Owner and chief pilot Jon Radowski blasts some heat into the colorful envelope of one of the balloons in our fleet.
Ready for liftoff!
A spectacular sunset hot air balloon flight over the mountains of Phoenix, Arizona
A nearby balloon flies over a residential area alongside us
Phoenix is graced with perfect conditions for ballooning most mornings during the year, and afternoons are often flyable during the winter months.
Sunrise flights often bring out perfect photo opportunities
Two of our hot air balloons take to the desert skies on a gorgeous morning in Phoenix
Jon prepares the US Flag special shape hot air balloon for flight
Some impressive landscaping seen from above
Jon, at home in the air!
A group of new friends flying with usFrequently Asked Questions & Important Information
Please read all the information on this page for nearly everything to expect about your Arizona hot air ballooning experience. Contact us with any other questions that are not included here and we'll be glad to provide an answer!
Policies
Click here for our policies, terms, passenger waivers, and other important information.
Where do you offer hot air balloon rides in Phoenix?
The meeting location for our hot air balloon flights is near the intersection of Interstate 17 and the 101 Loop in North Phoenix, Arizona. Click here for a map. Our meeting location is easily accessible from Scottsdale, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Sun City, and all other locations in the greater Phoenix area.
Our physical launch site will be chosen based on wind direction and weather conditions on the day of the flight. We have a number of launch locations in the North Valley to choose from which allow for a scenic flight with many impressive views. We have excellent vistas of the Sonoran Desert, the city of Phoenix, and the impressive mountain ranges that surround the area. In addition, there are many smaller mountains that we will quite often have the opportunity to fly low over.
We offer morning balloon rides in Phoenix / Scottsdale, Arizona seven days a week, year-round. Morning balloon flights usually launch just after sunrise.
We offer late afternoon / sunset hot air balloon flights in Phoenix daily from November until mid-March. These balloon flights usually land just before sunset.
Our balloon rides in Arizona launch up to twice daily, just after sunrise and again about an hour or so before sunset - weather permitting. These flight times are when the winds are calmest to allow for a most enjoyable flight. During the middle of the day, it's usually too unstable to fly due to thermals, wind gusts and unstable weather conditions.
As an added bonus, sunrise and sunset are the most breathtaking times of day for hot air balloon photography. The vivid light and rich color of the low sun on the horizon allows for many fantastic photo opportunities with the hot air balloons painting the desert with additional color.
Where and what time will we need to show up?
The time shown on the booking page (and your reservation) is the meeting time. Meeting times will vary based on the changing sunrise and sunset times throughout the year. In general, we meet about 45 minutes before sunrise for all morning flights, and 2.5 hours before sunset for evening flights.
The meeting location for our hot air balloon flights in Phoenix, Arizona is our office at 302 W Melinda Ln, Suite 1, Phoenix, AZ 85027. Your pilot and crew will be there approximately 10-15 minutes before the meeting time to begin checking passengers in. Reservations are required - don't just show up and hope for the best!
How long will the hot air balloon ride be?
Our hot air balloon flights average approximately one hour, although time in the air can range from 45 to 90 minutes. Duration of flight depends on many variables such as wind and weather conditions, potential landing sites, payload, altitude, temperature and other situational considerations. We certainly love to fly, and will make every effort to extend the flight as long as possible. The ultimate decision on flight length is based on safety and is determined solely by the pilot-in-command.
The whole experience usually takes about 3 to 3.5 hours from the meeting time until returning, but occasionally up to 4 hours. Come equipped with a sense of adventure, and plan to leave extra time between the conclusion of the flight and any important later engagements such as dinner reservations.
What is included in the price of a hot air balloon ride?
• Average flight time of one hour in duration (Flight time may range from 45 to 90 minutes).
• Traditional post-flight champagne toast ceremony and refreshments. Non-alcoholic refreshments always available.
• Personalized Flight Certificates
• Digital photos on the ground and/or in the air with your cameras
• Memories to last a Lifetime!
