Frequently asked questions - how do I prepare my hot air balloon flight??
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions to prepare your hot air balloon flight
Answers to the most frequent questions to prepare my hot air balloon flight
What times are there to fly in a Hot Air Balloon?
There is only one balloon flight per day, and we will meet at sunrise.
Sunrise is the best time of the day to fly in the balloon. As we have to make the balloon flights before the thermals form. This means that we will meet around 06.30h in June, and around 08:40h in December. And in between we will set the time to meet at dawn each day.
It is well worth the small effort of getting up early, watching the sunrise from a balloon flying hundreds of metres up in the air is one of the greatest experiences you can have.
How long is the balloon flight?
Ballooning is a complete activity. In total, the duration of the whole activity, from the time we are at the launch field until we return to the same point, is about 2.5 - 3 hours.
We will be in the air for an hour, from the moment we take off until we land back on the ground. We also tell you in a short story why there is a tradition that every time you fly in a balloon you drink a toast with cava. This gives us the opportunity to make the traditional toast, which we will enjoy together with lunch.
We will also give you a diploma as a certificate of your balloon flight.
How do we get into the balloon basket, do the balloon baskets have a door?
There are two steps on the sides of the baskets for easy access. The EoloFLY ground crew will help you to get into the basket in a simple and safe way. The baskets are made of wicker, they are light and very robust. If necessary, we carry a small ladder that facilitates access to the basket, making boarding and disembarking passengers child's play. The edges, sides and floor inside the basket are padded, so the feeling on board is very comfortable. During the hour flight, we will stand and enjoy the views that each flight offers. Young children must be accompanied at all times. The children, like the other passengers, stand in the basket in their space. We do not have accessible baskets authorised for wheelchairs.
What happens if it rains on the reserved date or the weather forecasts are not good?
If the weather forecasts are not good or it rains, we will notify you of the circumstances. The confirmation or cancellation of the flights is made the day before the flight in order to have the most up-to-date weather forecasts. In case of cancellation of the reservation due to adverse weather conditions, you only have to indicate a new reservation date, and we will send you all the details of the new reservation again. Of course, there are no extra costs or expenses.
What clothes are the most suitable for the balloon flight??
To enjoy a hot air balloon flight we recommend you wear comfortable clothes and footwear.
During flight the temperature is practically the same as on the ground. Since there is only a significant temperature difference at high altitudes. But you can feel the heat from the burner on your head. So on cold days, the warmth it gives off is very noticeable and appreciated.
So the best advice we can give you is that to come and enjoy the balloon flights, you should wear the same clothes you need for a walk in the countryside early in the morning. No more, no less
It is important to pay attention to footwear. Heels and sandals are not allowed. We advise you to wear closed shoes, as both take-off and landing take place on the field.
What is the take-off area? And how do I get back to pick up my car?
In our flying areas we have a number of take-offs around the city. The reason why we use different take-offs is to be able to fly over the cities on all our flights so that you can always enjoy the best views.
On the day of your flight the pilot makes a series of wind observations and decides on a flight plan that allows for the best possible flight.
When you purchase your Flight Ticket you receive all the information you need to prepare your experience. Including a link to Google Maps where you can get there with your car. Our ground team will be waiting for you there to show you how to upload to the basket.
Once the activity is over, our ground crew takes all passengers back to the same point where we started the adventure, which is where you left your car.
During the activity, is there access to bathrooms?
All the activity takes place in the open air. So there is no access to toilets. The balloon flight activity lasts about 3 hours. During this time there is no access to toilets. Our recommendation is that you use the services before starting the activity.
For those passengers with pick-up included, a 5-minute technical stop is scheduled during the transfer where public services are available.
How are the sensations in flight? I have dizziness!
The feeling in flight is very calm and relaxed, and this is one of the things that our passengers remark the most.
During the balloon flight, the only force acting on our body is gravity. There are no other extra forces as there are when travelling in a car or on a motorbike. So, even if it is the first time we fly in a balloon, the sensation is very calm and gentle, as the only force that affects our body is gravity, the same as when we are sitting on the sofa at home. And this means that no dizziness or fear develops.
