Why is Ballooning Expensive?

We often get this question when people are calling around for their first balloon rides. Ballooning got it’s start amongst Kings and Nobility. Back in the early days of ballooning the average flight cost the equivalent of Twenty thousand dollars today!

The actual reasons for a ride or a flight costing so much are numerous.  First there is the balloon.  Most passenger balloons cost somewhere between $40,000 and $80,000 depending on size and options.  The balloons envelope will last only about 500 hours before needing replacement.  During this time there will likely be numerous and expensive maintenance and repairs required to stay legal and airworthy.  There are also other fixed expenses such as Crew, Chase Vehicles, Commercial Insurance, Propane, Gasoline etc etc. Going ballooning is an equipment and people intensive endeavor.  The prices charged to passenger have remained relatively level for over a decade.  This is in spite of ALL of the fixed expenses going up over the last few years.  For a life experience we like to think going ballooning is a great value!