How much does it cost, and are reservations required?
Pricing varies based on a number of factors. And, yes, reservations are a must. Please use our convenient online reservation system to check availability, check pricing, and book your flight. Click the banner below to begin the process.
We do not require a deposit payment, however, a credit card is required to secure your reservation. We will not take payment until after the flight. You may choose to pay the total by credit card or with cash on the day of the flight.
How far in advance do I need to reserve a flight?
As a rule of thumb, we recommend booking your preferred flight date at least a week in advance to ensure it will be available. However, last-minute bookings and scheduling changes are often possible. The website will show last-minute availability if we already have a flight scheduled to go out, and you can make a reservation on very short notice. If we do not already have a flight scheduled to go out, we still may have availability, but you'll have to give us a call to find out if we can assemble the balloon team at the last minute. We can often schedule a flight on very short notice - sometimes even less than an hour before the meeting time.
Weekends usually tend to fill up early, being the most popular time to fly for most folks. Holidays such as Valentine's Day are very desirable and tend to fill up even sooner. Try to plan your dates well in advance for extra special occasions.
What if I need to make changes to or cancel my reservation?
We have a generous cancellation policy to protect everyone in case plans happen to change between the time of reservation and the scheduled flight time. Cancellations or changes to your reservations can be made up to 72 hours prior to the scheduled flight time with no consequences whatsoever. Cancellations within 72 hours of flight time may carry certain penalties.
See our policies section for further details on our cancellation policy.
What if the weather is bad on the day of our flight?
If we must cancel your flight due to inclement weather, there will be no charge whatsoever. You are free to reschedule for another date, but there is no obligation to do so.
See our policies section for further details on weather conditions.
How many people will fit in a balloon? How many other people will be flying with us?
The hot air balloons in our fleet range in capacity from two to 24 passengers (plus pilot, of course!). On Shared Flights, your group will almost always be paired with at least another group or two. Two (2) passengers is our minimum in order to operate a shared flight.
If a single passenger books a reservation on a Shared Flight and we do not end up with any other passengers scheduled for that flight, we will coordinate with that passenger to either arrange for another trusted balloon company/pilot to accommodate them at the desired time, or the passenger would have the option to reschedule or cancel their reservation with no penalty if they would rather not fly with a different company/pilot.
Occasionally a single group might luck out and be the only guests on board a Shared Flight, but this is rarely the case. To ensure the whole balloon to yourselves, book a Private Flight!
Private Flights are available to reserve the basket to your own party of two or more for more personal adventures.
For occasions such as conventions, trade shows, corporate functions, company outings, team-building experiences, workshops and other special events, we specialize in large group flight excursions. With enough advance notice, we can easily handle parties of 32 or more in multiple balloons. This offers the atmosphere and excitement of your own private hot air balloon festival! We will fly multiple balloons if your party is greater than 20-24 guests.
I'd prefer to fly alone or in a smaller group. What options do you offer?
Private Flights cost more than a standard flight, but will reserve the basket to your own party of two or more. A Private Flight is perfect for private occasions such as anniversaries, engagements, or special birthdays.
How long will the whole experience take?
Plan to be with us approximately three to four hours from the specified meeting time. We will meet at our predetermined location, take the time to get to know all our passengers and introduce our pilots and ground crew members. Groups will be assigned to their pilot and we'll then proceed to the launch field. The preflight briefing will then be given during which the pilot and crew will explain everything and answer any questions. Guests are welcome to assist in the setup and inflation of the hot air balloons if they'd like, or they may simply choose to take in the experience and snap photos from an uninvolved position.
Once the inflation process begins, it will only be a matter of minutes before you'll take to the sky in our beautiful balloon! The hot air balloon flight can range anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes, although the average length of our balloon flights in Phoenix is just over an hour. When it's time to land, our experienced ground crew will be close at hand to assist with deflating and packing up the hot air balloon. After we return to Earth, we will join in a customary champagne celebration to toast our balloon flight (with non-alcoholic refreshments always available). We will then return to our original meeting location.
