This is What Happens When You Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride
My recent hot air balloon ride was like watching a symphony with a maestro conducting the orchestra. The pilot directed each crew member to perform their assigned tasks expertly and without fanfare. As the sun started peeking over the horizon, the crew quickly laid the balloon envelope on the ground, powered up the giant fans, and turned on the heaters to heat the air blowing into the envelope.
Such was the most exciting part of my sunrise hot air balloon ride in Phoenix with breakfast. Not only the sights but also the sounds of the fan’s roar made a theatrical production worthy of a standing ovation.
Preparation Before the Phoenix Hot Air Balloon Morning Ride
Booking and Arrival
Most hot air balloon rides are booked in advance. Walk-ins are not welcome because space is limited, and they fill up quickly.
When the winds are calm and stable, companies often offer early or late afternoon flights. Sunrise flights are more frequent because the air is more stable.
Guests usually arrive at the meeting point early in the morning or late in the afternoon, depending on the scheduled flight time. The meeting point is often a designated area near the launch site, or pickups are arranged at local hotels.
Some hot air balloon operators pick up guests at designated pickup and drop-off points. For sunrise events, depending on how many people sign up for the flight, the operator may make their first pickup at 3:30 am. That was when Hot Air Expeditions picked up our group for a dawn liftoff on a recent excursion in the Sonoran Desert outside of Phoenix.
Safety Briefing
The pilot or crew gives a comprehensive safety briefing, explaining the basics of the flight, what to expect, and essential safety procedures. They will cover topics such as how to brace for landing, what to do in an emergency and the importance of following the pilot’s instructions.
Guests must sign an agreement forever releasing and waiving their rights for claiming injuries or damages against the operator. The signor acknowledges that they voluntarily participate in the hot air balloon activities. In short, a list of risks includes but is not limited to, injury or death, etc. Each time I signed, it gave me pause to think about what I would undertake.
Weather Check
The pilot performs a final weather check to ensure conditions are safe for flight. Hot air balloons are responsive to weather and wind, so this step is crucial.
After making additional stops to pick up other guests on my Sonoran Desert flight recently, our driver joined other balloonists to determine the launch site. Launching depends on weather, wind, and availability of open land from which to lay out the balloon envelopes for inflation. After radio coordination, the launch site was selected, and all the passenger vans headed out over rough dirt roads to our destination.
Transportation to the Launch Site
The tour operator transports guests to the launch site in a company vehicle or shuttle. The launch site is chosen based on wind direction and weather conditions to ensure a safe flight path.
At the Launch Site for the Hot Air Balloon Ride
Balloon Setup
Unpacking
The crew unloads the balloon and basket from the trailer. The balloon, also called the envelope, is spread out on the ground.
Inflation
Large fans blow air into the envelope, partially inflating it. When the balloon envelope is half full of cold air, the pilot ignites the burner to heat the air inside, which causes the balloon to stand upright.
Boarding
Once the balloon is upright and stable, the crew helps the passengers into the basket. A small three-step staircase gives passengers easy access to the basket. Once you throw your legs over the lip, you slip (jump) down into the basket in your designated spot.
Our basket was divided into five compartments on the best hot air balloon ride Phoenix. The center section was for the pilot and propane tanks. Four other compartments on either side of the pilot held up to three people in each compartment for a total of 12 passengers plus the pilot. It is very cozy. It’s even more cozy when you learn how to prepare for landing. See below.
The pilot gives a final briefing, ensuring everyone is secure and ready for takeoff.
During the Sunrise Sonoran Desert Hot Air Balloon Ride from Phoenix
Takeoff
The pilot gradually increases the burner flame, heating the air inside the balloon. As the air heats up, the balloon gently lifts off the ground, a thrilling moment that fills you with excitement and anticipation.
The only sound you hear is the burner. Everyone seemed to be holding their breath as if waiting for something to happen. I only knew we were floating away because I was watching a crew member holding the rope that tethered the balloon to the bumper of the truck fender. The rope came loose effortlessly, and he receded in size. Ascending is a magical moment on a sunrise Sonoran Desert hot air balloon ride from Phoenix.
In the Air
Scenic Views
Passengers experience breathtaking views as the balloon ascends. The flight path, determined by the wind, provides a unique and tranquil perspective of the landscape below, leaving you in awe of the beauty of the earth from above.
