Flying in a hot air balloon is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so it’s likely you have a few questions. Here, you will find answers to the ones we commonly get. If you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, please give us a call. We’re happy to help!
Are Hot Air Balloons Safe?
Safety is absolutely our number one priority in hot air ballooning. Big Red Balloon is very proud to have a 100% safety record. Our pilots are fully licensed and certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and have extensive aviation experience. Our lead pilot, Dave, has been flying since 1999 and has over 3,300 flight hours. We welcome any questions regarding safety or any other aspect of ballooning.
What Does the Adventure Package Include?
The Adventure Package includes ground transportation to and from the launching and landing sites aboard our vehicle; an approximate one-hour flight; a short history of ballooning, followed by a traditional champagne toast with the pilot and ground crew; and a full sit-down breakfast at Bob Evan’s Restaurant. Plan on your entire hot air balloon experience to last approximately 4-5 hours.
What Does the Private Sweetheart Flight Include?
Our Sweetheart Flight (private flight) guarantees that you will be the only two passengers flying with the pilot that morning. It includes everything in the Adventure Package—an approximate one-hour flight, champagne toast, all ground transportation, and breakfast at Bob Evan’s Restaurant.
How Long is the Balloon Experience?
Each of our balloon flight experiences last approximately 3-4 hours. In addition to transportation time, you will witness the balloon’s inflation, fly for approximately one hour, share in the 200-year-old tradition of a complimentary champagne toast, and enjoy a full breakfast at Bob Evan’s Restaurant.
When and Where Do We Meet?
Our passengers meet us at the Bob Evan’s Restaurant located in the Temple Terrace area, approximately 12 miles north of downtown Tampa. We generally meet about one hour before sunrise, which is any time between 5:30 and 6:30 a.m., depending upon the time of year.
Meeting times, along with the weather, are always confirmed with our passengers the night before their flight, usually around 8:00-8:30 p.m.
Are There Any Sunset Flights?
We can only fly at sunrise in the Tampa Bay area due to sea breezes off the Gulf of Mexico every afternoon as well as thunderstorms during the summer months.
Why Do You Only Fly at Sunrise?
We must be in the air as close to sunrise time as possible due to thermal inversions in the atmosphere occurring approximately 2-3 hours after sunrise. Thermal inversions are invisible rising and falling bubbles of air as the sun heats the earth, creating a potentially dangerous situation. Your hot air balloon flight must occur before those bubbles form.
Besides, watching the sun rise while taking a peaceful hot air balloon flight is a beautiful way to start your day!
How High Do You Fly the Balloon?
We generally fly from treetop level to 1,000 feet, but your pilot may need to fly at higher altitudes to get the steering currents he needs to reach his target landing field.
What Will I See During the Flight?
Usually, you can see the Tampa skyline Tampa Bay and often the Gulf of Mexico. When the sky is exceptionally clear, you might also view downtown Saint Petersburg.
During your hot air balloon flight, you will fly over a mixture of landscapes, such as forests, lakes, ponds, and ranch and pasture land. At lower altitudes, a wide variety of wildlife can often be seen, including deer, turkey, fox, ducks, alligators, and turtles. Dogs love us too!
You will also commonly fly over both commercial and residential areas, where you will see the people on the ground waving at you!
Is Flying in a Balloon Scary?
Absolutely not! Flying in a hot air balloon is an incredibly peaceful and serene experience. Because the balloon flies with the wind and not against it as airplanes sometimes do, you will not feel any turbulence or swinging motions during your flight. You may feel a slight lift when you initially leave the ground, but there is no sensation of movement again until you land.
You will also notice how quiet it is when you fly in a balloon. The sounds of nature fill the air, and a sense of calm will overwhelm you. The only sound the balloon makes is the occasional firing of the burners that keep hot air in the balloon. Your pilot will give you plenty of notice when he’s about to use them (Note: Small children are often highly startled by the burners. Please gauge your child’s temperament accordingly.)
I’m Afraid of Heights. Can I Do This?
Yes! We have noticed over 30 years of flying hundreds of passengers in our balloons that most people are not actually afraid of heights but of falling. Our balloon basket measures 48″ high (at least waist high) with soft, leather padding around the rim; has a rigid construction, including the floor; and includes rope handles throughout. Also, because you are surrounded by people, equipment, and a gorgeous 360-degree view, you will not have any sensation of falling.
A story we like to tell is of one man, who was terrified to fly but reluctantly agreed. He initially sat on the bottom of the balloon basket, but as the flight went on, he slowly began peeking over the side. Little by little, he eventually stood up. After a while, he began waving wildly and shouting “hello” at the people on the ground. We’re confident you will enjoy your experience just as much.
Do I Need to Make a Reservation?
Yes, reservations are required. You may call us directly at 813-969-1518, or click here to reserve online.
