Frequently Asked Questions

📚 FAQ Overview

• 🎁 Gifts & Vouchers
• 🎈 Experience & Comfort
• 🚀 During the Flight
• 📝 Booking with Gift Vouchers
• 🌤️ Weather & Conditions
• 📍 Flight Locations & Timing
• 🎟️ General Booking & Vouchers
• ✅ General Information
• 🗺️ Practical Info & Booking

🎁 Gifts & Vouchers

How long is a gift voucher valid?

All gift vouchers are valid for one year after purchase. If the voucher is registered within that year, the flight itself can be scheduled at a later date in agreement with Spildooren Ballooning.

🎈 Experience & Comfort

Can I join a balloon flight if I’m afraid of heights?

Yes! Many people with fear of heights are pleasantly surprised. Because the balloon moves with the wind and you don’t feel any motion or turbulence, the experience is calm and comfortable—even at high altitudes.

Is it cold up there?

Not really. Although you may think it gets colder the higher you go, the burner above your head radiates heat, and we mostly fly at lower altitudes. Dress like you would for a walk in the countryside.

Can I sit during the flight?

No, you’ll be standing for the duration of the flight. The basket has no seats, but the ride is very smooth. If you have trouble standing for long periods, please let us know in advance.

Can I bring a handbag or backpack?

Small bags are allowed, but space is limited in the basket. We recommend keeping belongings to a minimum and storing valuables securely.

Is there a toilet on board?

No, there’s no toilet in the basket. Be sure to visit the restroom before the flight begins.

🚀 During the Flight

How long does a hot air balloon ride last?

The flight itself lasts approximately one hour. Including preparation, briefing, and return transport, the total experience takes about 3 to 4 hours.

How high do we fly during a balloon ride?

We typically fly between 150 and 1,000 meters (500 to 3,300 feet), depending on the wind and air traffic regulations. You’ll get both low scenic views and high panoramic perspectives.

How fast does a hot air balloon go?

The balloon moves with the wind, so speed depends on wind conditions. On average, we travel between 10 and 25 km/h (6 to 15 mph).

Where do we land?

Since the balloon moves with the wind, we don’t have a fixed landing spot. Our experienced pilot chooses a safe landing area during the flight, often in open fields or meadows.

What happens after the landing?

After landing, we celebrate the flight with a traditional glass of bubbly and a personalized certificate. Our ground crew then brings everyone back to the take-off location.

Can I take photos during the flight?

Absolutely! The views are stunning, so we highly encourage you to bring a camera or smartphone. Just make sure it’s securely held during the flight.

🎁 Booking & Gift Vouchers

How long is a gift voucher valid?

Our gift vouchers are valid for one year from the date of purchase. If you schedule your flight within that period, the actual flight can still take place after the expiry date.

How do I book with a gift voucher?

Simply go to our booking page, choose your desired region and date, and enter your voucher code during checkout. You can also call or email us to schedule your flight.

Can I personalize the gift voucher?

Yes! We always send a physical gift voucher by post, and you can include a personalized message to make your gift extra special.

What if I lose my gift voucher?

No worries! Just contact us with your name and purchase details, and we’ll help you recover your voucher information.

Can I give a balloon flight without choosing a date?

Absolutely. That’s the whole idea behind our gift vouchers. The recipient can choose their own preferred date later on.

Can I change the name on the voucher?

Yes, you can transfer the voucher to someone else. Just let us know who will be using it, and we’ll update the booking accordingly.

🌤️ Weather & Conditions

What happens if the weather is bad?

Balloon flights are highly dependent on weather conditions. If the wind is too strong, visibility too poor, or there’s a chance of rain or thunderstorms, the flight will be postponed to ensure your safety. We will contact you the day of your flight to confirm or reschedule.

Can flights be canceled last-minute?

Yes, sometimes the weather can change unexpectedly. For your safety, the pilot may decide to cancel or delay the flight at the last minute. In that case, we will reschedule your flight to a new date of your choice.

Do I need to check the weather forecast myself?

No need. Spildooren Ballooning monitors the weather continuously using professional tools. You’ll be personally informed if your flight needs to be postponed or rescheduled.

Can we still fly in winter?

Yes, balloon flights can take place year-round, including winter, as long as weather conditions are safe. A winter flight offers unique scenery with clear skies and crisp air!

📍 Flight Locations & Timing

Where can I take off?