How high / fast / far will we fly?
Since balloons only travel as fast as the wind is blowing, we won't go much faster than 7 to 10 miles per hour near the ground. If the winds low to the ground are any quicker than that, takeoffs and landings become a bit tricky. In those cases, we may decide not to fly. See our weather requirements for more details.
Our hot air balloon flights last about an hour, so we will usually cover anywhere from 2 to 10 miles in that time. Occasionally we will be able to make a round-trip journey using the winds, landing right back where we launched from, but most flights are one-way adventures.
As to how high we'll be soaring, we can fly anywhere from saguaro level to many thousands of feet up - sometimes over a mile high! Whenever possible, we always like to climb up high initially to give passengers an expansive vista from a few thousand feet up. Down low near the ground is arguably the most enjoyable part of any flight. You'll be able to skim low over the open desert, scare up jackrabbits, quail, maybe even a coyote or javelina, and converse with earthbound folks in residential areas as we gently float along.
Can we fly over my house? Can you steer the balloon?
Can we fly over your house? Probably not, unless it's directly downwind in our flight path! Since they float along with the wind, hot air balloons can't be steered like a car or airplane. However, skilled pilots can direct a balloon by maneuvering to find subtle changes in wind speed and direction. We have very accurate altitude control by using the burners to heat the air in the balloon, and by climbing and descending, we can use these wind direction changes to adjust our course.
Sometimes these wind changes are so significant that we can actually land close to where we took off from, but usually we'll only have a few degrees of "steerage" to work with. That is often enough directional control to be able to pick out specific downwind landing spots or waypoints from long distances away. In practice, we can usually target an intended landing area soon after liftoff. Our ground crew will venture ahead and wait there for us to land.
Where do we land? Back where we started?
Not always. Since balloons travel with the wind and can't be steered, we will land wherever the wind takes us - usually downwind from the launch site. Sometimes we will actually be able to land back where the flight began. A round trip flight requires winds aloft blowing in a completely opposite direction from the ground wind.
Most of our landings occur in the open desert, however, sometimes we will end up in yards, parking lots, cul-de-sacs, housing developments, less-traveled streets, schools, parks and open fields. You'd be surprised where we can actually fit a hot air balloon!
Our chase crew (or as I like to call them, the "World's Greatest Stalkers") will follow our approximate path on the ground and should arrive before, during, or slightly after our landing. They'll help us pack up the balloon, and we'll return to the meeting location in the balloon chase vehicle, which in our case are comfortable passenger vans.
Are there any age requirements?
There are practical and physical considerations for the extremely young or old. Children must be at least five years of age in order to fly, and at least 48 inches tall to be able to see over the basket edge.
We don't recommend children under six years of age, mainly because they'll have to stand still for an hour. Most kids that young don't have the attention span necessary to enjoy this unique experience, and will get fidgety and restless after sometimes just a few minutes of standing in the basket. As well, some youngsters are afraid of the loud noise and heat the burner produces. However, if you're sure your young child will be willing and able to behave well, we'll be glad to have them join us on the balloon flight. A rule of thumb we've determined over the years is that if your child is adventurous and excited about the idea of going on a hot air balloon flight, they will almost undoubtedly enjoy the experience.
On the other end of the spectrum, there is no such thing as "too old." We have carried dozens of passengers over 90 and even a few over 100 years of age!
Who can fly in a hot air balloon? What restrictions are there?
Nearly everybody is welcome to fly with us! We've been able to accommodate a wide age range of folks, and many differently-abled passengers have been able to enjoy our flights over the many years we've been flying. However, there are a few requirements in order to make the ride pleasant, enjoyable and most of all safe for everyone.
