Before you climb into the balloon basket, it’s good to know how a balloon flight works and there are some important things to consider that will make the flight even more enjoyable. We have compiled the most common observations and would like to share this knowledge with those who are still preparing for their first balloon flight!
What to look out for:
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Punctuality counts
- Mental preparedness
- In a balloon with a clear mind
Weather-appropriate clothing Although logic suggests that the higher you go, the colder the air gets, that’s not really the case in a hot air balloon. This means that a warm summer evening on the ground will be just as warm in a hot air balloon, half a kilometre above the ground, and you don’t need a fur coat. If you’re chilly and like to wear a warmer jumper in windy weather, you can take it with you on a hot air balloon ride. In early spring or autumn, however, your feet tend to get cold, and if it happens to be a cool day but also a bit windy, you should take a windbreaker and a hat. Please take care with gloves, as phones can slip out of them – gloves with a non-slip coating on the palm are recommended. Punctuality counts A good balloon flight and good weather are like pot and lid. The course of a balloon flight is dictated by weather conditions. Successful flights require the right wind direction for at least two hours. In addition, the wind must not be too strong. It is important to arrive at the appointed time and avoid delays. Don’t be afraid to arrive too quickly – if you get bored, feel free to join the balloon’s technical team and help inflate and prepare the balloon for flight – many of our customers have found this as exciting as the flight itself. Mental fitness We all have a fear of heights, but – if you’ve noticed – it’s most often triggered by suddenly looking down from a great height. That’s what makes hot air ballooning so enjoyable – we slowly and very gracefully rise above the ground, overcome (and often not even notice) our fears, and in return get a great bird’s eye view and emotions that will be unforgettable. Alcohol is not recommended to overcome the fear of flying… But that’s a story for the next paragraph! In a hot air balloon, sober Alcohol is one of the ways people like to soothe their fears, but a hot air balloon basket and intoxication (unless it’s intoxication from the beauty of Latvian scenery) are incompatible. No one will blow their breathalyser, but twenty years of flying experience shows that emotions are much more vivid when passengers fly without additional intoxicants. Smoking is also prohibited in the balloon basket, so smokers will be encouraged to take a good puff before and after the flight. If you would like to book a flight, please go to the “flights” section or contact the pilot Indulis Blūms in the contact section.
