HOT AIR BALLOON
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
THE DAY OF YOUR FLIGHT
CAN FRIENDS & FAMILY COME TO WATCH?
Friends and family are very welcome to come and watch your take-off
If they want to wait for your return, our farm shop is open Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 6pm and there are some great footpaths through the farm and beyond
HOW LONG IS THE FLIGHT?
The actual flight is approximately one hour depending on weather conditions and suitable landing sites
HOW LONG IS THE ENTIRE EXPERIENCE?
Please allow up to four hours for the whole experience which includes tea, coffee & pastries on arrival, your pilot’s safety briefing, preparing the balloon (optional participation), the flight, packing away (optional participation), transportation back to The Wild Pig and a glass of celebratory Champagne
WHAT TIMES DO WE FLY?
Sunrise flights take-off approximately one hour after sunrise
Sunset flights take-off approximately three hours before sunset
WHAT TIME DO WE NEED TO ARRIVE?
At least one hour before take-off
The exact time will be advised when you phone to confirm the status of your flight
WHERE WILL WE FLY?
Hot air balloons travel where the wind takes them
Our super-experienced pilot will control the altitude by heating the air inside the balloon, but the balloon cannot be steered in any particular direction. This is the same for distance – it depends on wind speed
WHERE DO WE LAND?
Wherever the wind takes us!
Our pilot will choose a safe landing site about 15 minutes before landing, and our ground crew will arrive shortly after to drive you back to The Wild Pig
WHAT IS THE LANDING LIKE?
It’s exciting!
You will be in the seated landing position within the leather padded basket prior to landing to ensure your safety. We usually feel a moderate impact as the basket lands. Occasionally the basket can tip and slide on the ground before stopping, but don’t worry, this is completely fine and our balloon & basket are designed for your comfort and safety.
WHAT TO WEAR?
Please wear warm, comfortable layers as the temperature can get cool at 2,000 ft
Comfortable flat shoes (no flip flops, open toe sandals or high heels)
And bring a hat or cap to protect your head from the burners
We might need to walk through a muddy field after landing so please dress appropriately
HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE IN THE BALLOON?
We have one of the largest balloons and baskets in the UK that is designed to carry up to 22 people, however, we choose to limit capacity to 10-18 passengers for your enjoyment
EASY ACCESS BASKET
Two of our compartments have doors with just a small step up and down
The other two compartments have foot holes in the basket to help you climb in and out
HOW TO BOOK A FLIGHT
2024 dates will be announced soon! If you would like us to contact you when dates have been announced please email enquiries@thewildpig.com
You can reschedule your flight booking once with minimum seven days notice. Sorry but if you try to reschedule with less than seven days notice your payment and booking will be subject to forfeiture unless there are justificatory pertinent circumstances
Payments for bookings and gift vouchers are non-refundable
It is important to note that hot air ballooning is completely reliant on perfect weather conditions so cancellations due to unsafe flying conditions are not unusual. If we cancel your flight due to safety reasons you can reschedule your flight free of charge
Gift vouchers are valid for two years – you must book your flight by the expiry date
FLIGHT STATUS
Your booking confirmation email will include a flight information telephone number
You need to telephone this number to confirm the status of your flight:
FOR SUNRISE FLIGHTS
You need to phone at 10.30pm the night before your flight
FOR SUNSET FLIGHTS
You need to phone at 1pm on the day of your flight
When you phone please listen to the entire message:
If the weather forecast is suitable and there are no unforeseen circumstances, the message will confirm your flight, arrival time and take off time
If the weather forecast is deemed unsuitable by our pilot or there are unforeseen circumstances that do not allow us to fly, the message will cancel your flight for safety reasons – but don’t worry, if your flight is cancelled you can re-schedule.
If you paid via telephone you will be given a flight credit for two years. If we cancelled your flight within three months of your gift voucher’s expiry date, we will extend your expiry, giving you an additional six months to book
CAN ANYONE FLY?
Everyone’s well-being is crucial, so we need to have some safety restrictions….
Passengers must be able to stand unassisted for at least an hour, be able to bend your knees to take the seated landing position, follow all instructions given by the pilot and react quickly in the unlikely event of an emergency
Minimum age requirement is ten years and children under sixteen must be accompanied by a responsible adult
Minimum height requirement is 4’8″ (146cm)
This experience is not suitable for pregnant women
Passengers must be sure they do not have any pre-existing or current medical conditions which could be affected by a hot air balloon flight including but not exclusively recent major surgery
Nobody under the influence of alcohol is permitted to fly
It is the pilot’s decision on the day to allow or deny any participation in the flight
By purchasing and / or booking a flight you agree to these important safety requirements
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries: