Blair's Ballooning
UP, UP AND AWAY!
EXPERIENCE SERENITY AND PEACE WHILE FLOATING OVER THE COUNTRYSIDE AS THE SUN RISES OR SETS. FLY WITH THE BIRDS AND OBSERVE WILDLIFE MARVELING AT THE SIGHT OF A BEAUTIFUL HOT AIR BALLOON FLOATING OVERHEAD. VIEW LAKES, ESTATE HOMES AND SO MUCH MORE!
If you have a Date in Mind and do not see it available on our Calendar, please reach out to us (302) 202-3338 or email us at [email protected], and we will work with our schedule to accommodate you and your party.
Please Note: we purposely do not publish the winter calendar due to the unpredictability of the weather. If you want to fly during that time period, please understand that you may have more cancelations than if you were to choose a Normal season flight (Normal season is when Daylight savings time is in effect)
Our 2024 Spring Calendar Has Been Published and up to date!!
We would like to thank you for stopping by!
Welcome to Blair Ventures!
You will find information on who we are and what we are all about; including how we got started, (family history in ballooning) pricing, safety measures, what to wear, weather conditions (how it pertains to your scheduled flight) refund policy, where to go and timing on when to arrive.
The Blairs have over 43 Years of Experience
Our Pilots are well trained &
our balloons and equipment are in excellent condition.
Our crew is very tentative to your needs
We've been ballooning since 1981
A Family Tradition
Safety Measures
Before the flight, your pilot will give you a pre-flight briefing on what to expect.
Pay close attention during this briefing. Adhere to the pilot's instructions at all times. If you see something that concerns you, please advise the pilot.
Some of the things you may be briefed on (but not limited to):
Do NOT stand within 5' of the Fan
Do NOT walk on Balloon Material or allow any children to do so either.
Do NOT pull on any ropes or hoses in the basket.
Do NOT touch any of the burner controls.
DO NOT EXIT until the pilot instructs you to do so.
Keep your hands inside the basket and do not lean out.
Face forward in front of the pilot and bend your knees when landing.
Please stow your cell phone and camera for landing.
What Do I Wear ?
Clothing, Footwear, Gloves, etc....
The attire for ballooning is casual. To maximize your enjoyment, dress appropriately for the weather on your scheduled flight date. On cooler days It is recommended that you dress in layers to increase your comfort.
For your safety, we require you to wear athletic shoes and long pants. You may be climbing in and out of a basket. Open toed shoes, high heeled shoes and shorts/dresses are not permitted.
Also you may be required to walk in wet/cut grass, therefore your best footwear would not be the favorite choice. Due to heat generated by the balloon, a hat is suggested for very tall passengers. Occasionally on higher humid days, the burners drip condensation (Water) sometimes that water has some soot in it, so we'd recommend darker shirts or shirts that you wouldn't care if it gets a spot on it. We've never had any issues getting it to wash out, but have not tested with all clothing materials.
A lot of people ask, "Is it cold up there?" Typically, the temperature difference is 3.5 - 5 degrees less per 1000' and we occasionally fly as high as 3000' but an average flight, we fly to about 1000 -1500' therefore if the outside temp is 70 degrees on the ground, it will be around 65 degrees while flying up high.
With round-the-clock assistance, even on weekends and holidays, you can be sure we'll be here to answer all your questions.
What kind of Weather do Balloons fly in?
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 they are unfavorable and we are unable to fly on the day of your scheduled ride, we will do our best to advise you several days and of course, the night prior or early morning of your adventure.
Please understand that there are a few more factors that play into safe weather for a hot air balloon ride other than what you see on weather.com. Some examples include but are not limited to:
1. Winds aloft - if over 20mph at 500' to 3000' we will not fly commercially because the risk is too high for landings.
2. We look at Radar to make sure there are no storm cells within 75 miles.
3. Rain - We will NOT fly in rain because it can impair our vision not to mention ruin our equipment.
4. Fog can be a really big factor since we obviously need to be able to see where we are going and under FAA regulations we can only fly under VFR (Visual Flight Rules) 14 CFR 91.155
5. Low Ceilings (Low Clouds) as mentioned above for VFR, Balloonist are not allowed to fly in clouds.
6. Wind Direction - Wind sometimes tends to be blowing in a steady but unfavorable direction, If that direction would be taking us in areas that would make our flight too short due to it taking us out over the bay or right toward restricted airspace, we may have to postpone your flight or we may ask you if you wouldn't mind relocating to a better takeoff spot in order to get the most out of our ride.
7. And an obvious reason - High Winds The balloon stands over 75' tall and is just acting like a sail in the wind. Balloon Pilots generally will choose to not fly if the surface winds are over 7mph, We are really looking to give you an awesome adventure but WILL NOT put yours or our lives at risk.
8. No Wind - sounds weird but, this one could create problems by leaving us stranded over top wooded areas or bodies of water that give us nowhere to land.
9. TFR - NOT WEATHER RELATED AT ALL - A TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) could cause us to be grounded, For Example, if the president of the United States decided to take a visit near us, we would not be allowed to fly because the airspace is temporarily shut down during his/her visit. We would have to drive at lease 30 miles away from where POTUS is because that's typically the boundary of a presidential TFR. There could be other TFRs that take place as well, but POTUS is the most common.
These are a few reasons the pilot may have to explain to you why we may need to reschedule your flight. Ultimately it is the pilots decision for whether he or she is comfortable with the flight conditions and by law it is their decision if it is a Go or No GO for flight based generally upon the items mentioned above.
Please ensure that our office has a contact phone number or email address to reach you. If your ride is cancelled due to inclement weather, we will be happy to reschedule your balloon adventure for the next available date & time. There will be no refunds, as you can reschedule your flight if your original date(s) are cancelled for reasons above.
