Know before you go.

We only fly once per day, around sunrise and weather permitting. Winds are generally most favorable in the first hours after sunrise — ideal surface winds are three to six miles per hour. Reservations are required in advance; we do not take walk-ins. See seasonal departure times below.

The flight averages 45 minutes to 1 hour based on the morning's wind conditions. With travel to and from the launch and landing sites, ballooning logistics and the post-flight celebration, plan to be with us 3–4 hours in total.

Yes! With decades of experience we demand safety first — it's a culture, not an act. All of our pilots hold an FAA-certified commercial Lighter-Than-Air pilot license and undergo routine physicals. If our pilots do not deem the conditions safe, we will not fly.

We have several wonderful launch locations. Our primary launch site is where we meet, with others a few minutes' shuttle ride away. If weather doesn't permit a flight in Santa Rosa but allows a safe flight at another area balloon port (Windsor, Cloverdale or Ukiah), you'll be given the option to join us.

We look for big open areas away from livestock and near a road for easy shuttle access. We've partnered with many landowners who love seeing our balloons. Since we fly where the winds take us, we always ask permission first when landing somewhere new.

Children must be at least 8 years old and at least 57″ tall. They must understand directions, stand for the duration of the flight and not be fearful of the loud burner noises.

For the safety of mother and child, expecting mothers — or those who may possibly be pregnant — are not permitted to fly.

All guests must stand unassisted for the entire flight, be in good overall health, and climb into and out of the gondola unassisted. Our gondolas are not wheelchair accessible and cannot accommodate service dogs, oxygen tanks, crutches or canes. If you have medical concerns, please consult your physician.

Average altitude ranges from treetop level to about 3,000 feet, depending on the winds. As the air inside heats, the balloon rises; as it cools, it descends. Pilots “guide” the balloon by adjusting altitude to catch different wind speeds and directions — there's no steering wheel.

Dress casual for the outside temperature: pants or workout bottoms, tennis or hiking shoes, and a sweater or jacket. No open-toed or high-heeled shoes. Bring a phone or camera on a neck strap. Not permitted: animals, babies/infants, backpacks, purses, camera bags, selfie sticks (except on private flights), and food or drink.

Our modern baskets provide security and comfort with 48-inch high padded sidewalls. Because the balloon moves with the wind, motion sickness is extremely rare — many guests who fear heights are surprised by how calm and gentle it feels.

If we cancel due to inclement weather (rain, fog or high winds), we'll do our best to reschedule you for another day during your stay. Otherwise, you'll be refunded in full if charges have already been made.

For standard join-in flights, you must notify us three full days (72 hours) prior to your flight date. Private flights have a 30-day cancellation/rescheduling policy. No-shows are charged in full and will not be rebooked. See our full policy.

Santa Rosa averages 256 sunny days a year, well above the US average. Spring temperatures range from about 42°F to 70°F; summer from 51°F to 83°F; fall from 48°F to 80°F; and winter — with far fewer crowds — from about 38°F to 60°F.