If someone asks you “Would you like to fly in my beautiful balloon?” – say yes! A view from the sky, floating along with the birds, is a view of Missouri you will never forget. Flights normally take off at dawn and dusk – and cool autumn weather is perfect for flying a balloon.
Most flights last an hour, but plan on up to three hours for the entire experience. Choose from a private, romantic flight for two, a floating party of up to 14 shared with family and friends, or a group flight with more than one party – it varies by company. Nearly all flights end with a champagne or sparkling fruit juice toast and a commemorative flight certificate.
Check out these Missouri ballooning opportunities – and take to the skies!
NORTHEAST
Balloons Over the Rainbow – House Springs
Contact: 314-402-8010; keithfear@balloonsovertherainbow.com
Locally-owned and -operated, Balloons Over the Rainbow offers hot-air balloon rides in the St. Louis metro area. All flights are group flights of a minimum of four people, unless you book a private flight.
Renegade Balloons – Weldon Springs
Contact: 314-753-9690; mwadley@renegadeballoons.com
Pilot Mike Wadley is a second-generation pilot who has been flying balloons for more than 20 years. The company serves the St. Charles and St. Louis area with flights for one or two people, lasting about an hour.
St. Louis Ballooning Adventures – St. Louis
Contact: 314-550-1061; J828587@live.com
Flights are offered in western St. Charles County April-September. All flights are morning flights and are private, meaning only you or your group will be in the balloon with the pilot. The balloon ride lasts just about an hour.
Velocity Ballooning – St Louis
Contact: 636-364-8780; kurt@velocityballooning.com
Velocity specializes in giving private, highly-personalized rides from a departure location in St. Charles County. Flights are approximately one hour, depending on winds and landing site options.
CENTRAL
Balloon Stormers – Ashland/Columbia
Contact: 573-814-4000; info@RideBalloon.com
The BalloonStormers’ balloons carry four passengers, plus the pilot. They fly seven days a week, twice a day (at sunrise and within two hours of sunset), weather permitting. The ride lasts about 45 minutes.
Skyview Balloons – Columbia
Contact: 573-303-2261; hotairballoonben@gmail.com
All flights are flown in Columbia, but upon request and with an additional fee, they will travel to other areas of central Missouri. Standard flights are shared rides with up to three people, but private couple flights are available.
Aerial Advantage – Columbia
Contact: 573-808-4844; aerialad11@gmail.com
Flights are provided year-round, weather permitting. Private balloon rides with passengers of two or four are offered out of Columbia. Rides last approximately 45 minutes to an hour, and each flight ends with complimentary sparkling wine or grape juice.
SOUTHWEST
Branson Balloon – Branson
Contact: 417-336-6060; Rodney@bransonballoon.com
Two balloons are available; one has a maximum of four passengers, the other carries three. If you’re staying in Branson, you’ll be shuttled to and from your location. They offer flights seven days a week, weather permitting.
Balloon With Sizzler – Neosho
Contact: 417-437-2834; aircraftballoons@gmail.com
If you have never been up in a hot-air-air balloon, it is a unique experience you will never forget: soaring over the landscape with only the wind as your guide. The view is extraordinary. Rides are for two people.
NOTE:
Covid-19 regulations for balloon trips vary, depending on location and facility:
- Temperature check prior to flight and masks required for everyone aboard the balloon
- Masks required when in the chase vehicle
- Pilots masking only on request
- No restrictions at all
Please check the regulations when you call to book your flight.
Header photo by Jon Aikin.