Hot air balloon rides are a perfect way to celebrate birthdays, engagements, weddings, anniversaries, retirements, employee awards, or any other special occasion.

GENERAL FLIGHT INFORMATION

  • All flights include a traditional champagne toast (non-alcoholic champagne available upon request). The passengers will also receive flight certificates and flight pins to remember the special occasion.
  • Hot air balloon flights occur twice a day, minutes after sunrise and about two hours prior to sunset when the air is most stable providing lighter winds for a safe flight. We offer sunset hot air balloon rides weekdays and sunrise and sunset hot air balloon rides weekends and holidays.
  • Fuel consumption, weather conditions, and landing availability cause the length of each flight to vary. We guarantee a 30 minute flight, but will fly as long as we can do so safely. An average flight is 45 minutes to 1 hour. The entire event from the time we meet at the launch site, inflate the balloon, fly, have our champagne celebration, and return to the launch site takes about 2.5 – 3 hours.
  • We are proud to have a 100% safety record since we started flying in 1982. We always make every effort to fly the safest and most advanced equipment available.
  • Ballooning relies on good weather. We don’t fly in rain, fog, snow, or wind above about 7mph. Balloons do not fly when there is a threat of thunderstorms in the area. Other conditions can affect the decision to fly or not to fly. If your scheduled flight is canceled due to weather, the flight will be rescheduled at no additional cost.
  • Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions for answers to the most commonly asked questions.
  • We would love to talk about our flights and share the wonderful sport of hot air ballooning with you. Please call or email with any questions.
  • Are you or anyone in your party pregnant?  For the safety of you and your unborn child Endless Mountains Hot Air Balloons, Inc. and it’s insurance providers prohibit flight if you are pregnant. We will be glad to schedule a flight with you after your child has been born. If you have any questions please to not hesitate to contact us.

OUR LOCATIONS

Northeastern PA

Lackawanna County
North of Scranton, PA

For flight and booking information for our Northeastern PA location contact Tony.

Email: info@weflyhotair.com

Call: 570 945-3008

Click for Booking Info

Southeastern PA

Central Bucks County
North of Philadelphia, PA

For flight and booking information for our Southeastern PA location contact Scott.

Email: scott@weflyhotair.com

Call: 215 666-2941

Click for Booking Info

PRICING

NorthEast PA Map

Northeastern PA - Shared Flights

For shared flights there is a chance that other passengers may be booked to fly with you at the same time (Up to 5 passengers total).

Southeastern PA - Shared Flights

Our Southeastern PA flights are for a pilot and up to three passengers, (depending on factors including passenger weights and the outside air temperature). For example, on hot summer days we may not be able to carry 3 passengers due to exceeding operating temperature limitations set by the manufacturer of the balloon.

$275/person

  • We offer a discounted rate of $260.00 per person if you book a group of 4 or 5 passengers. However, this discount will only apply if all 4 or 5 members of your group are present for the scheduled flight.

$275/person

Northeastern PA - Private Flights

$850 total

  • Our private flights reserve the basket for the pilot plus 2 passengers.

NOTE: Due to high demand during the fall season we do not offer private flights from September 15th to October 31st.

Southeastern PA - Private Flights

$850 total

  • Our private flights reserve the basket for the pilot plus 2 passengers.

Northeastern PA - Gift Certificates

Southeastern PA - Gift Certificates

Public Gift Certificates:
$275/person

Private Gift Certificates
(reserves the basket for the pilot plus 2 passengers):
$850

Public Gift Certificates:
$275/person

Private Gift Certificates
(reserves the basket for the pilot plus 2 passengers):
$850

PRICING

NorthEast PA Map

Northeastern PA - Public Flights

For public flights there is a chance that other passengers may be booked to fly with you at the same time (Up to 5 passengers total).

$275/person

  • We offer a discounted rate of $260 per person if you book a group of 4 or 5 passengers. However, this discount will only apply if all 4 or 5 members of your group are present for the scheduled flight.

Northeastern PA - Private Flights

$825 total

  • Our private flights reserve the basket for the pilot plus 2 passengers.

NOTE: Due to high demand during the fall season we do not offer private flights from September 15th to October 31st.

CLICK FOR BOOKING INFO

Southeastern PA - Public Flights

Our Southeastern PA flights are for a pilot and up to three passengers, (depending on factors including passenger weights and the outside air temperature). For example, on hot summer days we may not be able to carry 3 passengers due to exceeding operating temperature limitations set by the manufacturer of the balloon.

