Your balloon flight - what to expect
Well… the unexpected.
Before the flight…
At Bristol Balloons we do everything we can to make your hot air balloon flight as perfect as we can, but sometimes even the best laid plans get messed up by the weather. Whether or not we fly depends on the weather and your flight may be deferred. We use advanced meteorological services to track the weather conditions right up to the point of setting off for the launch field. A phone call to our dedicated flight line will advise you of any last minute changes to meeting arrangements or stoppages. We know how disappointing it can be if a flight is deferred, but we're confident that when you do fly with Bristol Balloons you'll have the best balloon flight possible.
What to wear
We suggest you wear outdoor clothing suitable for the time of year - stout, flat footwear in case of muddy landings, trousers for climbing in and out of a basket, long sleeves, a jumper or fleece for warmth. Your balloon will fly at the same speed as the wind, so once we're off the ground you won't feel any wind chill, but it can be cool on an early morning launch field and the temperature can drop quickly once the sun goes down. A hat is handy to shield your head from the warmth of the burners, particularly if you're tall. You may encounter wet grass, mud and the odd cowpat so we advise against wearing anything valuable including loose or delicate jewellery. We do not accept responsibility for damage to clothing. On cold days, or if you have delicate skin, we recommend gloves. We include further guidelines when we send out your voucher.
Friends and family
You are welcome to bring along friends and family to wave you off. However do make sure they have their own transport (if necessary), are independent of you and you are independent of them. Sometimes we need to drive you to an alternative launch site. If your friends and family want to follow and watch, they must have their own transport. Unfortunately we can only carry balloon passengers in our retrieve vehicles.
Arriving at the meeting point
Park your vehicle, lock away valuables and make yourself known to the pilot in accordance with instructions on our pre-flight recorded telephone message. 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 a launch site that best suits the immediate wind conditions.
Inflation
For many passengers and spectators this is one of the most exciting points of the balloon flight. When everyone is gathered, your pilot will give you a full flight and safety briefing before inflating the balloon. Your pilot will show you how you can help with the inflation if you want to, or you can simply enjoy the noise and bustle. When the balloon is fully inflated and upright your pilot will invite passengers onboard and explain the features of the balloon and the procedures for flying and landing.
Yes, you can help
Up, up and away
Many passengers never even feel the balloon take off as, lighter than air, it gently leaves the ground behind. Don't forget to wave to friends and family so they can get a good photo. Then just enjoy… All our pilots are happy to answer any questions you may have about ballooning or the spectacular scenery that surrounds you.
Bristol from our Balloon
Queens Square, Bristol
Landing
Your pilot will remind you of landing procedures before bringing the basket safely back to earth. All our baskets are segmented into small compartments for your comfort and protection should the basket tip on landing.
Allow two to three hours for the whole experience, from gathering at the meeting place to piling into the retrieve vehicle, all packed up after landing. After contacting the land owner, and recovering the balloon, we will return you to the original meeting place, but we recommend you do not organise anything important to follow on from the flight since your return can sometimes be delayed. On summer evening flights you may not get back till after 11pm.
Your transport home
Frequently asked questions