The most common questions before your hot air balloon flight near Barcelona, over Catalonia. If anything is still unclear, get in touch and we will help you prepare your experience.
Do you fly over the city of Barcelona?
No. We fly near Barcelona, over open countryside such as Anoia (Igualada), Bages (Manresa), Osona (Vic), La Cerdanya, the Empordà and the Costa Brava, usually 45 to 75 minutes from the city. We do not fly over the built-up centre of Barcelona: the balloon follows the wind over natural landscape, which is where the experience is at its most beautiful and safe.
How long does the experience last?
The flight itself lasts about one hour. The full experience, from meeting and inflating the balloon to landing, recovery and the toast, takes around three hours.
Why do we have to get up so early?
Early in the morning the conditions are ideal: there is less wind, the air is cooler and the atmosphere is stable. In summer we fly at around 7 a.m. and in winter at around 8 a.m. As soon as it starts to warm up the conditions get worse and flying is no longer safe.
Is hot air ballooning safe?
It is a calm activity led by pilots certified under European regulations (EASA) and covered by passenger insurance. Safety always comes first: the pilot is the one who decides whether to fly, based on the weather and the terrain.
Does ballooning make you feel vertigo?
Most people who are afraid of heights do not feel vertigo in a balloon. Unlike a balcony or a ladder, the basket has no nearby visual edge to use as a reference, and the ascent is smooth and gradual. You fly standing up, inside a basket that reaches above waist height.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We watch the weather closely and contact you before the flight to confirm the forecast. If conditions are not suitable, we arrange a new date. If the weather changes suddenly right before take-off, the pilot may postpone the flight; in that case there is no extra cost for passengers.
Who can fly? Can children and older people take part?
People of all ages have flown with us. The only general restriction is that pregnant women cannot fly. For children, older passengers or any health or mobility condition, write to us before booking and we will confirm the conditions for your case.
Is it cold during the flight?
Although you might think otherwise, you do not get colder in a balloon because of the altitude. Just dress comfortably, ideally in sporty clothes as the activity takes place in the countryside, with proper closed shoes and no heels or flip-flops.
How high do you fly and in which direction?
The wind sets the course: the balloon does not travel from one fixed point to another, but the pilot controls the altitude to find the right air current. The height and duration of the flight depend on the wind on the day.
Where does the balloon land?
It is not known in advance, because it depends on the wind. The ground crew follows the balloon throughout the flight and picks you up at the landing spot. The landing can be soft or a little firmer depending on conditions, and the pilot explains the recommended position beforehand.
Is there a pick-up service from the hotel?
We offer pick-up as an optional service in some areas. Tell us where you are staying when you book and we will confirm availability and transport options.
What does the balloon flight include?
It includes the flight, a cava toast on landing, a flight certificate and photographs of the activity. You can see each option —shared, private, gastronomic or gift— on the booking page.
Can I give a balloon flight as a gift?
Yes. You can give a flight as a voucher and the person who receives it then chooses the day and the flying area. You will find all the details on our page about how to give a balloon flight as a gift.
How can I tell whether a balloon operator is trustworthy?
There are four things you can check before booking, whichever company you choose: that the pilots are certified under European (EASA) rules, that there is passenger insurance, that they explain what happens if the flight has to be postponed because of the weather, and that it is clear what the price includes. In our case: pilots certified under EASA rules, passenger insurance, and if the weather forces a postponement it costs the passengers nothing.
What should the price of a balloon flight include?
It is worth comparing what the price covers, because it varies between companies. Our flight includes around an hour in the air, the cava toast on landing, the flight certificate and the photographs of the activity. The whole experience — from the meeting point and the inflation of the balloon through to the landing and the toast — takes about three hours.
What is the difference between a shared and a private flight?
On a shared flight you fly with other passengers in the same basket; on a private one, the balloon is just for your group. You can see every option — shared, private, gastronomic or as a gift — on the booking page.
