Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy gift certificate voucher?
Send us an email at poleti@baloni.com with the address where you would like us to mail the gift voucher. When placing your order, specify which voucher you have chosen and how many you need. We will enclose an invoice, which should be paid within 8 days. If you need the gift urgently, call +386 41 610 747 – Aleš.
Where do we meet for the flight?
We usually meet at the Eurogarden Garden Center (Rotar Center) in Podsmreka (you can find us on the map). It is less than a kilometer from the Brezovica motorway exit near Ljubljana in the direction of Dobrova. From here, we can reach any take-off site in the Ljubljana area within 30 minutes. For flights outside the Ljubljana area, the meeting point is arranged in agreement with you.
How should I dress?
We usually take off and land in meadows or on dirt roads, so comfortable and waterproof footwear is recommended. Dress as if you were going for a somewhat longer walk in nature. The belief that it is much colder at the altitudes where balloons fly is a misconception. Nevertheless, in winter warm socks will come in handy, while in summer we recommend a hat to protect you from the sun and from the heat radiating from the burner.
How long does the flight last?
A balloon flight usually lasts about one hour in the air. Including preparation, take-off, landing, and return transport, you should plan for the entire experience to take around three to four hours.
When do we fly with the balloon?
We fly when thermal activity is minimal, usually for about an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset. During these times, the air is calm, making the flight safer and easier to control. In winter, the lower position of the sun allows for longer flying periods, often throughout the day.
Cameras
Many of our guests choose to document their first balloon flight. There is always enough space in the basket for your camera or video equipment. The pilot will only ask that you keep your camera safely stored in a pocket or bag during take-off and landing.
How safe is flight with hot air balloon?
Hot air ballooning is one of the safest forms of flying. Nevertheless, we leave nothing to chance in our company. We believe that investing in equipment, regular maintenance, and continuous pilot training are the key factors for ensuring a safe flight.
Who can fly with balloon?
Balloons are suitable for almost everyone, but we are a bit more cautious with young children. They need to be tall enough to see over the edge of the basket, which is 110 cm high. Children can fly only when accompanied by at least one parent. Please note that the flight lasts about one hour, and small children may quickly lose interest in observing the surroundings and become bored in the basket. For children under 5 years old, we do not recommend a balloon flight.
Weather and Ballooning
The Slovenian Environment Agency (ARSO) has been recording climate conditions for 30 years. Their data show that out of 365 days, 143 are cloudy, of which 115 days have rain. That leaves 222 days, including 120 foggy mornings and only 32 completely clear days. Confused by the statistics? So are we! That’s why we follow some essential rules to ensure safe flights.
Rain, Snow, and Wind
Ballooning is not possible when it’s raining, snowing, or when storm clouds are forming. We also avoid flying when the wind at ground level exceeds 3 m/s or when gusts are more than 5 m/s stronger than the average wind speed.
In the summer months, flights are scheduled for about an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset. The early morning is crucial because the sun heats the ground, creating thermal columns of rising warm air, which are not suitable for safe ballooning. Therefore, we must be on solid ground before these conditions develop.
In winter, we can afford a slightly later start, as the sun is milder and thermal activity is less frequent and weaker. This allows us to fly throughout the day. Winter flights also offer better visibility because the colder air contains less moisture.
Storm Clouds in Summer
We pay close attention to weather forecasts. Unfortunately, what is presented on television is not precise enough for ballooning. To assess whether conditions are suitable for flying, we use various weather forecasts and computational models published on ARSO’s website.
How big are our baskets?
After many years in ballooning, we have concluded that guests feel most comfortable in smaller baskets, accommodating only 4 to 5 people. Small groups allow us to give individual attention to each guest. The balloon pilot will be available during the flight to answer any questions you may have. In addition, smaller balloons are more maneuverable, and their smaller baskets are ideal for photography and filming. We want you to have an unforgettable day with us.
Where do we fly?
We fly almost everywhere in Slovenia, most often in the Ljubljana area, where the majority of our passengers are based. In other regions, such as the areas around Ivančna Gorica, Celje, Novo Mesto, Cerknica, and the regions of Prlekija and Pomurje, flights are possible only under special conditions. For flights outside the Ljubljana area, a minimum of four passengers is required. Please note that group discounts do not apply for flights outside the Ljubljana area.
Which season is the most beautiful for flying?
Each season gives a balloon flight its own unique charm. In spring, we are greeted by fresh greenery; in summer, by ripening grasses and crops; in autumn, by red and brown leaves; and in winter, by frost-covered spruces and snow-white fields. Every flight is a unique and unforgettable experience.