How long is a hot air balloon ride?

HOW LONG IS AN AVERAGE BALLOON FLIGHT? Usually a balloon flight lasts about an hour. At an average wind speed of about 5 mph, a balloon will fly 2 – 8 miles. Ground crews follow the balloon, talking on the radio with the pilot.



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A hot air balloon flight usually lasts about an hour. In that time, the balloon can travel between two and eight miles depending on the wind speed.

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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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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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The risk of injury from a high wind landing. The risk of loss of control due to sudden gusts or wind shear. Sudden loss of visibility due to fog or precipitation.

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HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GO FOR A RIDE? As an industry, any reputable balloon company will charge between $175.00 and $275.00 per person. However, some businesses offer special gift certificates that could lower the price. Being FAA certified, hot air balloons are very expensive to own and operate.

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Finally, hot air balloons require a lot of upkeep and maintenance, and you can only use them in certain weather conditions. All these factors make hot air balloon rides more expensive than other forms of transportation. However, many people believe that the cost is worth it for the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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


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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. The higher a hot air balloon rises, the more unpredictable the weather and winds are.

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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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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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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.

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