Balloon Over Bagan

Balloons Over Bagan – Conditions of flight

Passengers flying with Balloon Over Bagan flights are bound by the following Terms and Conditions.

1. Passengers or their accompanying guide must register at our Sales office in Bagan. Our Sales office is open from 08:00 AM to 11:00 AM & again from 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM. The contact phone number is 061 60347 and 09 448045716.
2. Passengers are advised to wear long trousers and long sleeved clothing from 100% natural fibres.
3. Receipt of payment vouchers / flight tickets must be produced at launch site.
4. No refunds will be given for failure to arrive for a pre-arranged flight.
5. Any known medical condition which may affect your ability to fly or assist the crew must be disclosed to Balloons over Bagan at the time of booking and to the pilot on the day of the flight, i.e. epilepsy, recent surgery etc. Some conditions may preclude you from eligibility to fly. Pregnant women will not be permitted to fly. Balloons over Bagan will not accept liability for illness or injury due to any undisclosed condition or failure to comply with any reasonable instruction given by the pilot or crew or company representative.
6. The pilot in command is legally obliged to consider the safety of his passengers at all times and may refuse to carry passengers for whatever reason if it is considered their carriage may endanger the flight, other passengers or themselves. Balloons over Bagan reserves the right to refuse the carriage of any passenger.
7. Any Passenger in excess of 125 kg / 280 pounds, or any passenger who requires the space in the basket for 2 passengers, will be required to book an additional space at the time of booking and pay a 100% surcharge of the ticket price. Failure to provide accurate information in advance could lead to the refusal of flight at the launch site, whereby no refund will be offered.
8. All passengers must carefully listen to the security briefing (see below) given by the pilot before the launch of the balloon and indicate in case he / she doesn’t understand the security briefing.
9. The pilot of the day has absolute authority and all passengers and crew must comply with his instructions. The pilot’s decision on all matters is final.
10. Balloons over Bagan expects passengers to assist the pilot and crew in any situation that is deemed reasonable, during pre- and post-flight activities.
11. Balloons over Bagan reserves the right to cancel or delay flights, change rendezvous and launch sites, at short notice, to achieve a safe and successful flight. Balloons over Bagan will not accept liability for any consequential loss or inconvenience.
12. Balloons over Bagan carries third party and passenger liability for each balloon of USD 10 millions.
13. Balloons over Bagan accepts no liability for claims arising as a result of an act or default of any other passenger or bystander.
14. Balloons over Bagan accepts no liability for loss or damage to persons or property other than that which results from negligence on its own part.
15. Balloons over Bagan does not accept liability for loss or damage to personal effects.
16. Flights cancelled by Balloons over Bagan for safety reasons or as a result of unfavourable weather or operational difficulties will be refunded in full. All direct payments to Balloons over Bagan will be refunded in cash either in Bagan or in Yangon. For all bookings made through tour agents, passengers must contact the respective agent to organise their refunds.
    Note for passengers booked via Myanmar City Star Travel & Tours Co. Ltd:
    Myanmar City Star Travel & Tours Co. Ltd will make a full refund in net amount via paypal or bank transfer to all passengers booked through us, this exclude the 2% online payment fees or the bank charges when you made the payment.
17. Balloons over Bagan reserves the right to alter, revise or review any terms, conditions or rates, at its discretion.
18. Balloons over Bagan will not fly children under the age of 8 years. A child under the age of 16 years will only be flown if accompanied by a responsible adult, and the child is over 4’6” tall (or 137 cm).

 

Important Security Briefing (as given by the pilot before take-off)