How Big Are the Balloons?
Balloons can be different sizes, beginning at very small 52,000 cubic feet (two-person balloons) and ranging up to more than 500,000 cubic feet (30-person balloons). Our balloons are 118,000 cubic feet, which are standard four-passenger sizes for most hot air balloons. Every passenger has a 360-degree view.
Our balloon inflates to six stories tall in approximately 15-20 minutes. Passengers are often thrilled with the spectacle of the balloon’s inflation and are encouraged to participate with the ground crew to get a true hands-on experience.
How Many Passengers Can Fly at One Time?
Our balloon carries up to four adult passengers, plus the pilot. If you have a group bigger than four, we can easily accommodate you by working together with other area pilots.
Our balloon also accommodates private two-passenger flights, or “Sweetheart Flights.”
See our “Pricing and Policies” page.
Is It Cold in the Balloon?
Technically, the temperature decreases by three degrees Fahrenheit every 1,000 feet of altitude, but usually there is a small temperature inversion (a warm-up) occurring as we fly. The balloon’s burners will also give off some heat. This means if you are dressed comfortably for the temperature at ground level, you will be comfortable during the flight.
Casual dress is fine. You might also dress in layers if the weather is chilly. We suggest you bring a hat and sunglasses, and wear sneakers or hiking boots. Open-toed shoes, such as Crocs, flip-flops, sandals, Birkenstocks, etc., are strongly discouraged.
What Weather Conditions Do You Fly In?
The decision to fly is made exclusively by your pilot. Generally, we will not launch with surface winds in excess of 7 mph. We also will not fly in any unstable weather conditions such as rain showers in the area, fog, or cloud ceilings below 500 feet per FAA regulations. Temperature is not a factor in hot air ballooning.
What If the Weather is Bad on the Morning of My Balloon Flight?
If the weather does not cooperate, and we are forced to cancel the flight, we will reschedule your flight at your convenience based on availability. No deposit is required to secure your reservation, which means there is no refund to be given if we must cancel. We will simply try to reschedule your flight.
What is Included in the Breakfast, and When is It Served?
You will have a choice of a beverage plus a variety of breakfast, brunch, or lunch entrees all served by Bob Evan’s Restaurant immediately following your hot air balloon flight. If your schedule does not allow time to eat breakfast after the flight, you are welcome to keep the complimentary gift card and use it at another time that is convenient for you.
How Long Has Big Red Balloon Been in Business?
Big Red Balloon Sightseeing Adventures has served the Tampa Bay area continuously since 1992. We are the oldest and only full-time hot air balloon ride operator in West Central Florida, which means we fly more passengers than any other hot air balloon company in the Tampa Bay area.
Why Should I Choose Big Red Balloon Instead of Another Company?
As the Tampa area’s oldest and only full-time hot air balloon ride operator, our lead pilot and owner of Big Red Balloon has over 3,000 hours of flight experience, and our ground crew has served with us for over ten years. We have an excellent community reputation and safety record and place a high value on our business ethics, professionalism, and integrity. We will go out of our way to ensure you have an incredible hot air balloon experience.
Are the Balloon Pilots Certified?
All pilots are FAA licensed and certified with a Commercial Rating for Lighter-Than-Air, Free Balloon with airborne heater. Licensing and testing are conducted through the FAA, exactly the same as any commercial pilot including airline pilots.
How Does the Ground Crew Know Where the Balloon is Going?
The ground crew remains in radio contact with the pilot at all times and follows the balloon while you are in flight. Our crew is very knowledgeable of our flying area and well trained in retrieving the balloon.
Is Historic Information Available?
At the conclusion of your hot air balloon flight, the pilot gives a brief history of ballooning as part of the traditional champagne toast. Our highly experienced crewmembers are also well informed about the sport of ballooning and always available to answer questions.
Can We Bring Cameras? Is There a Photography Package?
We are currently working to set up a balloon photography package for sale after every flight. In the meantime, you are more than welcome to bring cameras, Go Pros, or any kind of recording equipment on the balloon flight. Big Red Balloon does not accept responsibility for personal belongings lost or damaged at any time.
Why Didn’t I Receive a Confirmation?
Every passenger who shares their email address with us is sent a confirmation usually within the same day. If you did not receive an email confirmation, please check your spam/junk folder. If you still cannot find it, please contact our office. We are happy to send it to you again.
Where is the Nearest Hotel to the Meeting Place?
Big Red Balloon flights are a sunrise-only event in west-central Florida. If our passengers will be traveling a long distance to meet us, or if they just want to give their experience that extra special touch, we suggest making reservations the night before your flight at one of the many hotels located near the Busch Gardens/University of South Florida area. We will also send you a list of other nearby hotels in your email confirmation.
