Charleston Hot Air Balloons

Frequently Asked Questions

What Can I expect the hot air balloon ride to be like?

Besides the fact that this will be a highly awesome event, depending on the wind speed and direction, the flight lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. However, the whole experience from start to finish, which includes anticipation, preparation, the flight, and the final toast, you should plan on being with us for about 3 - 4 hours.

How High Will We Fly? How Far Will We Go?

The altitude of most flights are anywhere around 1,000 - 3,000 feet. And if Mother Nature decides to blow a little harder, the balloon may go higher. Likewise, if the wind permits, the balloon may travel at a lower altitude (treetop level) - lower altitudes are actually ideal to view a close up of the landscape below. Since the balloon flight relies 100% on the wind most flights travel approximately 2-5 miles. No two flights are the same!

How do you get the balloon inflated? Float in the air?

A fan is used to blow cool air into the balloon and later there are burners used to heat the air as the balloon lies on the ground. Gradually the balloon will rise to an upright position. The hot air balloons will rise because the air inside the balloon is warmer than the surrounding air, resulting in pressure differentials to produce and upward lift.

How does the pilot steer a balloon?

The pilot will to steer the balloon by finding different wind directions at different altitudes. Our pilots are specifically trained for mountain flying and are extremely skilled at navigating the balloon.

What about special requests?

Ahh our specialty! At Charleston Hot Air Balloons, we are committed to offering you the ultimate personalized ballooning adventure! Let us assist you with an "in-flight" wedding or marriage proposal. And what about adding some flavor to the usual company picnic or family outing? Get a gift certificate to make this special occasion one everyone will enjoy. Still have questions? Our customer service representatives are waiting for your call now! Just call us at 843-302-1030.

Can I bring a photo/video camera?

Why of course! We would not want you to miss anything on this trip! And don't worry about the basket swaying to ruin your pictures or interrupt your recording. The basket moves with the wind.


	Thanks for a beautiful day. I will tell everyone who asks me about my hot air balloon ride that if they have ever gazed up on a sunny day at a majestic hot air balloon floating high above and wished to change places with one of the passengers, that they owe it to themselves to experience the thrill firsthand! Chris O'Connell, Ashville NC