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Do you have to climb into a hot air balloon?

We never know where we'll land (find out why) so it's important to protect your feet from grass burrs, because it's very likely we'll land in a field. To get in and out of the gondola (balloon basket), you have to climb in and out, so it's important to have clothing that allows you to bend easily.



Generally, yes, you must be physically able to climb into and out of a hot air balloon basket. Most standard baskets are about 4 feet (1.2 meters) high and do not have doors. They are equipped with two or three "foot-holes" on the side that act like steps on a ladder. Passengers must be able to lift their legs and pull themselves over the rim. Additionally, because landings can sometimes be "sporty" (the basket might tip or drag slightly), passengers are typically required to be able to stand unaided for the duration of the 60-minute flight and brace themselves for impact. However, some larger commercial operators now offer accessible baskets with a built-in door or a seat for those with limited mobility. If you have concerns, it is vital to contact the operator in advance to see if they have a specialized "easy-access" basket available for your flight.

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There is no door for getting into the balloon. It is a Hot Air requirement that each passenger can climb in and out over the 1.2 meter tall balloon basket. We have foot holes that make it easier to climb in. Passengers must also be able to stand up for the entire duration of their flight.

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Hot air balloon baskets are not outfitted with doors and therefore the only way to board the balloon is by going up and over the side of the basket. There is no graceful way to do it! Just up and over.

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During a flight, most individuals feel very safe and secure. A balloon will never fly unless the weather conditions are ideal (more on that later), and your pilot is highly skilled. Although you will not be strapped into the basket, it is tall enough to reach the rib cage of an average-sized person.

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Luckily, no one was hurt. And, fortunately, hot air balloon accidents are rare. Going back to 1964, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has only recorded a total of 775 such accidents in the United States.

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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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Passengers on a hot air balloon ride do not need to use parachutes for a few reasons. The most important reason is that the balloon itself serves as a parachute. This is because hot air balloons are designed to float and descend slowly, even in the event of an emergency or malfunction.

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The legal limit in many parts of the world for how high a hot air balloon can fly is 3,000 feet in the air. Hot air balloons must also rise around 1,000 feet above the ground when in the air. Even if you were to break the 3,000 feet legal limit, you run the risk of traveling in dangerous conditions.

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Hot air balloons have an average weight limit of 1,000 pounds (? a ton). A hot air balloon's weight limit varies considerably based on balloon size, basket size, flight equipment, and weather conditions. Other weight-limiting factors include the type of flight booked and any rules the pilot sets.

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Passengers must be at least 5 years old and in good health. Unfortunately we cannot allow anyone who is pregnant or possibly pregnant to fly in our hot air balloons. Passengers below the age of 18 must have parent permission or the parent must fly with them.

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Oxygen Use in Hot Air Ballooning Well, the same principle applies to hot air balloons. At around 10,000 feet (about 3,000 meters), the amount of oxygen in the air decreases enough to potentially affect passengers, leading to altitude sickness. Flights above 14,000 feet require that all passengers and pilots use oxygen.

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Since the balloon travels with the wind, the balloon will only go as fast as the wind is blowing, which varies from ground level to higher altitudes. Generally balloons will not travel much faster than 8-10 mph.

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Dangers of Hot Air Balloons
  • Bad Weather. Bad weather, especially high winds and monsoons, can be extremely dangerous for hot air balloons. ...
  • Collisions. ...
  • Pilot Inexperience. ...
  • Dress Appropriately. ...
  • Always Listen to Your Pilot. ...
  • Brace for Landing.


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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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1. 2013 Luxor Hot Air Balloon Crash. The most horrific hot air balloon disaster ever occurred on February 26, 2013, near Luxor, Egypt. Hot air balloon rides are extremely popular among tourists visiting Egypt as the rides provide an aerial view of the magical landscape of the country.

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