Common Questions

WHAT IS THE FLIGHT LIKE?

Most times, our take-off is so easy that we’re airborne before passengers even realize it. During your hot air balloon ride it is extremely smooth and there is no need to worry about motion sickness, like in a plane or a boat. During landing it is normal to experience a bump or series of bumps when the balloon basket touches the ground. We may even brush the treetops on our way down.

HOW LONG IS OUR BALLOON ADVENTURE?

Your total balloon adventure lasts about 3 ½ hours. This includes transportation to the launch site, pre-flight preparation, a 45–90-minute flight, pack up of the equipment, the post-flight champagne celebration and return transportation to your vehicle.

WHERE DO WE TAKE OFF FROM?

CT Ballooning utilizes multiple sites in central Connecticut based on the wind direction to ensure a safe and enjoyable flight. Our primary meeting locations are in Berlin, Farmington & Plantsville. The decision on which location we use is based on the wind direction to ensure your flight is safe and provides good landing areas. The exact locations are provided in your confirmation letter, and you’ll be advised during your check-in (between 8pm & 9pm the evening prior to your flight) of where we’ll be meeting.

WHERE DO WE LAND?

Since balloons travel with the wind, we don’t have predetermined landing sites. This is part of the fun and mystery of hot air ballooning and helps make each flight unique. The pilot uses good judgment in choosing a location large enough to make a safe landing and the chase crew makes all attempts to get permission from the landowner prior to our landing. These are often athletic fields, backyards, cul-de-sacs, etc.

HOW HIGH AND FAR WILL WE GO?

Wind & weather are the determining factors here, but our average flight covers between 3-10 miles. We vary in altitude from a few hundred feet above the ground, to a few thousand feet above the ground. And we change our altitude depending on our flight path and the terrain.

WHAT TIME ARE FLIGHTS?

CT Ballooning schedules all of its balloon flights for sunrise as this is when the winds are the most calm and the air aloft the most stable. The actual meeting time varies depending on the time of year but averages roughly 6:00 a.m.

WHAT DO I WEAR BALLOONING?

Since the temperature aloft is comparable to the ground temperature, you should dress to be outdoors for 3-4 hours that day. Casual, outdoor type of clothing is suggested and since there is frequently dew on the grass in the mornings, waterproof footwear is advisable. Open-toed footwear or heels of any kind ARE NOT permitted.

ARE THERE AGE OR HEALTH RESTRICTIONS?

There are no restrictions based on age. We do require all passengers to be at least 48” tall, be able to climb into & out of the basket unassisted and be able to stand unassisted for up to 3 hours. Our balloon adventures are not recommended for those who may be pregnant, persons with osteoporosis or have had recent trauma or surgery. People taking blood thinners need to be aware that it's possible to get bumped or bruised on the landing.

HOW DO YOU 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!

IS THERE A PASSENGER WEIGHT LIMIT?

Yes, there is an absolute weight limit on each flight that is determined by the aircrafts FAA flight manual. When making your reservation, you will be asked for a combined body weight of you and all those traveling in your group. Our maximum weight limit is 250 pounds per person. For individuals weighing over 250 pounds, we require a 50% increase to your flight purchase price (e.g., 1.5 times $350 of a Traditional Balloon Adventure price). While we are non-judgmental of body weight, your accurate response is critically important as it factors into the safety of your flight. If we find you understated your weight, you will be denied access to the aircraft and charged the full amount.

WHAT CAN I BRING ALOFT?

Cameras are permitted aloft and highly encouraged however CT Ballooning assumes NO liability for them. Food & beverages are not permitted. Purses and other bags should be stored securely in your vehicle and cell phone use during the flight is limited to picture taking only.

HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE IN THE BASKET?

For our Traditional Balloon Adventures, we carry up to 5 passengers plus the pilot. Our baskets can accommodate more but we don’t want you feeling crowded like you may with other balloon companies. We want you to have a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

HOW SAFE IS BALLOONING?

From a statistical point, the FAA finds that hot air ballooning is the safest form of all air travel. In fact, the FAA has found that you are more likely to be injured driving a car or flying in a plane than flying in a hot air balloon. Besides this, our top priority is your safety. Our pilots and crew participate regularly in continuing education seminars, and we also do presentations on numerous safety topics at these seminars. Remember our motto - “Flying because we WANT to, not because we have to.” When we have safety concerns, we simply don’t fly.

HOW & WHEN DO WE PAY FOR OUR FLIGHT?

A credit card is secured to confirm your flight date when you make your reservation – just like a hotel reservation. Payment is due on the launch site PRIOR to the flight and we except all major credit cards, PayPal, Venmo and of course CASH.

ARE GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE?

Unfortunately no. Due to the high demand for our balloon rides and to alleviate scheduling issues, we no longer offer a pre-paid option. If you are in possession of one of our past gift certificates or pre-paid boarding passes, please contact us to redeem it.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

Weather related cancellations: Since safety is paramount, we have our own personal weather minimums/maximums that exceed the FAA regulations. We won’t fly in marginal or poor weather, nor will we fly in strong winds (surface & aloft). Our FAA certified commercial pilots have over 30 years’ experience flying in our region and do not take these decisions lightly, so rest assured it’s the correct decision. If this occurs, you’ll have the opportunity to reschedule the flight, or we can simply part ways with no charges incurred.

CT Ballooning initiated cancellations: If your flight is cancelled by CT Ballooning for any reason, you’ll have the opportunity to reschedule the flight, or we’ll refund your deposit within 10 business days.

Cancellations by you: If you cancel or change your balloon adventure in any way less than 7 days prior to your scheduled flight; if you are late and miss the pick-up time; or you no-show for your flight, your deposit will be forfeited.

**Flights Scheduled with a Gift Certificate or Boarding Pass**

Should you cancel or change your balloon adventure in any way less than 7 days prior to your scheduled flight; if you are late and miss the pick-up time; or you no-show for your flight, your gift certificate/boarding pass will be considered redeemed and rendered null & void.

ARE GRATUITIES APPROPRIATE?

Gratuities are always appreciated but not expected - it is completely up to you. The roles & responsibilities of the team involve a significant amount of manual labor including heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying. A typical tip seems to run in the range of 10%-20% of the total price.

CAN I HELP?

YES you may, and we encourage it!! Passengers will often help in both the set up and pack up of the balloon to make their adventure interactive. It can enhance your appreciation of our operations and may even lead to your joining our sport.

CAN FAMILY/FRIENDS COME WATCH OUR FLIGHT?

Sure!! Friends/family are welcome to watch and/or help as part of the crew, but due to limited seating in our chase vehicle, they must have their own transportation.