- Is hot air ballooning safe?
- Can I get airsick during the flight?
- How does a hot air balloon work?
- Is the balloon landing dangerous?
- What fuel does a balloon use to fly?
- What altitude do balloons reach?
- How far can a balloon travel?
- Why are balloon flights so early?
- Can you fly any day?
- What if the flight is cancelled due to weather?
- Do you get cold during the flight?
- What should I wear?
- How long does a balloon ride last?
- Can you smoke on a balloon?
- Can I bring my pet?
- How much space is in the basket?
- How many people fit in the basket?
- What's the minimum age?
- Can pregnant women fly?
- Can people with disabilities fly?
- Can people with heart conditions fly?
- What was the first balloon flight?
- What parts make up a hot air balloon?
- Do you need a licence to fly?
- How much does a balloon weigh?
- How big is a hot air balloon?
- Can I take photos/videos?
1. Is hot air ballooning safe?
Hot air ballooning is completely safe. The Civil Aviation Authority regulates this activity, and companies perform regular checks to ensure all aircraft components are in perfect condition.
Each passenger also has third-party liability insurance covering the flight.
For extra confidence when booking, see our companies and prices here.
2. Can I get airsick during the flight?
It's very unlikely as there are hardly any sudden movements. Even passengers with vertigo regularly fly without issues.
3. How does a hot air balloon work?
Balloons operate through propane gas expansion inside the envelope. As the heated air is lighter than outside air, this density difference enables flight. Altitude depends on propane quantity.
4. Is the balloon landing dangerous?
Landings aren't dangerous at all. The basket might bump upon touching down or slide longer than expected while stopping, but this is completely normal.
5. What fuel does a balloon use to fly?
Balloon burners use propane gas. In very cold climates, this may be mixed with nitrogen to increase bottle pressure.
6. What altitude do balloons reach?
Each flight reaches different altitudes depending mainly on wind direction. Typically between 300-800 metres.
7. How far can a balloon travel?
Generally 5-15 km. They carry enough fuel for one hour of flight (standard duration) plus approximately one extra hour.
8. Why are balloon flights so early?
Early morning offers cooler, calmer air currents - ideal flying conditions.
9. Can you fly any day?
Flights can't operate in winds exceeding 15 mph (24 km/h).
10. What if the flight is cancelled due to weather?
If cancelled due to unfavourable weather or other circumstances beyond control, the activity will be rescheduled.
11. Do you get cold during the flight?
Dress for the day's ground temperature. The balloon doesn't ascend to altitudes with extreme temperature drops.
12. What should I wear?
Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear (landings are in fields). A hat is recommended as burner heat may affect sensitive skin.
13. How long does a balloon ride last?
Flights typically last 45-60 minutes in optimal weather conditions.
14. Can you smoke on a balloon?
Smoking isn't permitted aboard, primarily to avoid disturbing other passengers.
15. Can I bring my pet?
Pets cannot fly in hot air balloons.
16. How much space is in the basket?
Baskets are regulated to ensure passenger comfort with adequate spacing.
17. How many people fit in the basket?
Capacity depends on balloon size. The largest can carry 16-18 people.
18. What's the minimum age?
No legal minimum age, though operators typically require children to be at least 6 years old.
19. Can pregnant women fly?
Pregnant women are advised not to fly for safety reasons.
20. Can people with disabilities fly?
Those with disabilities should inform the operator beforehand. Wheelchair users can be accommodated with special seating (wheelchairs remain on the ground).
21. Can people with heart conditions fly?
Not recommended for those with cardiovascular issues or recent surgeries.
22. What was the first balloon flight?
The Montgolfier brothers conducted experiments in 1783, but manned flight wasn't achieved until 1960.
23. What parts make up a hot air balloon?
The most visible part is the envelope. Below hangs the wicker basket (typically partitioned), with the pilot's area containing propane cylinders. Steel cables connect the basket to the burner system.
24. Do you need a licence to fly?
Passengers don't need licences, but pilots require certification depending on flight type.
25. How much does a balloon weigh?
With 8 passengers, total weight is about 600 kg. The envelope weighs approximately 185 kg and the basket 35 kg.
26. How big is a hot air balloon?
A standard recreational balloon measures about 17 metres in diameter and 23 metres from crown to ground (equivalent to a 6-storey building).
27. Can I take photos/videos?
Absolutely! You'll capture spectacular images - some flights even offer professional photography packages.
