Faq - Frequently asked questions about ballooning
Faq – Reservation, payment and vouchers
How much does a balloon flight with Aeronord cost?
Prices start from €249 per person for a shared flight. Reserved flights (exclusive to your own group) start at €850 for 2 people. Prices vary depending on location, number of people, and type of package chosen.
What is the difference between reserved flight and shared flight?
In the reserved flight, the balloon is exclusive to the group: ideal for couples, families or small groups who want privacy and flexibility, also available during the week. In the shared flight you board with other passengers, at a lower cost, but generally available only on weekends.
What is the open-date voucher? How long is it valid for?
The free-date voucher allows you to purchase the experience today and choose the date later. It is valid 24 months from purchase – twice as long as many other operators. It is an ideal solution as a gift: the recipient has plenty of time to make arrangements.
Is the voucher transferable to another person?
Yes. The voucher can be transferred to another person upon written notice via email to Aeronord.
Is it possible to receive a personalized gift PDF?
Yes. By indicating in the order notes (and via email) the birthday person’s information, Aeronord sends a gift PDF with the recipient’s name-perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and graduations.
How do I book the flight after purchasing the voucher?
Reservations are made by contacting Aeronord by email at info@aeronord.it or by phone at 02 26227112. It is not possible to book directly online after purchasing the voucher.
What payment methods are accepted?
Credit card, PayPal and bank transfer are accepted.
Is the voucher refundable?
The voucher is non-refundable unless a medical certificate attesting to the permanent inability to fly is presented (to be presented at least one month before the voucher expires) or for those who do not reside in Italy. In case of cancellation due to bad weather, the validity of the ticket is maintained and the flight is rescheduled.
Can I change the date after booking?
Yes, as long as notice of cancellation is given at least 7 days in advance for weekend flights, or at least 5 days in advance for weekday flights. Beyond these deadlines, or in case of no-show at the rendezvous, the ticket will be forfeited without refund.
What happens if I am pregnant and can’t fly by the voucher deadline?
By presenting a medical certificate, Aeronord extends the validity of the voucher for free by 6 months from the expected date of delivery.
Faq – The flying experience
What is included in the price of the flight?
The experience includes: the hot air balloon flight (about 1 hour), the initial briefing with the pilot, transportation from the landing site to the departure point, and – depending on the package chosen – a breakfast with local products or aperitif/brunch in the air. The total duration of the experience is about 2.5-3 hours.
How do I get informed about the time and meeting place on the day of the flight?
The evening before the flight, Aeronord contacts passengers to confirm weather conditions, exact time, and meeting point, which may vary depending on wind direction.
Can chaperones who do not fly be present?
Yes, they can follow the flight from the ground in their own cars. If they would like to participate in the breakfast or appetizer, they must inform us so that we can notify the bar or farmhouse, and the fee will be paid separately directly to the bar or farmhouse.
Can I bring my camera or smartphone on board?
Yes, but care must be taken during takeoff and landing and do not put them in positions outside the basket, Aeronord does not take responsibility for any damage to cameras, phones, glasses or other personal items brought on board.
Can you smoke aboard the hot air balloon?
No. Smoking is prohibited in the basket during flight and within 50 meters of the hot air balloon during inflation and deflation. Electronic cigarettes are also prohibited.
How does the landing take place? Should I be afraid?
Landing is the most adrenaline-pumping phase of the experience. The basket touches the ground and, in windy conditions, may tilt and slide for a few feet before stopping; this is completely normal and safe. The pilot instructs passengers in advance: the correct position is to bend the knees while holding on to the basket handles.
Faq – Who can’t fly (requirements and health)
You may not fly if you have any handicaps or impairments, diseases or syndromes that are contrary to ballooning or altitude flight and in particular: you must not suffer from any kind of heart disease, problems with bone system deficits, serious back problems, muscle problems. You must not have hearing compensation problems, you cannot fly if you are pregnant.
It is important to be able to get in and out of the basket independently i.e., take one/two steps, pass one leg at a time across the guardrail and back down inside the basket, and be able to maintain the correct support position when landing (bend your knees while holding on to the handles). It is forbidden to fly if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
What is the minimum age to fly in a hot air balloon?
