FAQ passenger flights
FAQ passenger flights
THE ANSWERS TO ALL YOUR QUESTIONS
We fly over the Pre-Alps from Château-d'Oex every weekend and during the week depending on bookings (weather permitting). We also take off in the early evening over the Swiss Plateau, in the Gruyère region, from May to mid-October, weather permitting and depending on bookings.
We contact our passengers the day before the flight, based on the latest Swiss weather forecast, to let them know the exact time of the meeting point.if the flight has to be cancelled due to unfavourable weather conditions, it will be rescheduled to a later date depending on passenger availability. However, if the pilot decides to cancel the flight at the take-off site that morning, we will not cover any travel or accommodation costs.
For morning flights departing from Château-d'Oex, we look forward to seeing you early in the morning at the take-off site at the entrance to the village.
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Early take-off times vary according to the season:
- December / January / February: 08:30-09:00
- March / April: 08:00
- May: 07:00
- June / July / August: Between 05:45 and 06:15 depending on temperatures
- September / October / November: 7:30-08:00
For summer and evening flights, we generally meet our passengers in the late afternoon at Ecuvillens airfield, opposite the Ducati garage.
However, depending on the wind direction, take-off can also take place from Puidoux or Corcelles/Payerne.
The average flight lasts between an hour and an hour and a half. You should allow three to four hours for the whole adventure.
On a morning flight, we climb to an altitude of 3,000 metres, weather permitting. At this altitude, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the highest peaks in the Alps. On our evening flights over the Swiss Plateau, we climb to 2,000 metres. At this altitude, you'll discover an extraordinary view of the Swiss plateau, the Lake Geneva basin and the Alps. The advantage of flying in a hot-air balloon, as opposed to other means of air transport, is that you can fly at a height of just one metre, skimming over treetops or riverbeds, as well as at altitudes of over 2000 metres, for an overall view that stretches from the Swiss Plateau to the Alps, all in complete safety.
What is the temperatuThe temperature inside the balloon will be roughly the same as on the ground. As the balloon flies into the wind, there is no draught on board the gondola. In winter, the heat from the burners will warm your head and upper body.
Sportswear and seasonal clothing are recommended. We recommend that you wear sturdy, warm footwear and headgear.re in flight and how should you equip yourself?
No, because the balloon is not attached to the ground (like a bridge or ladder, for example), there is no vertigo. During flight, the basket is very stable and there is no rocking.
Anyone wishing to fly in a hot-air balloon must be able to stand upright for the duration of the flight. If you have any health problems, or if you are over 80, we advise you to consult your doctor.
- Pregnant women are unfortunately not allowed on board.
- Children must be 1.20m tall to be allowed to board (to be able to look over the edge of the basket).
- Passengers who have taken a dive or donated blood in the previous 24 hours are not allowed to fly.
- Passengers who are under the influence of psychoactive substances may not board.
Statistics show that hot-air ballooning is the safest form of aerial recreation, and we make no compromises when it comes to safety. A flight can be cancelled at the last minute if our pilot has the slightest doubt about the safety of the flight. Our pilots have been flying in the region for years, sometimes for decades. Their experience and knowledge of the area and local winds is your best guarantee of safety.
We do not have gondolas equipped with seats, but we can provide a small seat for resting during the flight. However, it is necessary to remain standing during take-off.
Depending on bookings, we have gondolas for 2 to 5, 6 to 8, 9 to 12 and 13 to 16 passengers.
Basically, we define a validity of 2 years from the date of issue. Your voucher is transferable, so you can give it as a gift to someone who wants to fly - just let us know the details of the new passenger. Don't let your voucher expire, it would be a pity! If the passenger cancels their flight within 72 hours of the flight (subject to a medical certificate) or if they are not at the launch site on the day of the flight, the ticket will be considered used.
So that everyone can experience the pleasure of a balloon flight, we work with associations that have gondolas adapted for people with disabilities. For more information, please contact us directly by telephone.
Sportswear and seasonal clothing are recommended. We recommend that you wear good, warm footwear and bring a head covering.