What to know
before you book
As you consider flying with Snowbird Balloon Rides for your hot air balloon ride in Arizona, we want to help you make an informed decision and choose the best flight details for your interests and needs. We have your best interests in mind and are more than happy to answer your questions, help plan your adventure, and walk you through every step of the process so you know what to expect.
Before You Book Content
Terms & Conditions of Booking
The Details
- Flight Certificates do NOT expire and can be used at any time to book a flight and/or reschedule.
- Flight Certificates are refundable for a period of 6 months from the purchase date, LESS 15% of the total.
- Flight Certificates are transferable to anyone to book a flight.
- 72 hours notice is required to change, cancel, and/or reschedule a flight that has been booked and confirmed.
Need to Cancel or Change a Flight?
72 Hours Notice is REQUIRED to change, cancel, and/or reschedule a flight booked and confirmed with our crew. If your flight is canceled due to inclement weather, you can reschedule your flight at any time.
If a cancellation does occur, you always have three options:
- Reschedule your balloon flight.
- Request a refund — See our terms & conditions for details.
- Use your ticket toward a balloon ride anywhere in the U.S. with any of our affiliates.
Your Flight Certificate never expires, so if your flight is canceled due to weather or you have to reschedule your flight for other reasons, we are happy to accommodate your needs! Your hot air balloon cost is directly transferable to another flight time.
Weather Cancellation Policy
Your safety and comfort are always our top priority which is why we have a close eye on the weather at all times. We know your balloon ride is a special event, and we want you to have the most enjoyable experience possible. In the event of inclement weather, our team will work closely with you to rebook your flight.
Sunrise and Morning Flights: Call our WEATHER HOTLINE NUMBER any time after 4:30 AM the day of your flight to check your flight status at 223-529-4111.
Sunset, Daytime, and Evening Flights: Call our WEATHER HOTLINE NUMBER two hours before your flight to check your flight status at 223-529-4111.
Please note that 72 hours notice is REQUIRED to change, cancel, or reschedule a booked and confirmed flight but not canceled because of weather conditions.
Safety First
Our top priority is your safety, and we want to ensure you’re well prepared for your flight. Your hot air balloon experience should be safe and fun so you can create memories that will last a lifetime.
Because of this, we ask that you adhere to the following safety guidelines
- Riders should be at least 6 years old, though no height requirements exist.
- Dress comfortably for the day’s weather—especially in the summer—as it tends to be 5-10 degrees hotter in the balloon than the air temperature. Do not overdress.
- Wear sneakers or hiking shoes for support. No sandals, heels, or open-toed shoes are allowed in the hot air balloon.
- We are unable to fly any passengers who are currently pregnant.
- We never fly in stormy weather or rain. Flights can be rescheduled or refunded.
Additionally, our experienced pilots are FAA Commercially approved, drug tested, and share more than 10,000 hours of combined experience. We are dedicated to their profession and pride ourselves on setting the standard in safety and passenger service.
Every passenger flying with Snowbird Balloon Rides must sign a release of reliability. Those under 18 are also required to have a parent or guardian co-sign their release. Waivers are provided for you to complete at the field before your flight, but you can also preview or print the release form before you arrive.
Handicap Accessible Rides
Everyone should experience the feeling of floating high above the ground in a hot air balloon. Snowbird Balloon Rides has wheelchair-accessible baskets so that wheelchair users (or those who are otherwise immobile) can experience life aloft in the clouds and fly in a hot air balloon.
Our new basket—also known as a gondola—has a door, giving wheelchair users the ability to wheel right in. Passengers who are handicapped, use wheelchairs, or lack full mobility can enjoy the thrill of a hot air balloon via our easy-access basket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our shared and private balloon flights typically last 45-60 minutes.
Our advice is that you wear clothes that you would be comfortable in given the weather. Generally it tends to be warmer in the balloon than on the ground, especially during warmer months. Footwear is limited to sneakers or hiking shoes. Open-toed shoes and heels are not permitted on the flight. sneakers or hiking shoes for support.
Bring a camera (smartphones work) and make sure you have memory space for all the photos you’ll want to take!
Since there is no physical connection between the earth and the balloon, unlike being in a tall building. This complete freedom seems to alleviate any apprehension or anxiety in some cases.
Our balloon launch day meeting location is at 1910 E Florence Blvd, Casa Grande, AZ 85122 beside the Texas Roadhouse and is easily accessible from Scottsdale, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Sun City, and all other locations in the greater Phoenix area.
Since balloon moves at the same speed as the wind, so there is no feeling of acceleration or momentum. The sensation of ballooning is the complete absence movement. “Tranquil,” “calm,” and “relaxing” are the words used most often by our passengers to describe drifting in a ballooning.
Gratuities are not included in flight certificate pricing. Any gratuity should be extended to crew persons individually upon landing.
Not during the flight of the balloon. You should plan on using the restroom before you arrive at the Launch Site. Depending on the time of year, there may not be a restroom available.