Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about hot-air balloon flights

Is it possible to create a banner ad?

Yes! A hot air balloon is one of the largest moving billboards around and offers unparalleled visibility! Contact us for more information, as each project is custom-designed to meet your goals and expectations. Advertising space rentals, custom banners, corporate events, and more. Ask for our sponsorship package!

Is it possible to ride in a tethered hot air balloon?

Yes, it’s possible, and we call it a “tethered flight.” Once inflated, the hot air balloon remains tethered to the ground to prevent it from flying away, allowing us to take it up and down. Why? To create a wow factor, to take guests up, organize a special event, advertise, etc.—because let’s face it, a hot air balloon is sure to make an impact!

Is there a maximum weight limit?

Yes. For technical reasons, we need to know the weight of each passenger because we have a weight limit to adhere to. Anyone weighing more than 240 lbs must notify us before purchasing a ticket, as we will need to evaluate several factors during the booking process, and this may result in additional costs. Please be aware that the heavier the passenger, the greater the impact on the ground may be on the legs, knees, and ankles, so the risk of injury may be higher under these conditions.

Is there parking?

Parking at the meeting point is included with your flight ticket for the duration of your activity with us.

Do we know in advance where we’ll end up?

Generally speaking, no, because it all depends on the weather. The takeoff location won’t be determined until the day of the flight, so the landing spot will depend on the flight path that the weather conditions allow for that day. That’s why we call it an adventure!

Where do the hot-air balloon rides take place?

The departure location will be determined on the day of the flight based on the weather forecast for that day. We meet in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu and fly primarily over the Montérégie region. Depending on demand, we can sometimes fly to different regions for an additional fee to better tailor your experience.

How many people can fit in the gondola for the same flight?

Our hot-air balloon rides can accommodate up to 6–7 people in the same basket, depending on the total weight of the passengers. This means you can book for all kinds of groups or according to your specific needs.

Is it possible to have multiple cancellations?

Unfortunately, yes. We can’t control Mother Nature, so even if we book a date in advance, there’s always a chance we’ll have to cancel any given reservation. Hot-air ballooning is a very unpredictable activity that depends entirely on the weather, so there’s a 50/50 chance that the flight will take place on the day of your reservation. Sometimes the flight goes off without a hitch, but it’s also very common for it to take several attempts. It’s a risk we have to take that we can’t predict and is beyond our control. Remember that every cancellation is a safety issue.

What happens if the weather prevents takeoff?

A hot air balloon flight is entirely dependent on weather conditions. So even if we book a date in advance, there is no guarantee that the flight will take place. If wind, rain, extreme heat, wind direction, high-altitude conditions, or any other factors prevent a safe flight, the flight will be rescheduled to another date at no additional cost. Simply contact Katy to reschedule. Your tickets have no expiration date.

Why do you need to be in good physical shape to go hot-air ballooning?

You must be able to climb into and step over the gondola to board, because if you are unable to do so, the gondola will depart anyway, and anyone unable to board will forfeit their tickets without any possibility of a refund or rescheduling; the tickets will be considered used and forfeited. You must also be able to stand for approximately 1 hour in a confined space and maintain a landing position with bent knees upon ground impact. Please note that there are no seats. You must be able to remain standing for the entire duration of the flight and be able to maintain the landing position properly upon impact with the ground to minimize any accidental injuries. The gondolas are confined spaces where movement is limited, so we must ensure the comfort and safety of everyone, not just one person.

If I have health issues, do I need to report them?

Yes, absolutely. Anyone with a medical condition or who requires a walker or other assistive device, or who has a high-risk condition (such as osteoporosis, a fracture, vertigo, or any kind of fear), or any other unusual or uncertain condition, must inform us. If in doubt, it is essential to notify us, because if we discover that your condition was not mentioned or that we were not informed in advance, we will cancel your flight and the tickets will be considered used, with no possibility of a refund or rescheduling your flight. To ensure your safety, only the pilot is authorized to determine whether a person is fit to fly. It is therefore very important to disclose this information, both for your own safety and comfort and for the safety of others.

Are there any seats in the gondola?

There are no benches or seats in the gondola.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are not allowed on the flight.

At what age can children board the plane?

On our scheduled flights, we accept children aged 10 and older, depending on the child’s maturity. You must ensure that the child is able to remain calm, stand, and stay in place in a confined space for about an hour, without being afraid of fire or noise, and is able to follow instructions properly. The age requirement may be adjusted for private flight requests.

