Questions & answers about balloon rides & hot air balloons

Do you have questions about our balloon rides over Augsburg? Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions, sorted by topic. If you still cannot find the answer to your question, please feel free to send us a message using our contact form or call us at 0821 – 449 555 02.

Pilot Nils Römeling answers questions from Augsburg TV reporter Lea Wagner about ballooning.
Pilot Nils Römeling answers questions from Augsburg TV reporter Lea Wagner about ballooning.

Letzte Aktualisierung 19.04.2026

Vouchers & before booking

Are we an airline or an association?

Since 2013, we have been a certified aviation company recognized by the Munich Aviation Authority and the Federal Aviation Authority (BY 307). Our operating license (PDF document) can be viewed here. We meet high standards for the maintenance of our balloon, the testing of our pilots, and the operation of our flights.

How long are your vouchers valid?
We grant a 2-year validity period on our vouchers for balloon rides. The gift vouchers are valid for three years. However, if it takes longer than that, we don't look too closely at the date. So don't worry about your voucher expiring.

Wie viel kostet eine Ballonfahrt?
Zum 01.01.2026 lauten unsere Preise wie folgt: 260 EUR pro Person

If you would like to depart from your place of residence, we charge EUR 260 per person for 6 passengers, plus a flat-rate travel fee depending on the distance from Augsburg. You can find our complete price list here.

Do you have gift vouchers available?
Yes, they are available here in our balloon flight voucher shop.

Weight: How heavy can you be for a balloon ride?
Since a hot air balloon can only carry as much weight as it can on that particular day—which depends on the outside temperature, the launch site altitude, and the planned flight altitude—we unfortunately have to turn away passengers who weigh more than 120 kg. Before each balloon flight, we have to calculate the load capacity, which usually leaves little room for maneuver.

Balloon rides: from and up to what age?
We take children aged 8 and above on our balloon rides. In our experience, younger children tend to get bored quite quickly once they are in the air. The basket rim itself is 1.20 meters high, so children should be taller than this.

There is no upper age limit; every year we have several passengers who are over 90 years old. Of course, these passengers should be reasonably fit and able to withstand the journey, as there are no seats available.

Can children go on a balloon ride?
We take children older than 8 years of age accompanied by their parents.

How many people can take part in a balloon ride at the same time?
Our balloon basket can hold 6 people and the pilot. With the second balloon, which we often charter, a maximum of 10 people can take part in one flight.

Where can I go ballooning around Augsburg?
We have various launch sites around Augsburg. When the wind is blowing from the west, we launch in Schmuttertal, and when it is blowing from the east, we launch in Friedberg. With a group of 6 people, you can also launch from your own place of residence.

Can you take off in a balloon from your place of residence?
Yes, we offer that too! You will need to be a group of 6 people. You will also need a field that is approximately 50 by 50 meters in size and free of obstacles such as power lines, trees, or tall buildings. Then we will be happy to take off directly from your place of residence.

I'm afraid of heights, can I still go on a balloon ride?
Are you afraid of heights and don't dare to go on a balloon ride? Let us reassure you: in over 1,000 balloon rides, no one has ever felt sick. That's because the feeling is different from standing on a tower or skyscraper. You feel as if you're not in the air at all. Your brain is tricked because you have no connection to the ground.

Are passengers insured during the balloon flight?
Of course, all passengers are insured. After all, we are an aviation company, just like any other airline, and are therefore subject to the supervision of the Federal Aviation Authority, just like Lufthansa (for example).

Can I return the voucher?
Yes, you have a 14-day return period. Over Christmas, we also offer longer exchange periods, as we are very accommodating.

How safe is a balloon ride / How dangerous is a balloon ride?
As always in life: something can always go wrong! Nevertheless, very, very few accidents occur in Germany during balloon rides, and it can be said that ballooning is very, very safe. We have very good weather forecasts that pilots can rely on. In addition, we have to take our aircraft to the TÜV once a year for inspection, so technical failures are very rare.

Surcharge for overweight passengers – How heavy can an individual passenger be?
Passengers can weigh a maximum of 120 kg including clothing. Heavier passengers can only be transported in exceptional cases. Please contact us directly to inquire about this.

Are pregnant women allowed to ride in a balloon?
We advise against pregnant women taking a balloon ride. This is because it is impossible to say exactly how gentle the landing will be, depending on the wind speeds on the ground.

How many people are on board besides the pilot?
We fly with 5 to 6 people on board. So it's a very small, personal group, and you can have a chat with the pilot during the balloon ride.

Everything you need to know about making an appointment

You can find current dates in our calendar.

Is it necessary to book a balloon ride in advance?
Yes, we cannot offer balloon rides at short notice. As it requires a considerable amount of organization, we also need advance notice. Occasionally, there may be a few places left for the same day or the following day.

Why do balloon rides take place so early in the morning?
Due to weather conditions, ballooning is only possible in the morning, especially in summer. That's why we usually take off right at sunrise. The wind is calm, the sun's rays are not yet so strong, and there are no thermals in the air (which make ballooning more turbulent).

In the evening, the wind may be too strong, there may be a thunderstorm warning, or it may simply be too hot for ballooning. That's why balloon rides in the morning are the best!

How long are the waiting times?
During our peak season from June to August, waiting times may be slightly longer. Weekend appointments for our balloon rides are usually booked up quickly. If you are available during the week, waiting times are not too long, and you may only have to wait a few days. It is even better if you are available in the mornings during the week, as we can offer you appointments very quickly.

If I can't find a suitable appointment, what can I do?
Write to us or give us a call and ask for further appointments.

