What It’s Really Like to Go Hot Air Ballooning for the First Time
If you’ve ever watched a hot air balloon drifting silently across the sky and wondered what it’s actually like to be on board, you’re not alone. For many people, hot air ballooning is a bucket-list experience — exciting, a little mysterious, and often surrounded by questions.
So what really happens on the day? Here’s a step-by-step guide to your first hot air balloon flight, from arrival through to landing, so you know exactly what to expect.
Early Morning Arrival
Hot air ballooning starts early — usually before sunrise. This isn’t to torture you; it’s because early mornings offer the calmest, safest flying conditions.
When you arrive at the meeting point, you’ll be greeted by the flight crew and pilot. There’s usually a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, with people quietly excited and sipping coffee while the crew checks weather conditions one final time.
You’ll then follow the crew to the launch site, which might be a nearby open field or farmland.
Watching the Balloon Inflate
One of the most memorable parts of the experience happens before you even leave the ground.
First, the balloon is laid out on the grass like a giant piece of fabric. Powerful fans inflate it with cold air, slowly giving it shape. Then the pilot fires the burners, sending bursts of flame into the envelope. The balloon begins to rise, towering above you — it’s impressive, exciting, and surprisingly beautiful.
If you’re feeling nervous, this stage often does the opposite. Seeing how carefully everything is prepared is incredibly reassuring.
Climbing Into the Basket
Once the balloon is upright, it’s time to climb into the basket. The baskets are solid, sturdy and deeper than most people expect, usually reaching chest height.
You’ll receive a quick safety briefing from the pilot, including how to stand and what to do during landing. Then, almost without noticing, the balloon begins to lift.
There’s no sudden movement, no jolting — just a gentle rise as the ground slowly drifts away.
The Take-Off: Quiet and Surreal
One of the biggest surprises for first-time flyers is how peaceful take-off feels. Unlike planes or helicopters, there’s no engine noise or sensation of speed.
As you float upward, the sounds of the ground fade. You’ll hear the occasional roar of the burner and maybe birds waking up for the day. Many people describe the feeling as surreal — like floating in a dream.
Before you know it, you’re gliding above trees, fields and rivers, watching the sun rise.
Floating Through the Sky
Once airborne, the flight feels incredibly smooth. Hot air balloons move with the wind, not against it, so there’s very little turbulence.
Your pilot will gently adjust altitude to catch different wind layers, allowing the balloon to drift in various directions. You’ll float over countryside, wildlife and towns in complete silence between burner bursts.
It’s common to feel:
Calm and relaxed
Amazed by the views
Surprised at how safe and stable it feels
Even people who dislike heights often say ballooning feels different — because there’s no sense of looking down from an edge.
How Long the Flight Lasts
Most hot air balloon flights last around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on weather conditions. The entire experience, including setup and pack-up, usually takes three to four hours from start to finish.
Time in the air passes quickly, but the memories tend to last a lifetime.
The Landing: Easier Than You Think
Landing is another part people worry about — but it’s far less dramatic than expected.
As the pilot guides the balloon toward a suitable landing spot, they’ll remind you of the landing position. This usually means bending your knees slightly and holding on to the handles inside the basket.
Some landings are so gentle you barely feel them. Others may involve a small bump or the basket tipping briefly — all completely normal and well within safety procedures.
Once the balloon is safely on the ground, the crew quickly secures it.
Celebrating After the Flight
Traditionally, hot air balloon flights end with a celebratory toast or breakfast, a custom that dates back to the earliest days of ballooning. It’s a relaxed way to reflect on the flight, share photos and enjoy the moment.
By this stage, any nerves you had at the beginning are usually long gone — replaced by a sense of accomplishment and awe.
Is Hot Air Ballooning Scary?
For most first-timers, the answer is no. The experience is calm, gentle and surprisingly peaceful. The biggest emotion people report isn’t fear — it’s wonder.
If you’re considering hot air ballooning but feeling unsure, knowing what to expect can make all the difference. From the quiet take-off to the smooth landing, it’s an experience designed to be enjoyed at an unhurried, tranquil pace.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Feeling
Your first hot air balloon flight is something you’ll remember forever. It’s not about thrills or adrenaline — it’s about seeing the world from a new perspective, floating effortlessly as the day begins.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to go hot air ballooning for the first time, now you know — and chances are, you’ll want to do it again.