A Beginner’s Guide to Hot Air Ballooning

There is a sense of wonder when you see a hot air balloon floating in the sky. Whether you live near a place where they often take off from, or if you happen to see one floating across the sky, you can't help but wonder where they are going or what the views are like from up there, with fluffy clouds at the tips of your fingertips.

If you've never been on a hot air balloon ride, consider this your sign to book that bucket list item. If you've already taken the plunge and booked yourself for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, this is the perfect guide for you.

Early Mornings and Evening Departures:

Hot air ballooning is the purest form of flight, a serene experience that requires perfect weather—calm, gentle, and smooth. The clearest, calmest conditions typically occur around sunrise and sunset, painting the sky with a breathtaking palette of colours. This is when the vast majority of balloon rides are scheduled, offering a truly special view of the world from above.

Most hot air balloon flights are scheduled between April and October because of the longer daylight hours. However, some special rides are also possible on rare, calm, crisp, and bright winter days. When booking your hot air balloon experience, you will either have an early start or a late evening flight, but witnessing the sunrise or sunset during your ride makes the early and late flight times worth it.

Booking Your Hot Air Balloon Ride:

Now that you have found your experience voucher, the next step is to book a date and time for your trip with the balloon operator.

The balloon operator will use several launch and landing sites within the area. Depending on weather conditions, the best location will be chosen nearer to the day. You won't know exactly where you will land, but don’t worry; you will be transported back to the starting point!

Since ballooning is so weather-dependent, the date may need to be rescheduled more than once, so patience is key. The day before your flight, you will need to call the operator’s information line to check that they expect the flight to go ahead and to find out what time and where to meet the balloon crew.

Dress In Layers And Comfort:

When embarking on a hot air balloon adventure, we advise you to dress in comfortable layers of clothing akin to what you would wear for a leisurely country walk. Even during the summer, the start or end of the day can bring a chill, so we recommend bringing a cosy jumper, a light jacket, and a hat and gloves to keep warm. Remember that you'll be stepping in and out of the balloon gondola, so wearing clothes that allow for easy movement and comfort is essential.

Rest assured, due to the lack of breeze, the heat from the burners, and the fact that the balloon flies close to the ground, it's rarely cold in the basket at any time of year. This should give you peace of mind and help you prepare for a comfortable and enjoyable ride.

During the flight, you will be standing up to enjoy the amazing views, so sensible shoes are a must! Remember to bring your sunglasses and a camera to capture selfies and the beautiful sunrise or sunset views.

On The Day Of Your Balloon Ride:

Our top tip for the big day is to allow plenty of time for the experience – up to three or four hours to account for set-up, potential moves, landing, and returning to your takeoff site.

Depending on the time of year, a morning flight in summer will require a very early start to arrive at the launch site by 5 am, for example. The early start not only allows for adjustments in wind direction but also offers a breathtaking view of the sunrise, a sight that is truly worth the early wake-up call.

Laying out, setting up, and inflating the balloon all require time. However, this is not just a process but a unique opportunity for you to be part of the experience. Many passengers enjoy watching and even helping with this aspect—just ask the balloon operator if you can lend a hand!

Once the final equipment, weather checks, and air traffic communication are all taken care of, you are ready for takeoff. The burners may be loud, but the ascent is smooth and gentle.

During Your Flight:

During your hot air balloon flight, you will likely want to stand up to see all the sights below. The ride typically lasts around an hour, and baskets carry two to a dozen passengers.

One of the most intriguing aspects of hot air balloon flights is the lack of sensation of movement compared to other aircraft. It's a calm, gentle, and serene experience, making it enjoyable even for those not fond of heights.

After about 45 minutes in the air, the pilot will search for a suitable landing site. Since the pilot can't predict where the air currents will take the balloon, finding a place to land is part of the adventure, adding an element of surprise to your journey!

Now It’s Time To Land:

Everyone wonders what it’s like to land in a hot air balloon. Your pilot will aim to provide a smooth landing. If the wind is perfect, your landing will be soft and gentle.

If the wind gets stronger, there may be some bumping and dragging. Very rarely, the basket can tip over. All three types of landings are normal in the world of hot air ballooning, so make sure to listen to your pilot's instructions to prepare for the safest landing possible.

Ready to elevate your experience to new heights? Browse our range of Hot Air Balloon Experiences across the UK and book now to take your adventure to the next level.