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Below you’ll find tips for beginners and a brief explanation of the entire hot air ballooning process to help you prepare. For additional information, please visit our FAQ page.
What to Wear
At Spildooren Ballooning, we guide you from start to finish. While this might be your first adventure, for us it’s part of our everyday routine. Please keep the following tips in mind before your hot air balloon flight:
- Wear boots or sneakers with high socks — We never know exactly where we will land, so it’s important to protect your feet and legs. Chances are we may land in a field with tall grass.
- Wear comfortable trousers — You’ll need to climb in and out of the basket, so it’s important to wear clothing that allows easy movement.
- Wear a cap or hat — The burner, as well as the sun, can produce significant heat. A hat can help protect you from radiant heat and keep your hair in place so you can fully enjoy the views.
- Dress in layers according to the weather — In winter, wear layered clothing and jackets as it can be colder at higher altitudes. In summer, light sweaters or T-shirts are perfect, but avoid scarves during inflation for safety reasons.
What to Bring
You mainly need to bring yourself and your sense of adventure, but a few additional items can come in handy. Water will be provided before and after the flight.
- Optionally, bring a small bottle of water for during the flight
- Small cameras are welcome (please check with the pilot if you wish to bring large/professional equipment)
- Your adventurous spirit
- And an empty bladder — there are no toilets during the flight!
What to Expect
Often, several hot air balloons take off from the same launch site. Make sure to approach one of our crew members as soon as you arrive.
Once you meet our staff, we’ll introduce you to your pilot. At Spildooren Ballooning, we offer flights from various popular locations like Sint-Niklaas, Antwerp and Ghent. Arriving on time is essential so that your flight can depart without delay and offer the full experience.
Please use the restroom before heading to the launch site — once your adventure begins, there are no toilet facilities available. If you’ve booked a VIP package, the balloon basket is reserved exclusively for your party. On a standard flight, you will share the basket with other passengers — many new friendships have been formed this way!
The Launch Process
At the launch site, the pilot will assess the weather conditions and begin the setup. The basket and one of our balloons will be positioned so that the wind assists in inflating the envelope. The pilot will connect and check all components to ensure a safe flight.
Once ready, a powerful fan will blow air into the balloon. It takes two people to hold the envelope open, creating a perfect photo opportunity. Anyone helping should pay attention to the cables and avoid wrapping ropes or cords around their body. Always listen carefully to the pilot and crew for safety instructions.
When the balloon is filled with air, the pilot will ignite the burner, heating the air inside and raising the balloon to an upright position. This is your cue to climb into the basket and get ready for liftoff — another perfect moment for photos!
The Flight Experience
Most passengers are surprised at how peaceful and majestic a hot air balloon ride can be. As you drift through the air at various altitudes, you travel with the wind, so you won’t feel much breeze unless changing altitude or speed.
Sometimes you’ll skim treetops — a great chance to pick a leaf as a souvenir — or soar as high as a kilometre, offering spectacular views that may even stretch to the sea. These magical moments are all part of the unforgettable ballooning experience.
The Landing
Landing is an exciting part of the journey. The pilot will choose a landing spot based on the terrain and wind conditions.
- In calm winds, the balloon will land gently and upright, with little to no impact.
- In moderate winds, the pilot may ask passengers to crouch down, turn sideways, and bend their knees slightly to absorb any impact.
- In stronger winds, the balloon may drag or tip over upon landing. In such cases, the basket can be used for support.
Once the balloon comes to a complete stop:
If the basket is upright, the pilot will instruct passengers to wait until some hot air is released to avoid a sudden lift when exiting. If the basket is on its side, the envelope will deflate quickly and passengers can safely climb out.
Book Your Hot Air Balloon Ride with Spildooren
Remember: every flight is unique — we go wherever the wind takes us!
At Spildooren Ballooning, our pilots and crew are true professionals who will take excellent care of you. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about your first hot air balloon ride or visit our website for more information.