New
York City
Although we often view the NYC
skyline from a distance of 35-40 miles on our hot air balloon rides in Hunterdon County, New Jersey, balloons
don't normally fly anywhere near the City. Nevertheless,
we offer a truly exciting flight opportunity for those who wish to
embark on something incomparably unforgettable - A flight over New
York City in our hot air balloon!
It takes considerable planning,
good timing, perfect weather and just the right circumstances to stage a successful
balloon flight over New York City, but it's entirely possible -
our pilots have done it! We are proud to be the only company in the world to
offer this amazing flight adventure.
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Hot Air Balloons
near New York City are an extremely unusual and rare sight. We
are the only company offering specialized hot air balloon flights over NYC.
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At the culmination of careful
logistical and flight preparations begun days in advance, we will
meet two hours before dawn at a location in New Jersey determined
early that morning. Commuter pickup can even be arranged at the
nearest New Jersey Transit train station. After meeting in
the pre-dawn hours, we'll then drive in our balloon chase van to the chosen
launch point nearby to assemble the hot air balloon and get ready
for flight.
Just before sunrise, we will
take to the sky and begin our incredible journey. Overflying the NYC
Metropolitan area as the sun gradually awakens, we'll take in all
the spectacular sights of the Greatest City on Earth. We will
continue flying on to an eventual landing in Long Island, Upstate
New York, or Connecticut depending on the prevailing winds and
weather conditions of the day.
The flight will take us well upwards of 7,000 feet over the New York City metro area as we transit above some of the most controlled airspace in the
world! We'll be in contact with Air Traffic Control as necessary to ensure a smooth passage on our spectacular voyage.
Time in the air may range anywhere from two to four or more hours, with a total expedition of anywhere from six to ten hours. Plan to spend the entire day with us on this
one-of-a-kind hot air balloon adventure. We'll anticipate returning you to the original meeting place (or a convenient location of your choosing elsewhere) anytime from early afternoon to late evening, but come equipped with no expectations of a truly "set schedule." Remember - this is an adventure, not scheduled transportation.
Pricing for a New York City Hot
Air Balloon Ride begins at $14,000
for two passengers. Groups of up to eight can be luxuriously accommodated in our largest balloon at additional cost. All passengers must be in very good physical
fitness and must sign an acknowledgement of risk agreement - a windy, bumpy landing at the end of this long flight is to be expected - not the exception. If you
think you're ready to join us for an experience you'll relive for
the rest of your life, give us a call at 1-844-9-HOT-AIR or email
us for more information.
Perhaps not for everyone, this
flight is for those dreamers and adventurers who yearn to undertake
a truly amazing and breathtaking journey most could not even
imagine. We'll take you to great heights on this one.
Number of Passengers
|
Total Price |
| Private Flight for up to 8 |
$32,000 |
| Private Flight for up to 6 |
$26,000 |
| Private Flight for up to 4 |
$18,000 |
| Private Flight for 2 |
$14,000 |
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| Beautiful views abound near
the Delaware Water Gap |
Delaware
Water Gap
The Delaware Water Gap is a
deep, narrow natural gorge cut into the Kittatinny Mountains at the
border of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Route 80 passes through the
Gap and over the Delaware River at this point, and the Appalachian
trail winds through on the top of the mountains nearby.
The Gap itself is three miles long,
shaped roughly like a "W," with steep, rocky walls which rise as high as 1,400 feet on
both sides of the river. The beautiful scenery around the Delaware Water Gap makes it a popular summer
resort area. With the right weather and
wind conditions, it is extremely possible to guide a hot air balloon
into and through the Gap for an unforgettable flight!
Due to a Venturi effect
explained by Bernoulli's Principle, air picks up speed as it is
channeled through a narrow area. The walls of the Gap do exactly
that to the prevailing winds, which results in an exciting passage
through the Gap between the towering walls of the gorge.
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| Map of the Water
Gap area. Click to enlarge. |
We'll lift off in Pennsylvania
from a launch site which will permit us entry into the Gap. As we
enter at low level over the Route 80 bridge and toll booths, our
balloon will gradually pick up speed, carrying us toward the rock
faces in front of us. We'll make several sharp turns to follow the
river precisely, never getting much closer to the walls than we were
when we started. It's the closest to a roller-coaster ride that you
can get in a balloon!
At the far end of the Water Gap
flight, the airflow spreads out and slows down to deposit us back into
a serene, normal balloon flight over the beautiful farmlands and
open country of Northern New Jersey in Warren and Sussex Counties.
We'll be in the air for an average flight time of one to two hours.
Price for a hot air balloon
ride through the scenic Delaware Water Gap is $1,200 for two
passengers, $1,400 for three, $1,600 for four, $1,700 for five, or $1,800 for six passengers. For six to twelve passengers, the cost is $300 per person. All our standard amenities are included in the flight fare.
An overnight stay at the elegant Shawnee
Inn & Resort is highly recommended. Water Gap Flights
scheduled from August through the end of October may be
subject to reduced availability of accommodations at the Shawnee Inn
- it gets pretty busy during much of the summer/fall seasons, and our flight
preparations can sometimes entail last-minute changes or
reschedulings.
If you think you're ready to join us for this amazing adventure,
give us a call at 1-844-9-HOT-AIR or email
us for more information.
Number of Passengers
|
Total Price |
| Private Flight for 6 |
$1,800 |
| Private Flight for 5 |
$1,700 |
| Private Flight for 4 |
$1,600 |
| Private Flight for 3 |
$1,400 |
| Private Flight for 2 |
$1,200 |