You must be in good physical shape with no recent surgeries, broken bones, joint replacements or other medical or mobility issues which may affect your ability to take part in a physical activity. You'll generally need to be able to stand for the duration of the balloon flight (45-90 minutes or more). Some of our landing sites may necessitate a short hike over uneven terrain to get back to our retrieve vehicle. Some of our landings involve the basket tipping over as we land - which is a LOT of fun as long as you're expecting it and you're in good physical shape!
It is important that we be informed of all potential medical/physical problems at the time of flight reservation. In many cases there is no reason for us not to fly a passenger, but we do need to be aware. The safety of our friends and passengers is paramount. See our policies section for more details.
We regret that we cannot take up those who are pregnant - not even "just a little bit." If you wait a few years and take your child up when they're old enough to appreciate it, it'll be a much more enjoyable experience for the both of you.
We're sorry that we cannot currently accommodate wheelchair users who are unable to stand for a length of time. There are very few hot air balloons in the world certified to carry wheelchairs, and only a handful that we know of in the United States. We are unaware of any wheelchair accessible hot air balloons in the state of Arizona. Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Temecula, California are the nearest options that we know of.
Passengers with limited mobility, those relying on walkers, canes, or knee/leg braces, and those who require oxygen tanks or concentrators are often not physically suited to go on a balloon flight due to the possibility of a tip-over landing if the wind picks up during flight.
Per FAA regulations, passengers clearly under the influence of drugs or alcohol cannot and will not be flown. Refunds will not be given for those who arrive in a such a state.
I'm totally afraid of heights! Will I have a problem?
Acrophobia: The fear of heights. I'll venture to guess perhaps 80% or more of all our passengers have some degree of apprehension about leaving the ground. Over the years, we've discovered that it's not really a fear of heights, rather a "fear of falling off edges".
Of the passengers who are adventurous enough to conquer their own fears and take to the air, nearly all of them get back on the ground and vow to come back and do it again with us!
There's a simple explanation for this seemingly remarkable phenomenon:
When looking straight down the side of a tall building, parking garage or similar high place, you are able to visualize your physical connection to the ground. This actual perceived dropoff is what makes you step back from the edge, grasp that railing a little tighter, or in extreme cases, get sick to your stomach. Not fun!
However, in a hot air balloon basket, there is no visible connection to the ground. This detachment from the earth essentially removes any uneasy sensations of height. Furthermore, there is no relative altitude in a balloon - whether two feet above the desert or two thousand feet up, it all feels the the same. But, the view is much better from up high!
As well, there is no motion or turbulence in a hot air balloon. The flight is very stable and there is no rocking or swinging sensation. Being in the basket of a balloon is a secure, comforting feeling even for those who think they're afraid of heights.
We're sure you'll have no worries once you're up there. If you can overcome your initial concern and come equipped with an adventurous spirit, we guarantee you'll be perfectly fine!
Turbulence is unheard of, as we are not fighting the wind like an airplane has to. Since the hot air balloon floats along with the wind, there's no movement once we leave the ground.
While airborne, the basket is perfectly balanced underneath the balloon and there is no rocking or swinging. The entire flight is very stable and smooth, and changes in altitude are gradual and hardly noticeable - not like an elevator. Passengers who suffer from even the most severe cases of motion sickness will not feel any effects from a balloon ride.
The most dangerous part of the hot air balloon ride is the drive to the launch field! That may sound like a joke, but it's the truth.
Although hot air ballooning is one of the safest forms of aviation, it still has inherent dangers like all other recreational activities. Please be aware of your physical limitations when scheduling a balloon ride, as it is important to understand all the possible risks involved. If in doubt, consult your doctor or physician about the suitability of a balloon ride.
The weather is the most influential factor on any hot air balloon flight, and the winds will determine our landing conditions. Despite all the advances in modern forecasting technology and up-to-the-minute aviation weather resources we have at our command, weather is still ultimately unpredictable in flight. Keeping that in mind, there is always the possibility of an occasional windy, bumpy landing. In this case, the basket may make a firm touchdown, tip over in the direction of travel, and drag along the ground until the balloon deflates and we come to a final stop.
