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Can you take your phone in a hot air balloon?

Can I use my mobile phone in the balloon? The avation laws forbid the use of mobile phones in flying vessels, including hot-air balloons. The mobile phone has to be shut during flight. The phones may be switched on after landing.



Yes, you are absolutely allowed to take your phone on a hot air balloon in 2026; in fact, it is the primary tool most passengers use to capture the spectacular aerial views. However, there are strict safety protocols you must follow. Pilots generally advise that you keep your phone secured with a wrist strap or lanyard, as a dropped phone from 2,000 feet is both a total loss for you and a serious "kinetic energy" hazard for anyone or anything on the ground. During the landing phase, which can sometimes involve the basket tipping or bumping, you will be strictly instructed to stow your phone away in a secure pocket or bag to prevent injury to yourself or others. Some 2026 operators also provide "flight gear" or specialized pouches for your devices. While you can use your phone for photos and videos, "roaming" for signal can be difficult at higher altitudes, so it's best to keep it in airplane mode to save battery while you record the serene experience.

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There are a few things we highly recommend you bring on your hot air balloon ride, those being:
  • A camera or smartphone to capture the fantastic views.
  • Cash for tips and souvenirs.
  • Any medications or special needs items.
  • Comfortable shoes with closed toes to protect your feet.


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Pre-flight, when the balloon is inflated and standing upright, is an excellent time to capture some great photos. Place your subject in front of the balloon, using the balloon as a backdrop, and snap away. Your subject could be the other guests you are flying with, an object, or even our Flight Crew!

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Ultimately, it is the pilot's decision, but our recommendation is always to leave bags on our chase vehicles which will follow the flight, and take cameras, hats, sunglasses etc out - anything that can be safely put in a pocket or on a strap and tucked under an arm on landing is ok.

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What if I need to go to the bathroom? There are no bathroom facilities available on balloons! As flights can last over an hour, you need to make sure that you take a bathroom break before take-off.

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Most modern hot air balloons don't carry parachutes due to their high safety standards. Qualified pilots must run a series of safety checks before every flight. Part of those checks is inspecting the condition of the balloon, burners, and basket.

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You should not have recently undergone any surgeries. You should not fly if you have back or leg problems. You cannot fly if you have a cast on. You cannot fly if you are on oxygen.

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Should we tip our balloon pilot and chase crew? Like all service providers, a gratuity is always appreciated. A typical tip would be 10-20% of the total price.

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Per FAA regulations, passengers clearly under the influence of drugs or alcohol cannot and will not be flown. Refunds will not be given for those who arrive in such a state. Please do not bring alcoholic drinks on board and please for your safety and enjoyment do not drink alcohol prior to your flight.

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The majority of hot air balloons do not have built-in seating, nor can they allow portable seats for safety reasons. So you, unfortunately, will not be able to sit down during a hot air balloon ride. But railings are available, and your pilot will cover any of your additional safety concerns.

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How many persons can go up in a balloon ? The most common model can welcome 1 pilot and 2 passengers. But the ones made for group flights have a bigger capacity: between 4 and 10 passengers. More than 32 passengers can fly in the biggest hot-air balloons ever made !

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If a hot air balloon runs out of gas, it'll slowly begin descending. That's because the balloon only generates lift through burning fuel to heat the air in the envelope. The lack of regular heating leads the air inside the balloon to gradually cool, reducing altitude in the process.

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Hot air ballooning is a strenuous activity, so make sure to eat something before your hot air balloon ride. Eating a lighter meal will help you avoid motion sickness and uncomfortable fullness while ballooning.

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Hot air balloons travel with the wind movement and will only go as fast as the wind. Travelling with the wind, you do not feel it windy, and pilots will choose safe wind speed days.

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