These very popular hot air balloon flights make a marvellous experience and a
treasured memory for many years to come; maybe a birthday present, an
anniversary treat or for that special surprise or occasion. With 70 launch
sites in the United Kingdom, there is bound to be one near you, so don't miss
out on this champagne filled hot air balloon flight experience.
This hot air balloon flight experience lasts 3 to 4 hours with flying time of
approximately 1 hour. 
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to book my hot air balloon flight for a specific date?
If you are buying a hot air balloon flight as a present for a special occasion
you can buy a Gift Voucher, which you can give on the day itself, leaving the
recipient free to choose the date and location for their flight. If you already
have a date in mind you can book this straight away.
How long in advance do I need to book a hot air balloon flight date?
As a general rule you should book your hot air balloon flight at least two to
three weeks in advance or longer if you would like to book for a weekend
evening, a Bank Holiday or a specific date. The more notice you can give us of
your required date the more likely it is that we will be able to meet your
request. Where do we meet?Full launch site directions, including maps, will be
sent to you with the confirmation of your booking. You will need to make your
own way to the launch site or meeting point.
Why don't hot air balloons fly in the middle of the day?
Hot air balloons fly early in the morning, right after sunrise and late in the
day, right before sunset. This is when the wind is calmest since the sun is low
in the sky.
Can I help with the preparation of the hot air balloon for flight?Our pilots
frequently invite you to help prepare, and also pack away, the balloon and will
give you instruction on how it is done.
How do I get in and out of the basket?
All our baskets have foot-holes to help you climb in and out, but if you feel
you may need a little more assistance our crew members will be happy to help.
Our balloon baskets are divided into compartments for your safety, and there
will usually be three or four passengers in any one compartment.
How far will the hot air balloon travel?
This is dependent on the wind speed on the day of the flight. The average
distance covered during a hot air balloon flight is 10 to 12 miles, but we
could cover anything from 2 to 20 miles!
Can the hot air balloon fly over my house, village or town?
Where the hot air balloon goes is entirely dependent on the wind direction on
the day, no two flights are the same. A hot air balloon travels with the wind
and cannot be steered in the same way that a yacht can, so it is not possible
to guarantee a flight over a particular house, village or town when using our
standard launch sites.
What happens to friends and family who are not flying?
They are welcome to watch the inflation and launch of the hot air balloon
flight, and it may also be possible to follow the flight in their own vehicle
if they wish. Please ask them to speak to the Retrieve Crew on the day of the
flight.
Can I cancel my hot air balloon flight if the sun isn't shining?
No. If the Pilot considers the weather conditions to be safe the flight will
take place. Living in the British Isles, it is not possible to guarantee
sunshine, but we will not fly in rain, poor visibility or unsuitably breezy
conditions.
What happens if the weather is unsuitable for hot air ballooning?
Hot air ballooning requires very particular conditions for safe, legal and
enjoyable passenger flight and is completely weather dependent at any time of
year. Each Operator provides their passengers with a Flight Information Line
Number and details about when to ring to confirm that the weather is suitable
for a flight. If it is unsuitable the message will ask you to call the office,
during normal working hours, to rebook for another convenient date. Balloon
flights are normally re-scheduled for up to four weeks ahead only.
Is there an age limit?
There is no upper limit. Our oldest passenger was over 90 years old and a hot
air balloon flight was her life-long ambition! As a precaution it would be
worthwhile checking with the passengers' doctor to obtain their clearance for
the flight. Children must be over 1.4m (4'6") tall and children under the age
of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Medical Conditions?
We are not qualified to express an opinion that you are fit to fly in a hot air
balloon, and you must ensure that you are fit to fly. You must not fly if you
are suffering from any serious medical condition or have recently undergone
surgery, unless you have a certificate of your fitness to fly from your doctor.
You must not fly if you are pregnant or under the influence of drugs.
Can I fly with a disability?
There are many differing levels of disability so please talk to us to find out.
We are not currently able to provide flights for anyone who is confined to a
wheelchair, simply because our baskets aren't certified to carry them - but we
usually know someone who can!
I'm not keen on heights!
Don't worry; there is no sensation of rising, rather one of the ground dropping
away. There is no sensation of movement either, there's just a great feeling of
peace and tranquillity heightened by the lack of wind - because you are moving
with it! .
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