Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT DO I WEAR?

Sensible outdoor clothes as if you were going for a walk in the country. Do not wear skirts, shorts, synthetic fibres such as nylon and loose jewellery. Ideal footwear include flat shoes, or even better Wellingtons or walking boots, especially in Spring and Autumn, when fields may be damp. Temperatures in the air are warmer than those on the ground due to the heat of the burners so do take a hat to avoid the heat from the burners, particularly on evening flights.

IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT?

We have no upper age limit but ballooning is an outdoor sport requiring a degree of agility. We recommend that people should be fit enough to climb in and out of the basket and to stand for about an hour.

We use partitioned baskets specially designed to ensure safety, comfort and a superb view. Baskets are about 1.1 metres (42 inches) high, and have footholes to assist entry. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult on the flight and must be over 8 years old, and their height must exceed 1.4 metres (4'6"). In the interests of safety and operational requirements we cannot undertake the carriage of passengers whose declared weight exceeds 18 stone (114kg).

WHAT TIME OF DAY DO WE MEET?

Balloon flights are made either early morning or evening. Times depend on sunrise and sunset, so vary throughout the season. Typically in May, we meet you at 6am for morning flights, and 6pm for evening flights.

WHAT IS GOOD BALLOONING WEATHER?

For a successful flight we require light winds, no rain and good visibility. Call us at the time specified in your map pack to confirm if the weather permits us to fly, and if so the meeting time and place. Should we have to cancel your flight at short notice for reasons such as bad weather, we reschedule your flight as soon as possible to suit your timetable.

CAN I GIVE IT AS A GIFT?

Yes! A balloon flight makes a wonderful gift for a relative or friend for birthdays, Christmas, anniversaries, etc.

Our full colour gift vouchers are ideal to give them on the day and Home Counties and London vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. The recipient then makes the flight at any time during our season. Or you may wish to arrange a complete surprise flight for a special date.

HOW DO WE BOOK?

If you have a credit or debit card you can order a gift voucher on-line now. Or print our booking form and fax it or telephone us if you prefer.

If you prefer to pay by cheque, print our booking form and post it to us. Or fill in our brochure request form online and we'll send you our brochure and booking form.

You will be sent a gift voucher and our 20 page map pack which includes launch site details, check in times and practical information about the flight to help you enjoy your ballooning experience.

HOW FAR AHEAD SHOULD WE BOOK?

You can book dates for your flight up to 60 days ahead either on our date availability page on this web site or by calling our office. Please note that London flight dates are generally available up to 30 days ahead due to the security clearances required for these flights.

Gift vouchers can be booked at any time.