FAQ’s
Our Most Frequently Asked Questions
We get a lot of questions – here are some answers!
FAQ’s
What Is Included?
Our experiences are all-inclusive. No hidden “extra charges or additional fees”…
- Pick up from our meeting point in Cooroy and transfer to launch site
- Flight (approximately 1 hour)
- Pick up from our landing site and transfer back to Cooroy
- Full breakfast and champagne (catering for most dietary requirements) – and the telling of the fascinating history story of how and why ballooning and champagne are linked is a favourite with our passengers!
- Photos and videos
- Other special extras can be arranged for private exclusive couples or group
flights
FAQ’s
The Flight Experience
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What days are flights available?
We fly almost every day, all year round. Bookings can be made as long as there is availability.
How far in advance do you have to book?
We tend to book out in advance, so we suggest you get in as early as you can to secure your booking. Availability-dependent, you can book up to a year in advance, or occasionally you can be lucky and find a spot within 72 hours of the flight.
If you have a specific booking or date requirement, please contact us and we can organise this for you.
Do I have to book a minimum number of people?
No, the minimum booking is for one person (adult).
What should I wear?
Comfortable, layered clothing is best, think hiking!
No high heels – firm enclosed shoes are best (sneakers or boots). Temperatures up in the balloon are similar to ground surface ones.
Is there a passenger weight limit?
There is a weight limit per passenger of 120kg.
All aircraft (including balloons) are subject to weight, balance and lift capacity limitations, so it is very important for you to be accurate with passenger weights when you book.
For safety reasons, every passenger must also be able to get in and out of the basket unaided, and stand for the duration of the flight (there are no seats in the basket).
Can I fly with kids? What age?
Yes, children eight years old and over can come for a flight.
Can I fly if I’m pregnant?
Unfortunately, you are unable to fly if you are pregnant. A flight is however a fantastic post-birth celebratory present for new mums!
Can I bring my bags on board?
No, for safety and lift calculation issues, you are not permitted bags on board. If you have a bag with you, this can be placed in the crew vehicle for the duration of the flight.
Cameras and phones are fine to bring on board, as long as they can be secured / stowed away in your clothing for landing.
Can my non-flying friends come too?
Yes, we can include your non-flying participants – they can travel with our friendly ground crew so they can be part of the action of the launch and landing, and join you for breakfast and champagne after the flight!
Note that this is availability-dependent – please contact us if you would like to know more.
Can I organise a special flight for a group/couple with no-one else on it?
Yes you can – these are our private exclusive flights. Details can be tailored to your specific requirements (romantic proposals, family/friend/corporate groups, even weddings!). Please contact us for more information.
Can I call to discuss specific requirements?
Yes, of course you can contact us! Feel free to phone, text, email or message us.
FAQ’s
About Our Flights
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How long is a flight?
Flights are approximately one hour long (depending on wind speed and direction, and other weather conditions of the day).
We recommend allowing four or five hours for your experience from pick-up time to ensure that you can relax and enjoy.
Where do you launch from?
Every day is different, as flights are wind and weather dependent. We have a network of launch sites all over the Sunshine Coast and Noosa hinterland. Daily macro conditions influence choices, and micro-climate variables for every location are also changeable. Our Chief Pilot makes the launch site decision as part of his pre-flight weather checks the day before the flight (but this choice can change the morning of the flight too!).
What direction does the flight go?
This also depends on wind and weather conditions, and changes every day.
What times are the flights?
All flights are early morning, with exact launch times varying throughout the year with seasonal weather changes (normally between 5am and 6am). Meeting times are confirmed by us the day before the flight.
Are the flights sunrise flights?
Exact launch times are dictated by daily variable wind and weather conditions, so this may mean that the “sunrise” may be in different stages depending on each individual early morning flight. Seasonal time differences will also influence each flight experience.
Do you get to see water/mountain views?
Every flight is different and every flight path is different too, so every day gives us a different view!
During most flights, you get to see both water and mountain views, but no two adventures are exactly the same.
Why do hot air balloons fly so early in the morning?
In order to provide a safe and enjoyable experience, ballooning takes place in stable weather and specific wind conditions. Early morning launches give the best chance of these ideal variables.
How high do you go?
This all depends on the winds and weather conditions of each day, but your pilot can talk you through exactly how high you are on the day.
Does it get colder when you go higher?
Temperatures up in the balloon are actually very similar to the ground surface temperature of the day.
What does a balloon flight feel like?
Ballooning is a very smooth form of flight – you hardly notice going up and down! The balloon travels with the wind and floats calmly, so you only occasionally notice any feeling of breeze from the basket when changing through different wind direction layers. It is an extremely quiet and peaceful feeling.
Do you still fly if it is raining?
This always depends on each particular day, but if it is raining heavily, or the weather conditions are being negatively affected by rain activity, the flight will probably be cancelled and rescheduled. We want to make sure your experience is a good one for you!
FAQ’s
About Our Balloons
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How big are the balloons?
We have multiple balloons in our fleet of varying sizes, that accommodate various passenger numbers. They stand about 50 metres high when inflated! The volume of air that each balloon holds increases with envelope (balloon) size. The balloons can carry more weight in the cooler months (lift capacity increases when temperature differences increase between the inside heated air and the outside air).
How do you steer the balloons?
Altitude changes are used to “steer” the balloon (different heights have different wind speeds and directions). It is like navigating an invisible 3-D maze in the sky! Topography and micro-climate variations are also used to manoeuvre the balloons.
FAQ’s
Cancellations / Changes
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What happens if the flight gets cancelled?
Sometimes, unfavourable wind or weather (or other variables) will mean that a flight has to be cancelled.
If this occurs, you will be able to reschedule your flight, put it on hold, transfer it to another person, or receive a refund if applicable (please see our Terms & Conditions for details).
Can I change my booking, reschedule, or get a refund?
Yes you can change or reschedule, subject to availability and allowable notification timeframes. Refunds may or may not be applicable to your particular booking (please see our Terms & Conditions for details).