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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Am I insured?
The balloon and passengers are insured to the maximum of six million pounds for any one claim.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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