Booking choice: The sunrise flight with breakfast, from $239 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
The phrase "hot air balloon ride with breakfast" covers a lot of ground in Phoenix. One Viator listing still has "with breakfast" in its web address while its inclusions list a champagne toast, juice and water. Another serves a full catered breakfast at tables in the desert.
We read every listing and the operators' own pages so you know exactly what you get after landing.
The quick answer
Hot Air Expeditions is the Phoenix sunrise flight with a real breakfast: a champagne or sparkling cider toast, then a catered breakfast served at tables at the landing site, from $239. Rainbow Ryders ($209) includes a toast and light snacks, and Arizona Balloon Safaris ($199) a champagne toast, orange juice and water.
Which Phoenix balloon rides include breakfast?
Of the three Phoenix sunrise flights on Viator, only Hot Air Expeditions lists breakfast as an inclusion.
| Flight | From | Listed after landing |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Air Expeditions sunrise | $239 | Champagne or cider toast and a pre-selected breakfast |
| Rainbow Ryders sunrise | $209 | Champagne toast and snacks |
| Arizona Balloon Safaris sunrise | $199 | Champagne toast, bottled water (operator adds orange juice) |
| Tucson morning flight | $339 | Champagne toast and continental breakfast |
Breakfast is the point? Check dates for the sunrise flight that serves it.
Check dates for the sunrise flight with breakfastWhat is the Hot Air Expeditions breakfast like?
A catered breakfast served in the desert at the landing site, with tables, linens and china, after the champagne toast.
The operator says the food is catered by Vincent's on Camelback, a long-running Phoenix restaurant, and guests often call it brunch. One reviewer felt some items looked store-bought, so expect a good picnic rather than a restaurant meal. The menu is pre-selected, so mention dietary needs when you book.
Why does a listing say breakfast when it does not include it?
Web addresses on Viator stay the same when a listing is renamed, so an old "with breakfast" address can now point to a champagne-toast flight.
That is the case with Arizona Balloon Safaris: the current title is "Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Ride with Champagne Toast", and the inclusions are a champagne toast, bottled water and fees. Some reviewers mention breakfast snacks on landing, but it is not promised. Always read the What's Included list rather than the headline.
Is the breakfast flight worth the extra $40?
If you want to eat in the desert with the balloon beside you, yes; if you would rather choose your own brunch, the cheaper flights are just as good in the air.
All three operators rate 4.8 or above, and reviewers praise the pilots and the sunrise far more than the food. The breakfast adds a slow, celebratory end to the morning, which suits birthdays and anniversaries.
Happy with a toast and brunch in town? This sunrise flight is the lowest-priced well-rated option.
Explore the sunrise flight with champagneWhen is breakfast served?
Straight after landing, usually about two hours after check-in, so plan to eat around 7 to 9 AM depending on the season.
Because Arizona does not use daylight saving time, a June flight lands much earlier than a January one. Bring a snack for the drive out if you are hungry at 5 AM; there is no food before the flight.
Is there champagne for everyone?
Champagne is for guests 21 and over; younger flyers get sparkling cider or juice.
The toast is a balloonists' tradition, and several crews read the balloonist's prayer as part of it. You may also receive a flight certificate.
Can you get breakfast on a sunset flight?
No: sunset flights end with champagne and snacks or a fruit and cheese plate, not breakfast.
Hot Air Expeditions' sunset flight serves a fruit and cheese plate, and Rainbow Ryders' a toast with snacks. Sunset flights run only from about November to March. See sunrise vs sunset balloon rides.
What about Tucson?
Hot Air Expeditions also flies from Marana, north of Tucson, with a champagne toast and continental breakfast after a sunrise flight.
It is a smaller operation with a 12-person cap and rates 5.0 from a smaller number of reviews. Only worth it if you are staying in Tucson.
Staying in Phoenix? The breakfast flight launches from the north Phoenix desert.
Check dates for the sunrise flight with breakfastFrequently asked questions
Does the $199 Phoenix balloon ride include breakfast?
No. The Arizona Balloon Safaris flight lists a champagne toast, bottled water and fees; the operator adds orange juice.
Is breakfast included with Rainbow Ryders in Phoenix?
Not a full breakfast: Rainbow Ryders includes a champagne toast and light snacks after landing.
Can I bring my own food?
There is no rule against a snack for the drive, but landing sites are remote desert with no facilities, so eat afterwards if your flight has no breakfast.
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Choose your flight
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Sunrise Balloon Ride with Champagne Breakfast
- A 45 to 60 minute sunrise flight with an FAA-licensed pilot
- Champagne or sparkling cider toast at the landing site
- Catered breakfast in the desert, served at tables
Rainbow Ryders Sunrise Balloon Flight
- Sunrise hot air balloon flight of about 45 to 60 minutes
- Live commentary from the pilot
- Option to help the crew inflate the balloon
Sunrise Balloon Ride with Champagne Toast
- About 45 minutes in the air at sunrise
- Van from the meeting point to the launch site and back
- Champagne toast, orange juice and bottled water after landing
