Hot Air Balloon over the Flathead River
What to Expect on Your First Hot Air Balloon Ride in Montana
If you have never been in a hot air balloon before, it is normal to have questions.
How early do we meet? What should we wear? Is it scary? Where do we launch? Where do we land? What happens if the weather changes?
At 2 Fly Us, we like helping guests feel comfortable before they ever climb into the basket. A hot air balloon flight should feel peaceful, exciting, and memorable, not confusing.
Here is what to expect on your first hot air balloon ride in Montana’s Flathead Valley near Kalispell, Whitefish, Bigfork, Flathead Lake, and Glacier National Park.
We Fly at Sunrise and Sunset
Most of our flights take place early in the morning because the air is typically cooler and calmer at sunrise. That early start is part of the experience, depending on the time of year the meeting time changes. We will be sure to tell you when you book!
On select days, when wind and weather conditions allow, occasional afternoon flights may also be available.
What to Wear
Dress comfortably for the morning weather.
We recommend wearing closed-toe shoes because ballooning involves walking in occasional fields, grass, or uneven ground. Layers are also helpful, especially early in the morning before the sun warms things up.
You do not need special clothing. Think casual, comfortable, and practical for being outdoors.
Watching the Balloon Inflate
One of the best parts of the experience happens before takeoff.
Passengers often enjoy watching the balloon inflate. The basket is set up, the balloon envelope is stretched out, fans begin filling it with air, and then the burner brings the balloon upright.
It is a beautiful thing to watch, especially if you have never seen a balloon prepared up close.
The Flight Itself
Once the balloon lifts off, most people are surprised by how peaceful it feels.
A hot air balloon does not feel like an airplane. There is no engine pushing you forward. The balloon moves with the wind, and the ride is usually quiet and smooth.
From the basket, you may see open fields, trees, water, mountain views, and the wide landscape of the Flathead Valley. Every flight is different because every morning’s wind is different.
How We Get In and Out of the Basket
Getting into the basket does require some physical ability. Guests need to be able to climb into and out of the basket and stand during the flight.
If you are wondering whether a balloon flight is right for you, check out the Experience Tab on the menu of the website. There you may find a video showing the process of climbing in and out of the basket.
Balloon over a field of cut hay
Where We Launch and Land
Hot air balloons fly with the wind, so the exact launch and landing areas can vary from day to day.
Before every flight, we check weather, wind direction, field conditions, and safe landing options. We do our best to respect landowners, avoid crops and livestock, and choose safe places to launch and land.
That is part of what makes ballooning unique. You do not always know exactly where the wind will take you, and that is part of the adventure.
What Is the Landing Like?
Every landing is different.
Some are very gentle. Some may include a bump, a slide, or a tip of the basket depending on wind and field conditions. Your pilot will explain what to expect before landing so everyone knows how to stand and hold on safely.
The landing is part of ballooning, and it is one reason experience matters.
Our pilot, Kevin Flanagan, has been flying professionally for more than 40 years, and every flight is handled with safety and judgment first.
Balloon landed in cut hey field
What If Weather Cancels the Flight?
Weather is always the final decision maker.
If conditions are not safe, we do not fly. Wind, storms, visibility, rain, field conditions, and other factors can all affect the decision.
We know weather cancellations can be disappointing, but safe ballooning means knowing when to wait. If weather becomes an issue, we will talk with you about your options.
Still Have Questions? Call Us
If you are thinking about your first hot air balloon ride in Montana, we are happy to talk with you personally.
At 2 Fly Us, we offer personal, small-group hot air balloon flights in the Flathead Valley near Kalispell, Whitefish, Bigfork, Flathead Lake, and Glacier National Park.
If ballooning is on your bucket list, this may be the summer to cross it off.
Call 602-525-4282 to ask questions, or use the Book Your Ride button to start planning your Montana balloon flight.