Before You Fly

Plan the morning.

Departure Times

We fly at sunrise, when winds are calmest.

Once per day, weather permitting. Arrive 10–15 minutes early for parking and check-in.

December – January7:00 AM
February – March6:30 AM
April6:00 AM
May – August5:30 AM
September6:00 AM
October 1 – 156:30 AM
October 16 – Daylight Savings6:45 AM
Daylight Savings – November6:15 AM

Times may change — always refer to your reservation confirmation. Our staff confirms with you the evening before; keep your phone on. If weather isn’t flyable at any of our in-valley locations, we may offer an optional relocation day at a nearby balloon port — joining is always your choice.

Arrive & park — free

Sonoma Skypark, 21870 8th St E. Secure your belongings and check in.

Briefing & shuttle

Meet your pilot and crew. You may shuttle 5–20 minutes to the day's best launch site.

Inflation & liftoff

Watch the balloon come alive, climb aboard, rise with the sun.

Fly 45–60 minutes

Skim the treetops, then climb for sweeping views over the Carneros vineyards — the winds set each morning’s course.

Champagne toast

Land, celebrate, become an official aeronaut. Plan 3–4 hours total.

What to Wear & Bring

Dress for a sunrise in the fields.

  • Pants or workout bottoms · closed-toe shoes only
  • A warm layer — sweater, sweatshirt or jacket
  • Hat for taller passengers · sunglasses & sunscreen
  • Phone/camera with a neck strap

Getting here

Plan to drive yourself — there’s free parking at Sonoma Skypark, and you’ll have your car for post-flight brunch and tastings. Private VIP flights can arrange optional round-trip hotel transportation. Questions? Call 707-819-9223.

Leave behind

Backpacks, purses and camera bags (lockable in your car or our shuttle), selfie sticks, food & drink, and pets. Children must be 8+ and 57″ tall.

Crew preparing the balloon and trailer before dawn
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