For many people, this is the best part - an exciting conclusion to an already adventurous flight! However, for others, a bumpy landing may not be quite what they expected at the end of a graceful balloon ride. We like to educate and prepare all our passengers that every flight has the potential to end this way. Although we will never launch when conditions are expected to result in such an exciting landing, there's always the possibility the landing might offer a little more fun than we anticipated. Whatever the case may be, our professional pilots are skilled and prepared to handle any possible situation in the air.
What weather conditions are required?
Hot air balloon flights require ideal weather conditions, which luckily are present most days out of the average year in Phoenix. However, just because it's a beautiful sunny day, understand that it may not necessarily be a perfect day to go hot air ballooning. The wind speed should be less than 7 to 10 miles per hour, and there must be no thunderstorm activity within 50-100 miles. Balloons don't fly in the rain. Even if it has stopped raining recently before flight time, there may be more bad weather on the way.
It is ultimately the pilot-in-command's judgment on whether or not the weather is suitable for flight, and that decision is made solely in the interest of safety. We'd love to fly all the time, but sometimes it's just not going to happen. There's an old and wise saying we use in the ballooning circle - "It's better to be on the ground wishing we were up there, than to be in the air wishing we were down here!"
Weather cancellations can and do occur, so please have patience. Sometimes we just cannot fly on your chosen date. We will reschedule you at a convenient later date as many times as necessary until your flight is completed. If you cannot reschedule after a weather cancellation, there is no obligation to do so. If you have left a credit card number with us to secure your reservation, it will not be charged. However, gift certificates will not be refunded due to a weather cancellation.
Fall, winter and early spring mornings in Phoenix are usually a little chilly before sunrise (30-50°F), so dressing in layers is recommended. Once the sun comes up, it warms quickly. It is not uncommon for the temperature to rise to more than 70°F by the end of the flight, which can feel more like 80°F in the desert sun. Dress accordingly.
It's best to wear clothes that you aren't afraid to get dirty, although we certainly won't aim to do that! Appropriate clothing for ballooning are jeans, sneakers/hiking boots, and natural materials rather than synthetic. We recommend wearing a hat, as the burners generate a fair amount of heat.
Shorts and skirts may not be suitable for some of our landing spots. Hiking boots, sneakers, or a comfortable flat shoe are the preferred footwear. Heeled shoes and open-toed footwear (sandals) must be avoided.
Is it colder up in a hot air balloon?
The temperature will feel nearly the same in the balloon as it is on the ground, unless we go very high. The temperature drops a constant 3.5°F per 1000 feet above sea level. Whenever possible, our flights take us higher than 3,000 feet above the ground, so the coldest it may become on an average flight would be about 10-15°F cooler than ground temperature. We'll fly even higher than that if all the passengers prefer to and weather conditions and airspace considerations permit. Bring an extra layer so you'll be warm if we fly very high.
Absolutely! You are encouraged to bring along a camera, digital camera or small video recorder. You'll be able to capture beautiful pictures aloft to remember your flight by and to show friends your exciting adventure. However, please have a neck or wrist strap, and make sure to bring a padded bag or case to stow your camera in before final landing (not hanging from your neck). We cannot be responsible for personal belongings. Bring twice as much film/memory as you think you'll need, and then some. Many people fill up their memory cards or run out of film in the first few minutes after liftoff! Camera batteries have a nasty habit of running out right after liftoff, so make sure they are fully charged or you have spares on hand.
There is sometimes enough room per passenger for a small handbag, but anything beyond yourself and a camera is best left on the ground in your locked vehicle, or we will gladly carry it in the balloon chase vehicle if you may need it at our landing site. Many people inquire about bringing food or drinks on board, but doing so can be a huge distraction that will detract from your enjoyment of the experience.
What about a gratuity for the pilot and crew members?
