Activities on Flying days are all slightly different according to the voucher type and the suppliers. For more details check suppliers product descriptions when choosing your flight voucher.

WHAT HAPPENS IN AN HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT?
All sorts of things can happen, but first you will be briefed while still on the ground about basic flying techniques, and security. The balloon will then be inflated (sometimes you are invites to help if you wish!) and you and your fellow passengers will climb aboard for an hour's magical flight over the beautiful countryside. After landing everyone will help to pack the balloon away and then you, your pilot and crew will all returned to the launch site. Some vouchers are for groups in big baskets/large balloons, some are for only two and a pilot in a very small basket. Some vouchers also include champagne. The flying will be performed by the pilot.

HOW LONG IS THE ACTIVITY
Flights time vary according to the voucher, but the time advertised is always the "airborne time", that means the time you spend from the moment the balloon takes off to the moment it lands. Crews and Pilots will also give you a briefing beforehand on the ground. Briefs are not included in the airborne time. They come on top of the flying activity (ie: 60mn flight + 60mn brief & inflation on the ground + 60mn packing the balloon = 180mn total experience). Briefs usually last 20 minutes minimum and are the only opportunity you'll have to understand how to control the balloon or behave during the flight.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
(See the terms and contitions of the supplier that you chose to get all the details)
The minimum age is generally 16 years (10-16 year olds must be accompanied by a participating adult).
Minimum height is usually 1.23m (4ft), maximum weight usually 114kg (18 stone). The flight is not suitable for those who are pregnant, suffer from epilepsy, or who have some heart or medical conditions. Reasonable agility is required to get into the basket.
No previous experience or qualifications are required to take part in this activity.

HOW MANY PEOPLE IN THE BALLOON?
It can be just two of you and the pilot, or up to 30 people, all depending on the voucher type.

FAMILLY, FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS?
Relatives are often invited to take pictures next to the plane and film take off and landing.

LOCATIONS?
All over the UK for some flights, only in a specific locations for others, check them out before you pick your flight voucher and save on journey costs and exhaustion.

WHEN CAN YOU FLY?
Hot air balloon flights are available every day of the week. Not all venues offer morning flights, The best weather conditions for flying are usually between April and October Vouchers are most of the time valid for 12 months. You'll have to arrange your flying day with the supplier, they will offer several possibilities.

HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHTS ARE VERY POPULAR AND ARE USUALLY BOOKED BETWEEN 2 AND 12 MONTHS IN ADVANCE, SO DON'T WAIT TOO LONG TO ORGANISE YOUR DAY WITH THE SUPPLIER!

ENGLISH WEATHER?
That's part of the experience in a light aircraft. Aerobatic aircraft are weather dependant and can be cancelled if the conditions are not suitable:
- Strong gusting winds make taking off and landing impossible
- Rain does not make the experience pleasurable
- Bad visibility is dangerous and produces bad pictures

CANCELLATIONS
Flights may be cancelled on the day, you have to be in touch with the suppliers.
It can be mainly due to:
- Bad weather
- Balloon maintenance or technical failure
As long as you are in touch and show up or ring the suppliers in case of a cancellation, they will rebook you and offer possible flying days

LITTLE EXTRAS AND GREAT PLEASURES
There are a lot of different flight vouchers and a lot of different suppliers. Some include champagne, exclusive flights, launches from selected pitoresque sites... Check it out when comparing the flight vouchers.