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How safe is it?

Ballooning is the safest form of aviation but you should ensure to choose a highly experienced operator to fly with. We are licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority certificate number BL229 for your reassurance.

Our pilots are amongst the very best not just in the UK but the world with thousands of hours of flying experience.

Is there an age limit?

Children between eight and sixteen years old must be accompanied by an appropriate adult or guardian. We are unable to fly anyone aged seven years or younger. There is no upper age limit for flying, anyone of average health is able to fly.

Am I fit to fly?

People with a serious medical condition or those who have undergone surgery recently should not fly, unless your GP is able to produce a certificate of health declaring you are fit enough to undertake a balloon flight. Our Pilots are not qualified to assess your medical fitness. You should be able to get in and out of the basket unaided and be able to stand  for the duration of the flight unless booking a wheelchair flight.

If you have concerns about your fitness for a flight, we would always recommend that you consult your GP.

What do I wear to go ballooning?

You should simply wear the same clothes as if you were going for a walk in the countryside at that time of year. High heels and flip flops are not permitted, shoes or boots are recommended. If you are tall or balding, a cap is a good idea.

Can I take my camera?

Of course. Ballooning is the perfect platform for video and photographs but please note personal effects are carried at your own risk. All phones must be switched to flight-safe mode throughout the flight.

How many people will be on the flight with us?

As we only offer private charter flights, you will be in the balloon alone with the pilot for the ultimate private experience.

I’m pregnant, can I still fly?

We are not permitted to fly passengers who are, or think they may be, pregnant. Please contact the office as soon as possible to discuss alternative arrangements.

Can my friends and family watch the launch of the balloon?

Yes, of course, they will be made welcome by the pilot and crew.  If your friends and family wish to follow the balloon after launch, please let the pilot know as they can be briefed on how best to do this. Once the balloon has landed, they must remain with their vehicle and not enter the landowner’s field as once the balloon has landed we will be on someone else’s property. We have to seek permission for the retrieve vehicle to enter their land in order to recover the balloon via an agreed route.

How long does the flight last?

Flights generally last around one to two hours with the entire experience lasting approximately four hours which includes your return to the nearest train or tube station.

Am I insured?

Yes you are fully insured with our comprehensive passenger liability and third party insurance. Please note that your personal effects which include cameras, mobile phones, binoculars etc are carried at your own risk – we cannot accept responsibility for any damages or losses incurred during a flight.

How do I get back to the launch site after the flight?

Your flight crew will follow the balloon during flight after the launch of the balloon. They will help recover and pack the balloon away after the flight. They will then return you to the nearest train or tube station.

For wheelchair passenger flights, we request that your friends or family follow our flight crew in your vehicle for the purposes of following and recovering the balloon. You will then be able to head straight home following landing while our pilot and crew pack the balloon away after the flight. Please note that our vehicles are not adapted for the purposes of carrying wheelchairs.

What happens if the weather is bad or the flight is postponed?

The office will contact you 24 hours before your flight with regards to the weather forecast and if the flight can proceed or needs to be postponed. If the flight is postponed we will rebook the flight on a mutually convenient date. If the flight is confirmed, please make your way to the launch field as instructed.

Please be aware we only proceed with flights if we believe there is a good probability of us safely undertaking the flight; however, sometimes the conditions can differ to those forecast and we may occasionally cancel on the field. In this event, we will rebook the flight for a a future date and cannot be held responsible for any inconvenience or out of pocket expenses.

London balloon flights require a very specific set of criteria involving wind directions as the airspace is very congested. Therefore, it may be necessary to postpone flights if wind direction does not permit us safe flight within our special flight airspace.

How long is my flight voucher valid for?

All flight vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Please note all flight vouchers are non-refundable. Only in exceptional circumstances and where the passenger has shown clear and a reasonable number of attempts to take their flight within the 12 month validity period will a refund be considered.

Can I fly in the wheelchair basket with an electric wheelchair?

Due to size and weight restrictions, the wheelchair accessible basket can only accommodate a manual wheelchair.

How big is the basket?

A standard basket is around 1.2m x 1.4m designed for pilot plus four passengers. The accessible basket is 102cm wide by 100cm long, and the basket’s door is 79cm wide and 93cm tall.