When…?
When is the best time of year to fly?
Any time when weather permits. Each season rolls out its own rewards to the hot air balloonist; the lush, greenery of a renewed spring landscape; the stillness of a warm balmy summer evening or a crisp, misty autumn morning - all are equally spectacular. Our main flying season is from April to the end of October simply because the weather is more likely to be clement and the ground largely dry.
When is best… morning or evening?
It may just depend on whether you're an early bird… or whether your preference is to round off your flight with a sturdy breakfast or a top it off with a pie and a pint. It's a matter of choosing between a fresh, dewy sunrise or a leisurely sunset. We think they're both equally spectacular.
When do we meet?
Balloons fly soon after dawn and approximately two hours before sunset to take advantage of the stable air and light winds found at these times of the day. Exact meeting times for your particular take off will be given to you when you call our flight information line in advance of your booked flight.
How long is the flight?
Every flight is different. We plan for the balloon to be in the air for approximately one hour, but the pilot has the ultimate responsibility for deciding the duration and conduct of any flight and the appropriate time and place of landing.
Once I buy a voucher, when should I book my flight?
As a general rule we suggest two to three weeks in advance of your required date, although flights can sometimes be booked with less notice.
Who…?
Is there any age limit?
With Bristol Balloons anyone from the age of 9 to 90 can fly, but children below the age of 16 must be accompanied in the basket by a responsible adult. Elderly guests need only be adventurous by nature and fit enough to stand in a wicker basket for the hour long flight.
Are there any medical restrictions?
You must be physically fit enough to fly. You certainly must not fly if you are suffering from any serious medical conditions We cannot fly you if you are pregnant. (Please read our Terms and Conditions)
Can I fly with a disability?
We have flown many disabled people but, as you will appreciate, there are many different levels of disability. A good test is whether you are able to climb into the balloon basket unaided and stand unsupported for one hour. Please do advise us in advance if a passenger is planning to fly with a disability.
Is there a height or weight limit?
We operate a minimum height restriction of 4ft 6" or 137 cm.
How many of us can fly?
You can book for a person or a party. Please contact our office if you would like to discuss group bookings.
Where
Where do we fly?
We can offer you an extensive choice from our specially selected flight areas, which between them, offer a unique mix of city and country flying and some of the most spectacular scenery and landmarks in the Bristol, Bath, Wiltshire, Somerset, Gloucestershire and South Wales, (see Venues).
Where do we meet?
Where we meet and where we fly from will be chosen according to the wind direction. We do not always fly from the meeting place and it may be necessary for us to meet you and take you by road to the launch site. Because the weather can be changeable, we can't always determine which launch site we will use in advance of the meeting time.
Can I fly over my house or village?
Ballooning is like serendipity, which is the art of making happy and unexpected discoveries by chance. Where the balloon goes is entirely dependent on the wind speed and direction. No two flights are ever the same and we rarely, if ever, land in the same place twice.
Where will I land?
How far we fly is determined by the wind speed, which varies both in strength and direction at different heights. As a general rule of thumb the average distance covered in an hour flight is around 10 miles.
How high will we fly?
Depending on the weather, normally between 500 and 3000 feet… but sometimes higher.
What…?
What should I wear?
For your safety and comfort we suggest you wear outdoor clothing suitable for the time of year. Stout footwear, long trousers and long sleeves are recommended for all flights. High heels and open toed sandals must not be worn. Ground conditions vary. You may encounter wet grass, mud and the odd cowpat, so do not wear an expensive outfit. We advise against wearing valuable, loose or delicate jewellery. Bring a hat if you are thin on top or very tall, as this will protect you from the warmth of the burner. On cold days or if you are of advanced years and have delicate skin, we recommend gloves. We do not accept responsibility for damage to clothing. The Civil Aviation Authority require us to advise you that you should wear clothing of natural fibres.
What should I bring?
Your camera, with twice as much film or digital memory as you think you need and a spare battery. You are responsible for the safety of your own possessions.
What do I do if I can't make the flight on the day I've arranged.
You can change your booking at any time providing you give us 4 complete working days notice, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. See also "How do I book my flight?"
How…?
How can I buy a voucher?
You can buy online or telephone our office and we will send your voucher by first class post.
How much does it cost?
Our prices vary depending on when you choose to fly and we sometimes have special offers. Check on our current deals.
Can you gift-wrap the voucher?
We can organise for your voucher to be delivered attached to a celebratory helium balloon and packaged safely in a box.
How do I book my flight?
We will send you a full information pack with your voucher. When you are ready to book a flight please give us a call quoting your voucher number. To avoid disappointment we suggest you book your flight 2-3 weeks prior to the date you want to fly. We also recommend you contact us within five months of purchasing your voucher and book a flight for a date at least seven months before the voucher expiry date.
Safety
When you arrive at the meeting place, please introduce yourself to your pilot. Before the balloon is inflated, he will give you a safety briefing. You MUST attend this safety briefing. Friends and family must stay well clear of: the balloon, balloon basket, balloon retrieve vehicles and trailers during inflation and take off.
Smoking is not allowed at any time, including during the balloon inflation, in flight, in farmers’ fields or landing sites.
Never let your feet leave the ground unless you are safely in the basket.
Once the balloon inflation has started do not cross any ropes or wires or stand between the balloon basket and the retrieve vehicle.
There is little delay between inflating the balloon and take off, so please be ready to enter the basket when instructed to do so by the pilot. If you have wandered off you will be left behind!
Ballooning and landing are safe provided you follow the pilot’s instructions. Please give the pilot your full attention during your safety briefing. When landing it is not unusual for there to be a bump or two, the basket to drag along the ground or tip on its side. You must stay in the basket untill the pilot tells you to disembark.