Our pilots and ground crew members put in long hours and lots of effort to make your experience absolutely wonderful - which is our job. Although certainly not mandatory, and never expected, tips are nonetheless always greatly appreciated.
I really enjoyed my flight! How can I possibly return the favor?
Please spread the word by telling a friend, or the whole world! Word-of-mouth is quite important to us. We love to take up friends of customers, and especially enjoy when guests return for another flight (ask about our "repeat offender" discount!). Perhaps you might also be interested in sharing some kind words or photos for our feedback page, or our TripAdvisor, Yelp, Facebook, or Google profiles. Please email us with your comments and photos.
Apex Balloons Hot Air Balloon Rides
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What is the best way to contact you?
If you want to check pricing or availability, or are ready to make a hot air balloon flight reservation, the quickest and easiest way to do it is by following this link:
If you have questions about our hot air balloon rides in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, call us toll-free at 1-877-9-HOTAIR (1-877-946-8247). You may also email us, but phone contact is best since there's hardly time to respond to emails when we're busy flying often.
We very much enjoy getting to know our customers over the phone before we meet to go flying. We will gladly answer all of your questions - no matter how many times you think we might have heard them!
Policies, Terms & Conditions
General Policies
We offer our hot air balloon flights through two standard booking methods - direct flight reservations or prepaid flight certificates. The price is the same either way arrangements are made, but the flight certificate will allow the recipient(s) the freedom to choose the time and date of their flight. Direct flight reservations hold your preferred date right from the start, and are recommended for weekend flights.
In lieu of a deposit payment, we will accept a valid credit card, which will not be charged until after the flight. See our cancellation policy below for further deposit/refund information.
Gift certificates are always available and are valid for two years from the date of purchase. They are very attractive and make a wonderful gift. See the gift certificate section below for more details and policies.
Inclement Weather
Ballooning is a fair-weather activity. Inclement weather conditions may cause flights to be cancelled or rescheduled, so keep that possibility in mind when planning your adventure with us. Please don't be upset if we have to inform you it's not flyable on the day of your flight - we can't control the weather. All flight decisions are made in the best interest of the safety of our guests. We'd love to fly all the time, but sometimes Mother Nature just doesn't cooperate.
Weather cancellations can and do occur, so please have patience. We cannot always fly on your chosen date. Weather cancellations can be rescheduled at your convenience. Previously-scheduled flights will have priority (first scheduled, first priority). If you cannot reschedule after a weather cancellation, there is no further obligation. The credit card on hold to secure your reservation will not be charged.
Gift certificates will not be refunded due to a weather cancellation. You may reschedule as many times as necessary until your flight can be completed.
• Weather conditions that will generally cause cancellation: High winds, rain, thunderstorms within 100 miles, low cloud ceiling or low visibility.
• Weather conditions that are preferred: Winds under 7-10 miles per hour, no precipitation, good visibility.
Click here for more weather information.
Medical Concerns
We must be notified beforehand of any possible medical issues which would be cause for concern. Such conditions may include but are not limited to:
• Long-term or debilitating illnesses
• Pregnancy
• Back Issues
• Severe Osteoporosis, brittle bones, etc.
• Mobility Issues, such as: Inability to stand for extended periods, reliance on a walker/cane, etc.
• Requirement for oxygen breathing equipment, kidney machines, etc.
• Recent Major Surgeries, Broken Bones, Joint Replacements, etc.
In certain cases, we may very well be able to accommodate the passenger in question; however, we need to know what limitations may be present so we can plan for a safe experience. If in doubt, consult your physician about the suitability of a balloon flight. Keep in mind the possible landing situations that may be experienced.
Unfortunately, wheelchair users cannot yet be accommodated in our balloons. There are only a handful of specially-equipped wheelchair hot air balloons in existence in the world. We are actively seeking to acquire one.
Per FAA regulations, passengers clearly under the influence of drugs or alcohol cannot and will not be flown. Refunds will not be given for those who arrive in a such a state.
