What Happens If the Weather Cancels My Flight?
Hot air ballooning is one of the most weather-dependent activities in aviation.
The same calm conditions that make flights so peaceful also mean we have to be careful — and sometimes, Mother Nature has other plans.
If your flight is cancelled due to weather, don’t worry. Safety always comes first, and there are easy options to rebook or reschedule your adventure.
1. Why Weather Matters
Hot air balloons rely on light winds, good visibility, and stable air to fly safely.
Our pilots carefully assess conditions every day using aviation forecasts and live reports.
Flights may be cancelled for reasons such as:
Strong or unpredictable winds
Rain or storms in the area
Poor visibility due to fog or low clouds
Temperature or pressure changes that could affect flight control
Even if the weather looks calm from the ground, conditions higher up can be very different.
2. Who Decides If the Flight Goes Ahead?
Only your licensed pilot can make the final decision to fly — based on detailed weather data and Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulations.
If the conditions aren’t safe, the flight will be postponed before take-off.
While this can be disappointing, it’s the same level of caution applied across all professional balloon operations in Australia.
3. How You’ll Be Notified
You’ll receive a flight confirmation message the afternoon before your scheduled flight.
This message will include:
The meeting time and location
A link or number for weather updates
If the forecast looks uncertain, your pilot may make a final weather call early the next morning before the flight.
If the flight is cancelled, you’ll be notified right away by SMS or phone call.
4. What Happens Next
If your flight is cancelled due to weather, you’ll have the following options:
1. Rebook Another Date
You can choose another available date within your voucher or booking validity period.
This is the most common choice — and often leads to an even better flying day!
2. Hold Your Credit for Later
If you’re visiting Melbourne or the Yarra Valley for a short time, you can hold your booking open until your next trip.
3. Request a Refund (If Eligible)
If you’re unable to rebook, you may be eligible for a refund depending on your ticket type or gift voucher provider.
We’ll guide you through the process quickly and clearly.
5. Why Cancellations Are a Good Thing
It might not feel that way at first, but weather cancellations are actually part of what makes ballooning so safe.
Flights only happen when:
Conditions are perfectly stable
Visibility is clear
Winds are gentle and predictable
That’s why every successful flight feels so special — it happens when nature gives us the perfect moment.
6. Tips to Plan Ahead
Allow flexibility: If possible, keep a backup morning free during your stay.
Book early in your trip: This gives you a few extra days to rebook if needed.
Stay in touch: Make sure your phone is on and notifications are enabled the evening before.
Trust your pilot: Every decision is made with safety and passenger comfort in mind.
7. Our Promise
We understand how much you look forward to your balloon flight — it’s often a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
That’s why we do everything we can to make your rebooking easy, flexible, and stress-free.
When the weather clears, you’ll take off in the best possible conditions — calm skies, gentle winds, and the perfect sunrise.
A Little Patience, A Perfect Reward
Hot air ballooning depends on nature — and that’s exactly what makes it so beautiful.
When you finally lift off, you’ll know you’re flying in the safest, most stunning conditions possible.
The wait is always worth it.
✨ Ready to fly when the skies are right?
Book your Hot Air Balloon Flight over Melbourne or the Yarra Valley, and we’ll take care of the rest — from weather checks to rebooking support, ensuring your sunrise adventure is safe and unforgettable.