*Fly with World Balloon during the Balloon Festival Oct 4-12, 2025

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Rates

**All Passengers - $450

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Duration

About 4 hours including about 45 minutes of flight time.

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About

The city of Albuquerque has the distinction of being "The Balloon Capital of the World", because of the beautiful flying conditions, being home to over 300 balloon pilots, and hosting the largest balloon event anywhere. Every October, for nine days, hundreds of balloons fill the sky during the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival. In fact, the founder of World Balloon, Sid Cutter, was also the founder of the Festival, so it's no surprise that World Balloon has been, and continues to be Albuquerque's #1 "go to" place for balloon rides!

Flight

We fly just outside the 4 mile no fly zone providing riders with an amazing view of the 500 balloons flying through the air. We find flying outside the provides better views and a much safer ride. It is similar to flying in a moving watercolor painting. During the flight, depending on wind direction, you will have the opportunity to see some amazing views. These include the possibility of being able to see balloons launching from Fiesta Field, the Sandia Mountains, Petro glyph national monument, surrounding volcanoes, and Mount Taylor. We begin by meeting at our launch site which is on the West Side of the Rio Grande River. We do not fly from Fiesta Field during the event because there is one single operator permitted to fly from there. Plus it saves on the added hassle of traveling to Fiesta Field on flight day.

2nd Hop Flight

During this event we fly two flights back to back. These are called "hops". All passengers meet and check in at the same time. After checking in, the first flight passengers board the balloon and launch on their flight. The crew will then transport the 2nd hop passengers in an epic chase of the balloon. When the balloon lands after its first flight, the first group of passengers exit the balloon and the second hop passengers board and leave on their adventure. The crew then transports the first hop passengers back where their post flight festivities begin. The crew returns and is usually there when the balloon lands from its second flight. The balloon is then packed up and everyone from the second flight is returned to the launch site for their post flight festivities. The second hop does wait a little longer to fly, but they have as much fun chasing the first flight as they do flying on the second flight. Please note though, situations do arise occasionally where the first flight is able to fly and the second flight isn't able to fly. While we do everything we can to avoid that, it can happen.

Includes Post flight champagne ceremony Light Snacks Commemorative flight certificate

Can I take a camera? Absolutely, there is always plenty to photograph both prior to the flight, during and afterwards. You may bring a video camera also. We recommend that you have a suitable soft case, including carry strap, with you to stow and protect the camera during the landing. Bring extra memory cards and batteries. Panoramic cameras are nice for scenery.

What should I wear? Ballooning is an outdoor sport activity, so you should wear whatever you feel comfortable in and the type of clothing that you would expect to wear for a walk in the countryside on the day you fly. For women, climbing into the gondola will be very awkward in a dress or skirt. It is strongly recommended that all shoes worn should have flat soles. Please do not wear flip-flops or open-toed shoes.