What happens in the case of bad weather?

Our pilots follow the weather very closely because safety is our first priority. If the pilot decides that high winds or other weather concerns makes it unsafe to fly you will have to opportunity to either reschedule or cancel.

Safety comes first! If high winds or other conditions make it unsafe to fly, the pilot will cancel the flight. In that case, you can either cancel or reschedule for another date. Texas weather can be unpredictable, but we’ll do our best to get you in the air for an unforgettable experience!

When do you make that weather call?

If the weather isn’t looking ideal for a flight, we’ll notify you as soon as possible—trust us, our pilots are just as eager to fly as you are! However, because weather conditions can change quickly, we sometimes wait to make the final decision.

• First weather check: Around 6 PM the night before, the pilot will assess the forecast. If the conditions are questionable, you’ll be informed that it could go either way.

• Second weather check: At 4 AM, the pilot reviews the latest conditions. If it’s looking good, you’ll get the green light, and we’ll meet at the designated location.

• Final check on the field: Once we arrive at the launch site, we conduct a final wind and weather assessment. While cancellations at this stage are rare, Texas weather has a mind of its own, and safety always comes first.
  

Can I change/cancel my reservation?

Yes, as long as you do so more than 48 hours of a flyable day. If you cancel within 24 hours of a flyable day, your credit card will be charged for rate of the flight.

What time do we meet?

We typically meet 45 minutes before sunrise. Your exact meeting time will be provided in your confirmation email and verified or adjusted during your check-in call the evening before your flight

Where do we meet?

From Round Rock: we will gather at the Old Settlers Association parking lot located directly across Hwy 79 from the Kalahari resort. The address is 3300 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665

If we are flying from San Marcos, we meet at the corner of River Ridge Rd and Market Street by the clock tower just past the fire department. The address is 301 River Ridge Pkwy, San Marcos, TX 78666

How long is the whole experience?

The entire hot air balloon experience lasts about 3.5 to 4 hours, offering a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and celebration.

Your journey begins at one of our predetermined meeting spots, where we gather, make balloon assignments, check the wind, and determine the best launch location. Depending on the conditions, we may begin setup right away or move to an alternate site to ensure the best possible flight. Once we arrive at the launch spot, it takes about 30 minutes to inflate and prepare the balloon for takeoff.

Then, the real magic begins—a 40-minute to 1-hour flight where you'll soar over breathtaking landscapes, taking in panoramic views from a whole new perspective. After landing, our crew will meet us to deflate, pack up, and transport you back to the meeting location.

Back at the launch site, we cap off the experience with a short but special ceremony, featuring a champagne (or sparkling cider) toast and a flight certificate to commemorate your adventure. This final celebration is a wonderful tradition, and we encourage you to take the time to fully soak in the experience—it’s the perfect way to end an unforgettable morning in the skies!

How long is a flight?

Flights typically last 40 minutes to an hour.

What is a flight like?

Though often described as peaceful, a hot air balloon launch is truly a unique sensation. One moment, you're standing in the basket on solid ground… and the next, you're effortlessly floating away.

For most of the flight, we cruise at altitudes under 2,000 feet, striking the perfect balance between breathtaking panoramic views and a close-up perspective of the landscape below. You’ll feel as if you're gliding through the sky, with nothing but the whisper of the wind and the occasional burst of the burner to remind you that you're airborne.

Most flights conclude with a gentle landing, but on rare occasions, when the wind picks up, we may experience a more “sporty” touchdown—adding a little extra adventure to the journey. No matter the conditions, every flight is an unforgettable experience, offering a perspective like no other.

What should I wear?

Dress for the weather on the ground that day. Since you'll be traveling with the wind, you won’t feel a wind chill in the air.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing, preferably pants, as you’ll need to climb into the basket.

• Closed-toe shoes are required since we launch and land in grassy fields.

• A hat helps protect from the sun and the heat of the burners.

• Sunglasses & sunscreen are recommended.

• You may bring a small camera and a bottle of water.

• No bags or purses are allowed due to space constraints

Do I Need To Sign a Release of Liability Waiver??

Yes. A link to the form will be sent to you with your confirmation email.

How many people are in the basket?

That depends on the balloon and the guests. Some of our balloons allows for a pilot plus two passengers and others can carry four to five depending on the weather and weight of the passengers.

How do I get in and out of the balloon basket?

You will put your foot into a slot in the side of the basket and swing your legs over the top, and then into the basket. There is no graceful way to do it but don't worry, our staff, crew, and step stools are always available to help! If you need special assistance please call Kara or Rob before your flight in order to see how we can best accommodate you.

Will there be a seat in the basket?

Our baskets are NOT equipped with seats. Passengers need to be prepared to stand throughout the flight time.

Are your baskets wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately, we do NOT have a wheelchair accessible basket. Passengers must be able to climb in and out of the basket.

Can you fly if you are pregnant?

Unfortunately, we will not allow pregnant women or women that might be pregnant to fly with us for safety and insurance reasons

Is there an age restriction? ?

Yes. We only all children over the age of 7.

What is a “Chase Crew”?

These are the invaluable folks who help set-up, follow or “chase” and recover/pack the equipment at the end of the flight. Of course, our passengers are welcome to join in the fun and help with the set-up and disassembly of the ballon if they wish. However, if you’d like to just sit back and “watch the magic happen” that is great too!

Should we tip our balloon pilot and chase crew?

The crew works hard to make sure that your flight is safe and enjoyable. A tip is always appreciated for their hard work. A typical tip is 10% to 20% of the total cost.

Will there be food provided?

We provide a champagne (or cider) toast, bottled water and some light snacks for our post-flight ceremony.

What if I have a fear of heights?

You’re not alone! Believe it or not, Rob himself has a strong fear of heights—and he’s the pilot! In fact, many balloon and fixed-wing pilots share this fear. The sensation in a hot air balloon is very different from standing on a tall building or a ladder, as there’s no sense of motion or swaying. Most passengers find the experience peaceful and exhilarating, even if they were nervous at first!

Will I get pictures of my flight??

While we don’t have a professional photographer our crew will snap shots of you before, during and after your flight. We will send those to you via email following the flight.