Hot Air Balloon Rides & Flights

Frequently asked questions

If you have any queries after reading our FAQ's please do not hesitate to contact our office and speak to Robert or Claire on 01362 687006 or email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

CAN I GIVE THE PRESENTATION PACK AS A GIFT?

Our hot air balloon ride vouchers are valid for twelve months, all passengers are issued with a presentation pack, even if a specific flight date is booked just incase the weather is unsuitable on that day and the flight has to be rescheduled. We can also supply a ‘ Helium balloon in a box' This arrives in a candy striped box, with your presentation pack inside.

HOW CAN I BOOK?

Bookings can be made by telephoning our office and we can take your credit/debit card details over the phone, or by using our secure booking system via this website (On Line Shop)

WHERE WILL THE BALLOON LAND?

Hot air balloons fly in a linear line with the wind, therefore we never know the exact landing site. A rule of thumb would be 5 to 20 miles radius from each launch site.

WHAT CLOTHING SHOULD I WEAR FOR MY BALLOON FLIGHT?

Please remember Ballooning is an outdoor activity which will involve climbing in and out of the Balloon basket. We recommend you bring a hat or cap and dress in sensible flat covered footwear, long sleeved shirt or blouse preferably cotton and long trousers. We take off from a grass field and usually land in a farmer's field, which could be grass, stubble, plough or perhaps even covered with thistles or nettles but with the appropriate clothing every eventuality is catered for. During flight you will find the temperature in the basket pleasantly warm as the burners do produce quite a lot of radiant heat, if you are tall and a bit ‘thin on top' a hat is a good tip.

HOW HIGH DOES THE BALLOON FLY & DO I BRING A CAMERA?

The normal cruising altitude is between 500 and 3000 feet. For this magical experience a camera or video recorder will capture these memories for years to come. The basket is perfectly stable during flight making it an ideal platform for photography for your balloon flight experience. Just remember to make sure the camera is attached to via a neck or wrist strap during flight.

CAN MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY COME ALONG TO WATCH?

Yes absolutely, in fact the more the merrier. They can even help the crew prepare the balloon if indeed they wish to. This is a great way to entertain any younger members of the family. Also remember that when the balloon launches they will be invited to follow the ground retrieve team so they can enjoy they whole experience and hopefully be able to watch the balloon land.

HOW LONG DOES THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE LAST?

The actual flight lasts for approximately one hour, however will need to allocate between three and four hours from start to finish. This includes the preparation of the balloon for flight, safety brief. After the balloon has landed we always celebrate the flight with a quality bottle of bubberly and then drive back to the launch site.

HOW SAFE IS MY BALLOON FLIGHT?

Ballooning is without a doubt the safest form of flight, with an excellent safety record. The flights will only take place in weather that is perfectly suitable. Also our pilots are some of the most experienced in the area holding full commercial pilots licences. We are also strictly regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority form Gatwick who grant us our Air Operators Certificate NO BL120 after a stringent annual inspection.

IF I HAVE A DISABILTY, CAN I FLY?

There are many levels of disability and it will not necessarily preclude you from flying. It would be crucial that you contact our office to discuss your requirements then talk to your doctor for advice before booking a flight with us. Hot air ballooning is an adventurous activity and does require a degree of agility to participate. We are at present unable to offer customers wheel chair access as our baskets are not certificated to carry them, as is deemed to have safety implications on the landings. If we are unable to help we will be able to put you in touch with a specialist who will be able to fly you.

ARE THERE ANY AGE LIMITS TO FLYING?

Legally there are no upper or lower age limits to flying. However there are some practical pointers. Children need to be over 4'6" tall to enable them to see over the basket no chairs or steps are allowed to be carried in the basket due to issues on the landing Children must be accompanied by an adult Children flying on their own must be at least 16 years of age. If you are of an older age bracket be aware that a degree of agility is required and you will need to climb in and out of the basket and stand for an hour. If you have any potential heath issues it is vital you contact your GP and our office to discuss these prior to booking a flight.