What does the flight consist of?

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.

What about the weather?

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.

What are the 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 only offer sunrise flights. This is because the weather is more stable and calm. 

How safe is it?
Ballooning is the safest form of aviation but you should ensure to choose a highly experienced operator to fly with. We are certified by the Civil Aviation Authority operator number UK.DBO.229 for your reassurance.

Our pilots are amongst the very best not just in the UK but the world with thousands of hours of flying experience.

Is there an age limit?
Children between eight and sixteen years old must be accompanied by an appropriate adult or guardian. We are unable to fly anyone aged seven years or younger. There is no upper age limit for flying, anyone of average health is able to fly.

Am I fit to fly?
People with a serious medical condition or those who have undergone surgery recently should not fly, unless your GP is able to produce a certificate of health declaring you are fit enough to undertake a balloon flight. Our Pilots are not qualified to assess your medical fitness. You should be able to get in and out of the basket unaided and be able to stand for the duration of the flight unless booking a wheelchair flight.

If you have concerns about your fitness for a flight, we would always recommend that you consult your GP.

What do I wear to go ballooning?
You should simply wear the same clothes as if you were going for a walk in the countryside at that time of year. High heels and flip flops are not permitted, shoes or boots are recommended. If you are tall or balding, a cap is a good idea.

Can I take my camera?
Of course. Ballooning is the perfect platform for video and photographs but please note personal effects are carried at your own risk. For passengers with camera-phones, all phones must be switched off during the flight or switched to flight-safe mode, thereby enabling you to use the camera function.

How many people will be on the flight with us?
As we only offer private charter flights, you will be in the balloon alone with the pilot for the ultimate private experience.

I’m pregnant, can I still fly?
We are not permitted to fly passengers who are, or think they may be, pregnant. Please contact the office as soon as possible to discuss alternative arrangements.

Can my friends and family watch the launch of the balloon?
Yes, of course, they will be made welcome by the pilot and crew. If your friends and family wish to follow the balloon after launch, please let the pilot know as they can be briefed on how best to do this. Once the balloon has landed, they must remain with their vehicle and not enter the landowner’s field as once the balloon has landed we will be on someone else’s property. We have to seek permission for the retrieve vehicle to enter their land in order to recover the balloon via an agreed route.

How long does the flight last?
Flights generally last around an hour with the entire experience lasting approximately three hours which includes your return to the launch field. Please let family or friends know if they are collecting you after the flight.

Am I insured?
Yes you are fully insured with our comprehensive passenger liability and third party insurance. Please note that your personal effects which include cameras, mobile phones, binoculars etc are carried at your own risk – we cannot accept responsibility for any damages or losses incurred during a flight.

How do I get back to the launch site after the flight?

Your flight crew will follow the balloon during flight after the launch of the balloon. They will help recover and pack the balloon away after the flight. If you would like transport back to the launch site after the flight they will be happy to give you a lift back afterwards.

For wheelchair passenger flights, we request that your friends or family follow our flight crew in your vehicle for the purposes of following and recovering the balloon. You will then be able to head straight home following landing while our pilot and crew pack the balloon away after the flight. Please note that our vehicles are not adapted for the purposes of carrying wheelchairs.

Alternatively, if a wheelchair passenger is able to transfer into our vehicles, then the flight crew can transport them back to the launch site.

What happens if the weather is bad or the flight is postponed?
The office will contact you 24 hours before your flight with regards to the weather forecast and if the flight can proceed or needs to be postponed. If the flight is postponed we will rebook the flight on a mutually convenient date. If the flight is confirmed, please make your way to the launch field as instructed.

Please be aware we only proceed with flights if we believe there is a good probability of us safely undertaking the flight; however, sometimes the conditions can differ to those forecast and we may occasionally cancel on the field. In this event, we will rebook the flight for a a future date.

How long is my flight voucher valid for?
All flight vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Please note all flight vouchers are non-refundable. Only in exceptional circumstances and where the passenger has shown clear and a reasonable number of attempts to take their flight within the 12 month validity period will a refund be considered.

Can I fly in the wheelchair basket with an electric wheelchair?
Due to size and weight restrictions, the wheelchair accessible basket can only accommodate a manual wheelchair. Unfortunately we also cannot take travel chairs, only a standard manual chair.

How big is the basket?
The accessible basket is 102cm wide by 100cm long, and the basket’s door is 79cm wide and 93cm tall.

What happens if I land in a muddy field?
This is something that we consider when making the decision to fly – ground conditions are assessed when the pilot on duty is making the final weather call. We need to retrieve the balloon from the landing field as well as our passengers and therefore your safety and comfort are taken into account.