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  • Frequently Asked Questions

  • “The one who knows all the answers has not been asked all the questions.” – Confucius.

    We have tried to cover most of the questions we have been asked over time and give a decent answer to them, but feel free to surprise us with a new one! 

    • ABOUT THE BALLOON FLIGHT 

    • 1. How long is the hot air balloon flight?

      The hot air balloon flight lasts approximately one hour, depending on weather conditions and the suitability of landing sites, but you should allow at least four hours for the entire experience. This includes the meeting and journey to the take-off site, pilot briefing, balloon preparation for the flight, the flight itself, post-flight ritual with Prosecco, and the return to the original meeting place.

      2. Where do we take off?

      The choice of take-off location depends on:

      - Weather conditions and wind direction

      - Airspace suitability for the planned balloon direction

      - Passenger preferences

      It could be a field or any sufficiently large open space, free of obstacles, with the landowner's permission for balloon take-off.

      3. When do we fly?

      We schedule flights in the morning and evening, seven days a week. Morning flights are planned at sunrise or a few hours after it, and evening flights a few hours before sunset when the winds are calmest. In winter, it's possible to fly all day.

      4. Why can't we fly during the day?

      During the day, the sun heats the ground, creating thermals or rising air columns. These thermals cause updrafts and downdrafts, affecting the pilot's ability to control the balloon safely. Lower temperatures in late autumn or winter make these conditions less common, allowing for day flights.

      5. What time do we meet for the flight?

      Your pilot will confirm the exact meeting time for check-in. Meeting times vary throughout the year, depending on the available daylight hours (as hot air balloons can't fly in the dark).

      For example:

      Morning flight: meeting as early as 4:00 or as late as 8:30, depending on sunrise.

      Evening flight: meeting as early as 16:00 or as late as 20:30, depending on sunset.

      Daytime flight: anytime between 8:00 and 15:00.

      6. How far will we fly?

      Hot air balloons cannot be steered traditionally, flying where the wind takes them. The pilot controls the flight altitude by heating the air inside the balloon. The distance you'll cover depends on wind speed and how long it takes the pilot to find a suitable landing spot. You could fly a relatively short distance or as far as 20-30 km.

      7. Where will we land?

      As hot air balloons can't be steered, you never know exactly where you'll land. After about 45 minutes, the pilot will start looking for a suitable landing spot. The ground crew will track the balloon and aim to arrive shortly after landing, possibly even catching the balloon by hand.

      8. What is landing like?

      Flying in a balloon is a serene experience, but the adventure begins with landing. The basket may tip and drag along the ground before coming to rest. This is a normal landing procedure, and the balloon and basket are designed for comfort and safety during the flight and landing. You'll be in a safe landing position within the basket as instructed by the pilot. Many people find the landing exciting and consider it their favorite part of the flight.

      9. Can the balloon fly over my house?

      We'd love to promise this, but as hot air balloons can't be steered, it's a bit tricky. If you take off from your hometown or county, and the wind is favorable, you might see your house. However, please don't expect it to avoid disappointment.

      10. Can family and friends come to watch?

      Absolutely, we love having spectators join us! However, please be aware that the launch site may lack certain amenities, such as toilets and other facilities. Despite this, we warmly invite everyone to get involved in the preparation process or to follow the balloon's journey from the ground. This way, you'll have the unique opportunity to be the first to welcome back your loved ones and listen to their fresh, sky-high tales. Your presence adds to the excitement and joy of the day!

      11. How should I dress for the flight?

      For a comfortable and enjoyable flight, we suggest dressing as you would for a countryside stroll, tailored to the season and the weather on the day of your flight. Layering up with warm, comfy attire is a smart choice, and don't forget a hat to keep you cozy under the heat of the burners. Given the possibility of landing in damp or muddy fields, sturdy footwear such as boots or sneakers is crucial.

      Participating in the balloon's inflation and deflation is a highlight for many of our guests, though it can be a bit messy. Opt for clothing that you won’t fret about getting a little dirty. Please avoid wearing high-end fashion, flip-flops, or high heels for safety reasons and to prevent damage to your clothes, for which we cannot be held liable.

      12. Are there steps to climb into the balloon basket?

      There are footholes along each end of the balloon basket to assist with climbing in and out. If you anticipate difficulties, inform the ground crew during check-in, and they will assist you.

