Taking your very first hot air balloon ride is a thrilling experience — one you’ll never forget. At Rohr Balloons, we’ve been flying passengers across North Texas since 1972, and we know that first-time flyers often have questions: What should I wear? What happens during takeoff? How long does the ride last?
This guide covers everything you need to know so you’ll feel comfortable, prepared, and excited for your adventure.
Before You Fly
Arrival and Check-In
You will receive an email with all details of your flight, including where and when to meet the pilot and ground crew. It’s important to meet at the time provided so that the balloon flight can stay on schedule. Typically, we meet about 45–60 minutes before launch. This gives you time to meet your pilot, sign waivers, drive to the launch site, watch the inflation process, and enjoy the anticipation.
Meeting Point and Parking
Your meeting location will be provided with your booking confirmation. Flights typically launch from the McKinney, Texas area. Parking is nearby, and our crew will guide you to the field.
Health and Eligibility
- Minimum age: 6 years old
- Children under 18 must have a parent or guardian present to sign a waiver
- Passengers must be able to climb in and out of the basket unassisted and stand for the duration of the flight (contact us for special circumstances and needs)
- Pregnant passengers, or those with recent surgeries, casts, or mobility issues, should not ride
Weather Considerations
Ballooning is 100% weather-dependent. Safety always comes first.
- Morning flights are the calmest, with the most predictable winds
- Evening flights are also available and are flown at pilot’s discretion
- Summer flights are offered only in the mornings due to heat and wind conditions
- If weather is unsafe, your flight will be rescheduled at no additional cost
What to Wear
Clothing
- Layers: Early mornings can be chilly, but it warms up quickly
- Pants or jeans: Comfortable for climbing in/out of the basket
- Closed-toe shoes: Sneakers or boots protect your feet in grassy fields
- Sun protection: Hat or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen are highly recommended
Essentials
- Small bag or backpack for personal items
- Water bottle to stay hydrated
- Fully charged camera or smartphone (with a wrist strap or secure case)
- Light snack if desired (before or after flight)
What Not to Bring
- Pets (except service animals, which cannot ride in the balloon)
- Large coolers, bulky bags, or tripods
- Loose jewelry that may snag during entry or exit
What to Expect – the flight process
The Hot Air Balloon Inflation and Launch
- Once you meet your pilot and crew, you will caravan to the launch site. Rohr Balloons has many standard launch sites we choose from depending on the wind direction. It is important to be on time to meeting site so that launch isn’t delayed and the full flight time can be experienced.
- Be sure to use the restroom prior to leaving for launch site. There are no restrooms once you start your journey!
- If you booked a private flight, it will just be the two of you and the pilot and crew. If you booked a shared flight, you will share the ride with other passengers. Many friendships have been made this way!
- At the launch site, the pilot will assess the weather and begin the launch process:
- The basket and balloon envelope will be laid out so the wind aids in the inflation process. The pilot will connect and check all components to ensure a safe balloon.
- Once the balloon is ready to inflate, a high-powered inflation fan will force air into the balloon envelope. This requires two people to help hold the envelope open and makes for a great photo opportunity for passengers. Anyone holding the envelope must mind the cables and not wrap any ropes or cables around body parts. Always listen to the pilot and crew to ensure safety.
- Once the balloon envelope is full of air, the pilot will light the burner and bring the balloon upright by blowing fire into the envelope from propane tanks.
- Now it’s time to climb into the balloon gondola (what’s this?) and wait for takeoff! Another great time for photos!
The Flight
- Most passengers don’t realize how peaceful and majestic a hot air balloon flight can be. Since you travel with the wind, gliding through the air at low and high altitudes, the only time you feel the breeze is when you change altitude and the wind speed changes.
- At times, you may skim the trees (grab a souvenir leaf!), soar to several thousand feet (where you can see the Earth’s curvature), and even dip the gondola in a lake or pond (this is called a “splash and dash”). All of these are common occurrences and part of the full ballooning experience.
Enjoy this video of a hot air balloon flight:
The Landing
- The landing is the most exciting part of the hot air balloon experience. The pilot will spot out a landing site based on time-of-day, and geographical knowledge attained from flying in the area.
- Landings vary depending on the wind speed and terrain.
- In calm winds, there may be a “stand up landing”, meaning that the balloon will calmly rest on the ground with little to no impact.
- In moderate winds, the pilot may instruct passengers to crouch down, turn sideways from the approaching ground and bend their knees slightly to soften impact. The balloon may drag and turn sideways with moderate to high winds. The gondola may be used to lean against to ensure no injuries occur.
- Once the balloon has come to a complete stop;
- if it’s still upright, the pilot will instruct passengers to wait in the basket for some of the hot air to be released. That way the balloon doesn’t take off again when passengers dismount.
- if it’s on it’s side, the envelope will be quickly deflated and passengers will be able to climb out of the basket.
After the Flight
The experience doesn’t end at landing. A balloon flight tradition includes a celebratory toast, photos with your pilot and crew, and plenty of time to reflect on the adventure. The full experience, from arrival to wrap-up, lasts about 2–3 hours.
The Post-Flight Celebration INCLUDES:
- Champagne, mimosas, water and hors d’euvres will be setup on a portable table.
- If you scheduled an engagement or wedding, appropriate additions will be added if requested.
- The pilot will recite the “balloonist’s prayer” and will lead a champagne toast to celebrate the flight’s completion.
- The balloon envelope and basket will be dismantled and packed up either before or after the celebration, depending on the landing area and certain situations. Passengers are welcome to help with packing up the balloon, but are not required to.
- Once the balloon gear is packed back on the vehicle, the crew or pilot will return passengers to their vehicles.
Just remember, each experience is unique and we go where the wind takes us! Your Rohr Balloons pilot and crew are top-notch and will take great care of you. Feel free to contact us with any additional questions about your first hot air balloon experience, or search through our website for more information!
Pro Tips for First-Time Riders
- Morning flights = cooler, calmer, and better for photos
- Charge your phone the night before so you don’t miss any memories
- Tell your pilot if you’re nervous — we love helping first-time riders feel at ease
- Arrive early to beat traffic and enjoy watching inflation
- Relax and embrace the adventure — no two flights are ever the same
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the whole experience take?
Plan for 3+ hours total, including check-in, inflation, flight, landing, and post-flight celebration.
What happens if my flight is cancelled?
If weather conditions are unsafe, we’ll reschedule your flight for another date that works for you. Please refer to the email upon purchase for complete details.
Can I bring my kids?
Yes! Children ages 6 and up are welcome. They must be tall enough to see over the basket and cannot be held by an adult during the flight.
Is it safe?
Absolutely. Rohr Balloons’ FAA-certified pilots and experienced crew have decades of flight experience. Safety is always our top priority.
Ready for Your First Hot Air Balloon Ride?
Flying in a hot air balloon is magical, peaceful, and unlike any other adventure. By dressing comfortably, bringing the right essentials, and knowing what to expect, you’ll be ready to enjoy every moment.
📍 Book your ride today with Rohr Balloons — family owned & operated since 1972, serving McKinney, Plano, and the DFW metroplex.
