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How long in advance do I need to book a flight date?
As a general rule you should book your flight at least two to three weeks in advance, and longer if you would like to book for a weekend evening, a Bank Holiday or a specific date. The more notice you can give us of your required date the more likely it is that we will be able to meet your request.
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Where do we meet?
Full launch site directions, including maps, will be sent to you with the confirmation of your booking. You will need to make your own way to the launch site or meeting point.
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How long will the whole experience last?
You should plan to be away for at least three to fours hours, and occasionally more. The experience starts with the preparation and inflation of the balloon and a safety briefing. The flight usually lasts for at least an hour, once landed we shall pack away the balloon, serve Champagne, present commemorative Flight Certificates, and arrange transport back to where we started from. We do not recommend you make a dinner reservation for after an evening flight, as we cannot guarantee a finish time.
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Can I help with the preparation of the balloon for flights?
Our pilots frequently invite you to help prepare, and also pack away, the balloon and will give you instruction on how it is done.
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How do I get in and out of the basket?
All our baskets have foot-holes to help you climb in and out, but if you feel you may need a little more assistance our crew members will be happy to help. Our balloon baskets are divided into compartments for your safety, and there will usually be three or four passengers in any one compartment.
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How far will I travel?
This is dependent on the wind speed on the day of the flight. The average distance covered is 10 to 12 miles, but we could cover anything from 2 to 20 miles!
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Can I fly over my house, village or town?
Where the balloon goes is entirely dependent on the wind direction on the day, no two flights are the same. A balloon travels with the wind so cannot be steered in the same way that a yacht can, so it is not possible to guarantee a flight over a particular house, village or town when using our standard launch sites.
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What happens to friends and family who are not flying?
They are welcome to watch the inflation and launch of the balloon, and it may also be possible to follow the flight in their own vehicle if they wish. Please ask them to speak to the Retrieve Crew on the day of the flight.
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Can I cancel a flight if the sun isn't shining?
No. If the Pilot considers the weather conditions to be safe the flight will take place. Living in the British Isles, it is not possible to guarantee sunshine, but we will not fly in rain, poor visibility or unsuitably breezy conditions.
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What happens if the weather is unsuitable for ballooning?
Ballooning requires very particular conditions for safe, legal and enjoyable passenger flight and is completely weather dependent at any time of year. Each Operator provides their passengers with a Flight Information Line Number and details about when to ring to confirm that the weather is suitable for a flight. If it is unsuitable the message will ask you to call the office, during normal working hours, to rebook for another convenient date. Flights are normally re-scheduled for up to four weeks ahead only.
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Is there an age limit?
There is no upper limit. Our oldest passenger was over 90 years old and a balloon flight was her life-long ambition! As a precaution it would be worthwhile checking with the passengers' doctor to obtain their clearance for the flight. Children must be over 1.4m (4'6") tall and children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
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Medical conditions?
We are not qualified to express an opinion that you are fit to fly, and you must ensure that you are fit to fly. You must not fly if you are suffering from any serious medical condition or have recently undergone surgery, unless you have a certificate of your fitness to fly from your doctor. You must not fly if you are pregnant or under the influence of drugs.
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Can I fly with a disability?
There are many differing levels of disability so please talk to us to find out. We are not currently able to provide flights for anyone who is confined to a wheelchair, simply because our baskets aren't certified to carry them - but we usually know someone who can !
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I'm not keen on heights?
Don't worry, there is no sensation of rising, rather one of the ground dropping away. There is no sensation of movement either, there's just a great feeling of peace and tranquillity heightened by the lack of wind - because you are moving with it