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FAQ

Where and when do you fly?

We fly each day, meeting just before sunrise. (Meeting location can be seen here) Our flights are typically over the Rio Grande valley and may include the river itself, El Bosque (the forest) on either side, the city of Albuquerque, the Sandia Mountains and the surrounding high desert, and maybe even over the Petroglyph National Monument. It all depends upon the winds that particular day.

How long is the Ride?

Our rides typically last about an hour, although they do range in length from 45 minutes to an hour and a half. There is an old saying in ballooning; never pass up a good landing site because it might be your last. Duration will depend on weather, location, and available landing sites. Remember, all flight operations are always at the discretion of the pilot in command.

What is the cost?

Please see our Fees and Policies page for current pricing, or our Flight Certificates page to purchase balloon rides securely online. We accept all major credit cards.

What is a flight certificate, a reservation, and what do I do with it?

A flight certificate is just that. A certificate you can use yourself, or give to someone else for a ride. Flight certificates are always pre-paid.

A reservation

...is a reservation to fly for you and your party, and reservations are never pre-paid, although they are guaranteed with a credit card.

Once a flight certificate is purchased, you can make a reservation for a
flight. Simply call us to schedule your flight. We will mail you a
certificate and associated paperwork to the shipping address provided once
we receive notification of the order, but you can still call us even prior
to receiving the physical certificate. If you are giving the certificate to
someone else, please allow enough time for the paperwork to reach you in the
mail, otherwise you can call to order so we can find a way to expedite
getting you the certificate.

Remember, once you purchase a flight certificate for yourself, or have given
them to someone else, make sure whoever is going to go on the ride calls us
to make a reservation. If we get weathered out, or that day isn't available,
we will keep working with you to schedule your flight until we succeed.
Remember, Balloons aren't like airplanes. We can't fly in any kind of bad
weather, so rescheduling does occur. We will get you flown just as quick as can be done safely.

Is there a ballooning season in Albuquerque?

We are truly blessed with wonderful weather for Ballooning in Albuquerque. We typically can fly 300 days a year or so. We do fly year round, and endeavor to fly each and every day we can. This means that the season lasts year round, and we can likely accommodate your date requirements and schedule your flight when it is convenient for you. Make sure to call early though; certain seasons do fill up early.

How does weather affect ballooning?

Ballooning is a fair-weather sport, and all flights are 100% weather dependent and at the discretion of the pilot in command. We don't fly in high winds, near thunderstorms, or when any significant weather is in the area. Anyone who tells you they can guarantee you can fly in a balloon on a certain day or months in advance is pulling a fast one. We check the weather the evening before every flight between 8pm and 9pm. If we determine at that point that it isn't going to be flyable, we will call you to reschedule your flight. Occasionally all appears well until we meet in the morning and as the sun comes up, so do the winds. If that occurs, we will reschedule at that time. Please call us prior to making the trip if you are coming into town exclusively for this ride so we can take a look at the outlook for your flight day. While most days are flyable, there are some that simply aren't and we don't want anyone disappointed. The way we look at it, weather is the one part of this that no one can predict so when you make a reservation, we reserve that morning for you. If we fly at that time, you will be with us. Simply put, there are limits on what conditions we can fly in and your safety is more important to us than anything. Additionally, there are never any charges for any flight cancelled by us.

How should I dress, and what can I bring?

Please dress for the temperature and conditions we have on the ground. If this is a winter flight, please dress in layers so that if you get warm, you can remove a layer to stay comfortable. Natural fibers are also better than man-made. Please note that the burner provides little if any heat to the passengers and pilot in the winter as it all goes into the balloon, so dress accordingly. Do not wear open toed-shoes or shoes with heels. We also ask that our female passengers not wear skirts. In summer months, we also strongly recommend a hat to protect you from the radiant heat, and it will be warmer in the basket as a result of the burners. Also remember that Albuquerque is considered high desert. If you aren't accustomed to the altitude, take it easy. Sun screen is not a bad idea as well.

Feel free to bring a camera or video camera. Take TONS of pictures. If you get any really good ones, please forward copies to us; we will post them on our web site for you. Please ensure you bring a padded case to protect it. Be advised that we are NOT responsible for personal effects on the flight. We recommend lots of batteries and memory cards or film for your camera, you will take way more pictures than you think you will.

What if I have a physical limitation?

We make every attempt to accommodate anyone who wants to fly, but there are limitations on what we can do. Unfortunately, our baskets are not handicapped accessible. In order to fly, you should have had no recent surgeries, not be pregnant, no broken bones, and if you are on medications, you should consult your physician to ensure they won't affect you at altitude. Remember, in the high desert, the altitude during flight could be 7,000 - 8,000 feet. This is a somewhat strenuous activity, so we tell people that they should be able to climb into the basket (similar to climbing a fence), stand for an hour, and climb back out of the basket (like climbing back over the fence). Basically you must be able to participate in moderate activity. If you have any concerns about your ability to participate, just ask. We will be happy to discuss your needs. Safety comes first, so when in doubt, please ask.

What about kids?

The rules on kids are fairly simple. The minimum age is 8 years old, but the child must be 50" or taller. This is so they can see over the side of the basket without standing on their tip toes or climbing. This is to prevent younger kids from climbing up the inside of the basket so they can see out, or parents lifting them up to be able to see out. They also must be well behaved and if under the age of 18 they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Do I have to check-in or anything before the flight?