Over the Sonoran Desert, I saw deer running through underbrush. I looked for javelina and other wildlife but didn’t see any others.
The sun was painting the landscape with a soft pastel palette, and we could see the ends of the earth on the sunrise Sonoran Desert hot air balloon ride from Phoenix.
Pilot Control
The pilot’s expert control over the flight is evident as they adjust the heat in the envelope to control the altitude. The balloon rises by adding heat; by allowing it to cool, it descends. Horizontal direction is controlled by finding wind currents at different altitudes, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey for everyone.
There was almost no wind on our recent flight, and we gently floated a few square miles, which made it easy for the chase crew to attend to us. The pilot carefully selected a suitable landing spot, and with the help of the ground crew, we landed smoothly and safely, almost where we took off.
Communication
The pilot communicates by radio with the ground crew, providing updates on the flight path and estimated landing location.
Duration
Most hot air balloon flights last about an hour, varying based on wind conditions and the specific flight plan.
I didn’t want our sunrise Sonoran Desert hot air balloon ride from Phoenix flight to end.
Landing
Descent
As the flight nears its end, the pilot finds a suitable landing spot, often a large open field. The pilot carefully adjusts the burner to control the descent.
The pilot constantly communicates with the chase crew because they must be there when the balloon lands.
Landing Position
Passengers are instructed to crouch and hold onto the basket handles, adopting a landing position to brace for the impact.
The landing position requires pressing your body against the person behind you or the compartment divider. If you didn’t know your fellow compartment passenger before the flight, you would know them intimately after reaching your destination on the ground.
Touchdown
The balloon touches down gently if conditions are perfect. Sometimes, the basket may tip over slightly or drag a short distance before coming to a complete stop.
The first time I rode in a hot air balloon over Rancho Bernardo in Southern California, the wind blew us off course and made it difficult for the chase crew to keep up. We had to land in uncharted territory in rough scrub and rocky terrain. It was a bouncy landing.
On my recent excursion over Phoenix in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, it was a picture-perfect landing almost at our takeoff point. It was anticlimactic.
After Landing on the Hot Air Balloon Ride
Disembarkation
Passengers exit the basket once it is safe and stable. The crew helps everyone disembark and ensures everyone is accounted for.
Because I am so short (the top of the basket is almost as high as my shoulders), climbing out was difficult. I had to place my feet in the openings in the basket to climb out. It was nearly impossible for me to scale the vertical basket, and it required a boost from the pilot. He enjoyed being part of the spectacle.
Balloon Deflation and Pack-Up
The ground crew arrives at the landing site, and the pilot releases the air from the envelope. The crew then helps fold and pack the balloon into its storage bag.
This process happens simultaneously with passengers climbing out of the basket. In the meantime, I was struggling to exit the basket and couldn’t observe the air released from the envelope.
Packing
The process involves carefully folding the balloon fabric and securing it for transportation back to the base. The crew accomplishes this while the passengers are dining and drinking the champagne.
Celebrating the Hot Air Balloon Ride
Many balloon companies celebrate the successful flight with a traditional champagne toast or other refreshments. This tradition dates to the early days of ballooning in France.
At both hot air balloon experiences in which I participated, the passengers were treated to elegant picnic foods with glasses of champagne. Portable picnic tables magically and swiftly appear from the chase truck with the crew setting up and serving on china plates, real glassware (not plastic), cloth napkins, and real utensils.
I always enjoy a nice glass of champagne.
Certificates
Passengers on our flight received a memento certificate confirming our flight. The commemorative glasses were available for purchase.
Return to Meeting Point
After the celebration, guests return to the original meeting point, where they say their goodbyes. This service takes as much time as the pickup. If you were on a sunrise flight, you hope that you’ll be the first to be dropped off rather than the “last on, first off” policy. My group lucked out on the Sonoran Desert flight because our landing spot was close to our hotel, and we were dropped off first.
Final Thoughts
A hot air balloon ride is a carefully planned and executed adventure. It starts with preparation and a safety briefing, then goes on to a peaceful flight (hopefully) and a fun landing. Each part, from inflating the balloon to taking off, flying, and landing, is carefully managed to ensure passengers are safe and have a great time.
The combination of stunning views, the tranquility of flight, and the unique experience of floating gently over the landscape makes a hot air balloon ride a memorable and enchanting experience.
What I found the most striking was rising and floating above the other balloons and the silence by the other passengers. My experience earned a standing ovation.
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