$275/person

Southeastern PA - Private Flights

$825 total

  • Our private flights reserve the basket for the pilot plus 2 passengers.
CLICK FOR BOOKING INFO

Northeastern PA - Gift Certificates

Public Gift Certificates:
$275/person

Private Gift Certificates
(reserves the basket for the pilot plus 2 passengers):
$825

Southeastern PA - Gift Certificates

Public Gift Certificates:
$275/person

Private Gift Certificates
(reserves the basket for the pilot plus 2 passengers):
$825

TETHERS

A hot air balloon tether involves attaching several strong ropes from the balloon to fixed points on the ground. The balloon can rise a limited distance and then return to the ground.  Passengers (public or company employees) can be taken “up” to experience the feeling of a balloon ride.  Tethers are popular at picnics, reunions, grand openings, specialty advertising, and other outdoor celebration events.

As with a balloon flight, tethers are typically conducted within a few hours after sunrise or a few hours before sunset and are weather permitting.

INSURANCE

Endless Mountains Hot Air Balloons, Inc. carries the insurance required for public demonstrations.

PRICING INFORMATION

Tether rates vary depending on the event, however our base rate is $1200/hour with a 2 hour minimum.  Don’t hesitate to call us to discuss pricing and tether options for your event.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL QUESTIONS

YES! Bring your digital, still, or video camera!!

We recommend that you dress for the weather of the day and as if you were going for a hike in the woods. Dress in layers that are easy to put on or remove as the temperature changes. During a flight, temperatures rarely change more then 10 degrees from what it was on the ground, but a jacket may be needed once we land and the sun sets following an evening flight.

Please wear long pants, socks above the ankles, and low or no heel shoes, which cover your feet, no matter how hot the temperature. Please, NO OPEN-TOED SHOES. We highly recommend water resistant shoes for morning flights. A hat is also recommended especially if you are 6 feet tall or more. This clothing will greatly reduce injuries to your skin in case of a windy landing and provides protection from briars, poison ivy, other irritating vegetation and biting insects encountered at some landing sites. Shorts, skirts and sandals are not recommended for these reasons. Cameras are a must!

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FLIGHT

Ballooning is an activity that relies on good weather. We don’t fly in rain, fog, snow, or wind consistently above 7 mph. Balloons don’t fly when there is a threat of thunderstorms in the area. Also, evening flights may be cancelled when the heat index reaches 95°F at any time during the afternoon (hot air balloon rides can be very uncomfortable when the heat index is above this temperature). There are other conditions that can affect the decision to fly or not to fly. These factors are taken into consideration by the pilot to ensure a safe flight. The pilot in command has the final decision if the flight will take place. If your scheduled flight is cancelled, the flight will be rescheduled at no additional cost.

A pilot usually flies with 2-4 passengers, but the largest ride balloons carry up to 20 passengers. Balloon volume, outside temperature, altitude above sea level, and other variables all factor in.

Our balloons can carry up to 5 passengers plus a pilot. If you have a larger group it is a possibility to arrange to have multiple balloons to accommodate your party.

Unfortunately, for safety reasons, we are unable to fly women who are pregnant.  However, if you become pregnant when you already have a flight scheduled, we will reschedule you once the baby is born.   Please contact us with any questions.

For maximum safety and enjoyment, most pilots will only fly children who are old enough to understand a preflight briefing and tall enough to see over the side of the basket unaided (typically at least 5 years old). These children often more fully appreciate flying.

Hot air balloon flights can occur twice a day, minutes after sunrise and about an hour prior to sunset. These are the times of the day when the air is most stable which will provide lighter winds for a safe and enjoyable flight. Stronger winds and turbulence make mid-day flying too risky.

We offer sunset hot air balloon rides weekdays and sunrise and sunset hot air balloon rides weekends and holidays.

Balloons can fly all year and every season has something different to offer. However, late spring through late fall are most popular.

Fuel consumption, weather conditions, and landing availability can cause the length of each flight to vary. We guarantee a 30 minute flight, but will fly as long as we can do so safely. An average flight is 45 minutes to 1 hour. The entire event from the time we meet at the launch site, inflate the balloon, fly, have our champagne celebration, and return to the launch site takes about 2.5 – 3 hours.

Flights usually cover 5-10 miles, but distance depends on fuel onboard, wind speeds, and available landing sites.

Balloons can climb over 12,000′ above sea level before pilots and passengers require oxygen. Most flights occur within 2000′ of the ground for more close-up views, skimming treetops, and conversations with those below.