      13. How can I amend a date I booked?

      If you need to change your flight date and it's more than three working days before your scheduled flight, you can cancel and book another date by calling us. If it's within three working days, cancellations are only possible under extenuating circumstances, such as medical issues.

      14. How do I know if the flight is happening?

      The pilot will contact you the day before for morning flights or during the day for evening flights, confirming the flight, meeting time, and location.

       

    • HOW TO BOOK A FLIGHT 

    • 1. Can you explain the booking process?

      Booking your hot air balloon adventure is like securing a plane ticket, with a few key differences tailored to the unique nature of ballooning:

      Purchase Your Ticket: Upon purchasing your flight ticket, it remains valid for 18 months, within which you'll need to schedule your flight. However, keep in mind that your chosen date may be flexible due to weather conditions, which are crucial for a safe and enjoyable flight experience.

      Check-In for Your Flight: Once you have your ticket, the next step is to check in. This means letting us know by any means that you're ready to embark on your aerial journey. We allocate a 6-month period for you to complete this step, ensuring you have sufficient time to plan for your sky-high adventure.

      This process is designed to accommodate the variable nature of ballooning, prioritizing safety and optimal weather conditions to provide you with an unforgettable experience.

      2. Where can I apply for a flight if I have a gift card?

      Go to the "BOOK THE FLIGHT" section and apply for your flight in the most convenient way for you. Gift card holders need to attach an image of the gift card.

      3. How can I change the reserved date?

      You can certainly do so, as long as you do it in advance, at least three working days before the scheduled flight. You can cancel the existing reservation and book another date. It is best to do this by contacting us by phone or e-mail. If your flight is planned in less than three working days, unfortunately, the reservation cannot be canceled unless there are special circumstances. Contact us as soon as possible to find a solution in such cases.

      4. Where is my flight application confirmation?

      After you have booked the flight, the reservation confirmation will be sent to your email address. Usually, this happens within a few hours of making the reservation, but it may take a bit longer, if we're up in the air. If your reservation confirmation has not arrived within 24hours or so, please check your spam folder, as sometimes they end up there. If it's not in spam, contact us, and we'll send it again."

    • TICKET / GIFT CARD VALIDITY 

    • 1. I would like to extend the validity period – how can I do that?

      Contact us, and for a small additional fee, we will extend the validity period of your ticket or gift card.

      2. My ticket/gift card has expired – what should I do?

      Contact us, and we will definitely find a solution.

      3. My ticket/gift card has expired during the winter when flights are rare – what should I do?

      The validity period on the ticket or gift card is not the deadline by which you had to fly. It is the deadline by which you had to book the flight. The flight date can be after the expiration of the validity period on the ticket or gift card. The key is to book the flight before it expires. If the validity period on the ticket or gift card is in winter, you can certainly book a flight in the next season.

    • CAN I FLY? 

    • 1. Can everyone fly in a hot air balloon?

      To ensure the safety and well-being of all passengers, it is essential that individuals are physically capable of participating in the experience. This includes being able to climb in and out over the sides of the basket (which is approximately 1.1 meters high), stand unassisted for an hour, and bend knees to take the landing position. Passengers must also fully understand and follow all instructions given by the pilot, reacting quickly to them in the unlikely event of an emergency. According to Civil Aviation Law, the balloon pilot holds a duty of care for all passengers, and ultimately, it is the pilot's decision whether someone can safely participate on the day. Please see the sections on age and weight restrictions, medical conditions, pregnancy, and disability below.

      2. Are there age and weight restrictions for the flight?

      Children must be over six years old, and those under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. We understand that our passengers come in various shapes and sizes, but due to the weight and space restrictions of hot air balloons and baskets, anyone weighing 120kg or more will be required to pay a supplement. You can call us at +371 20023884 to discuss this before booking, and we will be happy to explain our policy in more detail.

      3. What if I'm expecting a baby?

      Unfortunately, for safety reasons, we cannot allow you to fly if you are expecting a baby. However, if you have a ticket and become pregnant, we will extend the validity until after you've had the baby. Just contact us and let us know.

