Fulfill Your Dream to Fly: Take a Balloon Ride

Most people have craved the freedom of flight at least once in their lives. Escapism is at its best as you rise up from the ground and you look down on city where your life routinely takes place. A hot air balloon ride can be the form of recreation you've been looking for. A balloon ride is also perfect as a gift to your loved ones.

Taking the Flight

Smaller hot air balloons typically have room for three people, but more passengers can be accommodated, depending on the size of the basket or the gondola. A crew chief may accompany you to a site where the already inflated balloon will be launched. Upon launching, you'll ascend to about 500 to 1,000 feet.

It is usual for a balloon ride to soar above the treetops for about an hour. By then, you will have likely covered around five to ten miles. You may want to have a champagne toast after landing, which is an old tradition practiced by the French. The whole recreational experience usually takes about three hours.

Ensuring Your Safety

Taking a balloon ride is meant to be fun, but you also have to be responsible in ensuring your own safety. You can check the FAA certifications of the company and its crews. The chief crew or the pilot is supposed to renew accreditation twice a year after passing flight tests, while the balloon itself needs regular reviews to be certified.

You can also consult with the FAA for any accident records of the company. An insurance policy may also be available, though some companies still do not have one. Ask if the company has enough crew to assist in take-offs and landings; otherwise, you may have to do these tasks yourself.

During the actual day of the balloon ride, you may watch while the crew checks on the condition of the various parts of the balloon, including the envelope, gondola, burner, and rigging. Weather forecasts are also of utmost importance, so make sure you check them out in case heavy rains and winds are likely to hit the area.