The season is in full swing, and we’re receiving lots of questions. And we’re really happy about it! Below, we’ve put together a list of the most frequently asked questions and our answers.
1. We’re flying as a group — will we be able to stand next to each other in the balloon?
Of course! Boarding the balloon takes place after receiving the signal from the pilot. You can board one after another and enjoy each other’s company during the flight.
In general, we try to keep the weight evenly distributed on both sides of the basket, but this is never a problem or an obstacle for passengers to stand side by side.
2. What can you see from above?
The views depend a lot on the region we’re flying in and the flight route. Sometimes we manage to fly over the centers of larger cities (like Szczecin or Koszalin), though this is only possible in a few major Polish cities due to factors such as controlled airspace, proximity to airports, and safety regulations.
From the balloon basket, we see forests, fields, towns, and neighborhoods. You can almost always spot running deer, foxes, hares, horses, cows, sheep, and sometimes even wild boars or wolves.
3. How high do we fly, and can people afraid of heights take a balloon flight?
The flight altitude depends on several factors and is determined by the pilot. We usually fly at low to medium altitudes (between 100 and 1000 meters), aiming to show you as many breathtaking perspectives and views from above as possible. Balloons take off gently and move with the speed of the wind, so they don’t reach high velocities (in fact, a flight would be canceled if the wind was too strong for safety reasons). A high basket railing and our well-trained balloon crew help ease any fear of heights.
4. Can I arrive at the meeting point before the flight by bike?
Absolutely, as long as you can find a safe spot to lock your bike. After the flight, we’ll transport everyone back to the launch site, where passengers usually leave their cars — and sometimes bikes.
5. Can family and friends come to watch or photograph the balloon launch?
Yes, families and friends are warmly welcome to join us for the launch!
6. Flying in spring, summer, or early autumn — which is best?
Each season is special and offers slightly different views. However, a hot air balloon flight is such a unique experience that it’s hard for us to say which time of year is “better.”
Spring and early autumn tend to offer more flight availability, and even if a flight is canceled due to unfavorable weather, there are usually more alternative dates — so your chances of flying are higher in these seasons.
7. What happens after landing, and how do we get back from an open field?
Immediately after the basket touches the ground, everyone remains inside, even if it’s already stable.
Passengers may exit the basket only after receiving the pilot’s signal (otherwise, if you jump out too quickly, the pilot might — unintentionally — take off again, as the envelope will still be filled with hot air but the basket will be too light to stay on the ground 😊).
Once the pilot gives the go-ahead, passengers exit the basket and help pack the balloon together. Of course, participation is optional — you’re welcome to join in, but you don’t have to. However, it’s a lot of fun — and 99% of passengers happily get involved.
As the flight nears its end, the pilot informs the ground crew, which follows the balloon and meets us at the landing site. We pack the balloon onto the trailer — and it’s time to celebrate the flight together with a glass of bubbly.
After celebrating together at sunset (or sunrise — equally beautiful!), passengers are transported back to the launch site where they left their cars (or bikes!).
8. Is it loud during the flight?
Mostly no — just a little. While flying, it’s often so quiet you can hear sounds coming from forests and fields below — sometimes even animals. When we pass over houses, families often wave to us — sometimes even shout greetings — and you can hear it all clearly (depending on the altitude). It’s a calm, almost meditative experience that brings you close to nature — we often spot wild boars, wolves, and other animals rarely seen from the ground. Only when the pilot uses the burners does it get louder, but it’s neither harsh nor disturbing — and it lasts just a few seconds.
9. I own a piece of land outside the city. Can you launch from there?
Launch sites are selected very carefully, taking into account many factors — such as legal restrictions, air traffic control permissions, current weather forecasts, wind direction, and the availability of potential landing areas nearby.
The site itself must also meet several technical and safety requirements. For example, it needs proper vehicle access and must be safely distant from power lines and other obstacles.
If you’re booking a private flight, we can consider your suggested location — as long as it meets all these criteria and we obtain clearance from air traffic control.
For group flights, the pilot selects the launch site before each flight based on weather conditions, wind direction, and suitable landing locations.
10. Why do you keep canceling my flights?
Flights are canceled only for safety reasons. If there’s rain, a risk of storms, or strong winds, the pilot decides whether the flight can proceed based on the latest weather forecasts.
Sometimes after a cancellation, passengers call us saying, “But it’s sunny!” or “There’s no wind!” It doesn’t happen often, but there are cases where, despite nice weather, the conditions still aren’t safe for flying.
We explain this in detail on our blog in the post “Beautiful weather, yet no balloons in the sky – here’s why.” We encourage you to read this rather interesting article (for example, about the “jet stream”) — though fortunately, such situations are quite rare 😊
11. Do you take photos or videos during the flights?
At the moment, we do not offer photos or video recordings from our flights.
12. How do you get in and out of the balloon?
The balloon basket has several small openings (“windows”) that serve as steps to help you climb in and out safely.
13. Can I take part in preparing the balloon for take-off?
Absolutely! We encourage passengers to join in both the preparation before take-off and the packing afterward — honestly, it’s usually a lot of fun! However, it’s entirely optional — if you feel up for it and would like to join, you’re more than welcome to.