Do you serve sparkling wine?

Of course, we’ll serve you our traditional glass of sparkling wine upon landing. If you don’t drink alcohol, please let us know when you make your reservation.

What should we bring?

Space is limited in the gondola, so bring a water bottle, a camera, a jacket, and your smile! Everything else will be left in the vehicle following you on the ground, and you can retrieve it when you land.

What should we wear?

During the summer season, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing, along with a jacket or light coat. For morning flights, the weather will warm up, while for evening flights, the opposite will be true as the sun gradually sets.

Is the equipment inspected?

Yes, the balloon envelope must be inspected annually or every 100 flight hours. We inspect and clean our burners, gondolas, and all our vehicles and trailers.

Are hot-air balloon rides safe?

Yes. Safety is our top priority. Our certified and experienced pilots adhere to the strict standards required by Transport Canada and are required to conduct equipment inspections, obtain all mandatory certifications, and all pilots must even pass an approved medical examination to renew their licenses. The pilot is required to closely monitor weather conditions and make flight decisions with safety as the top priority. It is essential to trust your pilot’s good judgment and experience when making your reservation.

Do you need a license to be a pilot?

Yes, absolutely. In Quebec, a hot-air balloon pilot’s license is required and must be obtained after passing several exams following specialized training. The license is issued and regulated by Transport Canada.

Is it possible to get a refund?

You may request a refund of $60 per ticket if no reservation has been made. Only payments made via Interac e-Transfer may be refunded via Interac e-Transfer, subject to a $1.50 fee or the current transfer fee charged by the provider. No refunds are available for flights that have already been taken.

Is there a fee if I have to cancel my flight?

Only if you need to make changes within the 10 days prior to your flight. The fee for rebooking is $60 per person. If the cancellation is made on the day of the flight, the ticket will be forfeited with no possibility of rebooking or refund and will be considered used.

Can I change my departure date?

Yes, you can change your reservation. You have up to 10 days BEFORE your reservation date to make a change at no charge.

What should I do if my flight is canceled?

You'll need to schedule a new appointment with Katy by phone, email, or text message.

Why wait until the last minute to confirm?

We need to wait for the latest weather report as close to your departure time as possible to avoid having you travel only to find that we have to cancel once you arrive. Please note that even if you have already traveled, there is still a risk of cancellation, as things can change at the last minute.

Do you need a flight confirmation?

Yes, for all flights. For morning flights, we will call you the day before your flight after our final weather update between 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM. For evening flights, we will call you on the day of the flight after our final weather update between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM. You must confirm your attendance when we call.

Can we make a reservation for the winter?

Yes, there are some winter flights available, but very few compared to the summer season. There is only one flight available per day during the winter months.

What are the booking hours?

For morning tours, we’ll meet at sunrise, and for evening tours, we’ll meet 3 hours before sunset. Times vary depending on the month.

Can I make a reservation during the St-Jean-sur-Richelieu International Hot Air Balloon Festival?

Yes, of course. Just let us know when you make your reservation.

Can we choose our reservation time?

During the summer season, we have two flights a day. You’ll need to choose between the morning flight and the evening flight. There are no flights in between.

Is there another flying season?

We fly year-round! A hot-air balloon ride is a fantastic experience, whether in summer with its pleasant weather and lush greenery, in fall with its stunning colors, or in winter with its pristine white landscape and glistening frost. Every flight is unique and magical because no two are alike. You should try it every season to get the most out of the experience, no matter how many flights you’ve taken, because they’ll all be different and unforgettable.

When is the summer season?

The summer season runs from June to October.

Why can't we book a date online?

Because we prefer to have direct contact with each person, which allows us to gather as much information as possible about your needs and helps us better tailor our service to you.

How do I book a date?

Reservations can be made directly with Katy by phone, email, or text message.

When can I book a date?

Our schedule is always available for booking.

How much time should I set aside?

Please allow about 3–4 hours for the entire activity, from the time we meet until we drop you off at your vehicle.

How long is the flight?

We guarantee a flight lasting between 45 minutes and 1 hour.

Still have questions?

Visit the "Before your flight" section on the reserve-a-flight page to discover all important information about your hot-air balloon experience.

Learn more