Ready to Ride?

You see them flying in the air and you think to yourself "I want to fly in a hot air ballon." Life is short, why not take a flight this year?

Pilots are currently booking passengers for flights at Carolina BalloonFest. Flights are $225 per person. That's a lot of money, you say? We say it is an experience of a lifetime and worth every penny!

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There are definitely reasons for the cost. Pilots have to be licensed, and not just a regular pilot's license to take paying passengers. They must also be a commercial pilot, so additional certification is required. They need a ballon, of course, and those cost money. Think price of a car. Some very high priced, though sometimes they can be purchased used. But once a pilot gets the balloon, they have to keep it in top flying shape, with regular mandatory inspections. Then they need a chase vehicle.....something that can hold a balloon, crew, and passengers. Propane for the balloon, gasoline for the chase vehicle, and insurance for both. This is just the tip of the iceberg in ballooning expenses, but get the picture? It is not a cheap sport! It's hard to get rich giving rides.

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Most of the pilots who offer rides at the festival, also offer rides outside the festival. It's definitely a unique experience to ascend with many other balloons also in the air beside you. What a photo op! But some prefer the private solitary flight. Either way, you will get the opportunity to float through the skies and see the works from another dimension.

Carolina BalloonFest is a very popular event to mark special occasions. How about celebrating that special birthday, that "cancer free" celebration, that new job, or that special anniversary? 

And thinking about popping the question? What an unforgettable engagement story. Most pilots love to help you plan the event. (Just make sure you're pretty confident of their answer, or it makes for an uncomfortable ride!) This year two of our pilots may be able to share your news in a special way. Matt Lidinsky and Sally Mazzochi were recently engaged themselves.  They are both booking rides for the festival and would like to share your joy, too.  We've even had weddings take place at the festival. Beautiful pictures and a fun story to tell.

So much more to say about rides. There will just have to be a part two! But if you are ready to book, go to carolinaballoonfest.com, to the tab "Pilots and Hot Air Balloons", and you'll find contact information for all of our pilots offering rides at Carolina BalloonFest. You'll also find pictures of their balloons, in case you're going for a certain look, or want to coordinate your outfit! Have fun with it. We hope to see you in the skies!