Safety Tips for Families on Their First Flight

A hot air balloon flight over Melbourne is an unforgettable family adventure — gentle, peaceful, and full of wonder.
If it’s your first time flying with children, you might feel both excited and a little nervous.
The good news? Ballooning is one of the safest and most serene forms of flight, and our team is there to make every moment smooth and enjoyable.

Here are some practical safety tips to help your family feel fully prepared and confident before take-off.

1. Know the Age and Height Requirements 🎈

For safety and comfort, children must be at least 6 years old and around 120 cm tall to fly.
This ensures they can see comfortably over the basket edge and hold on during take-off and landing.

Younger kids or those who can’t see above the basket should wait a little longer — part of the magic is being able to watch the world below!

👧 Tip: If your child is close to the height limit, check with our team before booking — we’re happy to advise.

2. Dress Warmly and Comfortably 👕🧢

Balloon flights take place at sunrise, when temperatures are cool.
Dress your family in layers — long pants, closed-toe shoes, and a jacket or jumper.

Avoid loose scarves, dresses, or hanging accessories, and tie back long hair.
The burners produce gentle warmth, but comfort is key to enjoying the experience.

🧤 Tip: Gloves and beanies help keep little hands and ears warm during those first chilly minutes before take-off.

3. Listen Carefully to the Pilot’s Briefing 🎧

Before the flight, your pilot will explain everything you need to know — from take-off and landing positions to safety reminders.
Encourage children to listen closely; pilots love answering curious questions!

This short briefing helps everyone understand what to expect and ensures a safe, confident experience for all ages.

4. Stay Together During Boarding and Landing 🫶

Families should always board the balloon together under crew supervision.
The pilot and ground team will guide you step-by-step — from climbing into the basket to preparing for landing.

During landing, all passengers bend their knees slightly, hold on to the basket handles, and stay in position until the pilot gives the all-clear.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Tip: Reassure kids that the landing is gentle — more like a “bounce and settle” than a jolt.

5. Bring Only the Essentials 🎒

Space inside the balloon basket is limited.
Bring small items only — your phone or camera, a light jacket, and maybe a water bottle.
Large bags, umbrellas, or bulky items should stay in the vehicle or support van.

This keeps the basket safe, organised, and comfortable for everyone.

6. Prepare for an Early Start ⏰

Flights meet before dawn, when conditions are calmest.
Make sure children go to bed early the night before, and have a light snack or drink before arriving.

The early wake-up can feel like an adventure in itself — and the reward is watching the sunrise from above the world.

🥐 Bonus: Many families choose to enjoy a champagne (or juice) breakfast after landing — the perfect end to a magical morning.

7. Trust the Crew — You’re in Expert Hands

Every balloon flight is operated by a licensed commercial pilot under Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations.
Our pilots check weather conditions carefully before each flight, and flights only go ahead when conditions are perfect for a safe experience.

Your safety is our number one priority — always.

8. Enjoy the Moment 🌅

Once you’re in the air, relax and take it all in — the sunrise, the view, and the smiles on your family’s faces.
Ballooning is one of the few adventures that’s both peaceful and exciting — and the memory will last for years.

📷 Tip: Capture a few photos, but don’t forget to put the phone down and simply enjoy the magic together.

9. After Landing: Celebrate Together 🎉

Once the balloon touches down, the fun continues.
Take a few photos, help the crew pack up if you’d like, and share a toast with juice for the kids and champagne for the adults.

It’s the perfect time to talk about what everyone noticed — the colours, the views, and that incredible feeling of floating.

A Safe and Joyful Family Adventure

Your first balloon flight is more than just a ride — it’s a shared moment of discovery and connection.
With the right preparation, it’s safe, comfortable, and unforgettable for every member of the family.

Because when you rise together, you create memories that stay grounded in joy forever.

✨ Ready for your family’s first adventure in the sky?

Book your sunrise hot air balloon flight over Melbourne or the Yarra Valley, and let our team guide you through a safe and magical experience from start to finish.