What to Expect - The Flight Process
The evening prior to your flight you will need to make a quick call to the flight check-in number. During this call you will listen to a message from your pilot confirming if the weather forecast is suitable for your flight to proceed and receive your exact meeting time. Details for your flight check-in phone call appear on your flight ticket.
Your pilots and crew will be on hand to welcome you when you arrive at Peterson’s Champagne House at the designated time. Enjoy a tea or coffee as you sign-in and make your breakfast order. See how the pilot checks the morning’s local winds conditions and listen while he or she gives you a short flight briefing.
Your adventure begins with a short drive to your launch site. This is determined by your pilot and depends on the wind direction on the morning. We have over a dozen launch sites to choose from in the lower Hunter Valley. This is a good opportunity to get to know your pilot and crew and ask them any questions you may have.
It only takes around 20-25 minutes for your balloon to be inflated and standing upright ready for boarding. You are welcome to help with the setup of the balloon or simply stand back and take photos as your aircraft takes shape and comes to life.
As the new day dawns you will ascend into the sky in your colourful balloon. Your balloon will float gently along the breeze and in your basket you will feel completely secure, with very little sensation of movement. During your flight you may find yourself drifting just above the treetops then moments later effortlessly ascending to heights of 2000 feet or more.
After approximately one hour you will be greeted by your ground crew as you touch back down to earth. The balloon is packed away with lots of laughs, then you hop back into our vehicles and we return to Peterson’s Champagne House for a gourmet champagne breakfast.


