Wizard Balloons
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Frequently Asked Questions

How long will my hot air balloon flight last?

A hot air balloon flight with Wizard Balloons will last for approximately one hour. However, the whole ballooning experience will last around three hours.

Which direction will the balloon travel?

Hot air balloons travel on the wind, therefore, we cannot choose the direction we fly. The direction the balloon travels is dependent on the wind direction on that particular day.

How far will we go?

The distance covered depends on wind speed but is generally between 5 and 15 miles.

How high does the balloon go?

We generally fly between 500 and 3000 feet.

When do you fly and what time?

Our main flying season is from March to October. During this period we schedule flights seven days a week. Hot air balloon rides take place either early in the morning or in the evening when weather conditions are at their calmest. Conditions needed for balloon rides are light winds, good visibility and no rain. We do not fly if the forecast does not indicate these conditions or if the forecast suggests conditions will deteriorate. A morning flight is approximately one hour after sunrise and an evening flight is around two hours before sunset. The precise time will vary through the year according to daylight hours.

What should I wear?

As hot air ballooning is an outdoor activity we would suggest you wear suitable outdoor clothing, as if you were going for a walk in the countryside. Flat sensible shoes are recommended (no high heels or open shoes please) as are long trousers and sleeves. The temperature inside the basket during the flight is just as warm as it is on the ground. You may wish to bring a hat to protect your head from the warmth of the burners and a light jumper to keep you warm after landing.

Can a balloon flight be bought as a gift?

Our balloon ride vouchers make a wonderful gift for a range of special occasions including Birthdays, Anniversaries, Christmas, Retirement or simply to fulfil a dream. You do not need to specify a particular flight date or location, the voucher can be left blank and the lucky recipient can choose a flight that suits them.

To make your gift extra special a voucher can also be presented within a Balloon in a Box presentation pack. This is a decorated box with a helium balloon inside bearing the appropriate message for the occasion. When the box is opened the balloon floats out with the recipients flight voucher attached.

Can family and friends come to watch?

Any spectators are welcome to come and watch the balloon take off. They are also welcome to follow the retrieval crew during the flight, which can be great fun in itself. However, we do ask that any friends or family wishing to follow be present at the safety briefings. You will be advised what time the briefing will be held when you book into a flight.

How safe is hot air ballooning?

Ballooning is a very safe activity with an excellent record. Safety is always our main priority and we will only fly when we consider it safe to do so. We hold an Air Operators Certificate (No206) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our pilots have many years experience and hold full commercial pilots licenses.

Where can we fly from? 

Full launch site information including maps is available on our locations page. Full details are also sent with all flight vouchers. Passengers are required to transport themselves to the launch site. If a flight has to be moved from the original launch site to the nearest alternative if forecast conditions suggest it would not be suitable (e.g forecast direction out to sea) then this will be confirmed when you phone in for flight confirmation at the specified time.

Can anybody fly?

Ballooning is suitable for people of all ages. The minimum age is 8 years old and they must be at least 4’ 6” in height to be able to see over the side of the basket. An adult must accompany all children under the age of 16. There is no upper age limit (our eldest passenger was 93) but a degree of agility is required. Passengers must be able to stand for an hour and be able to climb into the basket.  Passengers that have a disability or health issues should contact their GP and our office prior to booking a flight to discuss the likelihood of being able to fly.

Passengers that are pregnant should not fly at any stage of their pregnancy, if you find out you are pregnant during the validity of your voucher please contact our office to discuss an extension.

Can I bring a camera?

The stable nature of a hot air balloon flight makes an ideal platform for some stunning photography to capture your ballooning experience. Passengers are welcome to bring their own camera but they are always the passenger’s responsibility. We will not accept any liability for loss or damage to photographic or video equipment.

What happens if the weather is poor on the day of my flight?

Ballooning by its nature is weather dependent. We will only fly you if we consider it safe and enjoyable for our passengers. You will be given notice of the status of your flight when you phone in for your flight confirmation. The time to call will be given when you book your flight date. For an evening flight, this will be in the afternoon. For a morning flight this will be the evening before your flight. If we do cancel the flight due to unsuitable conditions you will need to rebook for another date via the website, email or by calling the office.

If you have any questions that have not been answered in our FAQ’s
then do not hesitate to contact us and we will be delighted to hear from you. Please call us on 01359 233622 or e-mail us info@wizardballoons.co.uk

 
 
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