How much do you tip for a balloon ride?
How much do you tip for a balloon ride? Most tips for hot air balloon rides fall between 10% and 20% of your total price for the ride. We recommend tipping 20% when possible, especially if your crew provided the exceptional service they're known for!
Do they keep parachutes on hot air balloons?
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.
Why are hot air balloons so expensive?
Equipment Hot air balloons are complex machines that require regular maintenance and replacement of parts to guarantee safety and reliability. High-quality equipment comes at a price, and these costs are passed on to customers.
How many passengers fit in a hot air balloon?
How many persons can go up in a balloon ? The most common model can welcome 1 pilot and 2 passengers. But the ones made for group flights have a bigger capacity: between 4 and 10 passengers. More than 32 passengers can fly in the biggest hot-air balloons ever made !
Do you sit or stand in a hot air balloon?
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.
Is it customary to tip a hot air balloon pilot?
Should we tip our balloon pilot and chase crew? Hot Air Balloon Flights are a service, and like all service providers, a gratuity is always appreciated. A typical tip would be 15-20% of the total price.
Can a hot air balloon fly in rain?
Can A Hot Air Balloon Fly In The Rain? Although fixed-wing aircraft can fly in the rain, hot air balloons don't typically fly in the rain. The rain isn't great for the hot air balloon fabric, and the weather associated with rain isn't safe to fly balloons in.
What months are best for hot air balloon?
Most balloon flights take place between April and October. You can fly in winter, but the weather is likely to be worse. The best weather for hot air balloon flying is blue skies, light winds, and little or no rain. Strong winds and heavy rain make it too dangerous to fly, and pilots will not take risks.
Who should not ride in a hot air balloon?
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.
Can you take your phone in a hot air balloon?
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.
What happens if a hot air balloon goes too high?
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.
Where do passengers sit in a hot air balloon?
The majority of hot air balloons do not have built-in seating, nor can they allow portable seats for safety reasons. So you, unfortunately, will not be able to sit down during a hot air balloon ride. But railings are available, and your pilot will cover any of your additional safety concerns.
Are hot air balloon rides loud?
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.
How long does a hot air balloon ride last?
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.
What happens if a hot air balloon runs out of gas?
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.
Do hot air balloons have bathrooms?
Balloon flights usually are about 1 hour flying time and 30 minutes set up plus pack away time. There are no toilets on a hot air balloon and often no toilets at landing sites as they are not planned landing zones and vary depending on the wind direction of each flight.