Your Journey to the Horizon Begins Here

Dressing appropriately is key to maximizing your comfort throughout the entire adventure. We strongly recommend dressing in casual, comfortable layers. The temperature on the ground can be quite cool, especially before a sunrise flight. However, once in the air, you'll find the powerful burner above you radiates a surprising amount of warmth, keeping the basket pleasantly comfortable. Layering allows you to easily adapt by removing a jacket if you get too warm.

Footwear is particularly important. You must wear sturdy, flat, closed-toe shoes. Think comfortable sneakers, hiking boots, or robust walking shoes. We often land in open fields which can be dewy, soft, or uneven. For your safety and comfort, items like high heels, sandals, flip-flops, or open-toed shoes are strictly prohibited. We also advise against wearing skirts or dresses due to the need to climb into and out of the basket.

Finally, consider accessories for sun protection. Even on a cool morning, the sun can be bright as you ascend. A hat or cap and a pair of sunglasses will enhance your comfort and allow you to fully enjoy the panoramic views without squinting.

Your safety is the absolute cornerstone of our operations; it is the single most important principle that guides every decision we make. Statistically, hot air ballooning is one of the safest forms of aviation in the world. At AeroScend, we don't just meet industry safety standards; we strive to exceed them in every possible way to ensure your complete peace of mind.

Our safety culture is built on three pillars. First, our pilots: they are not just FAA-certified commercial pilots; they are seasoned aviators with thousands of flight hours and an intimate knowledge of meteorology and flight dynamics. They undergo continuous, rigorous training. Second, our equipment: our fleet of balloons is maintained to meticulous, aviation-grade standards. Every component—from the envelope fabric to the basket, burners, and fuel tanks—undergoes a stringent inspection schedule, far beyond what is required, plus a comprehensive pre-flight check before every single launch. Third, our process: we use advanced weather forecasting technology and multiple data sources to analyze conditions. We have a very conservative 'no-go' threshold. If there is even the slightest doubt about wind, visibility, or precipitation, we will not fly. Your adventure can be rescheduled, but your safety is irreplaceable.

Think of your time with us not just as a flight, but as a complete half-day adventure. The entire experience, from arrival to departure, typically lasts between 3.5 to 4 hours. We’ve designed a seamless journey to immerse you in the magic of ballooning from start to finish. The approximate timeline looks like this:

First, you'll have the check-in and welcome, where you'll meet your pilot and crew. For our signature sunrise flights, this is when we serve fresh coffee and pastries. Next is the pre-flight briefing and the spectacle of inflation; you'll travel a short distance to the launch site and watch in awe as our magnificent balloon comes to life. The flight itself, the serene part of your journey drifting above the landscape, lasts for approximately one full hour, though it can range from 60 to 75 minutes depending on the winds and suitable landing sites. After a gentle landing, our expert ground crew will meet us. This is followed by the post-flight celebration, a cherished tradition where we toast to our adventure with chilled champagne or sparkling cider and present you with your commemorative flight certificate. Finally, we provide comfortable transportation back to our original meeting point. Every step is part of the unforgettable AeroScend experience.

We understand that a weather-related cancellation can be disappointing, but your safety is our unwavering priority and is never negotiable. Hot air balloons require very specific weather conditions to operate safely—namely, light and stable winds, good visibility, and no precipitation or storms in the vicinity. The final "go" or "no-go" decision rests exclusively with your certified pilot, who uses a wealth of meteorological data to make an informed choice.

This decision is typically made the evening before a scheduled sunrise flight, or the morning of an afternoon flight, to ensure we have the most accurate forecast available. If we must cancel, we will contact you immediately via phone and email. In the event of a weather cancellation, you have two simple, no-hassle options: 1) Reschedule: We will gladly work with you to find another suitable date for your flight at no additional cost. Your booking will be transferred seamlessly. 2) Full Refund: If rescheduling is not a viable option for you, we will provide a prompt, 100% full refund of any payment you have made. We would much rather have you fly with us on a perfect, beautiful day than a questionable one, and we appreciate your understanding that these decisions are made with your best interest at heart.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all passengers, there are a few physical requirements. All passengers should be in good general health. You must be able to stand, unassisted, for the entire duration of the flight, which is approximately one hour. The basket does not have seats. Additionally, passengers must be able to climb into and out of the basket, which has a side about 4 feet (1.2 meters) high. There are footholds built into the basket, and our crew will be on hand to provide assistance and a step-stool, but a degree of personal mobility and flexibility is necessary.

It's also important to be able to brace for landing. While our pilots are experts at finding gentle landing spots, landings can occasionally be firm or involve the basket tipping and dragging slightly upon touchdown. For these reasons, we are unfortunately unable to accommodate passengers who are pregnant, or individuals recovering from recent major surgeries (especially concerning knees, hips, or back). We also have a minimum age requirement of 6 years old. If you have chronic pain, significant mobility issues, or any other medical condition you think might be a concern, we strongly urge you to consult your physician before booking and to discuss it with our team. Transparency allows us to ensure your safety and comfort.

Absolutely, and we wholeheartedly encourage it! The photo and video opportunities from the basket are extraordinary, and you will definitely want to capture the breathtaking views and memories of your flight. Smartphones, point-and-shoot cameras, and DSLRs are all welcome aboard.

However, your primary responsibility is to keep your equipment secure at all times. The basket is an open-air environment, and any items dropped overboard are, unfortunately, lost forever. We have a mandatory rule that any device used for photos or video must be secured with a wrist or neck strap. When you're not actively shooting, we recommend storing your device in a zipped pocket or a secure bag. For the safety and comfort of all passengers, large, bulky camera bags, tripods, and selfie sticks are not permitted in the basket.

While we want you to capture every magical moment, please be aware that AeroScend cannot be held responsible or liable for any personal items, including electronic devices, that are dropped, damaged, or lost during any part of the experience. We also must prohibit the use of personal drones for safety and regulatory reasons.