Your Questions,
Answered

Many people who are afraid of heights find hot air balloon flights to be surprisingly comfortable! Unlike being on a tall building or ladder, there's no sensation of movement or vertigo in a balloon. The basket is completely stable as it floats through the air—it doesn't swing or rock. Our pilots are also scared on the edges of rooftops, but we're all perfectly fine in the balloon because it's a totally different experience.

Hot air balloons are remarkably stable in flight. The basket is completely still as it floats through the air—there's no swinging, rocking, or sudden movements. Many passengers are surprised by how peaceful and smooth the experience is. However, flights will be postponed or canceled during steady or gusty winds for safety reasons.

All of our pilots hold FAA Commercial Balloon Pilot certificates, which requires extensive training, passing written and oral examinations, and a practical flight test with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner. Our pilots also maintain current medical certificates and have perfect safety records across hundreds of flights.

While this is incredibly unlikely, our pilots are trained to handle various landing scenarios, including water landings. The balloon equipment floats, and all safety procedures are in place for any situation. Rest assured, our pilots carefully select landing sites well in advance.

The actual flight time is approximately 1 hour. However, the complete experience is about 3 hours from arrival to departure. This includes the pre-flight briefing, watching the balloon inflation (which many guests help with!), the flight itself, and the traditional champagne toast celebration after landing.

Flight times vary throughout the year based on sunrise and sunset times. For sunrise flights, we meet 45 minutes before sunrise. For afternoon/evening flights, we meet 2.5 hours before sunset. You'll receive specific timing when you book.

In the first few hours after sunrise and the last few hours before sunset, the winds are generally calm and favorable for hot air ballooning. The stable air conditions during these times make for the safest and most enjoyable flights. Bonus: the lighting is absolutely magical for photos!

We always recommend sunrise flights! They're typically 10% cheaper, and the morning winds tend to be calmer and more consistent. There's also something magical about watching the world wake up from above. That said, sunset flights offer stunning evening light and can be more convenient for scheduling.

Hot air balloons can fly at varying altitudes, from treetop level to several thousand feet. Our typical flights reach around 1,000-5,000 feet, depending on conditions and the views we want to show you. Your pilot will adjust altitude to catch different wind currents and showcase the best scenery.

We typically cover 5-10 miles during a flight, depending on wind conditions. Since balloons navigate by catching different wind currents at various altitudes, the exact path varies with each flight—that's part of the adventure!

It's rare that we land in the same place where we start. We have over 45 balloon launch locations and hundreds of possible landing locations. Your pilot selects the safest and most suitable landing spot based on wind direction and terrain. Our chase crew follows the balloon and drives you back to your car.

Hot air balloons move with the wind, so pilots navigate by ascending or descending to catch different wind currents at varying altitudes. It's a beautiful combination of science and art that our experienced pilots have mastered.

Our private flights accommodate 2 passengers with the option to add 1 additional passenger for $250. Most standard hot air balloons carry between 2-10 passengers depending on size, but we keep our flights intimate for the best experience.

Dress in comfortable, layered clothing suitable for the weather. Closed-toe shoes are required (no sandals or heels). Avoid loose scarves or jewelry that could get caught. For sunrise flights, consider bringing a light jacket—it can be cool in the morning, though temperatures at altitude aren't significantly different from ground level.

For sunrise flights, we recommend bringing a jacket as mornings can be cool. However, it's not significantly colder in the air than on the ground—temperature only decreases about 2 degrees every 1,000 feet of altitude. Once the burner fires, it's actually quite warm near the top of the basket!

Absolutely! We encourage you to capture your experience. Just make sure your devices are securely fastened—consider a wrist strap or neck lanyard. There's no turbulence, but you'll want your hands free to take in the views and hold your champagne later!

Water and small, bite-sized snacks are welcome onboard. We provide water during the flight and a champagne toast (with non-alcoholic options) after landing. Please help us keep our equipment clean by limiting food and drink intake during the flight.

Space in the balloon basket is limited, so we recommend bringing only essential items—camera, phone, sunglasses. Leave large bags and unnecessary items in your car. We'll make sure you have everything you need for an amazing experience.

Passengers must be able to stand unassisted for approximately one hour (the duration of the flight). You'll also need to be able to climb in and out of the basket using footholds—you put your foot into a slot in the side of the basket and swing your legs over the top.

