There are some experiences you try simply because you’ve never done them before, and a hot air balloon ride was definitely one of those for us. I’m always up for gaining a new experience, so when I was looking for something different to do for Jamil’s birthday, I came across Alexandria Balloon Flights in Pittstown, New Jersey. At the time, it felt like the perfect choice: something completely new to us, outdoors, and definitely memorable.
Going into it, I really didn’t know much about hot air ballooning at all. I didn’t know what the flight would feel like, how much control the pilot actually had over where we went, how hot the burner would be, or what landing would look like. I basically showed up ready for the experience and learned everything as we went. Looking back now, there are definitely a few things I wish I knew before taking a hot air balloon ride.
Upon Arrival
When we arrived, we were greeted by Kevin, the owner. We signed the usual “I’m not responsible if you die” papers. you know, the forms they slide across the table whenever you’re about to do something potentially dangerous, and then waited for about 30 minutes before we could fly.
Apparently, the wind has to be moving at the right direction and speed before the balloon can safely take off. I didn’t mind the wait at all, though. The area was quiet and rural, we watched a few small airplanes take off nearby, and of course I took a couple of selfies because…obviously.
When it was finally time to prepare the balloon, we were taken to a more secluded area with Kevin and his team. Jamil was asked to help with the setup, which I initially thought was a little weird because, as customers, we definitely weren’t prepared to work. In the end, though, it actually added to the experience. We got to see more of what goes into preparing a balloon for flight, and it gave us some really good photo opportunities along the way.
The Flight
The best way I can describe the flight is smooth and serene. You’re basically gliding through the air and going wherever the wind takes you—literally. Before this experience, I always assumed hot air balloons could somehow be driven like an airplane or a helicopter. I learned very quickly that the wind has a lot more to say about where you’re going than you do.
The pilot controls the balloon using the burner, which helps determine the altitude, and speaking of that burner, let me tell you: that thing is HOT. It was recommended that we wear a cap to lessen some of the heat above our heads, especially because we’re both tall. That recommendation made a lot more sense once we were actually up there.
Jamil sat down for a good portion of the flight because he could not take the heat from the burner. Thankfully, it doesn’t stay on the entire time. It comes on periodically for a few seconds and then shuts back off, so most of the flight is actually incredibly quiet and peaceful.
Because the wind determines so much of the balloon’s direction, the exact flight path and landing area aren’t completely predictable. The pilot’s crew followed us from the ground and stayed in communication by radio so they could track our location and meet us once it was time to land. That was another part of the experience I had never really thought about beforehand.
Landing
The flight itself was incredibly smooth, but the landing was definitely rougher than I imagined it would be. Because we came down in a parking lot instead of somewhere soft and grassy, I’m sure that played a role in how bumpy it felt.
Before the ride, I think I pictured us gently touching down in the middle of some beautiful open field like something out of a movie. Nope. Parking lot. Real life said otherwise.
That doesn’t mean every balloon landing will feel exactly like ours did, but it’s something I would want to know beforehand, especially if you have significant back or mobility issues. Follow your balloon operator’s instructions carefully and ask questions before booking if you have any concerns.
A Few Things I Wish I Knew Before Going
One of the biggest things I wish I knew beforehand was just how calm the experience would be. If you’re afraid of heights or tend to get nervous about activities like this, a hot air balloon ride may feel much less intimidating than you expect. For me, it didn’t create the type of adrenaline rush that makes you feel like you’re falling, and I didn’t feel nauseous at all. It was genuinely one of the calmest experiences I’ve had involving that much height.
I’ve done other activities involving heights that were a completely different story, including [skydiving], so I can definitely say this was on the much milder end of the spectrum. If you can comfortably handle being on an airplane, I personally think the sensation of ballooning is much easier than people imagine.
I also wish I had realized just how close everyone would be inside the basket. We booked a private flight, and even with only the two of us and the pilot, we were basically shoulder to shoulder. At the time, shared flights were also available, but the thought of adding more people into that same amount of space would have been way too tight for my liking.
If it’s within your budget, I still think the private flight was worth it for us. It made the experience feel more personal, and considering it was something I booked for Jamil’s birthday, I liked that it was just the two of us experiencing it together.
What Was Included in Our Experience
When we went (in 2020), I paid $595 for our private flight. At the end of the experience, we were given a bottle of champagne and a cute little pin, and the crew also took photos of us during the experience that were emailed to us the following day.
Our flight lasted around 45 minutes and went to an altitude of about 1,000 feet. Since our ride took place several years ago, I definitely recommend checking directly with the company you book with for current pricing, flight lengths, packages, and anything else included with your reservation. Those details can change, but I still wanted to share what our particular experience looked like.
Would I Do It Again?
Would I do it again? Ehhhh…probably not. 😂 I absolutely enjoyed the experience, but I am very much a thrill-chaser type of girl. I like a little more adrenaline, like skydiving, so I don’t really see myself going out of my way to do something this calm again unless I have a really good reason.
That being said, would I recommend trying a hot air balloon ride at least once? Absolutely. I honestly can’t imagine someone not appreciating the experience of having done it. Whether you end up loving it or deciding it isn’t really your thing, it’s still one of those experiences you get to look back on and say, I did that.
And for me, that alone made it worth it.
Sometimes the best adventures aren’t the ones you need to repeat—they’re the ones you’re simply glad you experienced once.
Thanks for doing life with me,
— Lexi 🤍
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