If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate a special occasion, surprise a loved one, or simply treat yourself to an adventure of a lifetime, then a hot air balloon ride with Virgin Balloon Flights is the perfect choice. As the UK’s premier passenger flights operator, Virgin Balloon Flights offers you the opportunity to take life higher and see the world from a different perspective. Whether you want to fly over stunning countryside landscapes, historic landmarks, or vibrant cities, you will find a launch site that suits your preferences among the more than 100 locations across the UK. In this article, we will guide you through what to expect from your Virgin Balloon Flights experience, from booking your voucher to landing and celebrating your flight.
Booking Your Voucher
The first step to enjoy a hot air balloon ride with Virgin Balloon Flights is to buy a voucher that suits your budget and availability. You can choose from different types of vouchers, such as weekday morning, weekday anytime, 7 day anytime, or luxury gift packages. You can also choose between a standard flight for up to 16 passengers or an exclusive flight for two. All vouchers are valid for 18 months and can be extended if needed. You can buy your voucher online or by calling.
Booking Your Flight
Once you have your voucher, you can book your flight date and location online or by calling. You can choose from more than 100 launch sites across England, Scotland and Wales, depending on the availability and weather conditions. New flight dates are released for booking in all areas every single week during the flying season, which runs from March to October every year. You can also check the last minute availability page if you are flexible on when you can fly.
Preparing for Your Flight
Before your flight date, you will need to check the weather forecast and confirm your flight status by calling the pilot’s line or visiting the website. You will also need to dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. You should also bring a hat or cap to protect your head from the heat of the burner, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, and a camera to capture the amazing views. You should also read the terms and conditions and sign the declaration of fitness form.
The Day of Your Flight
On the day of your flight, you will need to arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time. You will be greeted by your pilot and crew and registered for your flight. You will then receive a safety briefing by your pilot and an invitation to help inflate and deflate the balloon if you wish. The inflation process takes about 20 minutes and is a fun and exciting part of the experience. Once the balloon is ready, you will climb into the basket and get ready for take-off.
The Flight Experience
The flight experience lasts for about an hour, depending on the wind speed and direction. You will soar up to 5,000 feet above the ground and enjoy breath-taking views of the scenery below. You will also feel a sense of peace and tranquility as you glide through the air with no noise except for the occasional blast of the burner. Your pilot will point out any landmarks or points of interest along the way and answer any questions you may have about ballooning or the area you are flying over. You will also have plenty of opportunities to take photos or videos of your adventure.