Balloons travel as fast or as slow as the wind. Many pilots prefer winds less than 10mph. Stronger winds may compromise safety and comfort on launch and landing.

Officially, balloons are non-steerable aircraft. You climb or descend to find various wind speeds or directions, but you can only fly with the wind.

Yes. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) issues a pilot certificate after you’ve passed written, oral, and flight exams for both private flying (alone or with non-paying passengers) and commercial flying (flying for hire).

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BALLOON

Most balloon fabric is lightweight rip-stop nylon or polyester treated with coatings to reduce porosity and withstand ultraviolet light.

The average balloon requires 1200-1500 square yards of fabric, 2500 feet of load tape, and 6-8 miles of thread to sew it all together.

The average balloon weighs about 200-350 pounds, and the basket and fuel tanks add about another 400-500 pounds.

Depending on care and operation, a balloon can last 300-500 flight hours before upper heat-weakened fabric needs replacing. Most baskets will last at least 2-3 times as long when properly cared for.

A typical sport balloon stands 65-80′ tall and 50-60′ in diameter while holding 70,000-120,000 cubic feet of air (or the same number of basketballs). Special shapes or ride balloons can easily double all these figures.

Our balloons are 42,000 to 120,000 cu feet and we carry four passengers plus the pilot, although we do offer private flights if you prefer a more personal experience. For comparison 90,000 cu ft is equal to 90,000 soccer balls.

Most baskets consist of hand-woven wicker which won’t conduct electricity but will absorb impact shock from a hard landing.

Balloons use LP gas also known as liquid propane, the same fuel your backyard grill uses. An average flight will bum 20-30 gallons of fuel, but factors including balloon size, payload weight, and outside temperature affect this.

Most balloon baskets have 1 or 2 burners which put out 15-30 million BTU’s of heat at temperatures over 1000°F. An average home furnace puts out 50,000-200,000 BTU’s while most barbecues put out 15,000BTU’s.

Standard instruments include an altimeter (height above the ground/sea level), variometer (speed of climb/descent), pyrometer (internal air temperature), and fuel remaining/pressure gauges. Most pilots also carry aircraft radios and handheld GPS units.

Most open accessible areas will do: large yards or parks, school grounds, cut crop fields, or even alongside roads. No airport is required, although you may land at many airports after taking certain precautions.

This rarely happens and only under unique conditions. Most flights travel in one direction: with the wind.

The basket usually touches the ground or slides a few feet and stops. In faster winds the basket may bounce, tip at an angle, or lie over and drag to a stop.

A crew travels beneath you with a truck to carry passengers and equipment back to the launch or meeting site after the flight.

QUESTIONS ABOUT CREWING

A crew of 2-4 people can usually set up and inflate a balloon in 20-30 minutes and deflate and pack up in about the same time. More doesn’t always mean faster or better; too many crew can slow or complicate tasks.

Simple. Just ask! Most pilots are more than willing to take on new crew members. Just ask any pilot or crew member how to get started and you’re on your way.

Most crew volunteer for the friends, experiences, and memories ballooning offers. Many pilots try to fly crew after a few flights as a thank-you for their efforts, and some will ask crew to participate in local festivals or competitions as well.

MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS

Hot air rises – the hot air inside the balloon is less dense than the air outside. Most balloons will support themselves at 40°F above outside air temperature and launch at 100-125°F above outside temperature. On a 70°F day, a balloon would support itself with internal air at 110°F and launch with internal air temperatures of 170-195°F. This varies with balloon size, weight onboard, and weather conditions.

The average balloon requires 1200-1500 square yards of fabric, 2500 feet of load tape, and 6-8 miles of thread to sew it all together.

It’s like floating on a cloud. There’s no sensation of movement. Except for a burner blast every 20-30 seconds, it’s perfectly silent; you can hear people talking and dogs barking at 1000′ above the ground.

You don’t notice any difference on most flights. Temperatures drop about 3°F for every 1000′ you climb, and there’s no “wind chill” since you travel with the wind.

You climb by adding heat and descend by letting the balloon cool or releasing hot air through vents in the balloon.

This French tradition began to pacify angry farmers and frightened villagers who’d never seen a balloon. Today, this tradition continues for passengers to celebrate their flight with a toast.

Competition in ballooning means accuracy and not speed. Pilots maneuver toward pre-chosen targets from several miles away and drop bean bags or markers which are scored on distance from the target. Top pilots regularly drop markers within inches of dead center!

