In short: Your first sightseeing flight over Warsaw looks like this: you arrive at Warsaw Babice (Bemowo) Airport about 15 minutes before takeoff, go through a short briefing, receive professional aviation headsets and a briefing from the pilot, and then board your Cessna 172 and fly. The entire visit to the airport lasts approximately 45–60 minutes, the flight itself—15, 30, or 60 minutes, depending on the option chosen. Dress comfortably, in layers, and wear closed-toe shoes. The most important things to bring: a voucher (on your phone is enough), ID, and a charged phone for photos.
Flying in a small plane for the first time is a unique experience—and naturally, a lot of questions arise: where to check in, how long it takes, what to bring, and how to dress for comfort. This guide will guide you through your flight day, step by step, so you arrive at the airport relaxed and knowing exactly what to expect.
How to prepare for your first sightseeing flight?
The best news: preparation is minimal. You don't need any equipment, experience, or special fitness level. The entire process, from purchasing a voucher to starting, is simple, and we'll guide you by the hand with notifications.
Before you go to the airport, there are three things you should do:
- Receive confirmation of your appointment. We confirm the date tentatively 7 days before the flight, and you get the final confirmation (weather dependent) 1–2 days before. You receive them via email and text message, plus a calendar entry and a card for Apple Wallet and Google Wallet.
- Check the weather the day before. The pilot decides on the conditions—in unsafe weather, we'll reschedule the flight free of charge. If you've received final confirmation, the flight will proceed.
- Get some sleep and eat a light meal. Don't fly on an empty stomach, but also not right after a heavy lunch - a light meal 1-2 hours before takeoff is the golden mean.
What does a sightseeing flight look like step by step?
It's easiest to spread the entire visit out over a timeline. Here's what a typical flight day looks like:
| Stage | What's going on | Approximate time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Arrival | You're arriving at Warsaw Babice (Bemowo) Airport. Parking is available. Please arrive approximately 15 minutes before takeoff. | ~15 min before |
| 2. Briefing | A short welcome, verification of voucher, documents, and arrangements (weight, seating order). You can complete some formalities online in advance. | ~5–10 min |
| 3. Headphones and brief | You receive professional aviation headsets (included), the pilot discusses safety, boarding and the flight. | ~5 min |
| 4. Flight | Takeoff, flight over the Warsaw skyline, conversation with the pilot via headset, photos. Calm, steady—it's not a rollercoaster. | 15 / 30 / 60 min |
| 5. After the flight | Landing, exiting the plane, souvenir photos, "Remove Before Flight" keychain. | ~5–10 min |
How long does the entire visit to the airport take?
This is a common source of confusion, so let's separate two things:
- The flight itself — it's time in the air: 15, 30 or 60 minutes (Aviator option), depending on the package selected.
- The entire visit to the airport — briefing, flight briefing, and post-flight photos together take approximately 45–60 minutes on site.
Therefore, when planning your day, set aside at least an hour at the airport itself, plus time for travel. Babice Airport is only about 10 minutes from the center Warsaw (ul. gen. Sylwestra Kaliskiego 57), so access is quick and there is parking on site.
What to take on a sightseeing flight?
The list is short – most of what you need is already in your pocket:
- Voucher — just show it on your phone (it arrived via email). You don't need to print anything.
- Identity document — ID card or other document with a photo.
- Charged phone or camera — photos from above are very impressive, and you can film and take photos during the flight.
- Sunglasses — they are especially useful on a sunny day and when flying at golden hour.
- Something warm — a light jacket or sweatshirt, because at altitude and in the morning it can be colder than on the ground.
What NO You must bring: no aviation equipment or headphones – professional aviation headphones are provided on-site and are included in the price. Leave large luggage in the car; every kilogram counts in the cabin, as the plane has its own weight and balance limits (W&B).
How to dress for a sightseeing flight?
Rule number one: comfort. There's no dress code—you have to feel comfortable and warm. It's best to dress in layers, as temperatures can vary at the airport, on the tarmac, and in the air.
| Element | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Mountain | Layer: T-shirt + sweatshirt or light jacket that is easy to remove when it gets warm. |
| Hole | Comfortable trousers—jeans, chinos, or athletic pants. Nothing that will restrict movement when getting on and off. |
| Shoes | Closed, flat shoes (sneakers, athletic shoes). Avoid high heels and flip-flops—you'll be climbing a step onto the wing. |
| Extras | Sunglasses, yes. Loose scarves, hats, and headscarves should be removed—they can be distracting in the cabin. |
Flying early in the morning at sunrise or in the evening at sunset? It's especially important to pack an extra layer then—early mornings and after sunset can be noticeably cooler.
What happens on board during the flight?
After boarding, you fasten your seatbelt, put on your headphones, and you're ready to go. You can hear the pilot through the headphones and talk to him freely—he'll tell you what you're flying over and point out the most interesting points.
The Cessna 172 is one of the safest and most popular designs in the history of aviation (over 44,000 units were built). Flight is calm and stable — this is a scenic tour, not acrobatics. From the top, you'll see the Old Town, the Royal Castle, the PGE National Stadium, the Vistula River, the Palace of Culture and Science, Łazienki Park, Wilanów, and a panorama of the city center's skyscrapers, among other sights.
He sits at the controls Aleksander Domalewski — a company owner and ATPL pilot who professionally flies an Embraer Praetor 600 business jet around the world. He also flies the same plane with his 6-year-old daughter, which perfectly illustrates our commitment to safety.
What after the flight?
After landing, you disembark the plane, take a group photo (passenger photos are included), and receive a "Remove Before Flight" airline keychain as a souvenir. This is a good time to ask the pilot any questions you might have—many people leave their first flight with plans for another, longer one.
If you are still wondering where exactly you are taking off from and what Babice airport itself looks like, watch this short video:
Ready for your first sightseeing flight over Warsaw?
Flights from 299 PLN/person (15 min). Check current prices, available dates, and options in the configurator—the voucher arrives by email in 1 minute and is valid for 12 months.
Book a sightseeing flight →Frequently asked questions
What does a sightseeing flight look like step by step?
You arrive at Warsaw Babice (Bemowo) Airport about 15 minutes before takeoff, complete a short briefing, receive professional aviation headsets and a briefing from the pilot, then board a Cessna 172 and fly over the Warsaw skyline. After landing, you'll receive souvenir photos and a flight keychain. You can complete some of the formalities online in advance.
How long does the entire visit to the airport take?
The flight itself takes 15, 30, or 60 minutes, depending on the option you choose. The entire airport experience—check-in, briefing, flight, and post-flight photos—takes approximately 45–60 minutes. It's recommended to allow at least an hour for your flight, plus travel time.
What to take on a sightseeing flight?
Bring your voucher (on your phone is enough), a photo ID, and a charged phone or camera. Sunglasses and a light jacket will be useful. You don't need to bring your own aviation headphones—they're included in the flight price. Leave any large luggage in the car.
How to dress for a sightseeing flight?
Dress comfortably and in layers ("layers"), as it can be cooler at altitude and in the morning. Closed, flat shoes (sneakers), comfortable pants, and a sweatshirt or light jacket are best. Avoid high heels, flip-flops, and loose scarves and hats. Sunglasses are recommended.
The text was consulted Aleksander Domalewski — ATPL pilot and owner of LotyWidokowe.Net. Professionally flies an Embraer Praetor 600 business jet around the world; certificate holder AOC PL-076 issued by the Civil Aviation Authority.
