Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight?
The flight itself lasts approximately one hour. The whole adventure, including the pre-flight preparations, return transportation and the post-flight champagne toast will last between three to three and a half hours in total.
Do you fly all year long?
Our regular flying season is primarily determined by the weather in Oregon. Generally from the first weekend of April through the end of October. You are invited to send your reservation information to us, using the Reservations Inquiry Form.
Where do we meet?
We meet primarily at Aurora Airport, 15 minutes south of Portland. The meeting time is usually about 30 minutes before sunrise. We will tell you the exact time when you book your flight. Click here for directions.
What if it’s raining, foggy or very windy?
We do fly in Oregon, so the weather can influence our decision to fly. The safety of our passengers is our primary concern, so we ask for your patience and understanding if we are unable to fly because of the weather. We will reschedule your flight to another day of your choosing. If you are a visitor to the area, and are unable to reschedule, your card has not been charged. We only get your information to reserve your spot in our balloon.
Can pregnant women fly?
Unfortunately, we cannot allow pregnant women to fly.
What should I wear?
Even a summer morning can be cool. We suggest to dress in layers and wear walking shoes, not heels. Once in the air, the burners will reflect enough heat to keep you comfortably warm. You might also want to bring a hat - to protect your head from the early morning coolness and later from the heat of the burners.
How do I get back to my car?
Your pilot is in constant radio communication with the chase crew throughout the flight. You’ll probably see them from the balloon. When you land, the chase crew is on-site to assist with the landing, to pack up the balloon, and to take you back to the meeting site.
Is it safe?
Our hot air balloons are built by some of the finest manufacturers in the world. Safety checks are performed before each flight by the pilot and crew. The balloons are subject to annual safety checks in line with FAA standards. All our pilots are certified by the FAA.
Do you take credit cards?
Yes, we accept ALL major credit cards.
What Is The Flight Like?
Once the balloon is inflated we will fly from ground level to a couple thousand feet above ground level, depending on wind direction and speed. Because of the burners, the temperature will be a few degrees warmer than the surrounding air. The sensation will be like you’re floating, and it is very quiet other than the sound of the burner. Your experienced pilot steers the balloon by moving it to different altitudes to get different wind patterns, so the height of the balloon will vary throughout the flight.
Additional Information
Cancellation policy
Portland Rose Balloons will telephone our passengers late in the afternoon before the following day’s flight in regard to the weather. Remember, this is Oregon, so in the event of rain, wind or fog we will ask your patience to postpone your flight to another day that fits your schedule. If you are traveling and are unable to do so, we will refund 100% of your booking deposit. If you want to cancel or change your reservation we ask for 48 hours notice. If you fail to give us 48 hours notice, or fail to arrive at the launch site on the day of your flight, you will be liable for 100% of the total reservation charges.
Legal policy
Portland Rose Balloons (and our insurance company) require a signed release of liability and assumption of risk agreement. This will be provided on the morning of your flight. Children under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian sign the release of liability.
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
The flight itself lasts approximately one hour. The whole adventure, including the pre-flight preparations, return transportation and the post-flight champagne toast will last between three to three and a half hours in total.
Do you fly all year long?
Our regular flying season is primarily determined by the weather in Oregon. Generally from the first weekend of April through the end of October. You are invited to send your reservation information to us, using the Reservations Inquiry Form.
Where do we meet?
We meet primarily at Aurora Airport, 15 minutes south of Portland. The meeting time is usually about 30 minutes before sunrise. We will tell you the exact time when you book your flight. Click here for directions.
What if it’s raining, foggy or very windy?
We do fly in Oregon, so the weather can influence our decision to fly. The safety of our passengers is our primary concern, so we ask for your patience and understanding if we are unable to fly because of the weather. We will reschedule your flight to another day of your choosing. If you are a visitor to the area, and are unable to reschedule, your card has not been charged. We only get your information to reserve your spot in our balloon.
Can pregnant women fly?
Unfortunately, we cannot allow pregnant women to fly.
What should I wear?
Even a summer morning can be cool. We suggest to dress in layers and wear walking shoes, not heels. Once in the air, the burners will reflect enough heat to keep you comfortably warm. You might also want to bring a hat - to protect your head from the early morning coolness and later from the heat of the burners.
How do I get back to my car?
Your pilot is in constant radio communication with the chase crew throughout the flight. You’ll probably see them from the balloon. When you land, the chase crew is on-site to assist with the landing, to pack up the balloon, and to take you back to the meeting site.
Is it safe?
Our hot air balloons are built by some of the finest manufacturers in the world. Safety checks are performed before each flight by the pilot and crew. The balloons are subject to annual safety checks in line with FAA standards. All our pilots are certified by the FAA.
Do you take credit cards?
Yes, we accept ALL major credit cards.
What Is The Flight Like?
Once the balloon is inflated we will fly from ground level to a couple thousand feet above ground level, depending on wind direction and speed. Because of the burners, the temperature will be a few degrees warmer than the surrounding air. The sensation will be like you’re floating, and it is very quiet other than the sound of the burner. Your experienced pilot steers the balloon by moving it to different altitudes to get different wind patterns, so the height of the balloon will vary throughout the flight.
Additional Information
Cancellation policy
Portland Rose Balloons will telephone our passengers late in the afternoon before the following day’s flight in regard to the weather. Remember, this is Oregon, so in the event of rain, wind or fog we will ask your patience to postpone your flight to another day that fits your schedule. If you are traveling and are unable to do so, we will refund 100% of your booking deposit. If you want to cancel or change your reservation we ask for 48 hours notice. If you fail to give us 48 hours notice, or fail to arrive at the launch site on the day of your flight, you will be liable for 100% of the total reservation charges.
Legal policy
Portland Rose Balloons (and our insurance company) require a signed release of liability and assumption of risk agreement. This will be provided on the morning of your flight. Children under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian sign the release of liability.
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
