Age Limits
Legally, we may carry anyone who is more than 3 years old, and independently
mobile in case of an emergency.
We recommend against carrying children under 8 because they tend to get bored too easily, often cannot see over the side of the basket, and are more likely than are older people to get a bit squashed during faster landings. Furthermore, young children often betray their lack of appreciation for 'the moment' by asking their parents or guardians questions such as "when are we going to get there?" as if the balloon ride is a train journey.
Nonetheless, if parents or guardians sincerely believe that their own children between 3 and 8 are sufficiently precocious, confident, lively, curious and attentive, we will gladly take them flying, and will make whatever extra allowances for them are possible. If the expected wind speed on landing is more than 15 kph, we will also take extra precautions to ensure that they are well protected and, in the case of any of our smaller baskets which do not have compartments, will place them at the back of the basket, and thus on top of 'the pile' in the event of a tip-over landing. Incidentally, tip-over landings are common, and not in any way to be feared. Indeed, they're a lot of fun, and only ever lead to broad grins and endless giggling among our passengers.
Last updated: 11 September 2003