Hot Air Balloon Flight Frequently Asked Questions

Hopefully you should find an answer to your query below. If not please do get in touch.

Where do we fly from?
For group and most private flights we can take off from around Winchester depending upon the wind direction. The postcode we use the most is SO21 3BQ. Your private flight can be bespoke including coming to your garden, land, farm, or area with permission to launch.Vehicular access is necessary.

How long is the Hot Air Balloon flight?
Your balloon flight will be at least an hour but the whole experience from set up to landing and then back to the launch field will be 3-4 hours. Invariably, there are no lavatories at either end. Please come dressed as if you were going for a walk in the countryside and bring your camera.

How far will we fly?
We travel with the wind and whilst we have an idea prior to launch, we cannot determine exactly where we will land, and this is the exciting part of the journey. The distance travelled depends on the wind speed. We might go as far as 25 miles. In light winds, maybe only 5 miles or so. You will see some amazing scenery, wildlife and some beautiful houses not to mention people shouting and waving from the ground, excited to see you.

Where will we land?
As balloons can’t be steered in the traditional sense you’re never quite sure where you will land. The destination is irrelevant, the adventure is everything! Your pilot will be looking for suitable landing spots after 50 minutes.

When do you fly?
Generally, our season is from March to the end of October. We fly every day of the week, early mornings (the best and most stable flights) and evenings if the weather permits. If the weather is very cold, the ground firm, and the envelope (balloon) can go away dry, we will fly you on a winter’s day from 10am till 2pm. Balloons much prefer cold weather, but we must avoid soft, boggy land as the retrieve vehicle will cause damage.

Meeting time?
We will confirm the meeting time, but morning flights are around 06:00 mid-summer, 07:00 - 08:00 spring and autumn. Evening flights are around 18:00 mid-summer and earlier in spring and autumn based on the day time temperature and sunset times.

What's the landing like?
Landings can be very gentle and sedate, or they can be a little faster with a drag and a bounce along the ground. This is very normal and a trick balloons have perfected since they were conceived in 1783. You will be fully briefed on your landing position and what to expect on the day.

Booking procedure?
For private flights and tethers, we take bookings without an upfront payment. Once we know your flight/tether can proceed, we ask you to pay us. We take all your details, place them in our calendar. When the flight is called on, we confirm the launch site location (generally SO21 3BQ) and time to be there, normally the day before. Mixed group flights are managed online under balloon prices and go to mixed basket. A £49pp nonrefundable booking fee payable. Please read the T&C’s.

Is my flight going ahead?
Sometimes we must cancel a flight due to adverse weather. We will work with you to find an alternative and are flexible. As we do not ask for a payment at the time of booking, you can relax and decide on the next step. If you need to change/cancel a private flight, please give us 7 days’ notice so we can allow others to fly.

Can I fly?
Flying is for everyone provided you can independently walk across uneven ground, enter and leave the basket with minimal assistance, stand unaided for the duration of the flight and adopt the landing position. Our crew are happy to steady or assist passengers where appropriate, but we cannot manually lift or support passengers whose mobility or medical condition makes it unsafe to fly. If you have any medical condition or mobility concerns, please discuss them with us before booking so we can advise in complete confidence.

Can people come with me to watch?
Bring family/friends to watch but do not allow them to drive on to a launch field and bear in mind a lack of lavatories. They may follow the balloon and greet you on landing. We do not allow any smoking or vaping on the launch or landing fields.

How do I get in and out of the basket?
You climb in and out of the balloon by the foot holes in the basket. If you feel you might have problems climbing in, please let us know at the time of booking.

Is ballooning safe?
Hot air balloons are very safe. We have a 100% safety record. A balloon is over engineered and ours go through vigorous annual checks to ensure they meet the strict standards defined by the CAA and the BBAC. We are licensed by the CAA to operate balloons in a commercial capacity; our pilots hold commercial licences and Class 2 medicals. They are examined every 2 years to ensure they competent. We take your safety extremely seriously.