Loading Page...

Is it cold in a hot air balloon ride?

If it's too hot out, it's miserable to be on a hot air balloon ride. People often ask us if it gets cold when we take a hot air balloon to altitude. The answer is no—the normal lapse rate in temperature decreases by 3 degrees every 1000 feet in altitude. However, the lapse rate is not consistent when it's hot outside.



Yes, it can be chilly in a hot air balloon, but it is rarely as cold as people expect. While air temperature drops by roughly 3.5°F for every 1,000 feet of altitude, most commercial balloon rides stay below 3,000 feet, meaning the temperature difference is only about 10°F cooler than the ground. Because hot air balloons move with the wind, there is no "wind chill" factor while you are in the basket, which makes it feel much warmer than standing on the ground on a windy day. Additionally, the massive propane burners used to heat the air in the balloon radiate a significant amount of heat downward into the basket, acting like a giant overhead heater. However, because most balloon flights take place at sunrise or sunset when ground temperatures are at their lowest, you will feel the natural morning or evening chill. Travelers are advised to dress in layers and wear a hat, as the heat from the burner can be intense on your head, even if the surrounding air feels cool and crisp.

People Also Ask

For most envelopes made of nylon fabric, the maximal internal temperature is limited to approximately 120 °C (250 °F).

MORE DETAILS

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.


MORE DETAILS

Stand Throughout The Duration Of Your Trip The gondola basket attached with the hot air balloon doesn't have chairs for you to sit back on. The ride shall last for an hour or a few so be prepared to stand for throughout the duration of your hot air balloon trip.

MORE DETAILS

We typically find that people who get motion sickness are not bothered by the hot air balloon. The balloon is very calm and stable. If you are highly susceptible to motion sickness we recommend you take a motion sickness medicine just to be safe. However we find it is usually not necessary.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

One thing people often overlook when going on hot air balloon rides – there are no toilets on board. Considering you'll be in the air for a couple of hours, always make sure you use the bathroom before take-off. Once again, the best hot air balloon rides are the ones when you're fully relaxed.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Some hot air balloon pilots will weigh passengers to ensure they do not exceed their weight capacity.

MORE DETAILS

Are hot air balloon rides worth it? The answer is that it depends on you! If you love adventure and aren't afraid of heights, then a hot air balloon ride is something you should try at least once in your lifetime. But if you're not a morning person or have trouble walking, you might want to consider another activity.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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!

MORE DETAILS

The good news is that it does not effect you when flying in a hot air balloon, with almost everyone finding hot air ballooning peaceful and relaxing. Even folks who have some apprehension before the flight find themselves quickly giving up their grip on the handles shortly after take off.

MORE DETAILS

Hot air balloons are noisy The burner of a hot air balloon is indeed noisy, but once switched off and cruising at altitude, you will not even hear the wind as you float.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS