Hot air balloons in Cleveland will generally fly between tree-top level upwards to a couple thousand feet in the sky. Pilots will "steer" the balloon by finding varying wind directions at different altitudes. By rising and falling to catch the wind drifts, your flight adventure will vary in heights throughout the duration of the flight.

The entire experience can last up to 3.5 to 4 hours, however actual flight time varies between 45 minutes and an hour. Inflating the balloon will take about 30-45 minutes and once the balloon's crew deflates and packs up the balloon, our pilot affiliates may treat your group to a champagne celebration.

Balloon pilots employ an experienced chase crew for each flight. The crew assists in the inflation and deflation of the balloon system, and during flight, will chase the balloon from the ground. With the help of electronic GPS systems and radio communication with the pilot, the chase crew will be at your landing destination prior to the balloon's arrival, or will arrive shortly thereafter to return everyone back to the originating location.

Fear is always relative, we have found the sensation of floating in a hot air balloon is quite peaceful. The basket is stable and the pilot's experience level is comforting. If you think you'll be frightened during a balloon flight, it may be best to experience a tethered balloon flight in Cleveland prior to booking a free-flight.

Hot air ballooning in Cleveland is most practical in the early morning hours just as the sun is rising, or a few hours prior to the sun's setting. These are the times of day when thewinds are most gentle, offering a gentle shove of the hot air balloon system rather than a sharp push. Each flight has something different to offer it's participants. An early morning, sunrise flight oftentimes offers an incredible view of the sun glistening from the dew below while evening, sunset flights allow you to watch the Earth below lay to rest.