• NO SMOKING IN AND AROUND THE BALLOON at all times.
• If you are feeling unwell, if you have any medical conditions or you might be pregnant please inform the Pilot before the balloon is inflated.
• During inflation do not walk between the trucks and the balloon. Stay behind the red barrier cord until asked to “Climb Aboard” by the Ground Crew.
• To climb in – use the step-holes in the side of the basket.
• Once you are in the basket do not get out, even after landing – stay in the basket until the Pilot tells you it is safe to get out.
• Do not touch any coloured ropes, the fuel-hoses or any of the burner controls.
• Before take-off your pilot will ask all passengers to practise the landing position as follows;
  • Safely stow all phones, cameras, binoculars etc, do not have anything loose around your neck (if you have long hair-please tie it up or tuck it away).
  • Face backwards to the direction of travel.
  • Hold onto the rope handles woven into the basket side-wall in front of you.
  • Sit down on the seat.
  • LEAN BACK against the basket padding, sit upright and do not lean forward.
  • Place your feet flat on the floor with your toes away from the basket wall.
  • Stay in this position until the Pilot tells you it is safe to move.
  • When the Pilot gives the command “LANDING POSITIONS” please comply IMMEDIATELY – this is very important for the SAFETY of all of the PASSENGERS.
• The landing might be a series of bounces and the basket might lay on it’s side and drag along the ground until it stops. Stay in the LANDING POSITION until the Pilot tells you it is safe to move.
• In the unlikely event of an emergency – please follow the instructions given by the Pilot at all times.
• If you do not understand any part of these instructions, please inform the Pilot before the balloon is inflated.

 

Thank you for reading these instructions and I hope you enjoy your flight with us.

1. All pre bookings via Myanmar City Star Travel & Tours Co. Ltd. must be made online or via email and can only be made up to 72 hours or 3 days in advance.
2. Exclusive and special offers by Myanmar City Star Travel & Tours Co. Ltd. apply to pre booking made at least 45 days or more in advanced.
3. Standby tickets at the standby rates can only be made and purchased within 48 hours or 2 full days at Balloon Over Bagan Sales office in Bagan before the flight date.
4. Payment and confirmation: We must receive 100% full payment from clients at least 30 days before the flight date in order to confirm the pre-booked flight. At that time, we will require clients’ full names, passport numbers (as stated in the client’s passport), the bodyweight of each passenger, nationalities and the name of the hotel/ cruise in Bagan for the pick-up. If the booking is made within 30 days before the flight date, a full payment must be made and all of the required information must be provided to us at the time of booking. If the client is unable to provide the necessary information and payment at this stage, the reserved booking will not be considered as confirmed, and will be automatically cancelled.
5. Cancellation fees for all pre bookings are as follows: We reserves the right to charge a 20% cancellation fee if the cancellation is made between 30 days and 7 days before the flight, and a 100% cancellation fee if the cancellation is made less than 7 days before the flight.
   • Cancellation less than 7 days before the flight date – no refund
   • Cancellation between 30 days and 7 days before the flight date – 80% refund
6. Balloon flight cancellations refer to and include variations, amendments and additions to the following: This applies 30 days before the flight.
   • Flight Dates
   • Total Number of Passengers
   • Name changes only can be made up to 7 days before the flight date without penalty.
7. Upon booking with us, we will provide our booking terms and conditions, Balloon Over Bagan’s Condition of flight and FAQs to the lead passenger along with the invoice, the lead passenger then must ensure all clients on her/ his booking have been provided with this information. By making payment for the flight, all clients on the booking are deemed to have read and agreed the booking terms and conditions and FAQs.
8. Myanmar City Star Travel & Tours Co. Ltd. accepts secure online payment (for balloon flight bookings made less than 45 days before the flight date) or bank transfers (for the bookings made 45 days or more before the flight). We accept all major debit and credit cards via paypal payments or bank transfers. Card payments and paypal transfer incur a charge of 2%. In case of payments by bank transfers, clients need to ensure that the net amount is transferred and all transfer charges their bank may apply are debited from their account.
9. Passengers or their accompanying guide must register at Balloon Over Bagan’s sales office upon arrival in Bagan.
10. No refunds will be given for failure to arrive for a pre-arranged flight.
11. Balloons over Bagan reserves the right to cancel or delay flights, change rendezvous and launch sites, at short notice, to achieve a safe and successful flight. Balloons over Bagan will not accept liability for any consequential loss or inconvenience.
12. Flights cancelled by Balloons over Bagan for safety reasons or as a result of unfavourable weather or operational difficulties will be refunded in full the method you make payment (i.e. online payment via paypal or bank transfer). Any direct online guests who have made the payment by credit card to Balloons over Bagan must take their refunds in cash at our Sales office in Bagan before they leave the country. For all bookings made through tour agents, passengers must contact the respective agent to organize their refunds.
    Note for passengers booked via Myanmar City Star Travel & Tours Co. Ltd:
    Myanmar City Star Travel & Tours Co. Ltd will make a full refund in net amount via paypal or bank transfer to all passengers booked through us, this exclude the 2% online payment fees or the bank charges when you made the payment.
13. Any Passenger in excess of 125 kg / 280 pounds, or any passenger who requires the space in the basket for 2 passengers, will be required to book the additional extra space at the time of booking and pay a 100% surcharge of the ticket price. Failure to provide accurate information in advance could lead to the refusal of flight at the launch site, whereby no refund will be offered.
14. Balloons over Bagan carries third party and passenger liability for each balloon of USD 10 millions.
15. Balloons over Bagan reserve the right to alter, revise or review any terms, conditions or rates, at its discretion.
16. Our general policy will be to accept morning flights only as a pre booking. However, evening flights will be considered with a minimum of 8 persons at the company discussion.

