Our Frequently Asked Questions

A hot air balloon is a lightweight aircraft that operates using a balloon filled with hot air, which rises into the atmosphere. The balloon’s basket is suspended beneath the envelope and can carry passengers.

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The ideal weather conditions for a hot air balloon flight are light, stable winds between 10–15 km/h, with no precipitation or turbulence, clear visibility, and an open sky. However, our professional pilots always assess the weather conditions to avoid any surprises.

Hot air balloon flights generally take place early in the morning (at sunrise) or late in the day (1.5 to 2 hours before sunset), when the weather conditions are most favorable. These are also the times when the landscapes are at their most beautiful, with soft, golden light.

Sun heating and ground warming create thermal instability, causing random changes in wind direction and speed. For this reason, hot air balloons fly early in the morning and late in the evening, when the air mass is most stable. In contrast, gliders fly during the day because they use vertical air movements.

In the event of flight cancellation due to adverse weather conditions (risk of rain, thunderstorms, strong or unstable winds), you can reschedule a new flight directly via our online schedule. Your tickets are valid for two years, so there is no need to worry.

There are no medical contraindications for flying in a hot air balloon. If in doubt, we recommend consulting your doctor. However, for precaution and safety, we do not allow expectant mothers on board.

No, you do not feel dizzy in a hot air balloon because you are not connected to the ground. You might get dizzy on a ladder, at the edge of a balcony, or on a bridge, but not in a basket! Indeed, you need a physical connection to the ground to experience dizziness. Watch this report, filmed with France 5, in which we explain the phenomenon

Yes, hot air ballooning is considered one of the safest modes of transportation in the world. At Air Pegasus Hot Air Balloons, we take all necessary safety measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable flight. Our pilots are experienced, and our equipment is regularly inspected and maintained.

Takeoff times vary depending on the season. In the morning, we take off at sunrise, and in the evening, 1 to 1.5 hours before sunset. Meeting times are about 30 minutes before takeoff.

Since flights depend on the weather, we confirm each flight in advance. Morning flights are confirmed the day before, around 6:00 PM, and evening flights are confirmed on the day of the flight, around 1:00 PM.

The duration of a hot air balloon flight depends on several factors, including weather conditions. In general, flights last between 45 minutes and one hour. The total experience, from arrival to return to the launch site, lasts about 3 hours.

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There are different ways to get to the Maintenon launch site:

• By car: Rue Gaston Rogemont – 28130 Maintenon (Maingournois) GPS coordinates: 48.577394, 1.585421
• By train: Maintenon Station, accessible from Paris Montparnasse station.

We are a family-owned company with over 35 years of experience in ballooning.

• With Air Pegasus, your safety is guaranteed. The company holds an air carrier certificate approved by the DGAC, declaration no. FR.DEC.340.
• You have the opportunity to fly over different flight zones just a few kilometers from Paris: the Château de Maintenon, the Domaine de Villeray.
• Air Pegasus’s main goal is to share its passion for ballooning while maintaining its legendary enthusiasm.
• Air Pegasus also manages a maintenance and airworthiness management workshop for balloons approved by the authorities under number FR.CAO.0062, ensuring maintenance and safety for our balloons as well as those of private owners and other professionals entrusted to us.

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The landing site is not the same as the takeoff site. The balloon moves with the wind and cannot return to the starting point. After landing, the Air Pegasus team brings you back to the launch site using the company’s vehicles.

At Air Pegasus Hot Air Balloons, we welcome passengers of all ages. However, a minimum height of 1.20 meters and a minimum age of 7 years are required. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. We offer a special rate for children. A hot air balloon flight is a magical experience for kids. The burner’s noise may startle them, so feel free to watch videos on our site or on YouTube to help them prepare.

Nothing beats comfortable clothing for a hot air balloon flight. Depending on the season and temperature, you should adjust your outfit accordingly. Warm clothing is recommended in autumn and winter, while lighter clothes are fine in warmer seasons.

We suggest bringing a sweater or jacket, as well as flat, closed, and comfortable shoes. Open-toed shoes are not allowed on board. You may also bring a cap or hat to protect yourself from the heat of the burner.

Of course, it is possible to be accompanied on a hot air balloon flight. Your friends can join you for the flight preparations and takeoff. They can then follow you in their own vehicle and meet you at the landing site. To avoid a long round trip, it may also be possible to arrange a closer drop-off to your home.

Of course, you can bring any device to capture your flight: cameras, video cameras, and GoPros. You can also bring binoculars to admire the scenery. We recommend bringing cases to store them safely during landing.

It’s simple: you can purchase the flight of your choice online through our website. You will receive a purchase confirmation by email, inviting you to select your desired flight date. We will then get back to you to confirm the date or, if necessary, propose an alternative. Since flights depend on the weather, we contact you the day before the confirmed date to finalize the takeoff for the next day. Don’t worry—if the weather is unfavorable, we will quickly reschedule a new date with you.

A minimum height of 1.20 meters is required to take a flight. As for age, we once flew three friends totaling 275 years… but that was on a very calm day. There is no maximum age, but passengers must be in good health. For safety reasons, expectant mothers are not allowed on board.