The minimum age is 6 years old, with a minimum height of 120 cm. Children ages 6 to 12 must be accompanied by a parent. Teenagers aged 12 to 16 must fly with an adult. Ages 16 to 18 (not completed) require a signed permission slip from a parent.
Is there a weight limit for flying in a hot air balloon?
The maximum weight allowed is 130 kg per person. People between 115 and 130 kg are required to pay a 50% surcharge or they can opt for a 2-person reserved flight. If you have any questions you can contact Aeronord prior to purchase.
Can pregnant women fly?
No. Hot air ballooning is contraindicated during pregnancy. Those who purchase a voucher while pregnant may apply for a free extension of 6 months from the expected date of delivery, subject to medical certification.
Are there any medical contraindications to flying?
People with: cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases, osteoporosis, psychiatric disorders, prosthetic limbs or walking problems cannot fly. It is not possible to fly while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or within 24 hours of diving activities. If in doubt, you should consult your medical professional.
Can elderly people fly?
Yes, there is no maximum age limit. The only requirement is to be in good health and to be able to maintain the landing position (knees flexed, hands at the basket handles). In case of specific concerns, medical advice is recommended.
Can people with disabilities fly?
Any type of disability must be reported to Aeronord at the time of booking to allow the pilot to assess suitability for the flight and ensure maximum safety for all passengers. The pilot has the authority to exclude those who pose a safety risk from the flight.
Faq – Weather, seasonality and location
At what locations do passenger flights operate?
Aeronord flies year-round from Crema, Mondovì, Barolo (Langhe), Tonco Monferrato, and Ozzero/Morimondo (Milan area-suspended from April to mid-May). In summer (July-September), the Passirano/Iseo location on Lake Iseo is added.
How far in advance do you know if the flight is confirmed for the following day?
Confirmation of weather conditions, exact time and meeting point are communicated the evening before the flight. In summer, flights leave at dawn; in autumn and winter also at mid-day times.
What happens if the flight is canceled due to bad weather?
The flight is rescheduled. The validity of the ticket is maintained and a new date is agreed upon at no additional cost.
Faq – Security and Certifications
Is Aeronord ENAC certified for passenger flights?
Yes. Aeronord Aerostati operates with all ENAC certifications required for commercial passenger transportation by balloons. Hot air balloons are subject to annual technical inspections by certified technicians, in addition to systematic pilot pre-flight checks before each outing.
Are Aeronord’s pilots licensed to fly?
Yes. All pilots hold ENAC licenses according to European EASA standards for commercial flights and have years of experience in passenger ballooning.
Does Aeronord have insurance coverage for passengers?
Yes. Aeronord Sas is covered by aviation insurance under Regulation (EC) No. 785/2004, which protects every passenger in case of death and/or personal injury during flight.
How many years has Aeronord been in the aerostatic business?
Since 1960. Aeronord Aerostati is one of the longest-running and most comprehensive companies in the Italian aerostatic industry-over 60 years of family-run business, with expertise ranging from passenger flights to the production of aerostats and inflatables for companies and events.
Faq – Business Services (B2B)
What does Aeronord offer companies?
Aeronord offers businesses a turnkey service in the aerostatic world: aerostats and advertising inflatables customized with corporate branding, hot air balloon rentals for corporate events, trade shows and sporting events, traveling promotional tours, scientific research with aerostats, and exclusive flights for team building, incentive and celebratory events.
Can a hot air balloon or inflatable be customized with a company logo?
Yes. Aeronord manufactures and rents custom-made advertising balloons and inflatables, graphically customized with the customer’s colors and branding. In-house production ensures quality control and flexibility on formats and timing. Special shapes can also be made.
What kinds of corporate events can be held with a hot air balloon?
The hot air balloon can be used as an attraction for fairs and congresses, exclusive corporate flights (team building, incentives, celebratory events), outdoor communication campaigns and territorial visibility, and traveling advertising tours throughout the country.
Does Aeronord also do scientific research with aerostats?
Yes. Aeronord has experience in scientific research with aerostats, including atmospheric sampling and instrumental surveys at altitude. Contact us directly to evaluate specific projects.