Health Requirements for Hot Air Ballooning

We want everyone to experience an amazing hot air balloon adventure with us! But before booking your Grape Escape flight, please review these general health requirements for your safety:

  • Guests must be in good overall health.
  • Minimum height: 4 feet.
  • Able to climb in and out of the basket unassisted (basket is approximately 4 feet tall).
  • Able to stand for at least one hour.
  • Not recommended after recent surgery.
  • Not suitable for guests with back or leg issues.
  • Cannot fly with a cast or while using oxygen.
  • Pregnant guests, or those who may be pregnant, cannot fly.

If you have health concerns, please consult your physician and contact our office to discuss any limitations. Grape Escape Balloon Adventures cannot be responsible for aggravation of pre-existing conditions.

Required Waiver and Important Legal Notice

All passengers must read and sign our Digital Release of Liability Waiver(opens in a new tab) prior to check-in. A signed waiver is required to participate. If English is not your first language, please have the waiver translated so you fully understand its contents before signing.

Weather Safety

Unfortunately, Mother Nature does not always provide safe weather conditions for a hot air balloon flight. Our pilots are trained and qualified to evaluate the weather conditions and decide if it is safe to fly the balloon. If weather conditions should be unfavorable and we are unable to fly on the day of your scheduled ride, we will do our best to advise you the night prior or early morning of your adventure. Please ensure that our office has a contact phone number to reach you. Like the weatherman, our forecast is not always correct and occasionally the pilot will cancel the flight on the launch field. If your ride is canceled due to inclement weather, we will be happy to reschedule your balloon adventure for the next available date, or provide a refund.

Balloon Equipment

All of our balloon equipment is FAA Certified and meticulously inspected by an approved FAA repair station. Balloons are inspected either annually or every 100 hours, whichever comes first. In addition to ongoing balloon maintenance, our balloons are visually inspected by the pilot prior to and after each successful flight as part of our daily flight operation. Each flight is logged in accordance with FAA regulations.

Pre-Flight Preparation

Before the flight, your pilot will give you a pre-flight briefing on what to expect.

For the safest and most enjoyable experience, please:

  • Pay close attention during the briefing.
  • Follow all pilot instructions.
  • Do not pull on ropes or equipment.
  • Only enter and exit the basket when instructed.
  • Keep your hands inside the basket.
  • Face forward and bend your knees during landing.
  • Stow phones and cameras during landing.
  • Be respectful of landowners where we may land.