Questions, answered.

We only fly once per day, around sunrise (weather permitting), when winds are most favorable — ideally 3–6 mph on the surface. Reservations are required in advance; we do not take walk-ins.

Times may change — refer to your reservation confirmation and keep your phone on for updates. Arrive 10–15 minutes early; no-shows are not rebooked.

The average flight lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour, based on morning wind conditions. With travel to launch and landing sites, logistics and the post-flight celebration, plan on 3–4 hours total. As an outdoor adventure sport there's no definitive end time — plan your itinerary accordingly.

Yes! With decades of experience, safety is a culture, not an act. All of our pilots hold an FAA Certified Lighter-Than-Air Commercial Pilot's license and undergo routine physicals. If our pilots don't deem the weather safe, we will not fly. More on our safety page.

We meet at Sonoma Skypark, our primary launch location, with several other sites a few minutes' shuttle away. If weather isn't flyable at any of our in-valley locations, we may offer an optional relocation day at another area balloon port (Napa, Windsor, Winters) — joining is entirely your choice. For landings we look for big open areas near a road — we've partnered with multiple properties whose owners love seeing our balloons.

Children must be 8 years old AND at least 57″ tall, able to understand directions, stand for the entire flight, and not be fearful of loud noises from the burners. If proof of age is requested and not met, you will not be permitted to fly (full refund).

For the safety of mother and child, expecting mothers — or those who may possibly be pregnant — are not permitted to fly.

All guests must be able to stand unassisted for the entire flight, climb in and out of the gondola unassisted (step holes are built in), and walk on possibly uneven terrain after landing. Our gondolas are not wheelchair accessible and cannot accommodate service dogs, oxygen tanks, crutches or canes. If you have medical concerns, consult your physician first.

Altitude varies with the morning’s winds — from treetop level to sweeping panoramic heights, with no set minimum or maximum. Balloons rise as air inside is heated (fueled by propane) and descend as it cools. Pilots "steer" by adjusting altitude to catch different wind speeds and directions.

Wear: casual layers — pants, tennis/hiking shoes, a sweater or jacket. No open-toed shoes, heels, skirts or dresses (save those for wine tasting!).

Bring: an appetite for adventure, a sense of humor, and your phone/camera with a neck strap.

Not permitted: animals (including service/emotional support animals), babies/infants, backpacks/purses/camera bags, selfie sticks (join-in flights), food or drink in the balloon.

Our modern baskets have 48-inch padded sides for security and comfort. The balloon moves with the wind, so motion sickness is extremely rare — many guests with a fear of heights tell us the flight felt surprisingly peaceful.

If we cancel due to inclement weather (rain, fog, high winds), we'll do our best to reschedule you for another day you're in town — otherwise you'll be refunded in full.

Join-in flights: notify us three full days (72 hours) before your flight date. Private flights: 30-day policy. No-shows are charged in full and not rebooked.

Our corridor features the famed Carneros region — the only AVA in the U.S. located in two counties, Sonoma and Napa — and depending on the winds, we often fly into Napa Valley itself. You'll see Sonoma Valley, historic downtown Sonoma, the hills of Petaluma, and on clear days the San Francisco Bay. There's no ballooning in San Francisco, so our flights are the Bay Area's closest option — and we never take guests out of wine country for alternate launch sites. Sonoma Plaza's 30+ tasting rooms are minutes from our meeting location. Staying in Napa? See balloon rides for Napa visitors.

Let us know ahead of time and we'll make it extra special!

As of July 2026: join-in flights are $265 per person Mon–Thu and $285 Fri–Sun. Private balloons are $1,500 for 2 guests and $2,200 for 3–4. Groups rent whole balloons at capacity × $285 + 10% gratuity — a 14-passenger balloon is $4,389 flat, a 16-passenger $5,016 (≈$313 per guest) with transportation, snacks, toast and gratuity included. No taxes or hidden fees. Compare everything on the packages page.

There's no single per-person weight limit. Balloons fly by total weight and balance — an FAA requirement — which is why we ask each guest's approximate weight at booking. You'll need to stand for the full flight and climb in and out of the basket. Any concerns, call us — we'll sort it out discreetly.

No — fog, rain and high winds ground us. Wine country mornings can be foggy, so we maintain multiple launch sites across the valley to improve your odds of flying (one reason our cancellation rate stays low). If our pilots cancel for weather, you reschedule or get a full refund.

No — SF's marine winds aren't safe for ballooning. Sonoma is the closest wine-country launch to the city, about 45–60 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge, making our sunrise flights the Bay Area's most convenient. Exact drive times and meeting details are in this guide.

Join-in flights often have same-week availability outside peak season; summer and harvest weekends (May–October) fill weeks ahead. Private flights and group charters are best booked 4–8 weeks out. Here's exactly how to book.

Yes — groups of 5 to 100+ rent whole balloons at flat all-inclusive rates (capacity × $285 + 10% gratuity). A 14-passenger balloon is $4,389, a 16-passenger $5,016; up to 70 guests can fly the same morning; larger groups split across consecutive sunrises. Transportation, snacks, toast and gratuity included. Full pricing and quote form on the group flights page.

Tips are never required and always appreciated on join-in and private flights. Group charters include gratuity in the flat rate — nothing extra to handle.

Every flight: pre-flight coffee, tea & light snacks · 45–60 minutes aloft with an FAA-certified commercial pilot · champagne toast (sparkling cider available) after landing. No taxes or service fees. Group charters also include local round-trip transportation and gratuity.

We fly year-round at sunrise. Summer is the most reliable, September–October adds golden harvest views, spring is green and lush, and winter brings calm air, moody light and occasional Golden Gate views. Every season earns its keep — book whichever matches your trip.

Yes — available in any amount you choose. Buy a gift card online — recipients book whenever they're ready.

That’s us! Guests with a reservation receive booking confirmations and day-before updates by text from (707) 309-7570. It’s an outbound-only line — if you have questions, call or reply by phone at 707-819-9223.