 

Balloon Over Bagan – frequently asked questions

 

How long is the flight?

Balloon Over Bagan flights on average last 45 minutes to one hour depending on the wind. Flights over 25 minutes are deemed completed. The whole experience including hotel pick-ups and light champagne breakfast lasts between 2 ½ to 3 hours. Ballooning is also about watching the setup of the balloon, and being “rescued” at the end too, not just the flight itself. Not knowing where you are going to land is always exciting and part of the adventure!

 

What do we see?

The exciting thing about ballooning is that you just don’t know. You will see Bagan waking up in the morning. You will see many temples in the distance and get a spectacular aerial view of Bagan. Sometimes you may fly over villages and see people on their early morning rounds, feeding their animals; or going to market. It is an amazing and interactive experience.

 

Can we go to …… by balloon?

The balloon can only go where the wind takes it. So we unfortunately cannot pre-plan where it will land.

 

Is it safe?

• Commercial passenger ballooning is the safest form of all air transport.
• In Bagan we are always very careful. We only fly when there are light surface winds less than 8 knots since we launched in 1999 and have never recorded any accident or incident however minor.
• Our pilots and technicians are European Nationals qualified and registered in the UK.
• Our balloons are built to the highest standards of the British aerospace industry by Cameron Balloons
  ltd and Lindstrand Balloons.
• All our crew are trained to the highest international standards for the past 15 years and have all been trained in first aid by UK Public Transport Inspectors.
• Our Senior crew have been trained in the UK at the manufactures, and form part of a permanent in house maintenance organisation.

 

I’m scared of heights.

Ballooning does not usually affect those people who are scared of heights. Because the balloon travels with the wind, the basket is very stable and does not sway or rock during flight. There is no sense of vertigo or motion.

 

Do we see this pagoda?

You will see lots of pagodas! Exactly which pagoda you will see depends on the wind direction.

 

How many people can fit in one balloon?

Balloon Over Bagan currently have 12 balloons in service. Three balloons have room for 8 passengers in four separate compartments plus a pilot. One balloon has room for 12 passengers in four separate compartments. Eight balloons have room for 16 passengers in four separate compartments, offering a range of flexibility across our entire fleet for small or larger groups.

 

What is the premium service?

Balloon Over Bagan’s successful premium service offers a more personalised and spacious experience for a maximum of just 24 passengers per day in our three smallest 8 passenger balloons. Designed to hold just 4 couples in their own individual compartments with more personal space, the premium service offers a more intimate and private experience. A highlight of the experience is a guided interactive tour around the balloon during inflation from your pilot just prior to take off. In addition to this, clients will receive a free CD or memory stick including an in-flight photo of their flight.

 

What do we get for the price?

A memory that we hope will last forever; transport to and from your hotel to launch and landing site, flight, ‘rescue’, celebratory glass of champagne and light breakfast.

 

Where do we take off?

The take-off site changes with the wind and is decided by the pilot in command on the day of the flight. We have exclusive use of the Shwezigone sports ground which affords a spectacular view of the Shwezigone pagoda at first light.

 

Where do we land?

Wherever the wind takes you! This could be next to a Pagoda, a field by a village, on a sandbank, or even across the river, which will involve a rescue by boat.

 

What time will we be picked up?

For the morning flight, passengers are usually picked up at their hotels by our Balloons over Bagan bus between 05h30 and 06h00 in the morning depending on the location of your hotel and the hotels of other passengers. The exact time will be given to you the evening before when you or your guide come to our sales office in Bagan to reconfirm your flight.

