Take to the skies with Albuquerque’s Champagne Flight, a sunrise hot air balloon ride offering stunning desert views and a celebratory toast. Discover the thrill above New Mexico’s landscapes!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–1.5 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness needed; standing in the basket for about an hour is required.
Wildlife
History
Albuquerque hosts the Annual International Balloon Fiesta since 1972, celebrating ballooning culture worldwide.
Conservation
Operators follow strict guidelines to minimize environmental impact, preserving the desert ecosystem and air quality.
World Balloon
Take to the skies with Albuquerque’s Champagne Flight, a sunrise hot air balloon ride offering stunning desert views and a celebratory toast. Discover the thrill above New Mexico’s landscapes!
World Balloon is a hot air balloon operator based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, offering memorable aerial experiences across signature festival, group, and private formats.
Their core offerings include Balloon Festival Flights, Champagne Flights, and Private Flights that showcase sunrise and festival-time ballooning over the Rio Grande valley and surrounding mountains. Balloon Festival Flights take place during the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival and last approximately 45 minutes. Festival passengers witness hundreds of colorful balloons, enjoy a two-flight adventure, and participate in a post-flight champagne celebration while taking in panoramic views of mountains and regional monuments.
Champagne Flights are sunrise group experiences in Albuquerque, known as the “Balloon Capital of the World.” These flights accommodate up to 12 passengers, include a celebratory drink, and provide a commemorative flight certificate for each guest. Private Flights offer a sunrise-only private balloon experience for individuals or small groups, including champagne, light refreshments, and a commemorative certificate—an option frequently used for special moments such as marriage proposals.
All trips emphasize scenic aerial views, photography opportunities, and ceremonial touches like champagne and certificates. World Balloon’s trip summaries specify duration, passenger capacity, and included celebratory elements so guests can select the flight type that best fits their occasion. The company presents festival spectacle, sunrise scenery, and private celebration elements to create memorable hot air balloon adventures.
Festival Flights
Albuquerque International Balloon Festival
Experience 45-minute festival flights
Flight Duration
45 minutes
Typical duration for festival flights
Group Capacity
Up to 12 passengers
Champagne Flights accommodate groups
Private Celebrations
Champagne & certificate
Ideal for proposals and special moments
Book a Balloon Festival Flight, Champagne Flight, or Private Flight for sunrise views, a celebratory toast, and a commemorative certificate.
Arrive early for best takeoff
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before sunrise to catch prep and ensure smooth boarding.
Dress in layers
Morning temperatures can be chilly; wear layered clothing to stay comfortable as you ascend.
Bring a camera
The soft morning light creates perfect photo opportunities of the desert and balloons.
Limit loose items
Secure hats, phones, and sunglasses as the open basket can cause items to blow away during flight.
Layered clothing
Layering helps adjust to cool mornings and warmed air during flight.
fall
Camera or smartphone
Capture stunning aerial photos of the sunrise and landscape.
Comfortable closed-toe shoes
Allows safe footing during launch and landing on uneven terrain.
Hat or sunglasses
Protects eyes from sun glare during flight and landing.
summer