Children need to be aged 7 years or older and accompanied by an adult to fly. They will also need to be at least 120cm tall so they can see over the top of the basket. Please also keep in mind that the burner noise can be a bit frightening to young children.

There is no upper age limit - as long as you are reasonably fit and healthy with no significant knee, hip or back problems, no recent surgeries, broken bones or existing conditions that may make a balloon landing uncomfortable for you, and you are not currently pregnant, then you should be fit to fly. You will be required to climb into the balloon basket using the footholds cut into the side of the basket, stand for one hour and, in the instance of a bumpy landing, absorb a small impact which is similar on your joints to that of jumping off a low chair. You will also need to be able to hold on to the safety handles when the balloon is landing.

At the time of booking, whether online or over the phone, you will be asked to confirm that all members of your party are fit & well with:

• No significant knee problems,
• No significant hip problems,
• No significant back or neck problems,
• No recent surgeries or broken bones,
• No other existing conditions that would preclude them from following the pilot's instructions; Assuming the landing positions with knees bent when instructed to do so, Absorbing a small bump when the ballooning is landing or would prevent them from holding on to the safety handles when the balloon is landing.
• Are able to stand for one hour unassisted,
• Do not weigh more than 140kg individually and children do not weigh more than 50kg individually,
• Are not currently pregnant.

The Operator flies single T and double T partition baskets of all different sizes ranging from 2–24 passengers. These basket layouts provide plenty of personal space as they are purpose-designed to accommodate large and small group sizes in perfect comfort, whilst also allowing all passengers to stand against the side of the basket, ensuring everyone gets a great view.

If your balloon flight is cancelled by The Operator due to unsuitable weather conditions then you are welcome to rebook anytime within the 12 months validity period of your voucher. 

The Operator schedules flights all year round from most locations, however, the summer months generally provide the very best weather for ballooning with the majority of the flight proceeding in these months. August and September are traditionally quite windy and the crew will often see a higher proportion of cancellations in these months.

Balloons float with the breeze and will move in the same direction as the airflow. As this airflow usually changes direction with altitude, your pilot can change the height of the balloon in order to steer. Whilst the pilot can make every effort to determine where it will land in advance, it is all dependent on the wind on the morning of the flight.

Clothing suitable for walking or hiking is recommended with enclosed, waterproof shoes. It's also suggested you bring a hat and sunglasses as well as your camera.

The balloon ride itself is usually 50 – 60 minutes in duration. The total time you are with the crew on the morning of your flight is approximately 4 hours. This includes a flight briefing from your pilot, completing some paperwork, travelling to and from the launch and landing sites and the breakfast afterwards.

A weight calculation needs to be performed for your flight as all balloons have a maximum lift capacity. By providing your accurate weight you are ensuring that your balloon is weight loaded correctly.

Balloons are incredibly versatile so on the morning of your flight you might find yourself flying anywhere between treetop height and 2 or 3 thousand feet.

The Operator is not permitted to fly any Passenger who is unable to embark or disembark the balloon basket unassisted. The balloon basket is approximately 1.2 metres high, with two footholds for use when climbing into the basket. Staff will be in attendance to supervise Passengers climbing into the basket but may not assist anyone to enter the basket. 

Passengers should have no significant knee, hip or back problems, no recent surgeries, broken bones or existing conditions that may make a balloon landing uncomfortable.