest, natural disasters, or operational/technical issues.

A binding contract between you and Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon is formed when we receive your deposit or full payment and issue a Booking Confirmation.

By paying, you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted these Terms and Conditions on behalf of all travelers listed in the booking.

• Third-Party Terms: If your booking includes services from a third-party supplier (hotel, airline, balloon operator, etc.), their own terms and conditions will also apply and form part of your contract. Copies are available on request.
• Responsibility of Suppliers: Once confirmed, each supplier is responsible for delivering their part of the service. We will assist in case of issues but cannot be held liable for failures caused by a third party unless due to our own negligence.
• Accuracy of Information: You are responsible for providing accurate personal, contact, and travel information. Incorrect data may lead to additional fees or service denial.

We may act in two ways depending on the service:

1. Direct Service Provider: For certain tours, transfers, and locally operated activities, we directly organize and provide the service through our own or contracted local teams.
2. Booking Agent: For hot air balloon flights, hotels, domestic flights, and certain optional tours, we act as an authorized booking agent on behalf of licensed operators and suppliers.

While we carefully select reputable and licensed partners, we cannot guarantee the performance, punctuality, or quality of services operated by third parties. In such cases:

• Any operational decision (e.g. whether a balloon can fly due to weather) belongs to the licensed balloon operator and/or civil aviation or local authority.
• We will make reasonable efforts to assist you in rearranging, rescheduling, or seeking refunds where applicable.
• We are not liable for damages or losses caused directly by third-party failures, except where Turkish law requires otherwise.

All prices displayed on our website are based on the latest information provided by our suppliers and are subject to change without prior notice.

• Final Price: The price confirmed at the time of booking and stated in your Booking Confirmation is the price that applies.
• Currency: Unless otherwise stated, prices are shown in Euro (€) or USD ($). Your bank or payment provider may apply conversion or transaction fees.
• What Affects Price: Supplier changes, national park/museum fees, fuel surcharges, aviation authority charges, or government taxes can affect the final price. If such increases occur after booking but before service, we will inform you.
• Errors: In the rare case of a pricing error, we reserve the right to correct the price or offer you a full refund if you do not wish to proceed.

Hot air balloon flights in Cappadocia are highly dependent on weather and on the permissions granted by the local civil aviation authority (SHGM) and related air traffic authorities.

• Safety First: If weather conditions (wind, visibility, rain, fog) are unsafe or if authorities do not allow flying on a given day, the flight will be cancelled for safety reasons.
• Operator’s Decision: The final decision to fly, delay, or cancel belongs solely to the licensed balloon operator and/or civil aviation authority. This is not within our control.
• In Case of Weather Cancellation:
  • We will first try to reschedule your flight to the next available day.
  • If rescheduling is not possible or you are leaving Cappadocia, you will receive a full refund for the balloon portion of your booking.
• Partial Services: If your booking includes other services (hotel, transfers, tours), only the balloon part will be refunded in case of weather cancellation. Other services rendered are non-refundable.
• Pickup Time: Balloon flights are at sunrise. You must be ready at the pickup point at the stated time. Late arrival may be considered a no-show.

To secure your place on a tour or balloon flight, a deposit or full payment may be required at the time of booking.

• Deposit: We generally require a minimum deposit (e.g. 30–40%) to confirm the services. The exact amount will be shown during booking.
• Balance Payment: The remaining balance must be paid by the date specified in your confirmation, or in some cases, on arrival in Cappadocia.
• Non-Payment: If the balance is not paid on time, we reserve the right to cancel or suspend your services until payment is received.
• Payment Methods: We accept major credit/debit cards and (when stated) bank transfer. Bank/wire fees are the customer’s responsibility.
• Payment Confirmation: A receipt or booking confirmation will be sent to the email provided once payment is received.

We aim to deliver safe and enjoyable experiences. However, certain responsibilities rest with the customer:

• Punctuality: You must be ready at the agreed pickup point and time. Delays may cause you to miss the tour or flight and will be treated as no-show.
• Behavior: You must follow the instructions of guides, drivers, and balloon pilots. Unsafe or disruptive behavior may lead to refusal of service without refund.
• Personal Items: We are not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings during tours or flights.
• Third-Party Failures: We are not liable for delays, cancellations, overbookings, or service issues caused by hotels, airlines, or balloon operators, but we will assist you in seeking solutions.
• Indirect Damages: We are not liable for indirect or consequential losses (missed flights, extra hotel nights, loss of enjoyment) arising from cancellations due to weather, force majeure, or third-party actions.

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellations, medical expenses, and travel disruptions.

The exact services included in your booking will be stated in your itinerary or booking confirmation. Unless otherwise stated, a balloon flight typically includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off within designated areas
• Light pre-flight snacks or refreshments (depending on operator)
• Balloon flight operated by a licensed pilot
• Basic insurance as provided by the operator
• Commemorative certificate or similar (operator-dependent)

Unless specifically stated, the following are not included:

• International or domestic flight tickets
• Visa fees or entry permits
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses, minibar, extra meals, room service
• Private transfers outside designated areas or outside stated hours
• Optional activities (ATV, horseback riding, Turkish night, etc.)
• Early check-in/late check-out at hotels

We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing our obligations where such failure or delay is caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Adverse weather conditions or aviation restrictions
• Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, storms)
• War, terrorism, civil unrest, or government actions
• Pandemics, epidemics, public health emergencies
• Strikes, lockouts, or industrial disputes
• Power outages or technical failures

In such cases, we will make reasonable efforts to offer alternative dates or partial refunds where possible, but such remedies cannot be guaranteed.

It is the sole responsibility of the customer to ensure that all travelers have valid passports, visas, and any other documents required to enter Türkiye and/or join the booked services.

• Passports should generally be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned return date.
• We are not responsible for denied boarding, denied entry, or missed services due to incomplete or invalid travel documents.
• No refunds will be issued for missed services caused by immigration or customs issues.

Hot air ballooning is generally safe but may not be suitable for everyone.

• Medical Conditions: Pregnant women, people with serious heart/back/knee problems, or those who have recently had surgery should not join balloon flights. Please consult your doctor in advance.
• Minimum Age/Height: Children may be subject to minimum age or height requirements to be able to see over the basket. Decisions are at the pilot’s discretion.
• Standing Requirement: Passengers must be able to stand unassisted for at least 1 hour and hold on during landing.
• Right to Refuse: The pilot or operator has the right to refuse boarding to any passenger deemed unfit or unsafe to fly. In such cases, refunds will follow the operator’s policy.

To process your booking, we may need to collect and share certain personal data (names, contact details, hotel info) with balloon operators, hotels, or transfer companies.

We process personal data in line with our Privacy Policy.

• Your data will only be shared with parties involved in delivering your services.
• Payment details are processed securely via approved payment gateways.
• You may opt out of marketing communications at any time.

If you have mobility issues, medical conditions, or special requirements, please inform us before booking.

• We will inform you whether the balloon basket, vehicle, or tour can safely accommodate your needs.
• Some requests may require extra charges or may not be possible due to safety rules.
• Food allergies or special diets should be communicated in advance; however, we cannot guarantee allergen-free meals.

If you experience any problem during your tour or balloon flight, you must notify us or our local representative immediately so we can attempt to resolve it on the spot.

• Non-urgent issues can be reported during office hours by email or phone.
• If the issue is not resolved during travel, you must submit a written complaint within 28 days after the service date.
• Failure to report an issue while you are still in Cappadocia may limit our ability to assist and may affect any refund consideration.

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the Republic of Türkiye.

In the event of any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms, the parties agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts of Türkiye.

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.