6 Tips to stay comfortable during a flight
Staying comfortable on a hot air balloon flight can be a lot easier than some people think. Sure, you’re flying up to 3000 feet high but great care is taken to ensure that calm conditions are the order of the day for your journey. Professional companies that offer hot air balloon flights monitor the weather conditions in their area very closely to ensure that you don’t suffer buffeting winds while you’re up there.
Strong winds aren’t the only concern for adventurers looking to take the ride of a lifetime though. Some people have more personal and specific concerns and so, with this in mind, let’s take a look at what they can expect and how to be better prepared.
1: Suit up
In terms of clothing options, they’re mostly up to you. There are no prescribed outfits or protective gear that needs to be donned and adventurers are typically encouraged to wear whatever they feel comfortable in. Obviously, during colder seasons carrying a jacket along with you would be wise but this is no different from any excursion. Ladies may wish to consider wearing jeans or shorts, to avoid the possibility of having to clutch their skirts for the duration of the trip should a breeze arise.
2: Equipment
Naturally, people want to take pictures of the incredible scenery around them while sailing through the air and enjoying their rare vantage point. Both still and video cameras are totally acceptable and the basket tends to make for a decent camera platform. It would be wise to bring cases or straps for these valuable items though, if only for a sense of security during the landing phase of your journey.
3: Distance Travelled
This element will typically vary depending on which provider you travel with and what package you selected but the average trip lasts an hour. The actual distance travelled in that time will also depend on the winds but 15 miles isn’t unusual. Considering the time you’ll be up there it will be a good idea to have eaten first and made a pit stop to the bathroom. There’s certainly no easy solution should you be starved or dancing in discomfort once you’re airborne.
4: Afraid of heights?
Should you suffer from Acrophobia or a fear of heights then you can take comfort in the fact that the sides of the basket are quite high, giving most people a sense of security. This also prevents the feeling of vertigo which is common for sufferers when standing on a ladder and, as balloons travel with the wind, you aren’t feeling battered in the air.
5: Air sickness?
As mentioned above, there is no turbulence as the balloon travels with the wind. Those who typically get sick on airplanes, therefore, don’t generally suffer the same fate on a balloon ride.
6: Safety standards
Depending on what country and with which company you fly, there are several bodies which govern the quality standards of hot air balloon flights. This means that the company you select is answerable for your safety and must maintain strict quality guidelines in the maintenance of the equipment they use.
With all of this covered there’s no more room for delay. Contact a reputable company and begin the journey of a lifetime! If you in South Africa then this would be a great stop for any magaliesburg activities you had planned.
Most Hot Air Balloon companies fly early in the morning, so do not forget to pack somthing warm, but never to have cooler clothing under for when the weather warms up.