We don't fly as high as planes where the pressure difference can cause discomfort to the ears.
Moreover, thanks to the burners, the temperature inside the basket will be a few degrees higher than the ambient temperature.
There is no sensation of movement or speed, it is like looking out onto a balcony in the sky. The silence is absolute except when the pilot activates one of the burners to regulate the temperature of the balloon.
Many passengers remark how pleasant and enjoyable the balloon flights are.
There are many reviews from passengers who have already flown and highlight that you don't develop vertigo on a balloon flight. You can read one of them here
Is it colder during the flight?
Contrary to what we may at first believe, the temperature during the flight will be a few degrees higher than the ambient temperature. On top of that we have the burners that heat the air in the balloon and that makes the temperature in the basket more pleasant than on the ground.
Remember that balloon flights take place at dawn, so you should wear the appropriate clothing for the temperature at that time of day.
The weather during the flight, surely the hottest moment of your entire adventure.
What is the season to do balloon Hot Air Balloon flights?
Ballooning is available all year round. Each era has its own characteristics that make it unique and indescribable.
We like winter very much, it is a time with a very 'blue' light that allows us to see very far, and flying close to the snow-capped sierras is the perfect background.
There are days when, due to weather conditions, it is not possible to make a balloon flight, and this can happen in summer or winter. Each period has its own characteristics and each day is unique and unrepeatable, like balloon flights, each day is unique and unrepeatable. The best advice is to book at the time that suits you best, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the balloon flights.
We have scheduled englobo flights every day, all year round!
How many passengers fly in a Hot Air Balloon?
We use different sizes of balloons depending on the number of bookings for that day. The baskets of our balloons are divided into compartments, so that each passenger has a reserved place. For example in a bus, you have your place in your seat, whether the bus has 12, 40 or 60 seats. It is the same in our baskets, where each passenger has an assigned places. All seats are front row, with 360º views all around. In our baskets every passenger can enjoy a view without being disturbed in front of him. If the flight option chosen is a private flight, the basket will not be shared with other passengers.
Is there a minimum age to fly in a Hot Air Balloon?
There is no regulation in this point. We recommend that children should be at least 4 years old and over 1 meter tall. In addition, the noise made by the burner is very annoying for younger babies and can be harmful to them.
Each passenger, including children, must be autonomous and understand the pilot's instructions. Children shorter than one meter will find it very difficult to look over the basket.
There is no maximum age to enjoy balloon flights. Anyone with a normal state of health can come and enjoy hot air ballooning. Children as young as 4 years old and 94 years old have come to fly with us!
My parents are over 65 years old, is Ballooning a safe activity for them?
Absolutely YES. EoloFLY pilots have thousands of hours of flight experience and carry out very extensive periodic training in order to guarantee the safety of your loved ones. All the procedures of our company are planned and executed with the same goal. That each of the passengers enjoy an unforgettable experience. The only requirement for our passengers is that they be able to stand in the basket during the flight time. Our record is a 92-year-old passenger.
I want to have a special celebration on the day of my balloon ride, how can I do it?
A balloon flight with EoloFLY is an excellent way to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, etc. All our team wants this to be a very special moment for you. If you are looking for a balloon flight just for the two of you, we offer you the best service with the Exclusive Balloon Flight. A Balloon just for the two of you. At the landing a table and chairs will be set up for you to enjoy a bottle of French champagne along with a luxury aperitif. On this link you can find all the information about the Exclusive Balloon Flights.
Can I help to pack up the balloon?
Assisting in the deflation and pack up process of the balloon envelope is entirely optional. From EoloFLY we encourage you to do it, since it is a unique opportunity to be part of this great adventure, and it is a very fun moment of the experience.
What are the limitations of ballooning?
Anyone in normal physical condition can fly in a balloon, although it is not permitted for women in a normal state or for people with serious bone disease. In such cases, we strongly recommend that you talk to your doctor.
