Popular Questions We Get Asked

Where is the check in location?

PHOENIX CHECK IN LOCATION
Deer Valley Airport, Balloon Ride Parking Area
702 W. Deer Valley Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85027
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Directions: When entering the Deer Valley Airport at 7th Ave. and Deer Valley Road, make an immediate right hand turn at the T in the road, following the sign marked “Balloon Ride Parking” past the Aeroguard Flight Training Center. Continue driving past the first parking lot you see on the left hand side, and turn left into the second parking lot on the left hand side marked “Balloon Ride Parking”, where you will also see the Aviation Branch Arizona Game and Fish and Hangar 11 + 12 Buildings.

TUCSON CHECK IN LOCATION
Marana Airport, Parking Area
11700 W. Avra Valley Rd.
Marana, AZ 85653
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Our vehicles say “Hot Air Expeditions” on the side, so you can be sure you have found the right place.

Why Fly with Hot Air Expeditions?
  • 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.
Is there a weight restriction?

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.

What happens if my flight is canceled due to weather?

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.

Is it hard to get into the basket?

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.

Do we need to make reservations in advance?

Advanced reservations are required, and unfortunately last minute walk in’s cannot be accommodated. Reservations can be made a few different ways:

Is there a restroom on site?

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!

What is the minimum age requirement?

All passengers are required to be at least 5 years old and 48 inches tall at the time of flight to ensure passenger safety.

What forms of payment are accepted?

Cash and all major credit and debit cards are accepted for payment of your balloon flight.

What if I arrive late to the flight check in?

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.

Can we take the flight without the breakfast/hor d’oeuvres?

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.

Is hotel transportation available?

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.

Can we request a certain pilot?

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.

Do you require a deposit when making a reservation?

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!

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