Frequently Asked Questions
Preparations, flight information, safety guidelines
Is it safe?
Hot air balloon is the oldest and one of the safest forms of air transport. Injuries and fatalities are extremely rare. Nonetheless, here at Flywithme.lt, we aim to minimise the risks even further.
Our certified balloon pilot is also trained in first aid and fire safety. Our pilot grew up in an aviator family and spent his childhood as a little passenger of small airplanes, hot air balloons and gliders. As a pilot himself he has over 400 hours of flight time under his belt including international hot air balloon championships and fiestas.
Safety and behaviour guidelines
- Smoking during the flight is strictly prohibited. Offence punishable by the Lithuanian law.
- Alcoholic beverages are prohibited during the flight. Drunken passengers will not be allowed to board.
- Do NOT hold on to balloon ropes and LPG-filled hoses.
- Get in and off the balloon basket (aka gondola) only on pilots command.
- Bend your knees slightly during the landing.
- Listen and execute all pilot instructions.
How long does the flight take?
The total duration of your hot air balloon experience is 3-4 hours. This includes the flight preparation, packing up after landing and the journey back to the starting location.
The flight itself generally takes around one hour. Depending on the location and wind speed / direction, the flight might take anything between 50 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes.
What shall I wear?
Wear comfortable, slightly loose clothing, preferably cotton, covering your entire body.
We also recommend to wear a hat and shoes suitable for the weather conditions of the day. At times we might have to land on soil or into a meadow with tall grass. Hiking or trekking shoes would be perfect. No high heels.
We don’t fly at high altitudes. Hence, no additional warm clothing is required for the flight.
Where do you take off?
We take off from designated hot air balloon take-off locations in the larger cities of Lithuania. Outside the cities the pilot chooses the take-off location based on local and weather conditions.
If you’re ordering 6 flight coupons (full basket), we can take off from your preferred location in Lithuania. Subject to suitable take off conditions evaluated on-site by our pilot.
Where do we land and how do we get back?
A hot air balloon is entirely dependent on weather conditions and, as a result, flies where the wind takes it. Precise landing location is not known prior to landing. Our pilots are experienced in landing on various terrain with varying wind speed.
Upon landing you will be picked up by our ground crew. After the traditional post-landing ceremony (we’ll keep it a surprise), we’ll pack the balloon and take you back to the starting location.
What time of the day do you fly?
We take off just after sunrise (5-8 am) and land right before the sunset (6-9 pm). Weather conditions are the most suitable at this time of the day. Hot air balloons cannot fly during the day.
Flight might be cancelled or postponed at any time if the pilot deems the flight conditions unsafe.
Can I fly with children?
You can take your children on the hot air balloon flight. However, they should be older than seven, and must be taller than 110 cm (3.6 ft).
All children must be accompanied by adults.
Can pregnant women fly with a hot air balloon?
Pregnant women can fly and have flown with our hot air balloon. However, if she might find the flight stressful (due to vertigo, for instance) then we do not recommend flying.
The pilot must be notified if any of the passengers are pregnant before take-off.
How high do you fly?
When flying over the larger cities of Lithuania we are subject to air traffic controller’s instructions. Thus our altitude will be in the range from 150 m. (492 ft) to 1,200 m. (3937 ft).
Outside the cities we fly in uncontrolled airspace and are able to reach higher altitudes. However, in the majority of flights we fly low thus giving you opportunities for better photos and unusual viewing angles. Flight altitude is chosen by the pilot according to passenger preferences and weather conditions.
Can I purchase the flight coupon in-person at the take off location?
We highly recommend buying the flight coupon in advance as there usually aren’t any free spaces before the flight. Once you’ve purchased the coupon, fill-in the flight registration form and we’ll get back to you with confirmation.
Is the flight coupon refundable?
Flight coupons are not interchangeable and non-refundable.
Gift a flight
Gift a flight with a hot air balloon to your friends or get one for yourself.