FAQS

Due to the many variables in ballooning, we can only provide an estimate of the time you should plan to spend with us. Typically, you should expect to be with us for about 3-4 hours, excluding any shuttle service from your lodging. This includes check-in, balloon inflation, the flight, pack-up, and transportation back from the landing site. We encourage our passengers to set aside enough time to fully enjoy the breathtaking hot air balloon experience without feeling rushed.

Napa hot air balloon rides (and pretty much all of Northern California) are always an early morning sport. We launch just after dawn when the winds are at their calmest and the temperatures are the coolest. We hope that the lovely light of the early morning and the special sounds that can only be heard before the rest of the world is awake make it worth it for our passengers to join us on this early morning adventure.

You won’t be able to find hot air balloon rides directly in San Francisco due to the city’s dense urban landscape, unpredictable weather conditions, and air traffic restrictions. Your best option is to drive up to Napa Valley, a part of the bay area that can provide exceptional hot air balloon tours. But you can see San Francisco during your flight on clear days.

Ballooning is a fun activity for people of almost any age. There are some individuals for whom ballooning isn’t appropriate and will be recommended not to fly: pregnant women, infants, or young children (less than six years of age) who are not tall enough (at least 48″) to see over the side of the basket, individuals who have done a recent deep scuba dive, and people suffering from chronic pain or have had recent major surgery. Passengers who are unable to stand during the entire flight (45 minutes – 1 hour) and walk on uneven ground to the transportation shuttles. Passengers must be able to adopt the bended knee seated landing position, have upper-body strength and flexibility to climb in and out of the baskets.

If you have a medical condition that could cause discomfort or be aggravated during the flight or have been advised to restrict your activity because of a medical condition, please consult your physician in advance and a medical doctor’s release will be required. Under the Federal Aviation Administration, all hot air balloon pilots have the duty of care for all passengers and can decide ultimately if someone is safely able to participate in the flight even with a doctor’s note. The final decision will be made on the morning of the flight. For additional questions, please contact our office at (707) 944-4400.  Ballooning is best appreciated by those who have a sense of adventure.

Wear casual clothing, preferably in layers so that you can adjust to the warming temperatures as the morning progresses. Ladies are most comfortable in trousers, because of the need to climb in and out of the basket. Flat-heeled, closed-toe shoes are recommended. Some people like to wear a light hat or a ball cap. Sunglasses or binoculars are optional, but cameras are a must so that you can take amazing hot air balloon photos.

Napa Valley Aloft is fully committed to the safety of our passengers and employees. Our pilots are all FAA certified and have over 100 years and 20Khours of combined experience. Our equipment is inspected regularly at FAA-designated repair stations.

We have a Professional Rides Operation(PRO) credit reflecting our impeccable piloting and decision-making. All PRO Operators are fully licensed and insured. We belong to several voluntary organizations which set standards for ballooning, including the Balloon Federation of America and the Professional Balloon Pilots Association of Napa County.

Read more about our safety measures here.

We recommend calling at least 1-2 weeks in advance; weekends, holidays, and the months of August, September, and October are generally the busiest. However, we can usually accommodate a limited number of last-minute reservations, so don’t hesitate to give us a call even if it is the day before.

Reservations can be made through our online booking system or by calling us at (855) 944-4408 and our friendly reservations team will assist you. You may use Visa, American Express, MasterCard, or Discover to reserve your space.

We collect a deposit at the of the booking, we charge the remaining balance on the day of the flight upon departure. If you need to make arrangements to pay with a different payment method, please let us know at least 24 hours in advance. We require 48-hours’ notice for cancellation or schedule changes for the shared adventure experience. For exclusive balloon reservations, we require a 10-day notice for cancellation or schedule changes. For any groups of 10 or more, we require a 10- day’s notice for cancellation or final changes. No shows, late arrivals, or passenger cancellation within 48 hours of the flight check-in time will be charged the full fare of the entire booking to the credit card provided. To cancel or reschedule, please contact our office via phone at (707) 944-4400 or by email at ballooning@nvaloft.com.

*If the flight is canceled due to unsafe weather conditions or other safety issues, you will Not be charged. Any deposit paid will be fully refunded.

We provide complimentary shuttle service to our Napa Valley hot air balloon passengers who are staying in the immediate Yountville area.

Shuttle service is also offered from select Napa, Oakville, Rutherford, and St. Helena for a fee of $20 per person. Please let us know when booking your reservation if you will require this service.

Participating hotels in Napa, Oakville, Rutherford, and St Helena:

• Embassy Suites
• Andaz
• Westin Napa
• Silverado Resort
• Best Western Elm & Ivy
• SENZA Hotel
• Hotel Indigo
• Napa River Inn
• River Terrace Inn
• Meritage Resort / Vino Bello
• Marriott Napa Valley
• Archer Hotel
• Hilton Garden Inn
• Hampton Inn
• Napa Winery Inn
• Auberge du Soleil

Terms & Conditions

Advance reservations are required.

