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Discover the factors that influence the price and what’s included in your flight
If you are asking how much a balloon ride costs, you might have already realised that the answer is exactly the one you would prefer to avoid: “It depends!” But wait, keep reading and I will explain why it is so and what factors affect a balloon flight price.
I am Massimo Arnò, a professional balloonist and drone operator with the track record of over 2500 flight hours at the moment. I will talk you through the valuation process and hope that after reading this article you will have a clearer idea on the subject. So, are you ready to start?
BALLOON FLIGHTS: PRICING FACTORS
The price depends, but on what? The main aspects of a flight are, at the same time, the aspects that factor into its final price:
- the number of passengers;
- the flying season;
- the type of flight;
- your special requests;
- the balloon company you refer to.
Let us look into each of these factors, one by one, to understand better how much a balloon flight can cost.
NUMBER OF PASSENGERS
As you can imagine, a bigger balloon has higher passenger capacity, which can reach up to 30 people. In this case all flight-related costs (fuel, personnel involved, equipment depreciation, etc.) are divided between the participants, consequently lowering the final rate.
This is definitely a good thing if you want to have an inebriating ballooning experience but your priority is to keep the price as low as possible. A ride for 8-10 people will be undoubtedly the right thing for you.
However, let me share some thoughts, so that you could make an informed decision on the best flying experience specifically for you.
In fact, some aspects of bigger balloon flights could present certain limitations. First of all, you must expect to share your experience with a number of complete strangers, which, in itself, might not be a problem, but might turn out to be complicated if the group happens to be loud and noisy,, while you would like to enjoy the magic atmosphere of the ride in silence.
Otherwise, you might want to ask your pilot a thousand questions, but they will not be able to give you their undivided attention as they will have to manage a large group of passengers, probably including children.
Apart from that, a bigger aerostat is more difficult to manoeuvre, which could limit the flying options to a pretty standard route.
With this in mind, please consider that there are other more niche options for exclusive and reserved balloon flights offering, although at a higher price, the advantage of sharing the basket only with people you know and having a pilot at your disposal who could really guide you through the skies and help you savour every moment of this adventure. Moreover, an exclusive flight makes it possible to satisfy the most specific and personalised requests (please keep reading to learn more)
As I always like to say, no flight is better that the other, they are just different types of flights designed for different types of clients who have different needs and requests.
And every person should opt for what would suit them better. Are you looking for a simple balloon ride? A group flight will be perfect for you! Would you like to enjoy a 360-degree experience instead and maybe have the perfect venue for a unique marriage proposal or an unforgettable anniversary celebration? Then a balloon ride for two or for a small private group is the right choice for you!
An exclusive flight can be shared with your family members or friends and can become an unorthodox gift to leave them speechless.
FLYING SEASON
You can fly a balloon only from April till October, can’t you? Wrong! This belief engrained in the minds of people is not true. Probably, many people would think that cold makes balloon flights impossible in winter. However, even at the end of December it is quite comfortable up there, thanks to the warmth of the burner flame.
You can fly a balloon all the year round if the weather conditions allow. Unfortunately, the above preconception has resulted in the year being split, quite unjustly, into a high and a low season, which is especially pertinent to flights for larger groups. This affects the demand and, consequently, the balloon flight pricing.
Besides, bookings for bigger balloon rides in winter are sometimes not enough to justify a launch, which complicates matters even more.
On the other hand, no such problem exists for exclusive flights for small reserved groups, as we can depart even with two passengers on board anytime we have a request.
TYPE OF FLIGHT: TETHERED OR NOT
You might have seen a tethered flight performed in a moored balloon rising briefly above the ground. Why are such flights popular and how much do they cost?
However, every company has its own pricing policy but one generally has to consider greater tear and wear and subsequent replacement of materials. For example, tethers cannot be simple ropes but must have specific legally stipulated tensile and flexibility properties to support a 4-tonne load. So, you cannot just use some ropes sold at a hardware shop.
Tethered flights are effective for brand promotion or as a recreational attraction during parties, weddings or events that lets people experience the launch and landing in a balloon and give them a taste of an untethered flight. Besides, such flights are perfect for coaching or no fear flying courses.
It goes without saying that tethered flights cost less than free balloon rides that require a greater investment of time and energy.
SPECIFIC REQUESTS
Very few lucky people have the privilege to enjoy a balloon ride more than once in a lifetime. That is why, once you decide to go on this adventure, it is only just that you are completely satisfied with your experience. And the thing you definitely cannot do on a big group flight is to make specific requests Let me tell you a true story. Let me tell you a true story.
Once, on a late morning, I have received a surprising email. It was signed by a Mr. Antonio who asked me to organise a truly unique 50th wedding anniversary celebration for his wife. A restaurant dinner with the family was all right but what he wanted was a special gift for his special person. He was looking for something to remain in her heart forever, just like their love that had endured for all those years. I called him back at once. Together we designed an exclusive hot air balloon flight that left his wife Anna speechless. And to top it off, a beautiful anniversary cake was waiting for them after the landing.
This was a really one-of-a-kind experience, made to measure for Anna and Antonio, that they would undoubtedly keep as a most precious memory.
BALLOON COMPANY
Another thing that factors into the cost of a hot air balloon ride is the specific pricing policy of each operator providing this kind of service.
For example, at Discover The Sky we always try to indulge our passengers as much as possible even after the flight. The post-flight breakfast that we provide is served not at the landing field, as is done by many companies, but at our partner restaurants or bars that offer fresh produce.
Apart from that, our guests can book a pick-up service to take them to the place of takeoff and then back to an agreed location.
We have partner hotels and B&Bs near all our launch locations where you can stay overnight to avoid waking up for your flight in the small hours.
Additionally, we have created special treats for your amusement and relaxation. One of them is our Piedmont Premium Experience that comprises not only the flight itself, but also one or two day vacation in Mondovì (Cuneo), the Italian ballooning capital, with its select wines, delicious food and breath-taking sceneries.
As you can see, the price does depend on a number of different factors. I hope that this article has given you the means to understand how much a balloon flight can cost and what type of experience is right for you. Please contact us for a free no-obligation quote.
