Frequently Asked Questions

Q. WHERE DO WE MEET?

Each balloon company will have their own meeting place or area.  Sometimes it will be a local hotel or restaurant or even a fixed location where they will meet every day.  Once you have made your flight booking your local company will get in touch with you to inform you of their meeting location

Q. WHEN DO YOU FLY?

Flights will be conducted at either sunrise or just before sunset.  Some companies in the southern states operate only in the morning at sunrise and some companies out in the western states will only operate flight in the morning in the summer months so they may stay away from the intense afternoon heat.  The hotter it is outside the hotter you must heat the balloon therefore the hotter you will be in the balloon and the summer can be unbearable.

Q. HOW OFTEN DO YOU HAVE TO CANCEL A FLIGHT?

Most balloon operators are very cautious about the weather they will fly in.  Some people pick one day and get to fly and others have picked many days before the weather was right.  The flight conditions balloon pilots will fly in will also depend on the weather patterns in their geographic area and your pilots personal flight experience with that area.  The decision to fly is solely the pilot in commands and will not be contradicted. 

Q. HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN GO IN A BALLOON?

Balloons come in many different sizes.  Some carry two people and some carry up to 16.  The size of the balloons really depend on the demand for balloon flights in a particular area.  If you wish to have a private ride look for listings that say "Private Flights"  These may cost a little more but you will be guaranteed a personal flight.  Over the years we have found that the old saying "The more the merrier" Really does apply.

Q. WHAT WILL WE FLY OVER?

That is one of the reasons we have made this site.  There are sooo many fantastic places to fly in a balloon here in the United States.  Your pilot will undoubtedly know what sights are in your flight area and will point them out to you as you fly.

Q. WHAT TIME DO WE MEET & WHEN WILL WE BE DONE?

Meeting times vary because of the changing sunrise and sunset times.  Your local balloon pilot will inform you of the meeting times for the flight date you have chosen.  The entire program will last from three to four hours.

Q. CAN WE BRING CAMERAS AND VIDEO GEAR?

YES.... ALSO BRING TWICE THE FILM YOU THINK YOU WILL NEED.

Q. WILL WE BE COLD UP THERE?

NO... THERE IS A REASON WE CALL THEM HOT AIR BALLOONS.. YOU WILL BE 6 TO 8 DEGREES WARMER IN THE BALLOON.  We also recommend you wear comfortable shoes, we will be walking around in cow pastures and hay fields.

Q. DO I NEED RESERVATIONS?

YES... Reservations are required by most balloon operations.  WE RECOMMEND YOU SCHEDULE YOUR FLIGHT ABOUT A WEEK IN ADVANCE. however, if you need a flight the next day do not hesitate to call your local operator.  Many times they can get you in on short notice.

Q. HOW DO I MAKE A RESERVATION?

Just find a PRO (professional Ride Operator) in the area you want to fly, click on the link and fill out the booking form.

Q. IS IT SAFE?

YES!  Thousands of flights with tens of thousands of passengers are flown each year.  Each year there are a few accidents and injuries but the overall odds are higher that you will get food poisoning at your favorite restaurant than getting hurt in a balloon.

Q. WHAT IF THE WEATHER IS BAD?

Most passengers will be given a check in telephone number to call prior to their flight.  One of the pilots will be on duty to inform you as to what the flight forecast looks like on your flight date.  Normally the check in time is in the evening the night before a morning flight and in the early afternoon for an evening flight.

Q. How much does it Cost?

Pricing varies from company to company.  These variances are caused by the number of flight days each company may have in a general area of the country.  The cost may also vary depending on the size of balloons that are being used.  The more private the balloon the more likely you will pay a premium price.

Q. Will I like it?

Have a look at what previous passengers have said. 

Click here to go to the Testimonials.