Is this your first time going on a hot air balloon ride? Or just looking for more information to help you prepare for your ride? Continue reading for a list of items to bring, clothing you should wear, the flying process, and more!
Once you meet your crew and pilot, you will head out to the launch site. Be sure to arrive on time so the launch is not delayed and you don’t ruin the experience for everyone else. Arriving on time ensures you get the full flight time experience. Booking a shared flight means you will share a ride with other passengers who, in most cases, have made friendships this way. Private flights, on the other hand, are whoever is with you and the pilot and crew.
There are no bathrooms 5,000 feet in the sky, so make sure to use the restroom before getting into the balloon.
Before launching, the hot air balloon is laid so the wind helps inflate the balloon. When the balloon is ready to inflate, an inflation fan will force air into the balloon. This requires two people to help hold the balloon open. Anyone holding cables must listen to the pilot to ensure a safe flight for everyone.
Once the air has filled up the balloon, the pilot will light the burner to bring the balloon upright. After that, we will climb into the balloon gondola, which is the basket you will sit in during the hot air balloon ride.
Most people do not realize how calm and beautiful the hot air balloon ride and experience can be. Since we are one with the wind, floating through the air at different altitudes, you only feel air when the balloon changes altitudes or the natural wind speed changes.
The peaceful atmosphere of a hot air balloon ride creates the perfect setting for an engagement. Watch a marriage proposal that happened during one of our flights:
Landing is the most exciting part of the hot air balloon ride. Our experienced pilot will look for a landing site based on the geography of the land and the time of day. The landing we have depends on wind speed and the terrain.
Calm winds mean there is a chance for the hot air balloon to rest on the ground with little to no impact, which is called a “stand-up landing.”
Moderate winds are where the fun is, and your pilot may tell you to crouch down. He will then instruct you to turn sideways from the ground and ask you to bend your knees slightly to help absorb the impact.
The balloon may be pulled and turned sideways with moderate or faster, more robust winds. The gondola can help you brace and keep any injuries from happening.
When the balloon has come to a stop, if it is upright, the pilot will tell passengers to wait until some of the hot air is released. Letting hot air release from the balloon ensures the balloon doesn’t take off again when you try to get off. If the balloon lands sideways, the balloon will be deflated hastily, and you can climb out of the basket.
Have any questions about our hot air balloon ride tips? Please contact us, and we will help answer any questions you might have!
