Most Flights take place early morning or early evening.

The pilot, and crew (that's the people that help unload the balloon etc.), and the passengers (that's you) meet at the take of point about an hour before take off.

The balloon is unloaded and partly inflated and at some point then the pilot will brief the passengers (thats you again), with an overview of what will happen, and instructions on getting into the basket, where you will be in the basket (to balance the load), how to stand on take off, and what to hold onto, and what to do on landing. Just a formality really, but it has to be done.

The balloon is then fully inflated so that it stands straight above the basket, the passengers get in and when all is ready the balloon is untied from the vehicle and with a roar of the burners... the balloon 'very gently' takes off!

You gracefully ascend into the morning or evening sky, watching the people below gradually become smaller as you see more and more of the countryside around you.

A wonderful panorama unfolds as you drift across the sky having the opportunity to see the world from an unusual angle and height.
Take a camera because I'm sure you will want to record the sights to show family and friends.

The pilot will vary the height depending on wind direction etc., and continue for about an hour. The flight will often have a group photo taken while in the air, and the pilot will radio the following crew to ensure that they will be able to get to the landing site, which of course is not known until the landing actually takes place.

Just as the take off was gentle the landing can be just the same, drifting closer to the ground while moving with the wind, just over the last hedge into a grassy field (usually), to touch down and stop.
In the five flights I have had in a balloon only once did we land in wind sufficient to tilt the basket over, (making it easier to get out!).

The pilot will then deflate the balloon slightly to ensure that it doesn't go back up as all the passengers climb out. The balloon is then fully deflated, losing its shape and falling to the ground to be tidied away in preparation for the journey back to the launch site.

It's quite normal for the passengers to help with the mechanics of inflating and deflating the balloon etc., sometimes there can be a delay in the crew arriving at the landing site (do they do that on purpose?).

On return to the take off site, certificates are given out, orders for photos are taken etc., etc.

May I wish you a lovely flight and pleasant landing.... Brian (Computaphile).