What You Need To Know About Hot Air Ballooning Over OKC

Riding in a hot air balloon over Oklahoma City is an unforgettable experience. Imagine floating high above the city, taking in the breathtaking views of the skyline and the surrounding landscape. As the sun rises or sets, the colors of the sky change, creating a magical ambiance.

The gentle sway of the balloon and the peaceful silence up in the air make for a serene and peaceful experience. You will feel as if you are flying like a bird, gliding effortlessly over the bustling city below. This is truly an experience of a lifetime, one that will stay with you forever.

In this article, we’ll talk about how and where to book a flight, what to expect, how much it costs, and some go over some other questions you might have about riding in a hot air balloon.

How and where to book a hot air balloon ride in OKC:

There are a few companies in the area that offer balloon rides.  You’ll find more if you want to leave the city, but these are the ones close to home.

OKC Balloons Aloft
(405) 698-2900
http://okcballoonsaloft.com/

Free Spirit Balloons
(405) 698-2359
http://www.freespiritballoons.com/

Flying High Balloon Services
(405) 947-2782 

What to Expect:

1. Early morning or evening rides: Most hot air balloon rides take place in the early morning or evening, when the winds are calm and the temperature is cooler.

2. Meeting at the launch site: You will meet at a designated launch site, where you will watch the crew inflate the balloon and prepare for takeoff.

3. Takeoff: The pilot will give a brief safety briefing before taking off. The ascent into the air is smooth and gradual.

4. Views: Once you are up in the air, you will have an opportunity to take in the beautiful views of the surrounding area. This can include the city skyline, countryside, lakes, and more.

5. Flight duration: Flights typically lasts between 1-2 hours, depending on the wind and weather conditions.

6. Landing: The pilot will look for a suitable landing spot and gently descend to the ground. The crew will then pack up the balloon and take you back to the launch site.

7. Champagne toast: After the flight, many pilots and crew offer a champagne toast to celebrate the experience.

8. Flight certificate: You generally receive a flight certificate to commemorate your experience.

*Please note that hot air balloon rides are weather dependent and can be rescheduled or cancelled in case of unfavorable weather conditions.

F.A.Q. About Balloon Rides

How much does it cost?

Prices vary depending on the company, and there are several factors that affect the price such as number of people, if you want a private ride vs. shared, and if it’s a weekday or a weekend.  In a ballpark figure, we’ve found that most rides around OKC typically cost around $300 per person for shared rides, and about $800 for private rides.

How long do flights last?

Actual flight time is usually around an hour, but plan to set aside 3+ hours for the full experience of preparations, post-flight celebration, and being transported back to your vehicle.

What should you wear on a ride?

Dress in something casual and comfortable, and appropriate for the weather conditions. Generally, pants and tennis shoes are ideal. Open toed shoes or high heels will probably be prohibited. If it’s cool, dress in layers so you can remove clothing if you get warm. 

How many people can ride at one time? 

It depends on the size of the balloon and basket.  OKC Balloons Aloft states that they can carry 7 passengers, so keep that in mind whenever booking with a group. Individuals who offer balloon rides with their smaller balloons can often only care 2 or 3 passengers.

How high does the balloon fly?

Most flights stay between 1000 and 3000 feet.

How fast do you go?

Balloons match the speed of the wind, so there’s no control over the speed.  However, pilots won’t fly in high-wind conditions.  You’ll generally be flying when the wind is around 7-12 mph.

What are requirements for riding?

Generally, riders must be at least 48 inches tall with no age limit, but this depends on the pilot or company’s policy. In almost all cases, passengers will have to sign a waiver.

How safe is riding in a hot air balloon?

Very safe. Hot air ballooning is actually one of the safest forms of aviation. That’s not to say it’s without its risks, but mishaps are rare.

Firelake’s Fireflight Balloon Fest in Shawnee

Did you know Oklahoma has a hot air balloon festival every year?  Each year around August, you’ll find Shawnee’s skies filled with hot air balloons. 

You can participate by bringing your own hot air balloon, book a flight with someone else, or you can simply bring a lawn chair and watch the balloons take off and fly over the Oklahoma sky.

Check out the website for more details on when and where the next one will take place on the official website: https://www.firelakeballoonfest.com/

 

Are you ready?!

The thrill of taking off, floating high above the city, and taking in the breathtaking views is something that should not be missed. The peacefulness and serenity of the ride make it a perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

With the right weather conditions and an experienced pilot, it is an experience that will make you feel like you’re on top of the world, and will leave you with a sense of wonder and awe. So book a hot air balloon ride today and enjoy an experience like never before!