 

What time do we get back to the hotel?

In the morning flight, passengers are usually back at their hotels by 8.00 – 8.30 am. Some passengers like to stay longer after landing to drink an extra glass of champagne or chat with villagers who come to witness the landing. The post flight celebrations are an important part of ballooning in this special area and not to be rushed!

 

Can we fly at sunset?

Balloon Over Bagan can sometimes put on evening flights on a standby basis only. Unfortunately because of the tropical location in Bagan, evening weather conditions tend to be less favourable and less reliable than in our scheduled morning flights. We believe therefore that a morning flight affords a more enjoyable and superior experience. Bagan is normally at its most beautiful early in the morning, and temperatures are pleasant and cool.

 

Can our children fly?

For safety reasons there are age and height restrictions. We set a minimum age of 8 years old, but as a general rule, all passengers must be able to see over the basket.

 

How can we pay for a pre-booking?

For a pre-booking, full payment must be made preferably by bank transfer at least 30 days in advance of the flight date. All payment must be paid in US dollar.

Note for passengers booking via Myanmar City Star Travel & Tours Co. Ltd.:

Myanmar City Star Travel & Tours Co. Ltd. only accepts secure online payment (for balloon flight bookings made less than 45 days before the flight date) or bank transfers (for the bookings made 45 days or more before the flight). We accept all major debit and credit cards via paypal payments or bank transfers. Card payments and paypal transfer incur a charge of 2%. In case of payments by bank transfers, clients need to ensure that the net amount is transferred and all transfer charges their bank may apply are debited from their account.

 

Can I get my money back if the balloon flight is cancelled?

Yes of course! Balloons over Bagan only operates when the chief pilot decides that the weather is suitable and it is safe to fly. Therefore it might unfortunately be possible that we have to cancel the balloon flight at the launch site for safety reasons. In that case we will refund 100% of your payment. All direct payments to Balloons over Bagan will be refunded in cash either in Bagan or in Yangon. If you have made payment through your travel agent, we will advise them immediately so that they can make arrangements for your refund on you return to Yangon.
Note for passengers booked via Myanmar City Star Travel & Tours Co. Ltd:
Myanmar City Star Travel & Tours Co. Ltd will make a full refund in net amount via paypal or bank transfer to all passengers booked through us, this exclude the 2% online payment fees or the bank charges when you made the payment.

 

Can I decide later in Bagan whether I want to fly or not?

It is possible to buy a last minute stand by ticket at Balloon Over Bagan sales office in Bagan but this is only possible if there are spaces left for the next day. In recent years at certain times during the season we unfortunately have had to turn people away who wanted to book at short notice, but couldn’t because the day they were in Bagan the balloons were already fully booked by package tours. Therefore, to avoid disappointment, we strongly suggest you make your booking in advance. However if you are planning to stay in Bagan for 3-4 days there is a much better chance to book a standby space on one of the flights. If you are in any doubt, please feel free to contact us directly by phone or email, and we can give you an indication of our current booking status. Please note that this is an indication only, and may not remain accurate for very long.

 

Why do I have to give my weight?

It is important that we receive the correct weight of each passenger as soon as possible. The chief pilot needs this figure to calculate the total ballast of the basket, so that he can determine the total amount of lift available on that day.

 

Who owns Balloons over Bagan?

Balloons over Bagan is a 100% private Myanmar company, which was set up and is run by husband and wife team Brett Melzer and Khin Omar Win.

 

What is the price?

Classic Service Flight USD 320 per person
(Xmas & New Year’s surcharge – USD 330)

Premium Service Flight USD 380 per person
(Xmas & New Year’s surcharge – USD 390)

Prices include transfers from your hotel, balloon flight and a light champagne breakfast. These prices are valid from 20th October 2015 until 20th March 2016.

Premium service will operate from the 20th October through to the 20th March only.

From the 20th December through until the 5th January there is an additional charge of USD 10 per person during the peak Christmas and New Year Period to reflect the very heavy demand at this time.

Standby tickets can only be purchased 48 hours or two full days in advance at Balloon Over Bagan Sales office in Bagan. Their Bagan sales office is open from 8am to 11am and again from 5pm to 8pm. The contact phone numbers are (+95) 061 60347 and (+95) 09 448045716.