Wheelchair Accessible Flights

Our wheelchair service is unique – we are the ONLY UK CAA certified air operator offering wheelchair equipped balloon flights and disabled hot air balloon flights. Flights usually take place in the morning, around sunrise, when the weather is at its calmest.

The specially made wheelchair accessible basket has a bespoke door which is opened to allow entry for the passengers. The wheelchair is secured to the basket using a specially designed restraint system. Both the basket and the restraint system are certified by the CAA and tested for safety.

The wheelchair passenger can be joined by a guest and you’ll have the balloon all to yourselves along with the pilot, of course. This means that you receive a completely private and personal service.

Private Charter Flights

Alongside our wheelchair accessible flights, Exclusive Ballooning also offers private charter flights for between two and four people. During a private charter flight your party will have a dedicated, private basket. This allows for an intimate and personal experience, free from the presence of other passengers.

Your Flight

Your pilot will be able to spend time talking to you about how the balloon works as well as pointing out where you are heading and the many sights to see along the way.

Also, if you live in the area, we know you’d love to go ballooning as near as possible to the places you know best. Using the winds at different heights it is usually possible to ‘steer’ the balloon to a defined area, so we may well be able to take you over your own house.

Most importantly, all flights are certified by the Civil Aviation Authority and our pilots are amongst the very best in the world, having represented Great Britain at the European and World Championships, as well as being trusted to fly royalty and world famous rock stars.

Flights last around one hour and, although the altitude and distance flown are dependent on conditions on the day, our team will do everything they can to ensure that you have the best experience possible.

For more information, visit our FAQ section, give us a call on 01453 511280.

Weather Calls

Hot air ballooning is a weather dependent activity and, therefore, each flight is subject to a weather call. A weather call will be made 24 hours before a flight and you will be informed as to whether the flight is going ahead or will have to be postponed.

Weather calls take prevailing weather conditions, wind speeds, and the current ground conditions into account. Therefore, factors such as sodden ground, high winds, and inclement weather can all regrettably force a flight to be postponed.

Flight Times

Hot air balloon flights take place at sunrise and sunset. These times change depending on the time of year and your arrival time at the launch site will be confirmed at the point of the weather call.

For a wheelchair accessible hot air balloon flight we would always recommend a sunrise flight. This is because the weather is more stable and calm. We would be happy to book a sunset wheelchair flight, however, we would advise that this may have an increased chance of being postponed.

Launch Sites

Your launch site will be officially confirmed the preceding afternoon prior to your flight when a decision is made with regards to the weather.

Our main launch sites are in and around the area of Berkeley, Gloucestershire, GL13 9BH.

Local Accommodation

There is a range of accessible local accommodation in our area which allows passengers to stay over and truly enjoy their visit. Please find recommendations below:

The Gables Hotel is a popular, local, accessible hotel located in Falfield, Gloucestershire. The hotel and its beautiful grounds are fully wheelchair accessible, including the stylish lounge bar and well-stocked brasserie. A range of wheelchair accessible rooms* are offered by the hotel, all of which offer air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is also conveniently located close to both the M5 motorway and the Cotswold Way, making it not only easily accessible, but also the perfect venue in which to extend your stay and visit the beautiful countryside of South Gloucestershire

*it is necessary for customers to ascend a small flight of four steps in order to access the bedrooms.

Premier Inn Hotel Stroud. Set in a Grade II listed building in this historic market town, you’re ideally placed to explore charming villages and country attractions after your balloon flight. Situated off the M5 (J13) the Premier Inn has accessible rooms, visit their website for availability.