Your questions answered
Hot Air Ballooning is a weather dependent activity so if your balloon flight has to be cancelled by us due to unsuitable weather conditions then you are welcome to rebook anytime within the validity period of your ticket or voucher. Flexi Ticket holders may also request a refund for a valid ticket (an administration fee may apply). Gift Voucher and Flight Ticket holders will be able to rebook only. Please see the terms and conditions for details.
Balloons and their baskets actually come in all different sizes and our fleet of balloons range in carrying capacity from 2 passengers up to 24 passengers. Aboard our shared flights there is generally 6 – 24 passengers aboard. The exact number of passengers aboard any given flight is going to be determined by how many people are booked for the day but the important thing to note is that the layout of these baskets ensures that everyone is still able to have a great view. Our baskets are divided into passenger compartments with the smaller balloons having two passenger compartments (which will hold 3-4 passenger each) and 4 passenger compartments the larger balloon with 4 – 6 people in each compartment. The compartments allow for 4, 5 or 6 adults, depending on the basket size, to stand shoulder to shoulder facing outwards, to enjoy the amazing view.
Our flights generally meet 60 – 120 minutes before the time of sunrise on the day. You will be notified of the exact meeting time the evening before your flight. Your meeting time is likely to fall between the following time frames-
January: 3:45am – 5:00am
February: 4:15am – 5:15am
March: 4:45am – 5:45am
April: 5:00am – 6:00 AEDST / 4:00am – 5:00am AEDT
May: 4:30am – 5:45am
June: 4:45am – 6:00am
July: 4:45am- 6:00am
August: 4:15am -5:45am
September: 3:45 am – 4:45am
October: 3:45am – 4:45am AEDT / 4:00 – 5:00 AEDST
November: 3:45am – 5:00am
December: 3:45am – 4:45am
Keep in mind that these timings are a guideline only. On occasion your exact meeting time may fall outside of these times, if deemed necessary by the pilots.
Burketown flights are usually scheduled for the afternoons. Your pilot will be in touch to advise times prior to your flight.
Ballooning is not suitable for children aged under 7 years. Children need to be 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 foot holds cut in to 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 pilots 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.
If you have any concerns about your fitness to fly, please call 02 4990 9242 to discuss before proceeding with a booking.
Unfortunately not. Due to the active nature of balloon landings, ballooning is not suitable for pregnant ladies.
Balloon flights take place at sunrise as this is when the weather conditions are generally at their most stable, with light winds and cool, calm atmospheric conditions. These are the ideal conditions to ensure our flights are conducted in safe and enjoyable weather.
We schedule flights all years round from most locations, however the summer months generally provide the very best weather for ballooning with the majority of our flight proceeding in these months. August and September are traditionally quite windy and we often see a higher proportion of cancellations in these months.
Balloons float with the breeze and will move in the same direction as the air flow. As this airflow usually changes direction with altitude, your pilot can change the height of the balloon in order to steer. Whilst we can make every effort to fly over your house or determine where we 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, water proof shoes. We suggest you also bring a hat and sunglasses as well as your camera.
Yes, the cost of your balloon flight includes insurance and we will not ask you to pay an insurance levy on the day of your flight. We carry up to $9,000,000 of public liability insurance.
Balloon Aloft is Australia’s most experienced hot air balloon company with over 40 years experience. We are proud of an excellent safety record and will not fly if the conditions are not suitable. We are governed by CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) and fly strictly to the guidelines set down by them.
The balloon ride itself is usually 50 – 60 minutes in duration. The total time you are with us on the morning of your flight is approximately 4 hours. This includes a flight briefing from your pilot, completing some paperwork, traveling to and from the launch and landing sites, and the breakfast celebration 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 tree top height and 2 or 3 thousand feet.
Generally it is no colder flying in the balloon than it is on the ground. The small decrease in temperature at the altitudes we fly at are offset by the heat produced by the burners overhead. We recommend that you dress to be comfortable for the early morning ground temperature. Keep in mind that the temperature will increase after sunrise so dressing in layers is recommended.
Hot air ballooning in not suitable for dogs or pets. The sound of the burners can be distressing for animals so best to leave them safely at home.
