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Balloon FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Click on a question and go to the answer.

What is it like up in a Hot Air Balloon?

Are Gift Certificates available?

How are Surprise Gifts handled?

What does it cost? Do you take credit cards and debit cards?

How much time does my whole ballooning experience take?

How many of us can fly together? Can you handle large groups?

What about larger groups, like 20 or even 50 people or more?

Can you just setup to attract attention for my Grand Opening or Sales event?

How weather dependent is Ballooning?

What if other balloons fly but our pilot doesn't?

Where do we take off from and where do we land?

 



What is it like up in a Hot Air Balloon?

      It is like no other flight experience. The sensation is unique to this form of flight.
You are not being pushed around by an engine. You will be gently floated up and down
by the heating and cooling of the air inside the balloon. The pilot artfully determines altitude
levels that contain breezes going differrent directions and speeds. By using combinations of
these levels the balloon will move and flow with these gentle breezes in a general direction
of travel and then to the eventual landing point.

      The views are spectacular, with views of the Boise area most will never see;
the surrounding mountains, the river with it's rapids, the trees and wildlife.
Also seeing the sight of other balloons in the air.

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Are Gift Certificates available?

Yes!  This is one of the most wonderful gifts.
They are great for Surprises, Anniversaries, Birthdays,
Weddings, Graduations, Christmas and many other occasions.
Gift Certificates are good for the current season.

Call and discuss details and arrangements with Sandi - (208) 322-8626

. . . VISA and MasterCard

 

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How are Surprise Gifts handled?

Surprises are a specialty.
Call and discuss details and arrangements with Sandi - (208) 322-8626

Click here to Email us - BalloonRides@BalloonIdaho.com

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What does it cost and do you take Credit Cards?

Flights are $425 for two people and $600 for three.
We accept MasterCard and Visa Credit Cards, Debit Cards as well as checks or cash.
These are the current prices, but they are subject to change.

Call and discuss details and arrangements with Sandi - (208) 322-8626



. . . VISA and MasterCard

 

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How much time does my whole ballooning experience take?

We start by setting up at the launch field before sunrise.
Your flight begins just after sunrise and will last for about an hour.
During the flight your friends and relatives can join in on the chase
with the ground crew.
After landing and putting away of the balloon we return to the launch field for
your traditional ceremony and "Champagne" brunch. (non-alcholic Sparkling Cider)

Start to finish is about three hours.

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How many of us can fly together? Can you handle large groups?

Typically we carry two to three passengers in each balloon, plus the pilot.
For larger groups arrangements are made for several balloons to fly together.
Everyone can then take pictures of each other from the other balloons.
This adds to the fun and everyone shares stories of their own special flight.

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What about larger groups, like 20 or even 50 people or more?

With larger groups of people the tether operation is the best approach.
A tether is not an actual flight, but is when the balloon is attached to
the ground with ropes. Everyone gets a big thrill out of being up close
to the balloon and experience the feeling of balloon flight without going anywhere.
Especially those who are a little nervous, they like the idea of being attached
to the ground with ropes.

Our tether rope system attaches to six anchor points on the balloon.
These six ropes connect to three ground points like heavy vehicles, trees
or concrete bases to parking lot light standards. This provides a stable
network of ropes for the balloon to operate up and down without winds
moving the balloon very much.
We perform the tether operations for 1, 2 or 3 hours depending on your needs.

Call Sandi O'Shea at (208) 322-8626 for current pricing and other questions.

Click here to Email us - BalloonRides@BalloonIdaho.com

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Can you just setup to attract attention for my Grand Opening or Sales event?

Yes, we use the same rope system described in the above question.
We can keep the balloon in an elevated position, go up and down or if
a little windy, have the balloon stand up in a static display.
Either way this attracts lots of attention to your event.
The advertising you do announcing a hot air balloon will also bring
people into your event.

Call Sandi O'Shea at (208) 322-8626 for current pricing and other questions.

Click here to Email us - BalloonRides@BalloonIdaho.com

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How weather dependent is Ballooning?

The first priority for any of our balloon operations is safety.
We monitor weather conditions for a safe flight and landing.
If weather conditions are not favorable for a safe flight we
will re-schedule for another day.

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What if other balloons fly but your pilot doesn't?

Each pilot makes their own decisions about whether or not to fly.

The current weather conditions are a big factor in this decision;
as well as the forecast of weather that is coming but has not arrived yet.
Other factors are the overall collection of specific conditions
and circumstances all being within exceptable limits. Too many of
these factors being up near the limit could also tip the scale.
Even being distracted by a problem or situation can result in
a pilot correctly deciding not to fly that morning.

When other pilots are flying that day and your pilot has decided
not to for some reason, realize that this decision is not taken lightly.
The safety of the passengers, spectators, landowner's property and
the aircraft are all the responsibility of the pilot in command.
Your pilot would rather disappoint you than hurt you.
It is always better to be on the ground wishing you were up in the air
than to be up in the air wishing your were safely on the ground.

Your pilot's decision not to fly is the final word on the matter.
This decision is for the greater good and safety of all concerned.

We will of course try to accomodate you the best we can.
Whether it be re-scheduling to another day,
or even a refund for our out of town guests.

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Where do we take off from and where do we land?

The launch field is typically at the Fairgrounds' Lady Bird Park;
across the street from Fred Meyer at Glenwood and Chinden.
ONLY the balloon truck is allowed in the Park's gate.
Parking is available at the East end of the park along Kent Lane and
at the North East edge of the Park at the foot bridge across the stream.
See MAP.

The landing site is basically determined from the available breezes that
morning and the artful selection of altitudes made by the pilot.
These breezes often go Northwest, toward the town of Eagle, Idaho.
The ground crew will chase after the balloon and be at the balloon when it lands.

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All About Fun Balloon Rides, 4725 Windward Court, Boise, Idaho 83714 Tel: (208) 322-8626