Information
FAQ
Some frequently asked questions about the balloon flight process
If you cannot find the information you are looking for below then please send us an email or ring our office and one of our team will be glad to help.
Where will we land?
Hot air balloons fly with the wind, so we only know the approximate
direction, not the exact landing point. The pilot is in control at all
times and has a certain degree of steerage by using the winds to land
in a suitable field or perhaps a school football pitch, passengers will
be informed of his/her landing intentions 5-10 minutes prior to
landing.
When is the best time to fly?
We operate our season between April and October. Weekend summer
evenings are the most popular, but spring and autumn can produce some
of the best flying conditions, with changing colours, and flights of
greater distances.
What time of day do we fly?
Balloon flights are made either early morning or evening when the winds
are at their calmest. The time varies throughout the season as with the
daylight hours. Typically from May - August we start at 6:30 in the
morning and 6 in the evening. During the winter we can usually fly any
time of the day. Please do not wear valuable clothing as sometimes
droplets of moisture fall from the burner which may leave a stain.
What should I wear?
Ladies, please do not wear high heels. Stout waterproof shoes or
Wellington boots are recommended as the field can often be very damp
early morning and evening. A hat for those who may be 'thin on top' or
tall, as the burner creates a fair amount of radiant heat. It is just
as warm in the sky as on the ground - the same clothes as one would
wear to go out on the day for a walk, will be quite adequate.
What will happen to your friends who want to watch the launch?
They are most welcome to watch the inflation and then follow the Land
rover and trailer to the point of landing. If you have many friends, we
would suggest they stay behind for a picnic or visit the nearest pub!
as congestion is easily caused on the road with a long queue of
vehicles following the balloon. Please note, we do not have space for
friends in the retrieve vehicles and champagne is only provided for the
passengers. However if you do chose to follow, after the landing and
the balloon is packed away you will be rejoined with your friends or
family for the champagne celebration altogether.
Am I insured?
The balloon and passengers are insured to the maximum of six million pounds for any one claim.
Can I give a voucher as a gift?
Our vouchers are valid for one year, and everyone is issued with a
voucher, even for a surprise flight on a special date incase for
weather reasons the flight does not go ahead. Vouchers can also be
presented in an 18" square candy striped box with a helium balloon
which floats out depicting birthdays, anniversaries, valentines,
retirement and of course Christmas greeting.
How do I book?
Simply book over the telephone with a credit or debit card on 01825766650 or Book Online
The voucher will be sent to you by return of post, unless you have
ordered the "balloon in a box", this is sent out five days prior to the
celebration so as the helium does not go down in the balloon. Please do
not forget to state the actual date of the celebration on the booking
form.
Do you offer VIP flights?
We do operate small two person and six passenger balloons, plus pilot
for that very special occasion such as a proposal, wedding flyouts with
Bride and Groom or for a private corporate flight. Champagne, a light
snack and free gifts are included. Prices may vary according to your
location.
Click here for more on VIP flights
Where can we fly from?
Global Ballooning has many launch sites located throughout Sussex, Surrey & Kent. Please visit our Where We Fly page for more information.
How safe is Ballooning?
The answer is very safe. Hot air Ballooning has the best safety record
of any form of flying. We only fly when conditions are safe, our pilots
are highly qualified and all are commercially licensed by the Civil
Aviation Authority.
How long does it take?
The balloon flight lasts for approximately an hour or so, but please
allow three to four hours in total. Ballooning takes place in light
wind conditions and good visibility with no rain, overcast conditions
are perfectly acceptable and often ideal for flying. Flights take place
early in the morning (06:00 hrs) and early evening (18:00 hrs) when
winds are lights and the weather stable. Launch times vary with the
time of sunset and sunrise.
Does my weight matter?
All balloons are weight loaded and it is very important for accurate
weights, especially in the summer months when the temperature is in
excess of 20 degrees. If you are 17 stone or over you must take your
champagne balloon flight in the morning when it's cooler, or pay 50%
surcharge. Please note the following: Passengers cancelling at
the last minute can jeopardise the whole flight by making the
loading too light for the balloon to fly within it’s safety margins.
Failure to turn up for your flight when confirmed has the potential to
cause immense disappointment to others and you would loose your voucher.
We do need 48 hrs cancellation notice.
How high do we fly?
Mostly not above 2500ft, normally our cruising height is around
1000ft. The temperature in the balloon is very similar as on the
ground, there is no wind chill factor.
How many people go in the basket?
We operate balloons which hold 8, 10, 12 and 16 passengers. We also
operate VIP flights which entitles you to a private balloon for either
2 or 6 passengers at a premium rate.
Can I bring a camera?
The answer is yes but we can not be held responsible for any loss or
damage. During the balloon flight you will have many opportunities to
take photographs.
Can anybody fly in a balloon?
Generally the minimum age to be able to take a balloon ride is 7 years
old. It is on the conditions that one is fit and well, tall enough to
see over the edge of the basket, be able to stand for one hour, jump
off a kitchen chair and should be able to bend their knees a little. We
do not have an age limit as long as these criteria’s can be met.
Overseas Visitors or short stay friends
In these cases we accept bookings with a credit card confirmation only.
No voucher will be sent out. If on the chosen day the weather is
against us, we would refund your card in full. If you fail to turn up
after booking the flight and the flight goes ahead you would forfeit
your money.