British school of Ballooning

Ballons fly with the wind, so we only know the approximate direction,not the exact landing point.

We operate our season between March 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.

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.

Ladies, please do not wear high heels. Stout waterproof shoes or wellingtons are advisable as the field can often be very damp early morning and evening. A hat for those who may be 'thin on top' as the burner creates quite a lot 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.

Friends and family are welcome to come along and watch the balloon take off. They may also follow the balloon with the ground crew and hopefully watch the balloon land.

The balloon and passengers are insured to the maximum of two and a half million pounds for any one claim.

How do I book?

Simply book over the telephone with a credit or debit card on 01428 707307 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 so 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 flyout 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.

Hotairlines combined with the Mother company British School of Ballooning have many launch sites. We have 17 launch sites through out the UK. Visit our 'where we fly' page for more information and interactive maps.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

We operate balloons which hold 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.

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.

Generally the minimum age to be able to take a balloon ride is 8 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.

In these cases we accept bookings with a credit card confirmation only. No voucher will be given 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.

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