Yes, like all aircraft, balloons have weight and balance limitations. Maximum weight is 235 pounds per person, with an absolute maximum of 270 pounds. Total lift capacity is affected by temperature and altitude. Please contact us if you have concerns.

Children must be at least 4 years old to fly. Note that children under 4 feet tall may have difficulty seeing over the basket edge. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, we advise against flying in a balloon due to the possibility of a bumpy landing. Safety is our priority, and we want to ensure the best experience for all passengers.

No, there are no seats in the balloon basket. All passengers need to be able to stand for the approximately one-hour flight and be able to bend their knees for landing.

Unfortunately, our baskets are not handicap accessible due to the physical requirements of climbing in/out and standing for the flight duration. We recommend contacting us directly to discuss your specific situation—we want to help if we can.

If weather conditions are not suitable for flying, your flight will be rescheduled for another day at no additional cost. We never fly in marginal conditions—safety is always our top priority. You'll receive notification as early as possible if we need to reschedule.

We cancel or postpone flights during rain, fog, snow, fast winds (generally over 10 mph), low clouds, or if there's a threat of thunderstorms in the area. Our pilots make the final call based on real-time conditions and forecasts.

Yes, we can fly when there are clouds, as long as they're not too low. Some of our best photos are actually taken on partly cloudy days! The clouds add drama and beauty to the sunrise/sunset lighting.

No, we do not fly when wildfire smoke impacts visibility or creates unhealthy air conditions. Your safety and comfort are paramount.

No, hot air balloons are not flown in rainy conditions due to safety concerns and the risk of damage to the balloon fabric. Rain also typically indicates unstable weather conditions that aren't suitable for flight.

We suggest booking multiple weeks or months in advance, especially for weekends or specific dates like anniversaries. Our private flights are popular and fill up quickly!

Yes, we have the same fares and pricing for children, kids, and adults. Each person in the basket counts toward our weight and capacity limits.

Like all service providers, a gratuity is always appreciated but never expected. A typical tip would be 10-20% of the total price. Our crew works hard to make your experience magical!

We do not allow guests to bring any type of animal on the balloon flight. Many animals have sensitive hearing and are bothered by the sound of our burners. It's also a safety consideration for you, your pet, and other passengers.

We don't allow any type of smoking or vaping within 50 feet of our balloons. This is for safety reasons—we're working with propane fuel!

No, we do not allow skydiving or bungee jumping from our balloons. These activities require specialized equipment and certifications that are beyond the scope of our experiences.

We offer discounts for private flights to a select few charitable causes each year. Please email us with your organization details and event information for consideration.

The balloon ascends very gradually—most people barely notice that the basket has left the ground. Once airborne, the basket is completely still as it floats through the air. Your pilot will point out landmarks, wildlife, and share stories while you take in the breathtaking views. It's incredibly peaceful and serene.

Absolutely! We encourage passengers to participate during inflation and pack-up. It's a fascinating process, and your pilot will guide you through it. Many guests say it's one of the highlights of the experience!

Our chase crew follows the hot air balloon throughout your flight. Once we land, the crew helps pack up the balloon and then drives you back to the original launch site where your car is parked.

The champagne tradition dates back to 1783 when the first balloonists carried champagne to appease farmers whose fields they landed in. Today, it's a 238-year-old celebration of your journey through the sky. We also offer non-alcoholic options!

Depending on your location, you may see the majestic Wasatch Mountains, peaceful valleys, sparkling lakes, rivers, and abundant wildlife including elk, deer, turkey, and eagles. Every flight offers unique perspectives of Utah's stunning landscape.

Of course! We can send them the GPS coordinates to follow so they can take photos from the ground and be there when you land. It's a great way for non-flying family members to be part of the experience.

No, there are no restroom facilities on hot air balloons. We recommend using restroom facilities before the flight begins.

Hot air balloon flights are generally smooth and gentle—most people who get motion sick in cars or planes do fine in balloons. If you do start to feel unwell, notify the pilot and they can take appropriate action, such as adjusting altitude.

It's not significantly colder in the air than on the ground—temperature only decreases about 2 degrees every 1,000 feet of altitude. Plus, when the burner fires, it's quite warm near the top of the basket!

Hot air balloon flights are subject to weather conditions and wind patterns, so specific routes cannot be guaranteed. However, our pilots will do their best to accommodate preferences when conditions allow, and they're experts at finding the most scenic paths.