Have you ever flown in a hot air balloon?

[CharmedPhoenix]

I took my first hot air balloon ride in 1987, in a balloon named Pysanka, as part of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.  I was hooked.

Three years later I signed up to be crew and crewed for various Fiesta and local balloons for 15 years.

[sgluckadoo]

No, I have not, but have always wanted to. We sometimes see balloons in the distance. They are so pretty to see in the sky.

[mrisha]

No, and never will.  I hate heights.

[gaylasue]

No, but I think it would be real fun.  We have a friend who goes down for the balloon festival just about every year.

[kapeh12]

I haven't yet, but definitely want to try.  We got our grandpa a ticket to take a ride and he loved it - said how quite and peaceful it was up there.  I know we have some balloon ride places in the area, so I just need to save up a little and find some time to take a ride.

[Elizabethar]

Not yet, I would love to one day, I love looking at them up in the sky they are so pretty.

[Gerianne]

When I was a teenage, I wanted to go in a hot air balloon. I didn't want to part with the $75 for the ride. That was back in the 70's. It must be a lot more expensive!

[Tinkerbell85]

Lol no I have not flown in a hot air balloon. I really don't want too but maybe oneday I'll try it just to say I did it.

[lglizete]

I am terrified of heights but I have always wanted to fly in one -- its on my bucket list.

[tjshorty]

That is so cool that you did that.  I have never been on  one.  I have always wanted to.  I think that's a bit silly of me because I have no desire to get on a plane.

[tjshorty]

I would also like to know how much does it cost and how do I find out where the closest one is?

[discardedheart]

i've never flown in one,
but would LOVE to try it one day

[CharmedPhoenix]

I am terrified of heights but I have always wanted to fly in one -- its on my bucket list.

My local team and I have encountered several people who said they were afraid of heights, but if they tried it they found they loved it.  Many people are really afraid of edges, like me.  Since the floor and sides of the gondola are solid, as in I can't see through them, I feel secure.  You might try a short flight with a local team.  My pilots would agree to land if the passenger couldn't take it.  I remember only one passenger who actually needed that. 

[CharmedPhoenix]

I would also like to know how much does it cost and how do I find out where the closest one is?

We've gotten balloon teams from all fifty states at Fiesta.  I don't know which state you're in, but first try looking up balloon rides in your phone book or online for your area.  You could also go to a local hotel and look for ride balloon brochures.  The price varies, but some pilots lay out a champagne brunch afterwards, etc. so call them all to compare.  All ride balloon pilots must have a commercial license.

On the other hand you could befriend a local pilot.  You might even crew on occasion.  If there's a balloon rally in your area you could volunteer to crew the event.  It's not a guarantee you'll get a ride, but most pilots like to take up first-timers and crew.

[randyyono96]

no i have not but i always wanted to try it but i really hate heights and it seems scary but the best moments come from the craziest ideas