If you’re looking for an exhilarating experience, a hot air balloon ride is hard to beat. Floating above the earth provides a unique perspective, allowing you to see the world in a new way. However, it’s crucial you know what you’re in for before, during, and after your flight. Especially when it comes to seating.
What To Expect During A Hot Air Balloon Ride
Preparation: Before your flight, you’ll meet your pilot and crew, who will provide you with a safety briefing and answer any questions you may have. You’ll also be asked to sign a waiver and leave excess items behind, be sure you plan and pack appropriately.
Launch: Launching the hot air balloon is one of the most exciting parts of the ride. As the pilot inflates the balloon, they’ll brief you on safety and help you board the basket.
Flight: During the flight, you may feel weightless as you soar through the sky, and you’ll be surprised by how stable the basket is.
Landing: Every landing is different and heavily depends on the wind and terrain at that particular moment. Be sure to closely follow your pilot’s instructions so your landing is just as safe as your flight.
Where Do The Passengers Go In A Hot Air Balloon?
Passengers and pilots get in the basket, which is attached to the envelope by stainless steel cables. The basket has a reinforced steel frame and is covered in woven wicker. It is quite tall, reaching up to the rib cage of an average person, and includes safety straps so you have something to hold onto.
Can I Sit Down In A Hot Air Balloon?
The majority of hot air balloons do not have built-in seating, nor can they allow portable seats for safety reasons. So you, unfortunately, will not be able to sit down during a hot air balloon ride. But railings are available, and your pilot will cover any of your additional safety concerns.
How Many Seats Does A Hot Air Balloon Have?
Most hot air balloons have zero (0) available seats. Smaller one-man Hopper balloons may have a single seat, while larger specialized balloons may have built-in benches that provide restaurant seating. But the balloons used for routine balloon rides do not have seats.
Should You Sit, Stand, Or Squat While Landing?
As your pilot prepares to land the balloon, they’ll start providing instructions based on the wind and terrain. In calm winds, you may be instructed to stand or slightly bend your knees, while in moderate winds or bumpy terrain, they may recommend crouching or squatting.
What Safety Features Do Hot Air Balloons Have?
Hot air balloons are highly regulated and geographically restricted for safety reasons. Every pilot must pass and maintain an active pilot’s license, with our pilots at Napa Valley Aloft going the extra mile by being FAA-Certified.
In addition to mandatory certifications, hot air balloons can’t launch or land near trees or buildings. Preventing them from operating in or near major cities like San Francisco.
Conclusion: Can You Sit In A Hot Air Balloon?
Unfortunately, you aren’t able to sit in a hot air balloon, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the blissful experience. Most balloon rides last between 45 minutes to 1 hour, so passengers must be able to stand for at least that long comfortably.
If you are comfortable standing for that long, why not book your ride today and float over wine country for some truly breathtaking views.