How often are the dates in the calendar updated?
We update our dates several times a week. On Mondays, it may happen that the dates have not yet been updated in a timely manner.

Absage bzw. Ausfall einer Ballonfahrt – Was passiert, wenn ein Termin für eine Ballonfahrt abgesagt wird wegen dem Wetter? 

Die Sicherheit steht an 1. Stelle! Wenn ein Termin abgesagt wird, vereinbaren wir einen neuen Termin bzw. Sie suchen sich einen neuen in unserer Terminliste. Der Gutschein behält solange natürlich die Gültigkeit! Sie zahlen quasi erst, wenn auch die Ballonfahrt stattfindet.

During the balloon ride

What is the procedure for a balloon ride?
The procedure is as follows: From the agreed meeting point (approx. 3 hours before sunset or 1 hour before sunrise), we drive together to the launch site. There we set up the balloon together, and before take-off there is a safety briefing. The setup takes approx. 30 to 45 minutes. The balloon ride itself lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, sometimes shorter, sometimes longer. At the landing site, we pack up the balloon together and have a drink. In the evening, we have cold drinks, and in the morning, we have coffee and tea. From here, we return to the meeting point where your car is waiting for you.

When do we start the balloon ride?
The times are as follows: In summer, we only take off in the morning and evening—the weather is most suitable for ballooning at the beginning and end of the day. We meet about an hour before sunrise and are in the air just in time for sunrise. In the evening, we meet about 3 hours before sunset and take off about 2 hours before, depending on the wind conditions. In winter, we can also fly during the day.

How long does a balloon ride last?
Depending on the wind, weather, and landing site, our balloon rides last between 60 and 90 minutes. It's impossible to say exactly how long in advance! In winter, balloon rides usually last a little longer: it's colder, we need less gas, and can therefore stay up longer.

How many people are on board besides the pilot?
We have two balloons and carry three to six people on board. So it's a very small, personal group, and you can have a chat with the pilot during the balloon ride.

Balloon ride – what to wear? What clothes?
Dress as if you were going hiking on the day of the balloon ride: sturdy shoes and long pants are a must. Whether you wear a T-shirt or a sweater depends on the outside temperature. It is only marginally colder in the air than on the ground. Since the burner above our heads is very hot, it is often even warmer up there. Another phenomenon, especially in summer, is "inversion weather conditions." Then it gets even warmer in the air than on the ground.

Balloon ride – what to bring?
First, dress comfortably; sturdy shoes are important. Otherwise, you don't need much, just your cell phone and camera. Sunscreen in summer, sunglasses, and a sun hat are also recommended. We'll take care of the rest. Since the ride only lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, you don't need to bring anything to eat. If it's particularly hot, we'll bring plastic bottles of drinks for you.

Balloon ride – can I use my cell phone on board?

In principle, using a cell phone on board a hot air balloon is permitted and does not interfere with the on-board electronics. However, please be considerate of your fellow passengers—we therefore do not like to see people using their cell phones on board.

Balloon ride – Does your cell phone work on board a hot air balloon?

Depending on the altitude of the balloon, surfing the Internet and making phone calls works without any problems. It also depends on whether you are flying over Augsburg, which has good network coverage, or over rural areas, where there are fewer cell towers.

When to go ballooning?
Our balloon rides take place in the summer in the morning and/or evening. In winter, we also fly during the day. When is the best time to go ballooning? Every season has its charm!

At what altitude does the balloon fly?
We usually fly between 150 and 2,000 meters above the surface. This depends on visibility and the cloud base, as well as the wind. The wind determines the direction and speed, which allows the balloon to be steered.

Which camera lens for ballooning?

If you have an SLR camera and would like to bring it with you, we recommend a large telephoto lens with a focal length of up to 300 mm for detailed shots. A wide-angle or fisheye lens is suitable for landscape shots.

Does your balloon basket have a door to make it easier to get in?
Our Augsburg balloon does not have a door to get in, but our small balloon does have a door. Please mention when making your appointment that you would like to ride in the basket with a door.

Can you sit in the basket during the balloon flight?
No, we do not have seats in the balloon basket. Passengers must stand for the entire balloon flight, but you can lean against the partition wall.

Can friends or family accompany me on the balloon ride/to the launch site?
Your relatives and friends are welcome to come to the launch site and watch you take off. Unfortunately, we do not have room in the car for them to follow us. Your loved ones are also welcome to watch the landing by following our support vehicle.

Can a balloon flight be canceled on site?
Yes, this rarely happens, but it can. If, for example, there is a thunderstorm warning in the evening, we have to be very careful. The pilot checks the radar images again before takeoff. If a thunderstorm is too close, we stay on the ground. Another scenario is strong winds that do not subside in time, for example, in the evening before sunset.

Is filming and photography permitted during the balloon flight?
Yes, filming and photography are of course permitted. If you have a larger camera with you, remember to bring a padded camera bag. There are no restrictions on publication; you may publish all photos on your website or social media such as Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

How will I know if the balloon ride will take place as planned?
We will let you know the evening before whether the balloon ride can take place. If you have booked an evening ride, we will contact you at noon with the forecast.

Is smoking permitted in the balloon basket?
Due to the propane gas on board, smoking is strictly prohibited. Please refrain from smoking during the balloon flight. Before and after the flight, smoking is permitted at a safe distance from the balloon.

General information about balloon flights

Why is it called ballooning and not balloon flying?

 

Ask a new question!

Didn't find the answer to your question?

Then send us a message using our contact form or give us a call: Phone 0821 – 449 555 02.

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