Is it customary to tip a hot air balloon pilot?
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.
What was the worst hot air balloon accident?
1. 2013 Luxor Hot Air Balloon Crash. The most horrific hot air balloon disaster ever occurred on February 26, 2013, near Luxor, Egypt. Hot air balloon rides are extremely popular among tourists visiting Egypt as the rides provide an aerial view of the magical landscape of the country.
Can you drink alcohol on a hot air balloon?
Per FAA regulations, passengers clearly under the influence of drugs or alcohol cannot and will not be flown. Refunds will not be given for those who arrive in such a state. Please do not bring alcoholic drinks on board and please for your safety and enjoyment do not drink alcohol prior to your flight.
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 go too high in a hot air balloon?
The legal limit in many parts of the world for how high a hot air balloon can fly is 3,000 feet in the air. 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.
Do you get weighed for hot air balloon?
Some hot air balloon pilots will weigh passengers to ensure they do not exceed their weight capacity.
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.
Should I tip my private pilot?
There is no expectation to tip a pilot, especially if there is a cabin attendant aboard. Pilots are paid a private jet pilot salary, and the larger the aircraft, the more they earn. However, a $50 spot for each pilot, after the first leg of your flight, makes you their fan.
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.
Do people get motion sickness in a hot air balloon?
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.
What if you need the toilet on a hot air balloon?
What if I need to go to the bathroom? There are no bathroom facilities available on balloons! As flights can last over an hour, you need to make sure that you take a bathroom break before take-off.
How often do hot air balloons fail?
Globally, there are approximately 3,000 hot air balloon accidents per year. In the United States, there are approximately 20 accidents per year.
Are hot air balloons safer than skydiving?
The FAA's Aviation Accident Database considers hot air balloons the safest air-based travel. Hot air balloons are much safer than planes or skydiving as they rarely get into accidents.
Can you sit down 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.
How many mph does a hot air balloon go?
Since the balloon travels with the wind, the balloon will only go as fast as the wind is blowing, which varies from ground level to higher altitudes. Generally balloons will not travel much faster than 8-10 mph.