Hot air balloon flight cancelled due to weather: what happens

Why are hot air balloon flights cancelled?

Almost always because of the wind.A balloon has no engine to move forward: it travels with the air.Wind that is too strong on the ground makes inflation and take-off dangerous, and above all it makes landing rough.Wind picking up at altitude or later in the morning can be enough to justify a cancellation.

Other conditions matter too: rain, storms and fog, which reduces the visibility the pilot needs to choose a landing field.A hot air balloon flight cancelled due to weather therefore means the pilot judged that one of these conditions was not met.Our article on hot air balloon safety explains why this decision is a sign of a serious operator.

When is the decision to cancel made?

On the day itself, often very early.The pilot checks the forecast the evening before and in the morning, then observes the actual conditions at the launch site.So the decision can come at the last minute, sometimes after the hotel pickup, when wind or mist can only be seen on site.

It is frustrating after a pre-dawn wake-up, but it is how ballooning works everywhere in the world.An operator who promises that the flight will go ahead whatever the weather is taking risks they should not take.

What happens after a hot air balloon flight cancelled due to weather?

The team offers you another date.This is the most common solution, and the simplest if you are staying in Marrakech for a few more days.The new slot depends on availability and the forecast, so reply quickly on WhatsApp to keep as many options as possible.

If no other date suits you, for example because you leave Marrakech the next day, Itinerance Plus sets out the refund conditions in writing.These conditions are shared before your booking is confirmed, so you know in advance what to expect.Everything is detailed in our booking conditions.

How can you reduce the risk of cancellation?

You cannot control the weather, but you can keep a margin.The most useful tip is to book your flight early in your stay, not the day before you leave.If the flight is postponed, you still have several mornings left to try again.

The season matters too.Shoulder months and winter can bring more morning fog or wind in some years, though no period is ever guaranteed.To choose your date, read our guide to the best time for a hot air balloon flight in Marrakech, which covers the pros and cons of each season.

Do you pay for a hot air balloon flight cancelled due to weather?

No payment is requested when you send a request, and none is taken on the Red City Balloon website.Payment terms (deposit, method, due date) are provided by Itinerance Plus before the booking is validated.Ask for them in writing and read them before confirming.

It is also the right time to ask the question that matters to you: for a hot air balloon flight cancelled due to weather, what happens to any deposit if no new date suits you?A clear answer before booking avoids any unpleasant surprise.

What if you need to cancel yourself?

That is a different situation.Under Itinerance Plus’s general terms, day excursions can generally be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before departure.A no-show, a significant delay or a late cancellation may lead to charges.The conditions that apply to your booking are confirmed in writing.

If you are ill or your plans change, tell the team on WhatsApp as early as possible: the sooner they know, the easier it is to find a solution.

How do you book while keeping flexibility?

Choose your package, for example the shared Classic Flight or the private VIP flight, and include your full travel dates in your request, not just your preferred date.The team will then know which mornings are possible if the flight has to be moved.For a first experience, our guide to your first hot air balloon flight in Marrakech helps you prepare everything.