Your Ballooning questions answered

At what time of day do we fly?
Balloons fly either early in the morning or in the evening, when the air is at its stillest. Flight times vary throughout the year and depend on the length of daylight hours.

When is the best time to fly?
Is it better to fly in the morning or towards the end of the day? Well, it’s like trying to choose which is more spectacular - sunrise or sunset. Only those people who don't mind getting up early in the morning know the answer to this! For more information see “Ballooning Calendar”.

What happens if the weather is unsuitable for ballooning?
Ballooning is very weather dependant so we ask our passengers to telephone the "Weather & Meeting Information" line prior to flying. If the weather is unsuitable, we’ll simply rebook your flight for another day.

When are flights available?
The main flying season is April to October. For more information see “Ballooning Calendar” and prices.

Do flights take place during the winter months?
Occasional weekend flights are arranged during the winter when the weather and ground conditions allow. For more information see “Ballooning Calendar”.

Is it safe?
Yes, ballooning has an excellent safety record and Ballooning Network's flights are fully certified by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Is insurance included?
Yes, insurance is included in the price paid. See our Terms & Conditions

Is there an age limit?
From 9 to 90 but recommended children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Elderly guests need only be adventurous by nature and fit enough to stand unsupported in a wicker balloon basket for the hour-long flight.

Medical conditions?
Women who are pregnant must not go ballooning. Please note we are not qualified to express an opinion as to whether you are or are not fit to fly. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for further guidance.

Can I fly with a disability?
We have flown many disabled people but as you will appreciate there are many different levels of disability. A good test is that you must be capable of climbing into the balloon basket unaided and stand unsupported for one hour. Obviously you must not fly if you are suffering from any serious medical condition or have recently undergone surgery, again please refer to our Terms & Conditions for further guidance.

Where do we meet?
All passengers receive a copy of our comprehensive "Ballooning Network – Booking & Meeting Arrangements". These contain detailed maps and instructions on how to get to our many launch sites.

What do I wear?
No special clothing is required, just dress as if you are going for a walk in the countryside. Good stout shoes are recommended as the balloon may well land in a farmer’s field and you could also encounter the odd cowpat! A cap or hat is useful, even in warm weather, to shield you from the heat of the balloon's burner.

How long does it take?
Ballooning is a treat to be savoured not rushed. Each flight is different and timings vary. Although we aim to fly for around one hour, we recommend you allow four hours for the round trip.

What happens to friends and followers who are not flying?
Everyone is welcome to watch the balloon launch but it isn’t possible for friends or followers to travel in the balloon retrieve vehicle. If they want to follow the balloon by road, or if we transfer to an alternative launch site within your chosen flight area, followers should be fully independent using their own transport.

Can I fly over my house, town or village?
Ballooning is like serendipity, which is the art of making happy and unexpected discoveries by chance. Where the balloon goes is entirely dependent on the wind speed and direction. No two flights are ever the same and we rarely land in the same place twice.

How far will I travel?
How far we fly is determined by the wind speed, which varies both in strength and direction at different heights. As a general rule of thumb the average distance covered in an hour's flight would be 10 miles.

How high will I go?
This will depend on the weather conditions on the day. The flight is likely to vary between 500 and 3000 feet.

Once I buy a voucher, how long in advance do I need to book my flight?
As a general rule you should book your flight at least two to three weeks in advance of your required date although flights can often be booked with less notice.

Can I take a camera?
Yes, and twice as much film (or digital memory) as you think you might need, but you are responsible for looking after your camera and any other personal possessions you might bring along.

Is there a minimum number of people?
No, book for just one person or arrange a group.

Can I have a balloon to myself or arrange a flight from a special location?
Yes, this may be arranged as long as the launch site is suitable and free from airspace restrictions.

How much does it cost?
Our prices can vary depending on when you choose to fly. See “Prices”

Where do you fly?
See “Venues”

Can I buy a voucher?
Yes. See “Vouchers”

Can you send me a brochure?
Yes. See “Brochure”

Can you gift-wrap the voucher?
Yes. See “Balloon in Box”

Can you recommend, accommodation, restaurants and other things to see and do in our chosen flight area?
Yes. See “Links”