FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book my flight?
Click here to book a flight or you can call 980.219.8959.

How many people can fly at once in the balloon?
At High Life Ballooning, we can take up to 3 passengers at a time (plus the pilot).

How long does the balloon flight last?
The actual flight time averages about an hour. The entire ballooning experience, including pre-flight preparation, flight and post-flight celebration, may take three to four hours.

Where do you fly?
High Life Ballooning is based in Charlotte, NC. We typically fly in the Charlotte area 10 miles or more away from downtown. Since hot air balloons travel in the same direction as the wind, we always launch from locations where the wind will take us into areas with plenty of safe landing sites.

When do you fly?
We always fly within an hour after sunrise or in the evening before sunset.

Why do balloons only fly in the early morning and late evening?
Winds are generally most favorable the first hours after sunrise and the last hours before sunset. The sun’s uneven heating of the earth’s surface causes strong, variable winds. In the morning, it takes a few hours for the sun to heat the earth’s surface enough to generate the thermal activity that creates wind. In the evening, the sun’s intensity has diminished enough to reduce winds to acceptable flight levels. Ideal winds are 3 to 6 mph.

What should I wear?
Dress to be comfortable just as you would if you were on the ground. Wind chill factors are eliminated because a hot air balloon travels at the same speed as the air around it. It is typically a bit warmer in the basket.

Footwear: Please DO NOT wear sandals. Where comfortable shoes that cover your entire foot.

Can I take a camera up with me in the balloon?
Yes, we strongly encourage bringing a camera (video cameras are also permitted). You are sure to have amazing views and you will definitely want a camera on board to capture the moment. Our ground crew will also take photos of you as you are taking off and landing. We will provide you with these photos so you can share with family and friends.

Does it get cold up there?
At the altitudes we fly, it is not typically any colder in the air than on the ground.

Can children ride in the balloon?
There is no age limit for riding in hot air balloons, but typically children above the age of 6 are tall enough to see over the side of the basket and enjoy the experience. For safety reasons, we cannot allow children to be lifted up to see outside of the basket during flight. Very small children and infants are usually sensitive to the sound of the burners, so we encourage waiting until they are a little older to share this experience.

What is your policy on flying with medical conditions and/or disabilities?
If you’re comfortable, then we’re comfortable. You should be of sound mental and physical condition and you will be required to sign a waiver of release indicating as such before boarding the balloon. Click to view our waiver.

Can you steer a balloon?
Winds determine a balloon’s direction. Balloonists can steer a balloon, to a limited extent, by adjusting the balloon’s altitude to make use of different wind speeds and directions.

What fuel do balloons use?
Hot air balloon heaters (burners) use liquid propane.

How high do balloons fly?
Balloons typically fly from treetop level all the way up to several thousand feet, depending on wind and weather.

Is it quiet in the balloon?
When the burner is off, it is extremely quiet. It is an amazing experience to float in almost complete silence above the earth and see the world from this view.

How do hot air balloons work?
Hot air balloons rise because the air inside the balloon is warmer than the surrounding air, and the resulting pressure differentials produce an upward lift.

How do you get the balloon inflated?
A fan is used to blow cool air into the balloon. Later the burners are used to heat the air as the balloon lies on the ground. Gradually the balloon will rise to an upright position.

What about special requests?
Since we are committed to offering personalized ballooning adventures, we are available to assist you with special requests to make your adventures with us even more special. Contact us for details!

Any other questions we may’ve missed? Please drop us a line!