No. Once your reservation is completed, and you have received a confirmation from us, you are checked in and we are looking forward to seeing you on flight day. If anything changes on your end, please call us. If something changes on our end, such as weather, we will call you at the contact number you have provided.

Can I get picked up at my hotel?

We are happy to pick up at any local Albuquerque hotel. Please make sure to let us know during your reservation if you need a hotel pickup . This pickup will likely change your meeting time depending upon where it is located. Please be patient on flight day. There can be many pickups in the morning.

If you choose to meet us instead, please see the map below, and click the "To Here" link for Google turn by turn directions.

View Larger Map

What is it like to fly and land in a balloon? Is it scary?

We don't think it's scary at all. The balloon itself is very stable in the air. The only time you feel even a breeze is when the wind changes direction or speed. The closest description we have for how it feels is like standing on an exercise mat. It's kind of squishy under foot. When we land, the balloon touches down nice and gentle, typically taking a couple of hops while it loses momentum.

We should note though that weather forecasting is not an exact science. As a result, "high wind" landings do occur. During a "high wind" landing, the basket either skids along the ground, or may actually tip over in the direction of travel and drag along the ground for short distances as the balloon deflates. Don't worry; you will be briefed about this before it happens. Believe it not, when it does happen, most of our passengers think it is incredibly fun and want to know if they can go again.

Do I get to help or do I have to sit there like a bump on a log?

Either on the drive to, or after arriving at our launch site, you will receive a safety briefing from your pilot on what to expect during inflation, flight and landing. Don't worry about trying to memorize everything he or she says; the pilot will cover each part again as things progress, so you don't have to memorize it. Once there,you will get to help your pilot, crew chief, and crew assemble and inflate the balloon if you wish. This basically involves helping unload the equipment, assemble and layout the balloon, and helping hold it steady as it is inflated. We won't work you too hard, after all, your there to have fun. After landing, the aircraft will then be packed up, with your help if you wish. In short, Ballooning is a very hands on sport. Feel free to help out to the extent that you are comfortable. Helping bring an 90 foot tall gentle giant to life is in itself an experience of a lifetime.

Is there any legal mumbo jumbo we should know?

Isn't there always? While ballooning is very safe, it still has inherent dangers like all outdoor recreational activities. Be aware of your physical limitations, make us aware of any issues, and read and understand fully the waiver you will be asked to sign before flying so that we know you understand all the risks. No one will fly without a signed waiver. Intoxicated passengers, or those reasonably believed to have consumed alcohol prior to the flight will not be allowed in or around the aircraft. Showing up drunk, and not being allowed to fly as a result is treated the same as a "no show." Please see our policy page for "no show" policies.

How do I book a balloon ride?

It's simple. Please either click here to view the reservations page, or call us at
1-800-351-9588 or locally at 505-293-6800. We will gladly answer your questions, help you make your reservations, or help you purchase flight certificates as gifts. Please be aware that for all short notice reservations, you should call to schedule to ensure we can meet your needs. If you purchase online, please call to schedule your date.

Ballooning History

Hot air ballooning began in 1783 in France. Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier built the first hot air balloon. Their belief was that the smoke generated the lift needed to fly, not the heat, so they built the smokiest, most rancid fires they could. These fires cause the balloon to belch smoke the entire flight, even after landing. On the flight a bottle of champagne was carried to drink on the flight. Instead, they used the champagne to appease the farmers who wanted to destroy the fire breathing dragon that was invading their farms. There are times today when a bottle of bubbly still helps out.

In 1960, Ed Yost made the first flight in a modern hot air balloon. The balloon was commissioned by the US Navy and built by Raven Industries. This was the birth of modern hot air ballooning.

What Is a Balloon?

A balloon is made of 3 primary components:

• Envelope - The envelope is the fabric portion of the balloon. they range in size from 54,000 cubic feet to well over 200,000 cubic feet.
• Basket (gondola) - Made of wicker or rattan, the basket is what you ride in. They range in sizes to carry just a pilot to well over 12 passengers plus pilot. They also act as anchor points for the cables, blocks, burners, tubes and other components that make up the rest of the system.
• Burner - The burner assembly takes liquid propane from the tanks, pre-heats it, atomizes it, and then sprays it over a pilot light. As it passes over the pilot light, it ignites. The typical burner today generates about 12 million BTU's of heat per hour.

Preparing For Flight

To fly the balloon, you must start by preparing for flight in general, and by assembling the balloon. To prepare for flight overall, you must ensure that you have a good weather briefing, have crew, have all the radios, fuel, equipment, and time necessary to safely conduct the flight, and of course, someone to go fly with.

To assemble the balloon, the burner is attached to the basket and a burner test is conducted to ensure there are no leaks.

The assembled bottom end is laid over on its side. Once on its side, the envelope is attached and streamered out.

Now the fun begins. An inflator fan is started and the balloon is filled with cold air. Once full, the pilot will light the burner and heat the air. As the air is heated, the balloon will stand up, and the balloon is now inflated and ready to fly.

The pilot will ask that the passengers enter the balloon, add additional heat, and your off on the adventure of a lifetime.