      4. What if I have a medical condition?

      All passengers should ensure they do not have any pre-existing medical conditions that could be affected by the ballooning experience or could prevent them from safely participating. If unsure, seek professional medical advice. Do not fly if you have a significant medical condition or have recently undergone major surgery. Inform us of any medical or physical condition that could affect your safety or the safety of others. We may request a certificate of fitness to fly from a doctor or specialist.

      5. Can I fly if I have a disability?

      We make every effort to accommodate people with disabilities wherever it is possible and safe to do so. Please inform us of any disability before purchasing a flight ticket or booking a flight so that we can best advise you and make necessary arrangements to ensure your safety. Unfortunately, for safety reasons, we cannot fly anyone who requires a wheelchair.

      6. Can I fly the hot air balloon?

      No, our pilots are qualified and highly experienced commercial balloon pilots, certified by the Civil Aviation Authority, and we think it's best to leave the actual flying up to them. However, they will be happy to answer questions about how they got into flying balloons and how it all works.

    • WEATHER & CANCELLATIONS 

    • 1. Why can a flight be canceled?

      Weather conditions are our ally, as they shape each flight and make it unique, but unfortunately, we cannot control them, no matter how hard we try. This means that sometimes pilots cancel flights because weather conditions are not safe for flying. All our pilots are highly experienced, and they decide if it is safe to fly. We are not allowed to question the pilot's decision, as it could be seen as pressuring them to fly, jeopardizing safety. Pilots always prioritize your safety. If a flight is canceled, either during the flight or, in rare cases, on the spot, the pilot will usually provide an explanation of why it is happening. Pilots make flight decisions based on the most up-to-date and recent forecast available just before the flight. Sometimes actual conditions may differ from the predicted ones. Forecasters are not always accurate, but pilots can make decisions only based on the information they have at a specific moment.

      2. It's sunny outside, why was the flight canceled?

      At ground level or at the planned flight altitude, the wind speed or gusts might have been too high and exceeded the allowable limits for safe flight. Perhaps rain was forecasted in that area, and we cannot fly in the rain due to poor visibility, making the balloon heavier for flying. Thunderstorms or Cumulonimbus clouds might have been predicted, and flying near them is dangerous. If your flight was in the morning, visibility might have been limited due to fog, even if the rest of the day turned out beautiful and sunny. Maybe there was an unfavorable wind direction that would have taken the balloon to an inappropriate location, such as a large city or restricted airspace. Although we choose the launch site based on the flight direction, being in one of the most forested regions in Europe, surrounded by the sea and bay, sometimes makes certain flights impossible.

      3. I saw another balloon flying, why was my flight canceled?

      The decision of our pilots to fly or not is not influenced by what other balloon pilots decide. Our pilots take into account all weather factors and make their decision, always prioritizing your safety. Another balloon might have found better shelter from the wind in a specific wind direction. It could be a private balloon without passengers, or a smaller balloon that is more dynamic and easier to lift and land.

      4. What happens if my flight is canceled?

      There's no need to worry if your flight is canceled due to weather conditions or related factors; you can simply book another date. If your flight is canceled close to the ticket expiration date, we will extend it free of charge, so you will have at least another six months to rebook and continue doing so until the flight—you just need to ensure that you rebook at least once within each six-month extension period.

       

    • REFUND POLICY 

    • 1. Can I return the purchase and get a refund if I change my mind?

      If you have reconsidered and decided to forgo one of the most exciting adventures in a hot air balloon, you have the option to receive a refund within 14 days of making the purchase, provided you have not already booked the flight. If more than 14 days have passed since you purchased the flight tickets and you have not yet booked the flight, and your ticket is still valid, you can exchange it for any of our gift offers with the same value.

    • SAFETY & INSURANCE 

    • 1. Is a hot air balloon safe?

      Hot air balloon flights are a very safe activity, tightly regulated in Europe with strict safety requirements and regulations. We are a Civil Aviation Authority declared commercial air transport organization, and all our hot air balloon pilots hold a commercial pilot's license. Our aircraft are regularly maintained in accordance with all specified aviation requirements.

      2. What about insurance?

      We provide the same level of insurance coverage for our passengers as a commercial aviation company. All our balloons are insured against passenger and third-party liability in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 785/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council - concerning insurance requirements for air carriers and aircraft operators.

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