Description

Memberships for 2026/27 are live, join us!

Seize the opportunity to experience something completely unique by joining Bristol University Hot Air Ballooning Society. Make new friends, learn new skills, and have a chance to fly in our iconic red and white balloon at an affordable price!

 

Who are we?

We are BUHABS. We have been operating for 40 years and we believe we are the only student-run and for-student hot air ballooning society in the world.
We fly as often as we can, mostly on weekends, from various launch sites in Bristol and the surrounding area. We participate and make multiple flights in the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, often travel to other balloon festivals across the country and abroad, and we also have opportunities for members to train as pilots.

 

   

 

Do I need to know anything about hot air balloons?

Absolutely not. You do not need any experience, and everyone is welcome to join. We fly with qualified pilots who will show you how to help set up and launch the hot air balloon and ensure that you have a safe and exciting time crewing or as a passenger in the air.

 

How do you arrange flights? Is it safe?

Our pilots check the weather forecast, and if the conditions look suitable, they will send out flight invitations. Places are limited. The day before, detailed weather forecasts are checked, and the pickup location and times will be confirmed. The decision to fly lies with the pilot, and flights can be cancelled at any time, even on the launch field. Safety is our number one priority.

 

Who can go hot air ballooning with BUHABS?

UoB students get priority with BUHABS events. Students can join via our page here (this page!).

However, if you are not a UoB student, you can still get involved as a skilled volunteer (even with no prior experience - you can be trained on the day). Your involvement might be crewing in some capacity (driving, launching, retrieving, refueling, maintenance, etc.) but there are also opportunities to fly as a passenger. If this applies to you, follow the link to our interest list here.

 

How much is membership?

Social Student Membership

Price: £0 (limited time only)

Join by clicking the Join This Group above.

✅ Free access to all social events (Basket Social, Map Social, Pub Socials, Table Quiz, etc.)
✅ Exclusive access to the Cameron Balloons factory tour
✅ Purchase official member merchandise (pins, t-shirts, etc.)
✅ Regular updates via flight announcements and access to event information
✅ Occasional crewing opportunities for flights or tethers (but priority given to Full Members)
✅ Eligibility to run for committee roles and help shape the society (but if you do join the committee you will need to upgrade to Full Membership)

Social Student Membership excludes:

❌ flying as a passenger
❌ crewing for flights or tethers (unless places remain unfilled from among the Full Members)
❌ driving the BUHABS van
❌ involvement in fiestas/festivals including the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
❌ pilot training

Full Student Membership

Price: £35.00

All the benefits of Social Student Membership, plus…

✅ Sign up for our flights to get a chance to fly in the basket
✅ Crewing opportunities (e.g. inflation, retrieve) on flight and tether events
✅ Gain crewing points
✅ Opportunity to learn to drive the van with the trailer
✅ Opportunity to train as a hot air balloon pilot
✅ Full access to fiestas/festivals including Midlands Air Festival, Telford Balloon Fiesta, Longleat Air Safari and, of course, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

Valid until the end of the academic year.

Once you have signed up to fly in our balloon, the cost of a flight is £45 (only for those who fly - crewing is free!). It’s the cheapest way you will ever get to fly in a hot air balloon.

 

How to join BUHABS as a Full Student Member:

1. Join for free as a Social Student Member by clicking Join This Group above. 
2. Pay the Full Student Member fee at the merch hub.
3. Head to BUHABS TidyHQ and follow the steps "To create a TidyHQ account".
 

How to upgrade from Social to Full Student Member:

Pay the Full Student Membership fee at the merch hub and then email us at mail.buhabs@gmail.com asking us to authorise it.

Note: Joining as a Full Student Member does not guarantee a flight, as we cannot guarantee flight regularity. Ballooning is weather dependent, and flights can be cancelled at the last minute. We make every effort to fly as often as possible.

We are committed to introducing as many people as possible into the wonderful world of hot air ballooning, and we aim to be as affordable and inclusive as possible. Students can apply for up to £100 per academic year through the Activity Hardship Fund.

 

What do we do when we're not flying?

We organise socials including kit demonstrations, pub and sober socials, a Cameron Balloons factory tour, and skills sessions.

   

How do I keep in touch with what is happening in BUHABS?

Join as a member today!

Also, check us out on our social media, including our Instagram and Facebook pages, where we post about ballooning news and posts pictures of our recent trips.

If you have any further questions, check out our FAQ article or feel free to message us on our social media or email us at mail.buhabs@gmail.com.