Frequently Asked Questions

What Can I expect the hot air balloon ride to be like?
Besides the fact that this will be a highly awesome event, 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. And if Mother Nature decides to blow a little harder, the balloon may go higher. Likewise, if the wind permits, 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, up to 16 persons can fit into the basket comfortably…including the pilot. We mostly fly the larger balloons on the weekend. Considering the maximum, a load from 4 to 16 persons can go into the basket. 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. Since we will meet in the morning, which is the coolest part of the day, you should probably 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 balloons 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?
Ahh our specialty! At Los Angeles 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? Our customer service representatives are waiting for your call now! Just call us at 213-408-0200.