Ever wondered what a typical flight day looks like? In this blog, pilot and owner of Bucket-List Balloon Flights David Stagg shares his own behind-the-scenes account of a summer morning – from take-off to tea.

“Most people think a hot air balloon ride begins when the envelope starts to inflate – but for me, the day starts well before that. In summer, my alarm goes off at 3:30am.

While most of Norfolk and Suffolk are still asleep, I’m in the kitchen making coffee and checking the weather forecast one last time. I’ve already prepared all the paperwork – flight logs, basket plans, passenger certificates – so it’s just a case of printing the latest forecast and checking the NOTAMs (that’s “Notices to Airmen” – essential for making sure there are no flight restrictions in our area).

Next, I load up the trailer and make sure the champagne is in the chiller – a key part of the experience! 🥂 I usually aim to leave the house by 4:30am, arriving at the launch site half an hour before our passengers are due to meet us.

Prepping for the Flight

Once I arrive, I check the wind, pick the best position for the balloon and set everything up for inflation. When passengers arrive, we do a full check-in followed by a site safety briefing – not just for them, but for any family or friends watching nearby too. Ballooning is all about teamwork and trust, and safety always comes first.

After that, I invite the passengers over for a more focused flight safety briefing. This is always a quieter moment – I want them to really take it in without distractions. Then it’s time to spread out the balloon envelope, prep the basket and begin the inflation.

Watching the balloon come to life is still one of my favourite parts. As it rises upright and towers above the field, the excitement builds. I run through a few final checks, call “passenger board” – and then we’re off! 🎈

Up, Up and Away

There’s something very peaceful about ballooning over Norfolk and Suffolk. We might pass over rivers, fields, ancient churches or early morning wildlife – I often point out deer, foxes, and plenty of curious cows or sheep. The burner’s whoosh is the only real sound as we glide across the sky.

After about an hour, I look for a suitable place to land – ideally somewhere with road access and no crops or livestock at risk. While I deflate the balloon, my ground crew checks in with the landowner to get permission, and we start packing everything away.

And yes – I do ask the passengers to help! Ballooning is very much a team sport. I find the balloon packs away a lot faster when I mention there’s no champagne until it’s back in the trailer…

The Final Touches

With the balloon stowed, I serve champagne and hand out personalised certificates – a little memento to mark the experience. We then return to the launch site where passengers can collect their cars and say their goodbyes.

As for me? I’m off to refuel the balloon for the next flight. Once home, I wash up the glasses, finish any paperwork and put the kettle on again. It’s not even lunchtime yet – but that’s just part of the rhythm of a balloonist’s life.

Then, it’s time to check the weather for tomorrow. Because the next adventure is never far away!”

Curious about what it’s like to join us for a flight?

Visit our Flight Locations, browse our FAQs, or read some recent passenger reviews – and if you’re ready to float, you can book your hot air balloon ride here.