Cancellations
Once your reservation has been made, 48-hour notice is required for schedule changes for our shared experience reservations. we require a 10-day notice for all exclusive reservations. No-shows and flights canceled with less than a 48-hour or 10- days notice will be considered flown, and forms of payment will be charged as such. Flights are weather permitting and subject to cancellation by pilot decision. Should this happen, you will be rescheduled for the next available flight convenient for you. Please be sure to plan for the possibility of a weather cancellation when you make your plans; a backup date is strongly advised. Weather cancellations are not charged.

Cancellation and Expiration of Gift Certificates
Once your reservation has been made, 48-hour notice is required for schedule changes. No-shows and flights canceled with less than a 48-hour notice will be considered flown. The gift certificate is transferable but is non-refundable. Napa Valley Aloft must be notified of the name of the new recipient at the time of transfer. Flights are weather permitting and subject to cancellation by pilot decision. Should this happen, you will be rescheduled for the next available flight convenient for you. Please be sure to plan for the possibility of a weather cancellation when you make your plans; a backup date is strongly advised. Weather cancellations are not charged.

Miscellaneous Terms and Conditions
There are some individuals for whom ballooning isn’t appropriate, and will be encouraged not to fly: infants, young children less than six years of age and under 48″ tall, pregnant women, individuals who have done a recent deep scuba dive, and people suffering from chronic pain or have had recent major surgery. The baskets do not have doors and a certain amount of flexibility and upper body strength is required for getting in and out of the basket. Passengers who are unable to stand during the entire flight (45 minutes- 1 hour) and walk on uneven ground to the transportation shuttles. If you have a medical condition that could cause discomfort or be aggravated during the flight or have been advised to restrict your activity because of a medical condition, please consult your physician in advance. Ballooning is best appreciated by those who have a sense of adventure.

Gift Certificates are good for a balloon flight (or flights). Advance reservations are required. To complete your reservation please call our office or book online at nvaloft.com and have your gift certificate reference number ready. Please be advised that Gift Certificates are non-refundable, transferable, and never expires. The monetary value of the gift certificate is not lost due to weather cancellations.

Balloon flights do not include winery visits or tastings. However, Aloft partners with Tastefuli and local wineries where passengers can enjoy exclusive offers and discounts. Check our Partners page for more information.

Yes, flights operate throughout the year, weather permitting, and each season offers its own unique charm. Spring brings fresh greenery and mustard flowers blooming between the vines. Summer often provides crystal-clear skies, giving views that stretch from Mount St. Helena to San Francisco Bay. Fall is the busiest season, with golden vineyards, cool mornings, and the excitement of the grape harvest filling the valley. Winter flights, though quieter, feature crisp air, snow-dusted mountain backdrops, and fewer crowds, making it a favorite for those seeking a peaceful escape. No matter the season, every flight provides breathtaking views of Napa Valley.

Absolutely! Private flights are available for anniversaries, engagements, birthdays, or any other memorable milestone. A private balloon ride provides an intimate setting high above the valley, with just your group and the pilot. Napa Valley Aloft can also help pair these flights with private wine tours or tastings, making it easy to extend the celebration with world-class food and wine experiences.

Many guests choose to make their balloon flight the highlight of a full day in wine country. After the ride, activities often include wine tastings, exploring downtown Yountville’s fine dining and art walks, walking or biking the nearby Napa Valley Vine Trail, or relaxing at local spas. A balloon ride pairs beautifully with the region’s culture, cuisine, and landscapes, creating a well-rounded Napa Valley experience.

Passenger safety is always the top priority, and flights only operate in safe weather conditions. If a flight is canceled due to fog, high winds, or rain, guests are given the option to reschedule for another date or receive a full refund of any deposit. Because Napa Valley hot air balloon weather can vary by season, having a backup day in your itinerary is recommended. Napa Valley Aloft’s exclusive Pope Valley launch site also helps maximize chances of flying, since it experiences less fog than the valley floor.

Cameras, phones, and binoculars are welcome, and most passengers bring them to capture the sweeping views of vineyards and mountains. It’s best to keep personal items secure during landing, as baskets can tip slightly when touching down. While drones are not permitted for safety reasons, handheld devices are an excellent way to document the adventure and share it with friends and family.

Coffee and pastries are provided at the gathering point, prior to takeoff. Many guests continue the day with brunch or lunch at one of Yountville’s world-class restaurants located just steps from the launch site.

Yes. Guests driving to Yountville can park at the V Marketplace, where check-in takes place. Parking is free for Napa Valley Aloft passengers.

Yes, children 6 years and older who are at least 48” tall are welcome to fly. They must be able to stand for the duration of the flight and follow pilot instructions.

Restrooms are available at the check-in site in Yountville before departure. There are no restrooms onboard the balloons.

Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover are accepted. Deposits are collected at booking, and the balance is charged on the day of the flight.