©2006 Balloon Depot

Seattle Area Hot Air Balloon Flights

Hot air balloon flights over the scenic valleys between the Cascade Mountains and the waters of the Puget Sound.

Fly with our commercially licensed pilots in a colorful hot air balloon! Our guests help us with the inflation, then rise above the earth on a safe, yet exciting and exhilarating flight. The flights start soon after sunrise or just before sunset when the air is at its calmest. As the balloons can only drift with the wind once they are launched, we make our ascent upwind of an area known to have a large number of good landing sites. For this reason our launch sites vary depending on the wind direction at flight time. Flights are of course weather permitting.

The company has been flying in the beautiful valleys of the Puget Sound region since 1978; this long, accident-free experience enables them to provide you with the best possible flight. During your flight you may brush through the treetops, sweep down over a field of wildflowers, skim over a pond, or climb high above the earth for a spectacular view. Each flight is a unique experience.

| Sunrise Morning Flight | Sunset Evening Flight | FAQ |

Sunrise Morning Hot Air Balloon Flight

Morning flights are are available seven days a week. We will have the traditional postflight toast and a light meal upon landing. Your arrival time to make your flight varies with the time of year; we'll give you that information when you tell us your reservation date. Budget three and a half hours for the whole occasion, and we are in the air for around one hour.

©2006 Balloon Depot

Sunrise Morning Flight - Balloon Depot

Duration:
Approx 3 1/2 hours (Estimated One Hour of flight time)

Daily

Per Person	$169.00

MORE INFO

BOOK TOUR

top

Sunset Evening Hot Air Balloon Flight

The evening flights are available seven days a week. These flights include a full, catered buffet dinner celebration upon landing, and a souvenir upon landing. Your arrival time to make your flight varies with the time of year; we'll give you that information when you tell us your reservation date. Budget three and a half hours for the whole occasion, and we are in the air for around one hour.

©2006 Balloon Depot

Sunset Evening Flight - Balloon Depot

Duration:
Approx. 3 1/2 hours (Estimated One Hour flight time)

Daily

Per Person	$210.00

MORE INFO

BOOK TOUR

top

FAQ - Questions and Answers

HOW SAFE IS BALLOONING?

Any adventure has a certain element of risk, and our insurance company requires that all passengers sign a standard liability release waiver (copies sent by request), but our record of 26 years flying without accident resulting in injury is one we are proud of. Our pilots are commercially licensed by the FAA and have many hundreds of hours of experience. The balloons are also licensed by the FAA and maintained to the same high standards as other commercially flown aircraft. Your safety is our number one concern.

IS IT COLD UP THERE?

It is no colder in the balloon than it is on the ground. There is also no wind chill factor to account for, as we are traveling with the wind. So, wear whatever you are comfortable in, with solid shoes (no high heels!). Evening flights land around sunset so you may want to bring a jacket to wear when you land.

WHERE DO WE LAUNCH AND WHERE DO WE LAND?

Prior to your arrival at the meeting site our pilots have been busy compiling weather reports. After you’ve checked in you may see them watching pibals (Pilot Balloons). These tell us the local wind speed and direction. We’ll then board our trucks and drive to the launch site that gives us the longest possible flight that ends in the safest possible landing area.

top

HOW HIGH WILL WE GO?

Every flight is different. Your pilot will search for the most favorable wind directions from 500 to 5000 feet or more. Most flights are flown between 500 and 1500 feet.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

You should budget around 3 to 3&1/2 hours for the whole occasion and we plan on being in the air for around an hour or so. Wind speed and direction will dictate the exact length of your flight, so there can't be any guarantee of exactly an hours' flight time, but that's what we aim for. Sometimes more, sometimes a little less!

WHAT IF I’M AFRAID OF HEIGHTS?

Flying in balloons doesn’t bother most people who are afraid of heights. Perhaps it is due to the reassuring bulk of the balloon directly overhead, but folks who would otherwise avoid heights enjoy ballooning tremendously.

top

HOW MANY PASSENGERS DO THE BALLOONS CARRY?

The smaller balloons carry 4 to 6, and the bigger ones carry 8 to 10 passengers, plus a pilot.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE WEATHER IS BAD WHEN I’M BOOKED TO FLY?

Safety is our prime consideration; we will not fly if winds or other conditions are not favorable. When, due to rain, wind or any other adverse weather, the company has to cancel a flight, this information will be available to you two hours before flight time by calling our the balloon company office. Please do not leave home without confirming that your flight is "on". It may become necessary to make more than one reservation before the weather will let you fly. Call details will be on your voucher.

OK, NOW HOW DO I BOOK A FLIGHT?

Book either the morning or evening flight most convenient to you online. In summer it’s a good idea to schedule about a week ahead of time. Your reservation will be confirmed within 12-24 hours. We wish you calm winds and gentle landings.

CANCELLATION POLICY

No shows and flights cancelled by passengers within 48 hours of reservation will forfeit the entire pre-paid fee. We really need to know how many passengers we will be flying on a given day, it affects all aspects of the flight. If you cancel more than 48 hours in advance reservations are transferable to anyone, though no refunds can be made.

top

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

We have two different meeting areas, either Carnation or Snohomish, and which one we use is dependent on what the wind is doing that day; this maximizes our chances of getting a flight in on your day. Just call our the Balloon company two hours before flight time and we will give you detailed directions on where to meet us for your flight.

To get a general idea of the general area here are links to Carnation WA and Snohomish WA city maps. These are NOT directions to the exact flight departure location. Directions to the flight departure location are available 2 hours prior to flight time. Guests must call the phone number on the voucher to get specific directions.
Map of Carnation, WA
Map of Snohomish, WA

top