Popular Questions We Get Asked
The total tour time is 3-3 ½ hours if meeting at our check in location or 4-4 ½ hours if utilizing our roundtrip hotel transportation services. The total tour time includes your transfers to our desert launch site, the viewing of the inflation of the balloon, the approximate 45-60 minute hot air balloon ride, post-flight champagne toast and catered cuisine, as well as the presentation of commemorative flight certificates to take home.
Morning Balloon Rides: Available daily, year-round in Phoenix + Tucson, AZ, taking off just after the time of sunrise.
Afternoon Balloon Rides: Available seasonally (due to the heat), November 1 – March 15 in Phoenix, AZ only.
You can view real-time availability, check in times and pricing here.
PHOENIX CHECK IN LOCATION
Deer Valley Airport, Balloon Ride Parking Area
702 W. Deer Valley Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85027
GET DIRECTIONS
Directions: When entering the airport at 7th Ave and Deer Valley Road, make an immediate left at the T in the road. Follow the signs that say “Balloon Ride Parking” down towards the Civil Air Patrol Building. Turn right at the CAP Building into our designated parking area and park at the end of the lot in the parking spots marked “Balloon Ride Parking”.
TUCSON CHECK IN LOCATION
Marana Airport, Parking Area
11700 W. Avra Valley Rd.
Marana, AZ 85653
GET DIRECTIONS
Our vehicles say “Hot Air Expeditions” on the side, so you can be sure you have found the right place.
Comfortable casual clothing is always recommended on our ballooning excursions, as we are enjoying nature in a desert environment. The temperature in the balloon is about the same as on the ground, so be sure to dress appropriately for the day’s anticipated temperatures. On any given day we recommend:
- Closed toe shoes
- Light jacket
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Camera
To ensure a safe and enjoyable hot air ballooning experience, each passenger must comply with the following physical requirements:
- Minimum age of 5 years old and 48 inches tall
- No pregnancies at the time of flight
- No broken bones or recent surgery at the time of flight
- Passengers must be able to stand for the duration of the flight (approximately 60 mins)
- Passengers should be able to jump off the second step of a ladder
- Must be in good general health
- A signed waiver of liability is required for all guests flying and/or riding in our vehicles
There are no passenger weight restrictions for any of our tours, however we do collect passenger weights at the time of booking, to ensure a safe and comfortable time up, up and away.
We require a 48-hour notice of change/cancellation for all reservations. If you notify us of any changes/cancellations to your reservation 48 hours or more in advance of your flight date, there is no charge to you. Any reservation changes/cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance of the flight date are subject to a full charge.
- Hot Air Expeditions has been providing hot air balloon rides in Phoenix, AZ for 30 years and has been rated the “Best Ballooning in Phoenix” by Fodor’s Travel for the past 26 consecutive years.
- Hot Air Expeditions is the only company in Arizona to include a gourmet champagne breakfast or evening hors d’oeuvres from the award-winning Vincent’s on Camelback restaurant post-flight complete with tables, linens and china.
- Hot Air Expeditions offers round-trip hotel transportation from nearly any hotel in the Phoenix Metro area.
- Hot Air Expeditions maintains an excellent safety record and all of our pilots are FAA Certified with thousands of hours of flight experience.
- Hot Air Expeditions is family owned and operated.
- Celebrating a special occasion? Let us know and we will add a celebratory banner onto the hot air balloon basket, and present a cake post-flight, complimentary, to make the occasion extra memorable.
No. At the time of booking the weight of each passenger is collected to ensure proper weights and balances of the hot air balloon. Because we gather this information, we are able to allocate the appropriate amount of passengers per balloon for everyone’s comfort while ensuring passenger safety.
Though we have the most flyable days per year of anywhere in the country, poor weather can happen. For this reason, we always recommend booking your ballooning excursion early on in your stay so you have alternate date(s) for your flight should there be poor weather on your selected flight date. In the instance of a weather cancellation there is no charge to you, and you can reschedule at your convenience, or cancel your reservation entirely.
For most passengers, getting into the basket is relatively easy. The basket is about 4 feet tall and there are foot holes in the basket to aid you with getting inside. Our Flight Crew is there to assist you every step of the way, so do not hesitate to ask for help! Step stools are also provided which aid in the boarding process.
Advanced reservations are required, and unfortunately last minute walk in’s cannot be accommodated. Reservations can be made a few different ways:
- Call us at 480-502-6999 or 800-831-7610
- You can book online just click here
- Email us at [email protected]
Our tours take place in the Sonoran Desert, and nature unfortunately does not provide a restroom. Our launch and landing sites vary from day to day dependent upon the winds, typically in remote parts of the desert. While there are usually abundant trees and bushes, there are no restroom facilities available during your trip, so be sure to utilize the restroom pre-flight!
All passengers are required to be at least 5 years old and 48 inches tall at the time of flight to ensure passenger safety.
Cash and all major credit and debit cards are accepted for payment of your balloon flight.
We always recommend arriving to the Deer Valley Airport Balloon Ride Parking Area a few minutes prior to your flight departure time. As our operation is highly dependent on Mother Nature and the sunrise/sunset times, prompt departure to the day’s launch site is crucial for optimal flying conditions. If you run late or get lost, please give us a call at 480-502-6999 so we can advise the best possible course of action.
All of our ballooning experiences include either a morning breakfast or evening hor d’oeuvres, it’s a great way to end your ballooning experience! Post-flight we set up tables, linens and china right in the heart of the desert, and cuisine catered by the award-winning Vincent’s on Camelback restaurant is served. Please let us know at least 24 hours in advance if you, or anyone in your party has any diet restrictions and we will make accommodations.
We are happy to offer roundtrip hotel transfer service in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area for an additional fee. When booking your reservation please advise if you would like to include this option, as well as which hotel you are staying at.
Absolutely! We try our best to accommodate each and every personnel request we get, so be sure to mention your pilot of choice at the time of booking.
We do not require a deposit, but we do require a credit card to hold your reservation. There is no charge at the time of booking, however your credit card information is securely held to verify your understanding of our 48 hour cancellation policy. Payment for your ballooning experience is conducted post-flight with your pilot.
Still have questions?
No worries! We are happy to answer any additional questions you may have. Please give us a call at 800-831-7610 or Contact us here.
Ready to book your hot air balloon ride? Please give us a call or use our online reservation system to book your flight. We look forward to seeing you soon!