Assumption of Risk Agreement (Passenger Waiver)
There are inherent dangers in absolutely everything we do each day. You can get hurt doing anything - driving a car, taking a shower, crossing the road, mowing your lawn, climbing a flight of stairs, or riding a bicycle. Ballooning is not a magical exception to this rule. There are always inherent risks present that we do our absolute best to minimize and avoid.
All passengers must read, understand, and sign our Assumption of Risk Agreement. In the case of minors under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the Agreement. Please take the time to view and understand our Assumption of Risk Agreement before you come to fly with us. It is presented here so you can read and understand clearly before you show up.
This Agreement does not absolve us from responsibility - it is our absolute duty to minimize risks and ensure the safety of all people in the air and on the ground. We expect to never have the need to use these signed pieces of paper for their intended purpose. In nearly 25 years of flying and over 17,000 happy passengers flown, we have not had a single injury and would like to keep it that way forever.
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Cancellation Policy & Scheduling Changes
We schedule all flights on a guaranteed space basis and do not overbook flights. When you make reservations to fly, we ensure specific space in the balloon for your party. If we are full for a certain flight, we must turn away potential customers. Last-minute changes or cancellations affect our schedule as well as other passengers' plans. Therefore, we have a cancellation policy in effect to protect everyone in case plans happen to change.
• Cancellations or reservation changes at least 72 hours prior to the meeting time are permitted. Perhaps plans have changed or there is a scheduling conflict that has come up? That's perfectly fine - just give us at least 72 hours notice, and there's no penalty whatsoever.
• Cancellations within 24-72 hours of the meeting time will result in forfeiture of the flight deposit (50% of total flight cost), or the equivalent amount charged to the credit card on hold.
• Should you fail to show up at the scheduled meeting time, or cancel less than 24 hours in advance of our meeting time, the full flight fare will be due. Failing to show up at all - or arriving late enough to miss the flight - is considered a "no-show."
Notification for cancellations must be made by phone. Call us toll-free at 1-877-9-HOTAIR (1-877-946-8247) to make any scheduling changes.
For large group flights, confirmation of the number of passengers and full payment is required 7 days before the flight meeting time. No cancellations or reductions in number of passengers by the customer are allowed after that point unless agreed to by both parties.
Passenger Check-In
Please call to check in for morning flights during the evening prior to the next morning's flight (generally between 8-9PM). Please call to check in for afternoon flights approximately 11AM-Noon on the day of the flight. Call us toll-free at 1-877-9-HOTAIR (1-877-946-8247).
Weather for hot air ballooning in Phoenix is generally favorable most days out of the year. If the weather will be bad enough to cause cancellation of the balloon flight, we will attempt to contact you as early as possible prior to the meeting time. Otherwise, we expect you to arrive at our meeting location at the specified time whether or not you have called to check in.
Be sure to give us a valid cell phone number at the time of booking so we can inform you of any last minute changes or cancellation.
Late Arrivals & No-Shows
Please allow plenty of extra travel time for traffic delays and possible Uber/Lyft snafus. We have had many passengers arrive late in recent years because of issues with getting a timely pickup from rideshare apps, or drivers who cancel their ride at the last minute. Passengers who do not arrive at or before the meeting time will count as a "no-show." In the case of a no-show, the full amount of the flight will be charged as per our cancellation policy.
Much like an airline flight where the gate closes at a specific time because the plane must depart on time, we must depart for the launch field immediately after our meeting time in order to stay on schedule. In the case of late passengers on a shared flight, unless all others flying in the balloon are willing to delay launch for your late arrival (which is highly unlikely), we will be departing without you. Therefore, please do not be late. We want you to have a happy experience, not to go home frustrated and angry and then have the added insult of still having to pay for the "seats" on the balloon that you reserved and that we could not book others on.
Private flight passengers have some leeway to be late, as we do not have other passengers waiting, but please do not take that as license to be as late as you want - we still have sunrise and sunset as our limiting schedule factors.