Is there a Weight Limit?
How much weight is too much for the balloon?
At Blair's Ballooning we like to be able to accommodate everyone, as long as the passenger can successfully be able to get themselves in and out of the basket with little to no assistance. Obviously, the heavier a person is the harder it may be for them to carry their own weight. It pretty much goes the same for the balloon. The more the balloon is weighed down, the less it can go up. The hotter the day, the less weight the balloon can carry due to the temperature differential being close together. If it is really cold out we can take more weight. On a typically day, let's say 75 degrees, We can carry 1000 lbs of passenger weight. If it's really humid, we can carry less.
How long is my ride?
Typically the Entire Ballooning Experience lasts about 3 hours from the time that you get out of your car until you get back into your car.
The experience consists of:
1. Meet and Greet
2. Safety Briefing
3. Setup of Balloon
4. The actual Ride (approx 40 minutes to 1 hour) sometimes longer
5.Landing and getting the balloon into position to collapse and pack it up.
7. Drive back to the launch location (Where your car is parked)
8. Champagne Toast
9. Chat about your flight and any friendly conversations
10. The End
Pricing Structure has Changed
The Pricing below is what you will pay, there are no more hidden fees as of 5/1/23. At checkout you will see what you expect to pay
You will be expected to secure your Date/time with a deposit at the time of booking, The remaining balance will be due upon flight.
Shared Flight Pricing
AKA: Flying with Other people
Weekday
AM Flight
$275
Above price includes up to 1 Person *Fees included on this price
We require at least 3 passengers for us to confirm the flight for this option
Example: If you choose qty of 2 and we do not get anymore bookings for the day that you choose, you will most likely be asked to move your booking to another day. In order to confirm your day, you would need to choose a private flight unless we get 1 or more people for the same time.
* You get the rate at $250 if you book 4 or more in your group
Weekday
PM Flight
$300
Above price includes up to 1 Person *Fees included on this price
We require at least 3 passengers for us to confirm the flight for this option Example: If you choose qty of 2 and we do not get anymore bookings for the day that you choose, you most likely be asked to move your booking to another day. In order to confirm your day, you would need to choose a private flight unless we get 1 or more people for the same time.
Weekend
AM Flight
$300
Above price includes up to 1 Person *Fees included on this price
We require at least 3 passengers for us to confirm the flight for this option Example: If you choose qty of 2 and we do not get anymore bookings for the day that you choose, you most likely be asked to move your booking to another day. In order to confirm your day, you would need to choose a private flight unless we get 1 or more people for the same time.
Weekend
PM Flight
$330
Above price includes up to 1 Person *Fees included on this price
We require at least 3 passengers for us to confirm the flight for this option Example: If you choose qty of 2 and we do not get anymore bookings for the day that you choose, you most likely be asked to move your booking to another day. In order to confirm your day, you would need to choose a private flight unless we get 1 or more people for the same time.
Going Single?
We can help!
Are you wanting to fly by yourself?
No Problem, the Best way to do this is to jump aboard with a group that has already been established for a particular day.
You can see which days are already occupied by looking at the pricing key at the bottom of the calendar. the "Mid Green" colors are groups that have already been scheduled.
If you have any questions, call us (302)202-3338
Private Flight Pricing
Use this pricing in order to keep your group "Just your group"
Private Flight
Weekday
AM
$950
Above price includes up to 2 People
That's just $475 per person
Private Flight
Weekday
Evening
$1000
Above price includes up to 2 People
That's just $500 per person
Private flight
Weekend
AM
$1000
Above price includes up to 2 People
That's just $500 per person
Private Flight
Weekend
Evening
$1100
Above price includes up to 2 People
That's just $550 per person
Private Flight
Additional Person
Add-On
$250
This is for each additional person for the private flight. 3rd through 6th are discounted (up to 6 total in basket as long as the total weight is within limit)
Just put these additional people in your cart and it will automatically calculate the listed price above.
Private Flight
Sun Rise
Add-On
$150
Arrive 45 minutes earlier
to take off in the dark of the morning and fly while the sun starts to come up
CANCELLATIONS
We understand that even though you have planned in advance, things can change, and you may need to cancel your reservation with us.
Due to flight planning and balloon scheduling variables, we require cancellations to be made at least 5 days prior to the flight date. Therefore, we must be notified if you plan to reschedule, cancel or change the number of people in you party.
We keep your deposit for no shows and cancellations made less than 5 days prior to your scheduled flight and you will need to start all over again with a new deposit to reschedule if you are within the 5 days.
Please contact our office to make changes to your reservation at 302.202.3338
CANCELLATIONS BY US - THERE IS NEVER A FEE IF WE CANCEL THE FLIGHT DUE TO UNSAFE WEATHER CONDITIONS OR ANY UNFORESEEN EMERGENCIES (ON OUR PART) THAT CAUSE US TO CANCEL YOUR FLIGHT, However, expect that we will hold your deposit and apply it towards your flight when we are able to safely get you airborne.
++ DEPOSITS are NON-REFUNDABLE. NO EXCEPTIONS
We are not responsible for your transportation, costs or time to and from the launch location prior and after your ballooning experience. If a balloon flight has been canceled due to the pilot's final word, Please understand that there is a reason for it and we would need to simply reschedule your flight.
++ We can refund your deposit if you live more than 3 hours away (Have to show state ID)
Scenario: You are planning "something to do" while passing through or on vacation and the weather does not cooperate which causes your flight to be postponed/canceled for your planned day.
Events
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June 3, 2024
Paradise Rock Club
Boston, MA
June 4, 2024
Arlene's Grocery
New York, NY
June 6, 2024
Bowery Ballroom
New York, NY