Round-the-world balloons consist of separate and stacked hot air and helium compartments 5-10 times the size of an average hot air balloon. While many times more expensive than hot air balloons, they borrow many hot air balloon design/construction features and flying techniques.

A bird would simply bounce off the tensed fabric of a balloon that is standing or in flight.

The FAA requires balloon inspections either annually or every 100 flight hours. Every component must meet or exceed integrity and strength standards sufficient for safe flight.

A rip or hole up to 3′ long in lower fabric or smaller tears in higher fabric won’t greatly affect volume or lift. However, they will weaken fabric strength, so immediate repair is both called for and required.

BALLOONING SAFETY

PILOT CERTIFICATION

Balloon pilots are certified by the FAA, in the same manner as airplane pilots. Pilots must take formal flight instruction, pass written and practical tests, and be re-examined periodically.

EQUIPMENT SAFETY

Balloons are aircraft and, as such, are regulated by the FAA. They must meet manufacturing standards and are subject to periodic inspections, just like a commercial jetliner.

PASSENGER INSTRUCTION

  • All passengers will be verbally and visually briefed prior to liftoff.
  • Are you or anyone in your party pregnant?  For the safety of you and your unborn child Endless Mountains Hot Air Balloons, Inc. and it’s insurance providers prohibit flight if you are pregnant.  We will be glad to schedule a flight with you after your child has been born.  If you have any questions please to not hesitate to contact us.

PRE-FLIGHT

  • No Smoking once you have arrived at the launch site.
  • Ask questions
  • Take pictures
  • If asked to help, please advise us if you cannot due to a physical condition.
  • If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, tell us before inflation begins.

PRE-FLIGHT PREPARATIONS

  • During a pre-flight check on the basket and fuel system the burner will be operated several times. Be ready and don’t let it startle you.
  • Do not walk on the balloon once it is stretched out on the ground.

INFLATION

  • A large fan will be used to fill the balloon with cold air. Do not stand along side it.
  • During inflation be aware of the balloon’s movements (it could roll a little). Stand clear of the basket, inflator fan, and tie-off lines.
  • While the balloon is inflating, feel free to take pictures. If you would like your picture next to the balloon or basket, our crew will try our best to accommodate you.
  • When ready, the pilot will add heat and the balloon will begin to stand up.
  • Once the balloon has started to stand up, be near the basket and ready to board.

BOARDING

  • When cleared to board, follow directions from the pilot or crew.
  • If assistance is required, our crew will be glad to help you.
  • Once boarded stay in the basket at all times with both feet on the floor.
  • Find the rope handles for holding during flight and landing.
  • Keep all hands and arms inside the basket at all times.
  • Do not touch any fuel lines, tanks, valves, instruments, or control lines.

FLIGHT

  • Takeoff is a critical time during the flight. Please give the pilot your undivided attention.
  • Throughout the flight, please help the pilot look for power lines and other obstacles.
  • If you ask a question, but the pilot does not respond right away, ask again; the pilot may have been concentrating on flying.
  • Some condensation occurs on the burner during flight and may drip. It’s not a fuel leak.
  • It’s common for the pilot to “tickle” the tops of the trees, especially before landing. This is safe, however protect yourself from tree limbs that may scratch you or come in contact with your eyes.

LANDING

  • Landings are another critical part of ballooning. Your pilot will give you instructions if the landing may be fast or bumpy.
  • The pilot will indicate the beginning of the landing sequence. Stow all cameras and accessories prior to landing.
  • If the wind has picked up during flight, the pilot may drag the basket through tree tops to slow the balloon down before coming into the field for landing. If the winds are slow, the pilot may use the trees a little to help get into a safe landing spot.
  • During landing, face the direction of flight, hold on to the rope handles, keep legs shoulder width apart, feet flat on the floor, and slightly bend the knees.
  • DO NOT grab fuel hose, burners, or any lines.
  • Be prepared for the balloon to bounce or skid upon landing.
  • Keep head, arms, and hands inside the basket at all times.
  • If the basket tips, do not put your hands forward outside the basket, they could get pulled under the basket.
  • Hold on tightly until the balloon comes to a complete stop.
  • DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LEAVE THE BASKET UNTIL INSTRUCTED BY PILOT.
  • Be respectful of property owners.
  • Listen and obey the directions of the pilot at all times.

We want you to enjoy your experience. Our safety record is excellent and we believe these tips will help you have a safe and memorable experience.