Virgin Balloon Flights

Hot air balloon flights across England, Scotland and Wales

Virgin Balloon Flights presents itself as the leading passenger hot air balloon flight operator in the United Kingdom. The company, which operates under the name AirXcite Ltd T/A Virgin Balloon Flights, focuses its activity on flight experiences over British landscapes, with departures from more than one hundred launch sites distributed across England, Scotland and Wales.

According to its own account, the company launched in 1994, following Sir Richard Branson's balloon crossings of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and claims to have carried more than a million passengers. The fleet is identified by its characteristic large red balloons.

The flight experience

The development of each flight follows a sequence described by the company: passenger arrival and pilot briefing, participation in inflating the balloon, ascent lasting approximately one hour, landing and a toast with prosecco or a soft drink. The activity concludes with the dismantling of the balloon and the presentation of a certificate endorsed by Sir Richard Branson.

Gift vouchers and flexible booking

The sale of gift vouchers is one of the company's commercial pillars. The vouchers are presented as flexible, with immediate digital delivery and twelve months' validity, and can be purchased for own use or as a gift, with the possibility of booking the flight later. The company also mentions a voucher exchange programme. The purchase process is structured in three steps: buy the voucher, book a place and date with help from the team and, if weather conditions prevent flying, extend the voucher at no cost.

Regions and launch sites

The offer is organised by regions, among which the site highlights London, Manchester, Birmingham, the South East, North West, North East and South West of England and Wales. Among the launch sites presented are Bath, Bristol, Guildford, Henley-on-Thames, Oxford and Swindon, in addition to a complete nationwide list of locations.

Gifts and occasions

The company directs part of its catalogue to birthday gifts, anniversaries and wish-list experiences, and includes flights for two people. The site also gathers practical guides on how the balloon works, recommended clothing, the influence of weather and choosing the right voucher.

Other services and corporate activity

Alongside individual flights and gift vouchers, the company mentions corporate services, an affiliate programme, student discounts and charitable and community initiatives, as well as a product line linked to the reuse of balloon materials.

Location and contact

Phone: 01952 212769 · Email: customerservice@virginballoonflights.co.uk