What Can I expect the HOT AIR BALLOON ride
to be like?
Depending on the wind speed and direction, the flight lasts
about 45 minutes to an hour. However, the whole experience
from start to finish, which includes anticipation, preparation,
the flight, and the final toast, you should plan on being
with us for about 3 – 4 hours.
How high in the sky does the ride go? How far will we
go?
The altitude of most flights are anywhere around 1,000 –
3,000 feet. Weather permitting, the balloon may go higher
or the balloon may travel at a lower altitude (treetop level) -
lower altitudes are actually ideal to view a close up of the landscape
below. Since the balloon flight relies 100% on the wind most
flights travel approximately 2-5 miles. No two flights
are the same!
 How many people go into the basket?
We have varying balloon sizes to accommodate you and your guest.
Depending on the size of the balloon, 1 to 16 persons can
fit into the basket comfortably…including the pilot.
We mostly fly the larger balloons on the weekend. Just let us know
how many people and we will bring out the best size to comfortably
lift the number of people who book on a given day.
What about children? What is the recommended age?
This is a fabulous experience for children! We recommend
that any children along for the ride should be around 6 years of
age. At this age they are tall enough to see over the side
of the basket and they tend to have a greater attention span…
enabling them to enjoy an hour or more flight in an open basket.
It has been our experience that although children 6 years and older
do become sensitive to the sound of the burners, but they tend to
become curious about how the balloon works and eventually get into
it. Not only is this a fascinating learning experience for children
but, they can better appreciate the ballooning experience.
What should we wear?
Since this is your day, be comfortable! Wear casual clothing
and nice fitting shoes… appropriate for an outdoor adventure.
If your flight is arranged for the morning, the coolest part of
the day, it’s best to dress in layers so that you can adjust
for the warming temperatures as the day progresses. The ground will
be the coolest. However, once in flight, the burners tend to keep
the basket nice and warm during the winter months. Accessorizing
in the winter time is choice. Wear items such as hats, gloves, boots
and sunglasses. Summertime calls for recommended items such as long
pants, sturdy shoes, sunscreen and sunglasses. No shorts, open-toed
shoes or sandals please.
Can I bring a photo/video camera?
Why of course! We would not want you to miss anything
on this trip! And don’t worry about the basket swaying to
ruin your pictures or interrupt your recording…the basket
moves with the wind.
 How do
you get the balloon inflated? Float in the air?
A fan is used to blow cool air into the balloon and later
there are burners used to heat the air as the balloon lies on the
ground. Gradually the balloon will rise to an upright position.
The HOT AIR BALLOON will rise because the air inside the balloon
is warmer than the surrounding air, resulting in pressure differentials
to produce and upward lift.
How does the pilot steer a balloon?
The pilot will to steer the balloon by finding different
wind directions at different altitudes. Our pilots are
specifically trained for mountain flying and are extremely skilled
at navigating the balloon.
What about special requests?
This is our specialty! With a balloon ride from Omaha Hot
Air Balloons, we are committed to offering you the ultimate
personalized ballooning adventure! Let us assist you with an “in-flight”
wedding or marriage proposal. And what about adding some flavor
to the usual company picnic or family outing? Get a gift certificate
to make this special occasion one everyone will enjoy.
Still have questions? Just contact
us at 1-800-585-5555
Our customer relation representatives are waiting for your
call now!
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