Spildooren Ballooning offers more than 10 different take-off locations across Flanders, including East Flanders, Ghent, Sint-Niklaas, Waasland, Antwerp, West Flanders, Flemish Brabant, Limburg and the Kempen. You can select your preferred region during booking.

Can I choose the time of the flight?

Yes. We offer morning and evening flights. Morning flights start around sunrise, while evening flights usually take place a few hours before sunset, depending on the season.

Can I fly from my own location?

Private flights can be arranged from your own location, provided the field meets the necessary safety conditions and we have permission from the landowner. Contact us for a custom quote.

Are balloon flights available year-round?

Yes, we fly all year round, depending on weather conditions. The most popular flying season runs from April to October.

What time do balloon flights usually start?

Morning flights start around sunrise and evening flights about 2 hours before sunset. Exact times vary with the seasons and will be communicated prior to your flight.

🎟️ Booking & Gift Vouchers

How can I book a balloon flight?

You can easily book your balloon ride via our website. Choose your preferred location, date, and number of passengers, then complete your booking online.

Can I give a balloon flight as a gift?

Absolutely! Spildooren Ballooning offers physical gift vouchers. Ideal for birthdays, anniversaries, or other special moments. The voucher is valid for one year and can be booked at a later date.

How long is the gift voucher valid?

The gift voucher is valid for one year after the purchase date. If you register your flight within that period, you can still fly at a later date.

How quickly will I receive the gift voucher?

We send the physical gift voucher by post within 24 hours after your order. This way, you always have a tangible and original gift in hand.

Can I choose the flight date later?

Yes, the recipient of the gift voucher can book their flight at their own convenience. Ideal if you’re not yet sure of the date.

Can I personalize the gift voucher?

Our gift vouchers come with space to write a personal message. This makes your gift even more special and personal.

✅ General Information

What is a hot air balloon ride?

A hot air balloon ride is an unforgettable experience in which you float silently over the landscape in a hot air balloon. You enjoy panoramic views and a peaceful atmosphere, accompanied by a certified pilot.

How does a hot air balloon work?

A hot air balloon works based on the principle that warm air is lighter than cold air. The burner heats the air inside the balloon, causing it to rise. By adding or releasing heat, the pilot can make the balloon rise or descend.

How high does a balloon fly?

The average altitude of a balloon flight is between 150 and 1,000 meters. In favorable weather conditions, the balloon may ascend even higher.

How long does a balloon flight take?

The actual flight takes about one hour. Including preparation, briefing, setup, flight, and return, the entire experience lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours.

What does the whole experience entail?

You arrive at the agreed meeting point, receive a safety briefing, and help set up the balloon. After the flight, there’s a traditional champagne toast and you receive a flight certificate. Transportation back is also provided.

What is included in a balloon flight?

The full ballooning experience includes a one-hour flight, guidance by certified pilots, insurance, a glass of bubbly after landing, and a personal flight certificate.

Can I personalize the gift voucher?

Yes! You can add the recipient’s name and a personal message. You’ll receive a physical voucher, beautifully printed and mailed to your address.

Can I order a last-minute gift voucher?

Absolutely. For urgent orders, we recommend choosing the express delivery option or picking up the voucher in person. You’ll also receive a digital confirmation by email right away.

What if the recipient wants a different flight location?

No problem! Our gift vouchers are valid at all of our flight locations across Flanders. The recipient can choose where they want to take off.

Can I exchange a gift voucher for cash?

No, gift vouchers are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash. However, they are transferable to someone else if the original recipient is unable to use it.

🗺️ Practical Info & Booking

How can I book a balloon flight?

Booking is easy via our website. Choose your desired package, select the number of people and your preferred date. You’ll receive a confirmation email with all details.

Can I book a private flight?

Yes! You can book a private balloon flight for 2 to 8 people. Perfect for romantic moments, family experiences or exclusive gifts.

Do I need to confirm my booking before the flight?

Yes, we ask you to confirm your availability the day before the scheduled flight. This helps us account for last-minute changes due to weather conditions.

Is a balloon flight suitable for children?

Children are welcome from the age of 7 and minimum height of 1m20. This ensures they can safely look over the edge of the basket.

Can pregnant women take a balloon ride?

No, for safety reasons we do not allow pregnant women to join balloon flights. We recommend scheduling a flight for after the pregnancy.