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logoIsland Balloons
logo8530 Hicks Island Rd., Lanexa, VA 23089, (703) 328-7412, info@virginiaballoonflights.com
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FAQs
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  1. Where does Island Balloons hot air balloons fly?
  2. What days of the week are the flights?
  3. What time of day is the best for a balloon ride?
  4. Why these times?
  5. Where will we go?
  6. How many passengers can go in the basket?
  7. How long is the ride?
  8. How much does it cost?
  9. Can you fly in any weather?
  10. What should we wear for a flight?
  11. Will there always be 4 passengers on each flight?
  12. Can I request a private flight for two?
  13. How do I schedule a flight?
  14. What about your safety record?
  15. Tell me about the balloon.
  16. What happens on the day of the flight?
  17. Can I bring cameras and binoculars and such?
  18. What if I'm afraid of heights?
  19. Why are you called "Island" Balloons” when you fly mostly in the Shenandoah Valley?
  20. Do you have a seasonal cut-off date?
  21. Any other questions not covered here?
  1. Where does Island Balloons hot air balloons fly?
    Primarily in the Shenandoah Valley near Front Royal or near Williamsburg Virginia. Ask for details.

  2. What days of the week are the flights?
    Seven days a week, including holidays.

  3. What time of day is the best for a balloon ride?
    In the early morning close to sunrise or in the evening about 3 hours before sunset.

  4. Why these times?
    Because these are the calmest times of the day with very little chance of updrafts.

  5. Where will we go?
    It all depends on which way the wind is blowing, or to be more precise, we'll find out when we get there. Flights originating in the Shenandoah Valley usually terminate in the Valley. Occasionally we will fly over the mountains and out of the Valley but due to increased flight restrictions in the D.C. area, we usually stay in the Valley.

  6. How many passengers can go in the basket?
    Maximum of 4 passengers. Insurance limitations dictate the number of passengers.

  7. How long is the ride?
    Approximately an hour.

  8. How much does it cost?
    $200 per person.

  9. Can you fly in any weather?
    No. In order to have a safe flight we need relatively calm winds on the surface with winds aloft of no more than 25 MPH with a similar forecast for the duration of the flight.

  10. What should we wear for a flight?
    There will not be a big temperature difference during the flight. Appropriate clothing is important. You should dress as though you were going for a walk in the woods for the temperature of the day. Flat shoes or boots are recommended. Sandals, open toed shoes, and heels are NOT recommended.

  11. Will there always be 4 passengers on each flight?
    No. If nobody else requests to fly on the day of your flight, we will fly with one, two, three, or four passengers.

  12. Can I request a private flight for two?
    Sure. A private flight can be scheduled for $600.

  13. How do I schedule a flight?
    Contact us by phone or email and check for availability on the date and time you want to fly. The flight must be confirmed by credit card or a deposit check in order to be locked in for the flight. In the event of a weather cancellation you can reschedule or get a refund. 72 hours notice is required to get your deposit back in the event you want to cancel.

  14. What about your safety record?
    Excellent. There have been no injuries incurred in the 20 years Island Balloons or previous companies have been flying.

  15. Tell me about the balloon.
    Island Balloons currently operates two Firefly balloons. It was manufactured in Statesville, North Carolina and is 90,000 cubic feet in size. It is maintained and inspected in accordance with FAA requirements and is licensed to fly in the state of Virginia by the Virginia Department of Aviation.

  16. What happens on the day of the flight?
    We meet at a pre-arranged spot about 30 minutes before flight time. From there we go to an appropriate launce site to set up the balloon. Your car will be left in either commuter parking or on private property. At the field we have a preflight briefing, set the balloon up, and fly off. A chase truck follows us on the flight and when we land comes to pick up the balloon and passengers to be brought back to the launch site. At the end we have a traditional champagne toast (sparkling cider is available) to celebrate the flight. Visit Flight Info for more information.

  17. Can I bring cameras and binoculars and such?
    By all means. Most people bring cameras and video gear to record their adventure.

  18. What if I'm afraid of heights?
    One in a hundred will be apprehensive for the duration of the flight. For the other 99%, their concerns melt away during the first minute of flight as we gently float away.

  19. Why are you called "Island" Balloons” when you fly mostly in the Shenandoah Valley?
    The company was founded about 20 years ago on Hicks Island, a small piece of land surrounded by waters that flow into the Chesapeake Bay. Hicks Island is the ballooning capitol of Lanexa, Virginia. Island Balloons flies predominantly in the Shenandoah Valley where flights started in 1993.

  20. Do you have a seasonal cut-off date?

    There is no hard and fast cutoff date for the season since the weather is the deciding factor.

    Usually things taper off starting in November due to the cold weather, but that depends on the year. Some years the weather is really good through the end of the year. We generally do training flights through the Winter to expose flight students to the most difficult conditions of the year.


  21. Any other questions not covered here?
    Call (703) 328-7412 or email us.