Frequently Asked Questions

We operate hot air balloon flights in Devon and Cornwall only and specifically in the areas of East Cornwall, South Devon and Mid & East Devon. We do not recommend booking a balloon flight with us unless the persons intending to fly live in our operational area. If the persons intending to fly do not live in our operational area and the purchaser still wants to purchase our flight tickets we recommend that before doing so they contact our office via email (info@airtopia.co.uk) or by phone (01364 73969).

Our Flight Tickets are valid for 12 months, open dated and extendable (please see our Terms & Conditions for further information).

There is no upper age limit on flying but passengers need to be agile enough to climb in and out of the basket and tall enough (1.3m, 4'6'') to see over the rim. Passenger's aged 7 - 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
 

We are unable to fly children who are under 7 years old. Please note: For some 7 year olds the noise of the burner can be frightening and the child’s behaviour may be to immature to take part in a balloon flight experience. Only the parents of the child or someone who is responsible for the child will know whether the child would be able to cope with an experience that most adults find challenging.

Airtopia Ballooning carries insurance cover against the risk of injury or damage to passengers and their belongings during the course of our flights as laid down by European Air Transport Regulations to a maximum combined single limit of £6 million for any one accident.

All our passengers are served a glass of champagne or orange juice after the flight and are able to download an in-flight photograph of themselves and their fellow passengers free from our website. They can also order a personalised flight certificate, incorporating an in-flight photograph for an additional charge.

It depends on the time of year that you want to fly. August and September are our busiest months and we recommend a months notice. During the rest of the year a fortnight's notice is usually sufficient.

Because hot air ballooning depends on good weather conditions passengers will be required to make a reasonable number of attempts to book and take their flight. We regard 9 attempts during the validity of a flight ticket as reasonable however in most cases it will not take this number of attempts before a flight is taken.

The main flying season is between 15th March to 15th October and most of our flights are made during the Summer months. During the Winter 15th October to 15th March we operate a limited number of flights if the weather is suitable.

During the flying season (15th March to 15th October) we arrange flights everyday of the week including weekends. To book a date for a flight just call our office on 0845 2262717

Flight bookings are managed during the Winter (15th October to 15th March) by way of a passenger stand-by lists. Passengers who opt to be included on the Winter stand-by list will be contacted if the weather forecast suggests that the weather will be suitable for ballooning and offered the opportunity to fly. As the weather is very changeable during the Winter only 1 to 2 days notice will be given of an offer to fly.

For morning flights we meet just after sunrise and for late afternoon/early evening flights we meet 2 and 1/2 hours before sunset.

It is intended that the balloon flight will last for approximately 1 hour but the pilot has ultimate responsibility for deciding the duration and conduct of any flight. The pilot is responsible for deciding the appropriate time and place of any landing. We cannot guarantee that the flight will follow any particular direction or land at a specific location or last for a specific length of time.

We believe that size matters. Therefore, unlike most other companies who fly very large balloons with between ten and twenty passengers, we prefer to fly balloons with no more than eight passengers on board.

Passwengers should wear long trousers and tops with long sleeves, preferably made from natural fibres and suitable footwear for an outdoor pursuit.

Your balloon flight is a great photographic opportunity. So, bring your camera or video camera along. We do however accept no responsibility for any loss or damage to personal items howsoever caused.

Family and friends are welcome to watch the balloon being prepared for flight and the take-off.

The distance we travel can be between 4 and 20 miles depending on the speed of the wind on the day of the flight.

Flights generally take place up to approximately 3,000 feet above the ground. However when the conditions are suitable we can climb up to approximately 6,000 feet to enjoy exceptional panoramic views of the area.

Yes there will be a bump upon landing and depending on the wind speed the balloon may drag across the landing field until it comes to a halt.

After the flight you will be returned to the meeting point in one of our companies vehicles.

To rearrange your flight if it has had to be cancelled simply call our office on 08452262717.

Yes under certain circumstances flight tickets can be extended, Please see our Terms & Conditions for further information.

Yes under certain circumstances refunds can be made. Please see out Terms & Conditions for more information.