Please reach us at RisingHorizonsBalloonRides@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Flights are $300 per person. The price is the same for all passengers regardless of age. We also offer private flights for 1-3 people; click the button for more details. To reserve your spot, a debit/credit card is required. If you prefer to pay with cash, you can do so during the pre-flight check-in. Please note: We do not accept checks. If paying by card, remember to bring it with you to the flight for processing. *All credit card payments include a processing fee.*
We offer sunrise and sunset flights on weekends May through October. With ample notice, weekday sunrise and sunset flights are available. Flights last approximately 45 minutes to an hour. The weather at sunrise is the best time to fly in a balloon. All wind comes from heat exchanges or pressure. In the morning, close to sunrise, the wind direction is typically more consistent and typically more calm. We find people that are older or that are bringing younger kids along will want to select a sunrise balloon ride for that reason.
The flight itself is approximately 45 minutes to an hour. Flight time varies upon location, wind speed and direction, as well as upcoming landing availability. Plan for 2–3 hours for the whole experience which includes check-in, pre-flight preparation, the flight itself, a celebratory champagne toast, and transportation back to the meeting spot.
The number of passengers our balloons can lift depends on a number of factors, including passenger weight as well as weather forecast the day of your flight. Our balloons can always accommodate up to 6 passengers, plus the pilot. Depending on passenger weight and weather conditions, we may be able to accommodate up to 7 passengers. For larger groups, please contact us at RisingHorizonsBalloonRides@gmail.com for options.
We will meet at our airport hangar located at 6142 N Lake Number 1 Road Apple River, IL 61001. If your GPS has a hard time finding that address, type in Ricks Sales and Service and that will get you close (it's the business next door). We will leave from here to find a launch spot and our crew will bring you back to your car following the flight.
Because balloons rely on wind direction, landing sites vary within 5–10 miles of the launch point. Our chase crew will meet us at the landing site and bring passengers back to their vehicles at the meeting spot.
Dress for an outdoor adventure with comfortable, layered clothing. Closed-toe shoes are essential. The fields we launch from often have dew in the mornings, so wearing closed-toed shoes, like boots or sneakers is a good idea. The temperature won't be much different in the air than it is on the ground.
SAFETY IS OUR TOP PRIORITY! Flights may be canceled due to winds (both surface and winds aloft/up above), the possibility of storms/rain, or even fog. If we cancel due to weather, there’s no charge, and we’ll work with you to reschedule. Approximately 50% of flights are cancelled and require a reschedule. We must comply with the FAA requirements and regulations regarding weather. The final decision to fly or cancel falls on the pilot in command.
Cancellations by customers will result in the full amount being charged to the card on file, as we reserve your spot exclusively. However, if we cancel due to weather, no charges will be applied.
All passengers must:
Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate anyone who is pregnant or may become pregnant. If you have concerns about physical limitations, consult your doctor before booking. Landings can involve stopping from speeds of up to 10 mph, which is comparable to the impact of jumping off a kitchen counter. In some cases, depending on the landing site, passengers may need to walk up to 1/2 mile over uneven terrain. While this is not common, it is a possibility.
Reservations can be made on the BOOK NOW page. Advanced booking is required. While we can sometimes accommodate last-minute reservations, we recommend planning ahead. If you're visiting Galena area, schedule your flight for the beginning of your trip to allow flexibility in case of weather rescheduling.
We offer private flights for 1-3 passengers OR 4-6 passengers. See booking options under the "BOOK NOW" tab on this website.
Rising Horizons Balloon Ride Co.
6142 North Lake Road No 1, Apple River, Illinois 61001, United States
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