Preparing for a hot-air balloon flight

How to prepare for a hot-air balloon Flight

A hot-air balloon flight is an experience you remember for the rest of your life. The balloon is carried along by the wind, and we choose where to take off, but never exactly where to land. It’s this unpredictability that gives Flight its charm.

The best way to prepare is to arrive with a light mind, accepting that nature will decide the way. If you come with this mindset, you’ll leave dazzled by the beauty of the scenery and the intensity of the moment.

Weather and postponements: why it’s normal

Our business is entirely dependent on the weather. Patience is sometimes required to find the ideal flight slot. Rain, strong winds or poor visibility are not hot-air ballooning’s best allies. Good weather is essential for a safe and enjoyable flight.

If the weather is unfavorable, the flight is postponed. This can be decided the day before or the same day, depending on the latest forecast. This is never bad news! It’s a guarantee that you’ll fly in the best possible conditions. Of course, your reservation and flight ticket remain valid in the event of weather delays.

For more details on postponements, weather conditions and flight confirmations, please visit our practical info page.

What time is a hot-air balloon flight?

The balloon usually takes off at sunrise or about two hours before sunset. These are the times when the air is most stable and the light most beautiful.

At the height of summer, the morning meeting time can be very early, but the reward is just as good. A calm atmosphere, soft light and landscapes waking up before your eyes. Evening flights, on the other hand, offer warmer colors and a different atmosphere.

On average, a flight lasts about an hour, depending on weather conditions. Including reception, balloon preparation, flight, landing and return, you should allow several hours in total. Typical times and meeting points are detailed in our practical information.

How does a hot-air balloon flight work?

Accessible to most people, a Ballons du Léman hot-air balloon Flight generally includes:

• Approx. 1 hour flight, weather permitting.
• A friendly welcome by our team at the meeting point.
• The opportunity to witness the balloon inflation, always an impressive moment.
• A smooth, wind-swept flight, with 360° panoramic views.
• A convivial toast on landing to celebrate the adventure.

Before you climb aboard, a briefing explains the flight and safety instructions in a clear and reassuring manner. During the flight, the pilot comments on the scenery, answers your questions and adapts the altitude to the conditions and atmosphere on board.

What to wear and what to pack

To get the most out of your Flight, it’s important to be comfortable and not cold. We recommend clothing similar to that you would wear for a nature outing or a short hike.

• Footwear: choose comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for all terrains (no heels or open sandals).
• Clothes: choose practical clothes that won’t get wet or slightly dirty during take-off or landing.
• Layers: it can get chilly early in the morning or at altitude. Bring a jacket or sweater that you can remove if necessary.
• Accessories: sunglasses, possibly a head covering, and of course your phone or camera to capture the moment.

For morning flights, a slightly warmer layer is recommended for takeoff time. Once in flight, the temperature is often quite close to that on the ground.

Vertigo, safety and accessibility

The question of vertigo often comes up. The good news is that many people who are afraid of heights on a balcony or ladder feel perfectly at ease in a hot-air balloon. The basket is stable, take-off is gradual and there’s no sensation of falling. You don’t see the void directly beneath your feet, as you would on a catwalk or bridge.

Safety is at the heart of every flight. Our equipment is regularly inspected, and flight decisions are always made in the light of weather conditions and current standards. You don’t have to be a sportsman, but you do have to be able to stand upright for the duration of the flight, climb into the basket and adopt the position indicated on landing.

For people with reduced mobility, we have specially adapted gondolas, with a welcome and support service designed to ensure that everyone can enjoy the experience in the best possible conditions. Further details can be found on our Welcome for All page.

For special cases or more specific questions, you’ll find detailed answers on our Frequently Asked Questions page. If you have any medical doubts or special circumstances, please contact us before booking.

Practical information and frequently asked questions

This article gives you an overview of how to prepare for your hot-air balloon flight. For more detailed answers, please consult :

• Our practical information: Full schedule, access, useful documents.
• Our Frequently Asked Questions page: Detailed answers to the most frequently asked questions.
• Our Home for All page: specific information for people with reduced mobility and the accessibility of our gondolas.
• Our inspirational article “Discover Switzerland from a new perspective”: to project yourself into the landscape.
• Our guide to a hot-air balloon flight if you’re planning it as a gift.