Frequently Asked Questions
When…?
When is the best time of year to fly?
Any time when weather permits. Each season rolls out its own rewards to the hot air balloonist; the lush, greenery of a renewed spring landscape; the stillness of a warm balmy summer evening or a crisp, misty autumn morning - all are equally spectacular. Our main flying season is from March to the end of October (VIP flights are available all year round) simply because the weather is more likely to be clement and the ground largely dry.
When is best… morning or evening?
It may just depend on whether you're an early bird… your preference may be to round off your flight with a sturdy breakfast, or to end the day with a drink at the pub. It's a matter of choosing between a fresh dewy sunrise or a leisurely sunset. We think both are equally spectacular.
When do we meet?
Balloons fly soon after dawn and approximately two hours before sunset to take advantage of the stable air and light winds found at these times of the day. The approximate meeting times are detailed below, exact meeting times for your particular take off will be given to you when you call our flight information line in advance of your booked flight.
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AM Flights |
PM Flights |
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| Month | Approximate meeting time | Month | Approximate meeting time Weekdays | Approximate meeting time Weekends |
| March | 7.30am - 9am | March | 2.30 - 4.00pm | 2.30 - 4.00pm |
| April | 6.00am | April | 5.00 - 6.00pm | 4.30 - 6.00pm |
| May | 6.00am | May | 6.00 - 6.30pm | 5.30 - 6.30pm |
| June | 6.00am | June | 6.30 - 7.00pm | 6.00 - 7.00pm |
| July | 6.00am | July | 6.00 - 7.00pm | 6.00 - 7.00pm |
| August | 6.00am | August | 5.50 - 6.30pm | 5.00 - 6.30pm |
| September | 6.30am | September | 4.30 - 5.30pm | 3.30 - 5.30pm |
| October | 7.30am - 9am | October | 2.30 - 4.00pm | 2.30 - 4.00pm |
How long is the flight?
Every flight is different. We plan for the balloon to be in the air for approximately one hour, but the pilot has the ultimate responsibility for deciding the duration and conduct of any flight and the appropriate time and place of landing. Please allow 3 - 4 hours for the whole experience.
Once I buy a voucher when should I book my flight?
As a general rule we suggest two to three weeks in advance if you would like a specific date, although flights can often be booked with less notice.
Who…?
Is there any age limit?
With Ballooning Network anyone from the age of 9 to 90 plus can fly, but children aged 16 and under must be accompanied in the basket by a responsible adult. Elderly guests need only be adventurous by nature and fit enough to stand in a wicker basket for the hour long flight.
Are there any medical restrictions?
You must be physically fit enough to fly. You must not fly if you are suffering from any serious medical conditions. We cannot fly you if you are pregnant.
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 whether you are able to climb into the balloon basket unaided and stand unsupported for one hour. Please do advise us in advance if a passenger is planning to fly with a disability.
Is there a height or weight limit?
There is a minimum height restriction of 4ft 6" or 137 cm.
How many of us can fly?
You can book for a single person or for a group. Please contact our office if you would like to discuss group bookings.
Where
Where do we fly?
We can offer you an extensive choice from our specially selected flight areas, which between them, offer a unique mix of city and country flying and some of the most spectacular scenery and landmarks in the Bristol, Bath, Somerset, Gloucestershire and South Wales - (see Venues).
Where do we meet?
Where we meet and where we fly from will be chosen according to the wind direction. Because the weather can be changeable we can't always determine which launch site we will use in advance of the meeting time.
Can I fly over my house 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.
Where will I land?
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 flight is around 10 miles.
Why do some flight areas have restricted availability?
Some of our flight areas have restricted availability due to the number of passengers that want to fly from that particular area. The more passengers that want to fly, the more flights we are able to make available from the area. If you have any questions regarding availability from the area you would like to fly then please do contact us.
How high will we fly?
Depending on the weather, normally between 500 and 3000 feet… but sometimes higher.
What…?
What should I wear?
For your safety and comfort we suggest you wear outdoor clothing suitable for the time of year. Stout footwear, long trousers and long sleeves are recommended for all flights. High heels and open toed sandals must not be worn. Ground conditions vary, you may encounter wet grass, mud and the odd cowpat, so please do not wear an expensive outfit that you dont want to get dirty. We advise against wearing valuable, loose or delicate jewellery. Bring a hat if you are thin on top or very tall, as this will protect you from the warmth of the burner. On cold days we recommend gloves. We do not accept responsibility for damage to clothing. The Civil Aviation Authority require us to advise you that you should wear clothing of natural fibres.
What should I bring?
Your camera, with twice as much film or digital memory as you think you need and a spare battery. Please note: you are responsible for the safety of your own possessions.
What do I do if I can't make the flight on the day I've arranged?
You can change your booking at any time providing you give us 4 complete working days notice, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
How…?
How can I buy a voucher?
You can buy online, or telephone our office. We can send your voucher by first class post (if ordered prior to 3pm Monday to Friday) or you can have your voucher sent instantly via email.
How much does it cost?
Our prices vary depending on when you choose to fly. Check our Special Offers.
Can you gift wrap the voucher?
You can purchase a Balloon In A Box, your voucher will then be delivered attached to a celebratory helium balloon and packaged safely in a box.
How do I book my flight?
We will send you an information pack with your voucher. When you are ready to book a flight please give us a call quoting your voucher number, or check our Availability page and request your flight online, once your online request has been received we will send you a flight confirmation (or offer you alternatives if the flight is no longer available).
We recommend you contact us within five months of purchasing your voucher and book a flight for a date at least six months before the voucher expiry date.
Champagne?
We are often asked if champagne is served on all of our flights, the answer is 'yes'. We serve champagne, or orange juice if you prefer, on all of our flights. Each of our passengers will receive a 'glass' or two of champagne by way of celebration of your balloon flight, morning or evening, any day of the week. Come fly with us and enjoy a complimentary 'glass' of champagne, together with some amazing views and a wonderful time!
Safety
When you arrive at the meeting place, please introduce yourself to your pilot. Before the balloon is inflated, he will give you a safety briefing. You MUST attend this safety briefing. Friends and family must stay well clear of: the balloon, balloon basket, balloon retrieve vehicles and trailers during inflation and take off.
Smoking is not allowed at any time, including during the balloon inflation, in flight, in farmers’ fields or landing sites.
Never let your feet leave the ground unless you are safely in the basket.
Once the balloon inflation has started do not cross any ropes or wires or stand between the balloon basket and the retrieve vehicle.
There is little delay between inflating the balloon and take off, so please be ready to enter the basket when instructed to do so by the pilot. If you have wandered off you will be left behind!
Ballooning and landing are safe provided you follow the pilot’s instructions. Please give the pilot your full attention during your safety briefing. When landing it is not unusual for there to be a bump or two, the basket to drag along the ground or tip on its side. You must stay in the basket untill the pilot tells you to disembark.