A Hot Air Balloon Ride as a Christmas Gift: Everything You Need to Know

A hot air balloon ride makes a memorable Christmas present. It's something to look forward to all winter, and an experience they'll talk about for years. Vouchers arrive by email within minutes and are valid for 12 months, so you can buy one right up to Christmas Eve, and they can fly whenever suits them next season.

Why a balloon ride makes a great Christmas gift

• Something to look forward to. Most flights take place between March and October, so a Christmas voucher gives them a spring or summer adventure to plan.
• They choose when and where. The voucher works at all our launch sites across England, from Bath and Bristol to the Peak District and York, and they pick the date that suits them.
• It's genuinely different. For the person who has everything, an experience beats another thing to unwrap.
• It suits almost anyone. Partners, parents, grandparents, friends, and children aged 7 and over at most launch sites.

How much does it cost?

A shared balloon ride costs from £169 per person with a Weekday Morning voucher. A Weekday Morning or Evening voucher is £189, and an Any Day voucher, which includes weekends, is £209. Each comes in a version for two people, so couples can fly together. For a really special present, private flights give your group the basket to itself.

Which voucher should I choose?

If they can fly on a weekday morning, the Weekday Morning voucher is great value, and morning flights have the best chance of going ahead. If they work weekdays or would rather fly in the evening, an Any Day voucher gives them the most dates to choose from. If you're not sure, the more flexible voucher is the safer choice. You can also upgrade a voucher later by paying the difference.

Last-minute Christmas shopping?

No problem. Vouchers are emailed within minutes, so you can buy one on Christmas Eve. You can have it sent to you to print and put in a card, or emailed straight to the person you're treating.

What happens after Christmas?

1. They redeem the voucher on our website and choose the area they'd like to fly in.
2. They book a date with the local operator. We suggest booking 6 to 8 weeks ahead for a specific date, or longer for weekends.
3. They check the weather the day before, and on the day they meet at the launch site for around 3 to 4 hours of adventure, including about an hour in the air.

Balloon flights depend on the weather, so it's normal to have to rebook once or twice. The voucher lasts 12 months, giving plenty of time to fly. Unused vouchers can be refunded within 30 days of purchase, and they can be extended if more time is needed.

Ready to give the gift of flight?

Buy a hot air balloon ride voucher, see all our launch sites, or read our FAQs.