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Frequently Asked Questions

Flying in a hot air balloon often makes it to the top of an adventure seeker's bucket list. To make your next ride a more enjoyable experience, we've addressed some of the most common questions around hot air balloon rides.

What is the average flight time of a hot air balloon ride?

The average hot air balloon ride lasts about an hour. This ride includes 30 minutes of ground preparation, 15 to 20 minutes in the air and 15 minutes on the ground for packing up.

Read our full post to learn how long hot air balloon rides are plus factors that impact duration.

How much is a hot air balloon ride?

Hot air balloon rides vary based on the company, location, and add-ons. With that being said, the average cost of a hot air balloon ride is between $200 and $300 per person.

Read our full post to learn more on hot air balloon ride cost factors.

How high is a hot air balloon ride?

Hot air balloons can fly as high as 20,000 feet, but most rides stay below 1,000 feet.

Read our full post to learn more on how high hot air balloons fly.

What to wear on hot air balloon ride?

We suggest wearing comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes and bringing a light jacket or sweater. Multiple layers are always better!

Read our full post on what to wear on a hot air balloon ride.

How safe is a hot air balloon ride?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates hot air ballooning in the U.S., so you can rest assured knowing your safety is of utmost importance to the companies on this list.

Hot air balloon companies are required to have a Commercial Balloon Pilot licenses and all pilots go through rigorous training before they are allowed to fly. You can also feel safe knowing that all hot air balloon companies need to meet or exceeds FAA safety standards.

Read our full post to learn more about hot air balloon safety.

Why don't hot air balloons fly during the day?

Typically, temperatures are warmer during the day. Winds are often higher during these periods, which is why there are often avoided by experienced pilots.

Read our full post on why hot air balloons fly in the early morning and late evening.

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